You are advised to use the complimentary safety deposit facilities on board for Travellers Cheques, jewellery and other valuables - and to ensure they are properly insured. We suggest that you use credit cards and travellers cheques wherever possible. MSC Cruises declines any responsibility for the loss of valuables.

Embarkation begins approx. three hours prior to the departure time indicated in the brochure and on your cruise ticket. Check-in closes one hour before the ship departs, except for American ports where check in closes two hours before. On-line check - in is available at selected ports on the web site www.mscexpress.net Passengers will need to carry their own luggage from the airport onto coach and also from the coach onto ship. All the guests of the MSC Yacht Club suites (on board MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia and MSC Magnifica) will enjoy a dedicated check in and will be assisted by special staff, who will immediately accompany them to be welcomed in the Concierge lounge. On embarkation passengers should
perform the following (in the order specified):
a) Deliver luggage to the designated staff who will then deliver it to your cabin. Prior to this all bags should be labelled with name, surname, name of the ship, cabin number and date and port of departure.
b) Proceed to the check-in desk with cruise ticket and passport.
c) After the document check, passengers will receive a Cruise Card; a magnetic card used for
onboard payment of excursions, bar bills, laundry, in-cabin service, hairdresser, beauty centre, dutyfree shops, photographer and tips (excluding the casino). To obtain the Cruise Card, passengers must either register their credit card or leave a specified cash sum as deposit. Personal cheques are not accepted. The following credit cards can be registered onboard: Visa, Visa Electron, Mastercard, JCB and American Express. This CASHLESS SYSTEM is valid on all ships.
d) Safety procedure: as a safety precaution, security staff may search a passenger and/ or his/her luggage and confiscate any articles that the Company considers could risk the safety of the passengers, crew or ship. On-board staff reserves the right to remove any beverages
present in passenger baggage. These will be returned the evening before disembarkation. We would like to remind you that passengers are prohibited from bringing unpackaged food on board.

For cruises including flight connections, passengers should check in at the flight company desk
at least two hours before the flight. On arrival at the international destination airport, passengers
will find cruise representatives and transfers to the port.

EC Regulation 1889/2005: Any natural person entering or leaving the Community and carrying
cash of a value of Euro 10,000 or more shall declare that sum to the competent authorities of the Member state through which he is entering or leaving the Community in accordance with this Regulation.

Passengers are advised to consult their National Health Service prior to the cruise for information regarding recommended vaccinations. MSC Cruises declines all responsibility for passengers who do not adhere to the recommendations on the prevention of infectious diseases.

From September 2009 South African and Namibian Health Authorities require that all passengers arriving from previous African ports are compelled to show proof of Yellow Fever vaccination.

Therefore, concerning MSC Sinfonia Cruise departing on 24 October and all the other South Africa cruises, any failure to provide proof of vaccination will result in passengers being denied boarding.

Every passenger must make sure he has the identity document, valid for travel, required for the selected cruise.
Otherwise the passenger will not be allowed to embark ship. In this case, a refund for the cruise ticket will not be authorised.

1. United States: international travellers who are seeking to travel to the United States are now subject to enhanced security requirements. All eligible travellers who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must obtain an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a
carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S. under the VWP (effective since Jan. 12, 2009). To check which countries participate in the VW Program and for any further information, please visit the web site https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

2. Minors: for minors travelling toEgypt, Morocco and Gibraltar, please consider that: the "Birth Certificate with travel abroad authentication" and "the Identity Certificate for children" are no longer valid. Children under 15 are therefore required to:
- have their own passport or
- be included in their parent or a guardian's passport.
For all other travel documents and visas, please ask your travel agent.

Passengers with physical or mental disabilities are referred to Clause 6.10 of the Booking Conditions.
The Passenger warrants that he is fit to travel by sea and by air and that his conduct or condition will not impair the safety or convenience of the vessels, aircraft and/or the other passengers.
Any Passenger with a condition that may affect fitness to travel must submit a doctor's certificate prior to booking. Without this certificate, boarding may be prohibited. Any specific transport and/or lodging and/or assistance needs must be communicated at the time the reservation is made, and are subject to availability. Ships are not equipped with specialized rooms/equipment/ medical assistance.
Women, who are less than 23rd weeks pregnant by the end of the cruise, must at the time of embarkation produce a medical certificate from a doctor confirming their fitness to travel on board a cruise ship for the period of the cruise and for the actual itinerary.
MSC Cruises is not in any way responsible for any consequence resulting from a passenger's inability to travel, whether or not it is evident. No
refund or indemnity is owed to any passenger who cannot begin or continue the trip due to their own inability. Every ship carries a doctor and medical personnel who are able to treat minor injuries. Charges will be made onboard for medical services.

