Johannesburg, South Africa, 08 October 2025: MSC Cruises is pleased to announce the opening of sales for the 2026/2027 South African local cruise season, which will feature MSC Armonia, making her debut in the region for the first time.
The season will begin on 27 November 2026, with over 30 scheduled departures from Durban’s Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal and the Cape Town Cruise Terminal. Guests can choose from a variety of itineraries, ranging from 2- to 12-night sailings to much-loved destinations including Portuguese Island and Pomene in Mozambique, Walvis Bay in Namibia, and top favourites, Port Louis in Mauritius and La Possession in Reunion for the annual New Year’s cruise.
Ross Volk, Managing Director, MSC Cruises South Africa, says, “Bringing MSC Armonia to the country for the first time and giving new and regular travellers alike the opportunity to experience this amazing vessel is very exciting for us. The ship has the perfect balance of offerings, and we are certain, that our cruisers will have a great time onboard with us.”
MSC Armonia, a well-balanced combination of classic Mediterranean style and pioneering design, can comfortably accommodate 2 500 guests in 976 cabins.
The vessel boasts 13 decks, with four restaurants, five bars and lounges, three outdoor bars, a cigar room, a casino, a disco and two pools. The ship has entertainment facilities to suit all ages, including kids and teens clubs, the MSC Aurea Spa which offers beauty and wellness treatments, a fully equipped gym powered by Technogym® and power walking track, and guests can enjoy lively world class shows in the Teatro La Fenice, every evening.
Corporate guests can take advantage of flexible onboard conference facilities, catering to groups ranging from 130 to 550 delegates, making MSC Armonia an ideal venue for both intimate gatherings and large-scale events
“We are happy to see that the local cruising scene continues to show steady and positive growth, and we thank our loyal customers for the continued support. We look forward to welcoming all our guests onboard MSC Armonia in 2026, concludes Volk.”
Destination highlights season include:
- Portuguese Island, Mozambique – Located at the external limit of Maputo Bay and set between the African coast and the Indian Ocean, Portuguese Island is a small, uninhabited island and one of the most enchanting MSC Cruises’ destinations. Guests can enjoy a dip in the warm ocean waters or take a long leisurely walk around the island.
- Pomene, Mozambique – Pomene is one of the most picturesque locations in Mozambique, and is part of the Pomene Nature Reserve, a protected marine area. With its warm hospitable locals, stretches of white sand that blend into the horizon, Pomene is perfect for some relaxation time on the beach and exploring and discovering the hidden gems that the island has to offer.
- La Possession, Reunion – One of the most unique stops for any cruise to Southern Africa, La Possession is located on Punta des Galets. Here, guests can enjoy and admire two volcano craters, the Dolomieu and the Bory and take long walks in the small towns that run through a lush forest. Guests also have the opportunity to see the woodworking skills of the local boat builders going back to the 1800s, stand side by side with the bold architectural works of the 20th century.
- Walvis Bay, Namibia – Thanks to its rich marine life, Walvis Bay is one of the places of most outstanding natural beauty in Namibia. The natural lagoon remains one of the highlights of Walvis Bay with its abundance of seabirds, including flamingos and pelicans. For lovers of extreme sports, quad-biking, dune buggy racing and sandboarding are just some of the activities to consider when visiting this wonderful destination.
