MSC Cruises slashes prices on South African itinerary for December

MSC Cruises has significantly reduced the fares on an upcoming cruise in December out of Durban aboard MSC Orchestra.

The four-day cruise aboard MSC Orchestra is now being offered for as low as R750 per person sharing, but currently only applies to the December 13th, 2021 sailing.

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Even balcony cabins aboard the December 13th itinerary are going dirt cheap, with a Balcony Bella cabin available for R1,050, and a Balcony Fantastica cabin going for R1,250.

The rates are significantly lower than those displayed on the MSC website for the same itinerary. Potential passengers need to call MSC SA directly on 087 630 0333 to book.

The four-day cruise aboard MSC Orchestra departs Durban on December 13th, 2021, and the fare includes all meals, onboard entertainment and accommodation, as well as access to the Baby Club, Mini Club, Young Club and Teens Club.

MSC Orchestra cabin categories:

Inside Bella – R 750 + Mandatory fee

Outside Bella – R 950 + Mandatory fee

Balcony Bella – R 1 050 + Mandatory fee

Inside Fantastica – R 950 + Mandatory fee

Outside Fantastica – R 1 050 + Mandatory fee

Balcony Fantastica – R 1 250 + Mandatory fee

It’s unclear why MSC Cruises has slashed its prices for this particular cruise so significantly, but it comes just days after the cruise line confirmed that only fully vaccinated passengers will be permitted to board MSC Orchestra.

The announcement was met with significant resistance from the South African cruise market, with many passengers indicating they would be cancelling their upcoming cruises, either due to vaccine hesitancy, or an inability to get vaccinated in time.

With most of the South African cruise market still needing to be vaccinated for the current season, deals such as this may be applied to further cruises as bookings fall through ahead of sailing.

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The December 13th itinerary aboard MSC Orchestra is a four-day cruise from Durban to Pomene Bay, a new cruise destination that was added in 2017.

The ship will spend a full day in Pomene, with a day at sea on the way out and back in to Durban.

The destination in Mozambique is one of the country’s most picturesque, set in a lagoon surrounded by mangroves. It’s part of the Pomene Nature Reserve, and passengers can enjoy long walks or horseback riding on the beach, nature hikes, diving, snorkelling and more.