The information contained here is to be used as a guideline only

S.A passport holders require a visa for Cape Verde Islands (Mindelo). These can be obtained on board at €15 per person (when you are purchasing an MSC excursion the visa is free)

SA passport holders require a visa for Madagascar and this can be obtained on board at no cost - The political situation in Madagascar currently does not allow us to give much more information than at present for all nationalities the visa can be obtained upon arrival through the ship’s paperwork prepared by the vessel to the local shipping agent; the costs are presently undetermined. Should the Madagascan Government decide to apply a "temporary" suspension as they have done previously, it will be free, however if that does not happen it will be charged for. (Visa costs in previous years ranged at around $25 per person - we cannot however in the current political climate in  Madagascar anticipate the amount that will be charged for visas)

DESTINATION - Maputo; Barra Lodge; Portuguese Island

Passport information

• ALL passengers travelling will require a valid passport - except in the case of a 2 night cruise to "Nowhere"; "Mossel Bay" Cruises and Durban to Cape Town Cruises and visa versa. A cruise to Mozambique involves leaving South African sovereign territory and, as such requires a valid passport. You can NOTtravel by presenting your identity document, driver's licence or any other form of ID besides a valid passport, should this occur you WILL be denied boarding.
• South African Citizens with dual nationality - MUST USE THEIR SOUTH AFRICAN PASSPORT TO EXIT AND ENTER SOUTH AFRICA.
• Non-South African Citizens/Permanent Residents must have their permanent residence endorsed in their foreign passport.
• When travelling on a "Nowhere" cruise you will be required to present an original official photo identity document - acceptable documents are an ID book, drivers licence or a valid passport. Children require an original birth certificate. Photocopies and certified documents are NOT accepted.

Visa Information:

• Currently South African passport holders do not require visa for Mozambique when travelling aboard the Sinfonia
• A fee of US$ 25 visa fee will apply to Foreign passport holders - this visa is obtained on board and does not have to be pre-arranged.
• SADAC Passport holders do not require visas for Mozambique
• The following passport holders are not required to pay the Visa charge for Mozambique: Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe)

Health Requirements

• There are no official health requirements for Mozambique.
• Precautions: Mozambique is a Malaria area; however shore landings take place during the day when mosquitoes are least active. Please consult your Doctor; Pharmacist or Travel Clinic.

DESTINATION - Cape Town; Durban; Mossel Bay

• When travelling on a cruise from Durban - Cape Town; Cape Town to Durban; or on a "nowhere cruise" you will be required to present an original official photo identity document - acceptable documents are an ID book; drivers licence or a valid passport. Children require an original birth certificate. Photo copies and certified documents are not accepted.

NAMIBIA - Walvis Bay

Passport information

• ALL passengers travelling will require a valid passport.  This cruise involves leaving South African sovereign territory and, as such requires a valid passport. You can NOTtravel by presenting your identity document, driver's licence or any other form of ID besides a valid passport, should this occur you WILL be denied boarding.
• South African Citizens with dual nationality - MUST USE THEIR SOUTH AFRICAN PASSPORT TO EXIT AND ENTER SOUTH AFRICA.

Non-South African Citizens/Permanent Residents must have their permanent residence endorsed in their foreign passport.

Visa information

• South African and British passport holders do not require a visa for Namibia.
• Required Vaccination:  International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required upon arrival if travelling from an INFECTED AREA in Africa or The Americas. Any failure to provide proof of vaccination will result in passengers being denied boarding.

