MSC Orchestra welcomed for 2019/20 Durban cruise season
MSC Orchestra's use of the Port of Durban as her homeport will see even more domestic and international tourists enjoying itineraries.
THE port city of Durban’s status as a leading cruise destination was cemented on Saturday, 16 November with the arrival of the MSC Orchestra cruise liner on her maiden voyage to South African shores, as well as a sod-turning ceremony to mark the start of construction of the new Durban passenger terminal.
General manager of Port of Durban, Moshe Motlohi, said the port’s cruise sector developments reflected growing confidence in Durban as a cruise prospect. “We thank MSC Cruises for continuously deploying their cruise vessels to the South African market, which has increased our country’s cruise competitiveness. MSC Orchestra’s use of the Port of Durban as her homeport will see even more domestic and international tourists enjoying itineraries that take in our South African hub cruise ports of Durban and Cape Town, as well as ports in neighbouring countries such as Mozambique and Mauritius.”
He added, “TNPA, in partnership with the City of Durban and the province of KZN, is growing Durban as a smart port city and a world-class cruise capital. This aligns with the KZN Integrated Maritime Industry Development Strategy launched onboard the MSC Sinfonia in 2013, which highlighted maritime tourism as a catalyst for economic development.”
MSC Orchestra was ushered onto the quayside at the port’s M berth as traditional dancers and a marimba band entertained over 3000 disembarking European and South African passengers. Her Durban call ended a 29-night itinerary from Genoa in Italy and prior to Durban, she had called in Reunion. The ship has been introduced on the local route following the success enjoyed by MSC Cruises with previous vessels including MSC Sifonia, MSC Opera and MSC Musica.
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