September 2022

 

 

MSC Poesia is getting ready to sail from Civitavecchia on January 4 and from Genoa on January 5 for an incredible adventure that will take her through 31 countries on four continents. With an overnight stop in Cape Town, it's the perfect opportunity to discover more about the country's geography, culture and cuisine.

You can tell as soon as the MSC Poesia docks in Cape Town how much this city means to people. South Africa's "Mother City," as the locals call it, offers an intoxicating fusion of African, Asian, and European architecture and cuisine.

Soaring over the city is Table Mountain, a national park reached by a dramatic cable car journey. As you survey the lush surroundings and vistas, you cannot help but be amazed by the beauty of the bay. In the distance, you can spot Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned - the man who overcame apartheid, united the country, and became president. To reach the island, a UNESCO heritage site, you must use a ferry, and the notorious prison is now a fascinating museum.

Cape Town's attractions include the colourful Bo-Kapp houses, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens with over 10,000 species, and the District Six Museum. The V&A Waterfront is a beautiful seaside promenade with shops, theatres, and nightclubs. You can tantalise your tastebuds in the numerous restaurants here with rainbow cuisine, a delectable fusion of East and West flavours. Delicacies like samosa, a flaky pastry filled with meat and vegetables, are served alongside Melktert milk cake and delicious Constantia wine.

The extended stopover on the MSC Poesia allows you to visit Boulders Beach, where you can observe colonies of African penguins, and the Cape of Good Hope, where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic.

Other South African destinations are Durban, with its magical South Beach and Port Elizabeth. For a heady atmosphere, immerse yourself in the bustling bazaar where there's the opportunity to buy exotic and aromatic spices and discover the mystical Juma Mosque, one of Africa's largest mosques. Finally, cool off at the Ushaka Marine World water park, where you can marvel at the ocean's wonders.

Port Elizabeth's bays are perfect if you love watersports, including swimming, sailing, surfing, and kiting. Don't miss the chance to watch the majestic whales, where regular excursions leave from the jetties. You can also get up close to other animals, including elephants, lions, rhinoceroses, buffaloes, and leopards in Addo Elephant National Park. If you're craving culture, you can follow the Route 67 trail that runs through the city, where there are 67 pieces of street art to be discovered.

A once-in-a-lifetime experience is just a few clicks away.