Our features editor, Phila Tyekana, gives tips on what to look out for and enjoy on your cruise with MSC Cruises.
Valentine’s Day is around the corner and what better way to celebrate it than take your boo on a cruise? Phila had the privilege to travel with MSC Cruises. She shares her 10 tips to surviving the cruise.
- Take the necessary medication to prevent seasickness. Being on water and the swaying of the ship can unnerve your system. But medication is sold on the ship.
- The on deck buffet is available for you to munch on. While I didn’t enjoy the majority of the food, which was poorly made, I quaffed away (to eat eagerly) at the burgers which were yummy. As you sail off the Durban harbour, the view is beautiful. From a distance you’d swear the tall buildings in Durban resemble those you see in New York. The waiters are largely foreign with most from the Philippines. Just be patient – the language barrier may be tricky at times. Do enjoy all the cocktails and other beverages, of course
- Take full advantage of the deck. The pools, live DJ sets and games are fun! It can get crowded so be careful of your belongings. Realising you’re on water with no land in sight can be overwhelming. It’s beautiful, too. I loved being surrounded by nothing but blue water. The spa treatment area is also on the same floor as the deck. I opted for the full body massage among all the other treatments.
- Dinner is served in the restaurants in two sittings. An alternative to the seated restaurant you can enjoy your dinner in the buffet restaurant, the opening hours can be found in your daily board programme. This time around the food was yummy and the service much better. Enjoy yourself and try some of the wines.
- Cabins are kept neat and you’ll have it neatened twice a day. I’m a neat freak so I enjoyed the service. Want to sleep in late? There’s a TV in your room for your entertainment.
- The disco is where you ought to be after dinner. You almost forget you are on water as you dance the night away to hot tunes.
- I spoke to the captain while on board. He lives on the ship most of the year and guarantees the ship is at its safest while everyone is on board. So don’t stress.
- Shop till you drop! There’s clothing, luggage, perfume and convenient stores on board. All tax free!
- I loved being on the Portuguese Islands, Mozambique. Be warned of the ferry ride to the shore – it’s SCARY! On the island you can buy souvenirs which include African print cloths, t-shirts, local beer, and other gift goodies. Swim and partake on the activities available on shore. I chose to laze about and appreciate the ocean by swimming.
- Enjoy the other entertainment on the ship too. You can bridge, table tennis, volleyball, go on treasure hunts and participate in the fancy dress parades. There’s also an indoor theatre and professional musicians to entertain you in all the lounges of the ship. Feel like a little gambling? A casino is available too.
So get your passport ready, secure your place on board, and kick off your Valentine’s Weekend with 72 hours of non-stop party on the high seas with the ultimate line-up of S.A’s hottest entertainment.
For more information on the cruise go to: www.msccruises.co.za
