“You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Christopher Columbus
Destination: The Portuguese Island, Mozambique
The island and its natural harbour were used by Arab merchants as a maritime trading centre from the 10th to the late 15th century. The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, who landed on the island in 1498, claimed it for Portugal.
Set between the African coast and the Indian Ocean, Portuguese Island is a small, uninhabited island, one of the enchanting destinations of an MSC Cruise from South Africa. It is located at the external limit of Maputo Bay, host to the capital of Mozambique, under the cover of Inhaca Island, the chosen location for some of the most luxurious resorts of the entire continent.
During your visit, take some time between dips in the warm, crystalline ocean waters to stroll around this island. It is six kilometres long, about an hour walk on sand that caresses the soles of your feet (during the central hours of the day, it is best to wear open sandals because the sand becomes very hot), with only the blue of the water and the green of the low vegetation for company.
The mild effort involved will be repaid in kiosks serving refreshing beverages and local food. If you like rum, try the Tipo Tinto, which is distilled from local sugar cane. There is also no lack of beach activities in addition to all the services available for those who just want to lay in the sun undisturbed, such as beach umbrellas, deckchairs and sunbeds, there is equipment for playing beach volleyball and beach tennis.
However, a piece of advice for all: don’t stop as soon as you get off the tender boat that brings you to the island, look for a more secluded bay; they are just a short, pleasant stroll away. For those who wish it, it is also possible to circumnavigate the island and admire the coast and the bay of Maputo in a traditional dhow, boats with a triangular sail of Middle-Eastern origins that have sailed the waters of the Indian Ocean for centuries.
From Portuguese Island, it is possible to reach the nearby main island of Inhaca, where, in addition to fantastic beaches, there are restaurants, bars, a market and even a Marine Museum and old lighthouse.
This cruise is by far the most popular amongst South African Holidaymakers.
3 nights 4 days onboard the MSC Splendida 2023-2024 season
All meals and entertainment (not casino) onboard
All mandatory port charges and taxes
Mandatory cruise insurance
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Drinks (Free Coffee, Water & Tea available in Buffet Restaurant)
All items and services of a personal nature (e.g. hairdresser)
All add-ons, excursions, internet, laundry, mini bar in rooms
The Casino and other premium entertainment like Bingo
DAY 1: Depart Durban, South Africa. (Usually at 15h00 but covid timing is 20h00)
DAY 2: Portuguese Island, Mocambique. Arrive late afternoon.
DAY 3: Portuguese Island, Mocambique. Take the tender boat for a fun day at the beach but note that this is weather and sea conditions pending!
DAY 4: Arrive Durban, South Africa. (Usually at 07h00 but covid timing is 09h30)
November 2023:
December 2023: 1st, 8th, 15th,
January 2024: 12th, 19th, 26th,
February 2024: 2nd, 9th, 23rd,
March 2024: 1st, 8th,
April 2024:
May 2024:
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The rates, terms and itinerary are guidelines only and final price will be on confirmation of your cabin by MSC Cruises. E&OE
Terms and Conditions
Prices are per person sharing in twin-share cabin, include discounts, and are subject to availability and rate of exchange changes. Offers above are a guide only and will vary depending on departure date, our guide price is based on the cheapest departure within the stipulated season and availability is correct at time of loading. Visas may be necessary and insurance is essential. MSC, Cruising SA and Tour Operator terms and conditions apply, and may all be found on our website. Offer can be removed at any time. All cruise offers are capacity controlled and offer selected cabins at a specific price in line with MSC Cruises Dynamic Pricing Policy. These packages are based on the CASH price. E&OE.
Covid-19 Vaccination Policy: All Guests (2 years old and over) need to provide a certificate of a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours of the day of embarkation. All Guests (12 years old and over) have to be fully vaccinated with an approved Covid-19 vaccine with the final dose administered at least 14 days before the cruise departure date. Guests aged 12 – 17, having received a single shot a minimum of 14 days before the date of embarkation, will be accepted as fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated guests (2 years to 11) will additionally have to undergo an antigen lateral flow test at the embarkation port at a cost of R300 per person. Please pre-register for your antigen test https://app.inceptionbio.co.za/register. All vaccinated guests to present original COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or Digital Government Issued Vaccination Certificate, which must contain: Personal identifiers (at a minimum: full name and date of birth) that match the personal identifiers on the passport, name of official source issuing the record, vaccine manufacturer and date(s) of vaccination. Guests over 18 years old that recovered from Covid-19 and received only one shot of the vaccine are not considered as fully vaccinated.
Make sure that you print all the required certificates and have them ready for inspection on arrival.
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