MSC Poesia calls in South Africa as part of her World Cruise 2024

Reuben Riffel, Celebrity South African Chef onboard MSC Poesia for Port Elizabeth to Cape Town sailing

Guests can enjoy a curated menu with a local South African twist onboard

Johannesburg, South Africa, January 2024: MSC Poesia, will be calling in South Africa for the first time in 2024, as part of her World Cruise 2024.

The vessel will be visiting the Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town ports in January and February 2024.

Noting the significant impact of MSC Poesia’s visit to South Africa, MSC Cruises South Africa, Managing Director, Ross Volk said, “MSC Poesia calling, not just in South Africa, but other African ports as part of her journey, is a significant vote of confidence in the capacity and structures of these destinations.

“The vessel brings with her over 2 000 foreign national visitors to our country, and this will have an immense impact on the local economies of Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town. We hope the guests will enjoy their time in South Africa and come back again soon.”

MSC Poesia combines traditional craftmanship with creative design. Its superb amenities include three swimming pools, four whirlpool baths and a giant poolside cinema screen—Cinema Paradiso at sea! This carefully curated liner offers a wealth of locations onboard, where guests can relax, unwind, or strike up new friendships, from the spectacular foyer waterfall, the Zen Garden, an authentic sushi bar, a casino and the Teatro Carlo Felice, to name just a few.

As the cruising community continues to make a steady growth in South Africa, MSC Cruises is committed to making a positive impact to tourism in the country.

To celebrate the vessel’s South African itinerary, MSC Cruises is delighted to announce an exciting collaboration with Reuben Riffel, one of South Africa’s leading celebrity chefs, restaurateur, and media personality, onboard the Port Elizabeth to Cape Town sailing from 18 – 21 February 2024. Guests onboard will have the opportunity to enjoy a carefully curated menu by Chef Riffel. A spectacular menu including pickled fish, malva pudding and Karoo lamb will be served.

Commenting on the collaboration, Reuben Riffel said, “I’m excited to see the collaboration come to life and equally as excited about sharing this menu with the guests who will be onboard MSC Poesia. It is not every day that people from around the world get to experience our local flavours, and I hope that the food will be a true reflection of our rich South African cuisine.”

Riffel has made a name for himself as one of South Africa’s most revered and high-profile chefs and today operates no more than four restaurants, three of which bear his name: Reuben’s Franschhoek, Reuben’s at The Robertson Small Hotel, Reuben’s in Paternoster, and Racine.

The celebrity chef will do a special meet and greet while onboard, and guests will not only have the opportunity to enjoy these South African dishes but will be able to meet and engage with Riffel during dinner.

MSC Cruises also recently announced the opening of sales for the World Cruise 2026 with an exciting and new 119-day route, with and itinerary that includes visits to 47 amazing destinations around the world. To find out more about MSC Cruises’ World Cruise and to book your next holiday, visit www.msccruises.co.za