Required for travelers who have transited endemic areas with the preceding 6 days:
Africa Americas

• Angola; Kenya; Belize; Benin; Liberia; Bolivia; Botswana; Malawi; Brazil; Burkina Faso; Mali; Colombia; Burundi; Mauritania; Costa Rica; Cameroon; Niger; Ecuador;
  Central African Republic; Nigeria; Fr. Guiana; Chad; Rwanda; Guatemala; Congo; Sao Tome & Principe Guyana; Equatorial Guinea; Senegal; Honduras; Ethiopia; Sudan (south of 15*N); Nicaragua; Gabon; Tanzania; Panama; Gambia; Togo; Peru; Ghana; Uganda; Suriname; Guinea; Zaire; Venezuela; Guinea-Bissau; Zambia; Trinidad& Ivory Coast Tobago.

Currency

• The official currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD). Its' value is equivalent to the South African Rand (which is also accepted as legal currency in Namibia). Major credit cards are accepted. Travellers' cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at any bank or Bureau de Change. ATM's are available in larger towns only.

DESTINATION -GENOA (ITALY); VILLEFRANCHE (FRANCE); VALENCIA (SPAIN); CASABLANCA (MOROCCO) AGADIR (MOROCCO); DAKAR (SENEGAL) ; WALVIS BAY (NAMIBIA); CAPE TOWN (SOUTH AFRICA)

Passport information

• ALL passengers travelling will require a valid passport.  This cruise involves leaving South African sovereign territory and, as such requires a valid passport. You can NOTtravel by presenting your identity document, driver's licence or any other form of ID besides a valid passport, should this occur you WILL be denied boarding.
• South African Citizens with dual nationality - MUST USE THEIR SOUTH AFRICAN PASSPORT TO EXIT AND ENTER SOUTH AFRICA.
• Non-South African Citizens/Permanent Residents must have their permanent residence endorsed in their foreign passport.

EUROPE - Genoa (Italy); Villefranche (France); Valencia (Spain)

Visa information

• A multiple entry, short stay Schengen Visa will be required by South African Passport holders.

Health Requirements

• There are no official health requirements for Italy and Spain

Currency

• The official currency in Italy and Spain is the Euro. Money can be exchanged at Bureau de Changes as well as major hotels and banks. All major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants and shops. ATM's are widespread and generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining cash.

Morocco - Casablanca; Agadir
Visa information

• A multiple entry Moroccan visa is required. Can be applied for at the Embassy in Pretoria at a cost of approximately R245. (Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco Tel: 012 343 0230) British passport holders do not require a visa for Morocco.

Health Requirements

• No vaccinations are required to enter Morocco

Currency

• The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Currency can be exchanged at banks or official Bureau de Changes. Dirhams cannot be obtained or exchanged outside of Morocco and receipts must be retained as proof of legal currency exchange, as well as in order to re-exchange money when departing. Major credit cards are accepted in the larger shops, hotels and restaurants. Travellers cheques are not widely accepted, it is best to have Euros or USD.

SENEGAL- Dakar

Visa information

• Visas are not required for S.A passports holders visiting Senegal. British Passport holders to check with the Embassy (Embassy of the Republic of Senegal Tel: 012 460 5263

Health Requirements

• Required Vaccination:  International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required as you are travelling through an INFECTED BELT.Any failure to provide proof of vaccination will result in passengers being denied boarding.

** SEE NOTE RE POSSIBLE YELLOW FEVER EXEMPTIONS**

Required for travelers who have transited endemic areas with the preceding 6 days:

• Africa Americas: Angola; Kenya; Belize; Benin; Liberia; Bolivia; Botswana; Malawi; Brazil; Burkina Faso; Mali; Colombia; Burundi; Mauritania; Costa Rica; Cameroon; Niger; Ecuador; Central African Republic; Nigeria; Fr. Guiana; Chad; Rwanda; Guatemala; Congo; Sao Tome & Principe Guyana; Equatorial Guinea; Senegal; Honduras; Ethiopia; Sudan (south of 15*N); Nicaragua; Gabon; Tanzania; Panama; Gambia; Togo; Peru; Ghana; Uganda; Suriname; Guinea; Zaire; Venezuela; Guinea-Bissau; Zambia; Trinidad & Ivory Coast Tobago.

