- MSC Magnifica calls in two South African ports and one in Namibia for the first time ever
- South African celebrity chef Reuben Riffel set to delight passengers with local cuisine on the Gqeberha to Cape Town sailing
MSC Magnifica will be calling in South Africa and Namibia for the first time as part of her 2025 World Cruise. The ship will be visiting the Gqeberha and Cape Town ports on the 14th and 16th of April respectively, before her maiden call in Walvis Bay, Namibia on the 18th of April.
To celebrate MSC Magnifica’s inaugural calls to ports in South Africa and Namibia, MSC Cruises South Africa will host a series of select onboard events, including crest exchange ceremonies. These ceremonies are a longstanding maritime tradition, symbolising goodwill and strengthening relationships between the ship, local port authorities and surrounding communities.
About MSC Magnifica’s African itinerary, Ross Volk, Managing Director at MSC Cruises South Africa, says “MSC Magnifica’s stops in Africa highlight MSC Cruises’ growing confidence in the region’s ability to accommodate and support its ships. Cruise passengers from around the world eagerly anticipate the opportunity to explore these sought-after destinations. With 3,000 international visitors on board, MSC Magnifica will provide a significant boost to local tourism, bringing valuable economic benefits to communities through onshore spending.
It’s also exciting to see increasing interest from local travellers in our international cruises. For those looking to embark on a global voyage, MSC Magnifica is just one of 23 exceptional vessels in our fleet.”
MSC Magnifica, part of the Musica class, can accommodate 3,223 passengers in 1,259 cabins. On board, guests are spoiled for choice with world-class amenities, including 11 uniquely themed bars and lounges, five gourmet restaurants, an opulent spa, indoor and open-air pools, and dedicated themed venues for kids and teens. The ship also boasts a vibrant disco, a thrilling 4D cinema, and a grand 1,200-seat theatre featuring live performances by world-class entertainers.
On board for the Gqeberha to Cape Town sailing – a highlight of the South African itinerary – will be South African celebrity chef, Reuben Riffel.
As guest chef, for the second time with MSC Cruises, Riffel has once again curated an authentic menu with local flavours to be served onboard MSC Magnifica for guests to enjoy. His first stint as guest chef was on board MSC Poesia in 2024 during the ship’s World Cruise, South Africa itinerary, which was very well received by guests on board.
On the collaboration with MSC Cruises, Chef Reuben Riffel said, “I enjoyed working with the MSC Cruises team tremendously the previous year. To be back again this year is amazing and I can’t wait to work alongside the chefs on board and to treat the passengers to some local Cape flavours. The menu will comprise seafood for the starter and the flavours of spice that are synonymous with Cape cuisine. Then we will have lamb and a beautiful gorgonzola polenta with a rich red wine just before ending with a South African favourite, malva pudding.”
Riffel, a celebrity chef, restaurateur and local media personality is known for being one of the judges on MasterChef South Africa, his multiple culinary awards and has founded and opened four top-rated restaurants: Reuben’s Franschhoek, Reuben’s at The Robertson Small Hotel, Reuben’s in Paternoster, and Racine.
DID YOU KNOW?
MSC Magnifica’s 2025 World Cruise commenced on the 18th of January and includes visits to amazing destinations in Florida, Chile, Australia, Senegal and Italy.
Excitingly, MSC Cruises has opened sales for two highly anticipated ships: MSC World Asia, promising immersive voyages across dynamic Mediterranean destinations and the soon to be launched MSC World America, designed to showcase the best of North and Central American cruising.
INFO SUPPLIED.