Currency

• The official currency is the West African CFA Franc (XOF). The CFA franc is fixed to the Euro at a rate of 1Euro = 655.957 CFA francs. Credit cards are accepted only by major establishments catering to the tourist trade, with American Express being the most widely accepted (commission is charged) There are ATM's in Dakar, and travellers cheques can also be cashed in Dakar.

NAMIBIA - Walvis Bay

Visa information

• South African and British passport holders do not require a visa for Namibia.

Health Requirements

• Required Vaccination: International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required upon arrival if travelling from an INFECTED AREA in Africa or The Americas. Any failure to provide proof of vaccination will result in passengers being denied boarding.

** SEE NOTE RE POSSIBLE YELLOW FEVER EXEMPTIONS**

Required for travelers who have transited endemic areas with the preceding 6 days:

• Africa Americas: Angola; Kenya; Belize; Benin; Liberia; Bolivia; Botswana; Malawi; Brazil; Burkina Faso; Mali; Colombia; Burundi; Mauritania; Costa Rica; Cameroon; Niger; Ecuador; Central African Republic; Nigeria; Fr. Guiana; Chad; Rwanda; Guatemala; Congo; Sao Tome & Principe Guyana; Equatorial Guinea; Senegal; Honduras; Ethiopia; Sudan (south of 15*N); Nicaragua; Gabon; Tanzania; Panama; Gambia; Togo; Peru; Ghana; Uganda; Suriname; Guinea; Zaire; Venezuela; Guinea-Bissau; Zambia; Trinidad & Ivory Coast Tobago.
  

Currency

• The official currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD). Its' value is equivalent to the South African Rand (which is also accepted as legal currency in Namibia). Major credit cards are accepted. Travellers' cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at any bank or Bureau de Change. ATM's are available in larger towns only.

CAPE TOWN - South Africa

Visa information

• British passport holders do not require a visa for South Africa.

Health Requirements

• Required Vaccination: International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required upon arrival if travelling from an INFECTED AREA in Africa or The Americas. Any failure to provide proof of vaccination will result in passengers being denied boarding.

** SEE NOTE RE POSSIBLE YELLOW FEVER EXEMPTIONS**

Required for travelers who have transited endemic areas with the preceding 6 days:

• Africa Americas: Angola; Kenya; Belize; Benin; Liberia; Bolivia; Botswana; Malawi; Brazil; Burkina Faso; Mali; Colombia; Burundi; Mauritania; Costa Rica; Cameroon; Niger; Ecuador; Central African Republic; Nigeria; Fr. Guiana; Chad; Rwanda; Guatemala; Congo; Sao Tome & Principe Guyana; Equatorial Guinea; Senegal; Honduras; Ethiopia; Sudan (south of 15*N); Nicaragua; Gabon; Tanzania; Panama; Gambia; Togo; Peru; Ghana; Uganda; Suriname; Guinea; Zaire; Venezuela; Guinea-Bissau; Zambia; Trinidad & Ivory Coast Tobago.

Currency

• The official currency is the South Africa Rand. Major credit cards are accepted. Travellers' cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at any bank or Bureau de Change. ATM's are commonplace.

DESTINATION - CAPE TOWN; WALVIS BAY (NAMIBIA); DAKAR (SENEGAL); SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE (CANARY ISLANDS SPAIN); FUNCHAL (MADEIRA ISLAND - PORTUGAL); MALAGA (SPAIN); CIVITAVECCHIA (ROME - ITALY); GENOA (ITALY)

Passport information

• ALL passengers travelling will require a valid passport. This cruise involves leaving South African sovereign territory and, as such requires a valid passport. You can NOT travel by presenting your identity document, driver's licence or any other form of ID besides a valid passport, should this occur you WILL be denied boarding.
• South African Citizens with dual nationality - MUST USE THEIR SOUTH AFRICAN PASSPORT TO EXIT AND ENTER SOUTH AFRICA.
• Non-South African Citizens/Permanent Residents must have their permanent residence endorsed in their foreign passport.

NAMIBIA - Walvis Bay

Visa information

• South African and British passport holders do not require a visa for Namibia.

Health Requirements

• Required Vaccination: There are no official Health requirements for Namibia

 Currency

• The official currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD). Its' value is equivalent to the South African Rand (also accepted as legal currency in Namibia).Major credit cards are accepted.
  Travellers Cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at any bank or bureau de change. ATM's are available in larger towns only.

SENEGAL - Dakar

Visa information

• Visas are not required for S.A passports holders visiting Senegal. British Passport holders to check with the Embassy

Health Requirements

• Required Vaccination: All passengers are compelled to show proof of Yellow Fever vaccination as you are travelling though an INFECTED BELT. Any failure to provide proof of vaccination will result in passengers being denied boarding
• See * NOTE RE POSSIBLE YELLOW FEVER EXEMPTIONS

Required for travelers who have transited endemic areas with the preceding 6 days:

• Africa Americas: Angola; Kenya; Belize; Benin; Liberia; Bolivia; Botswana; Malawi; Brazil; Burkina Faso; Mali; Colombia; Burundi; Mauritania; Costa Rica; Cameroon; Niger; Ecuador; Central African Republic; Nigeria; Fr. Guiana; Chad; Rwanda; Guatemala; Congo; Sao Tome & Principe Guyana; Equatorial Guinea; Senegal; Honduras; Ethiopia; Sudan (south of 15*N); Nicaragua; Gabon; Tanzania; Panama; Gambia; Togo; Peru; Ghana; Uganda; Suriname; Guinea; Zaire; Venezuela; Guinea-Bissau; Zambia;Trinidad & Ivory Coast Tobago.
  Currency: The official currency is the West African CFA Franc (XOF). The CFA franc is fixed to the Euro at a rate of 1Euro = 655.957 CFA francs. Credit cards are accepted only by major establishments catering to the tourist trade, with American Express being the most widely accepted (commission is charged) There are ATM's in Dakar, and travellers cheques can also be cashed in Dakar.

EUROPE- Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands Spain); Funchal (Madeira Island - Portugal); Malaga (Spain); Civitavecchia (Rome-Italy); Genoa (Italy)

Visa information:

• A multiple entry, short stay Schengen Visa will be required by South African Passport holders.

Health Requirements

• Required Vaccination: With immediate effect all passengers arriving from previous African ports are compelled to show proof of Yellow Fever vaccination. Any failure to provide proof of vaccination will result in passengers being denied boarding.

See * NOTE RE POSSIBLE YELLOW FEVER EXEMPTIONS *

Required for travelers who have transited endemic areas with the preceding 6 days:

• Africa Americas: Angola; Kenya; Belize; Benin; Liberia; Bolivia; Botswana; Malawi; Brazil; Burkina Faso; Mali; Colombia; Burundi; Mauritania; Costa Rica; Cameroon; Niger; Ecuador; Central African Republic; Nigeria; Fr. Guiana; Chad; Rwanda; Guatemala; Congo; Sao Tome & Principe Guyana; Equatorial Guinea; Senegal; Honduras; Ethiopia; Sudan (south of 15*N); Nicaragua; Gabon; Tanzania; Panama; Gambia; Togo; Peru; Ghana; Uganda; Suriname; Guinea; Zaire; Venezuela; Guinea-Bissau; Zambia;Trinidad & Ivory Coast Tobago.

Currency

• The official currency in Madeira; Spain and Italy is the Euro. Money can be exchanged at bureau de changes as well as major hotels and banks. All major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants and shops. ATM's are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining cash.

* NOTE RE POSSIBLE YELLOW FEVER EXEMPTIONS:

Patients affected by HIV * Active and stable auto immune disease * Immune suppression Therapy * Infants younger than 9 months
* Guillain Barre Syndrome - Immunize with Caution * Egg intolerant Passengers * Thymectomy patients
* Travelers with a history of thymus disease * First time vaccines over 60 years of age if: Patient has a history of thymus disease, thymectomy
and/or myasthenia gravis / Patient is on any immunosuppressant Therapy

Exemption Certificates, with an official English translation, should include the following details:

1. Details of the travel clinic and clinician in charge
2. Patient details
3. Reason for the waiver
4. Date and official stamp of the vaccination centre

In ALL cases listed above, passengers will only be allowed boarding after showing a valid medical certificate reporting the pathology incompatible
with the vaccine and after the acceptance of the Maritime authority appointed at embarkation.