New cruise ship headed to South Africa in 2026
MSC Cruises is adding a new cruise ship to its South African lineup for the 2026/2027 season – here’s what to expect..
A new chapter is on the horizon for South Africa’s cruise industry.
MSC Cruises has confirmed that the MSC Armonia will join its local fleet for the 2026/2027 cruise season.
This will mark the ship’s first visit to South African waters.
MSC Cruises to bring the MSC Armonia to South African waters
The season will officially launch on 27 November 2026, with over 30 departures planned from Durban’s Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal and the Cape Town Cruise Terminal.
The itineraries will range from short two-night getaways to 12-night voyages, sailing to some of the region’s most sought-after destinations. Stops include Portuguese Island and Pomene in Mozambique, Walvis Bay in Namibia, and Port Louis in Mauritius. The annual New Year’s cruise will feature a call at La Possession in Réunion.
“Bringing MSC Armonia to the country for the first time and giving new and regular travellers alike the opportunity to experience this amazing vessel is very exciting for us,” Ross Volk, Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa, said, as per Travel News.
“The ship has the perfect balance of offerings, and we are certain that our cruisers will have a great time on board.” Volk added.
What guests can expect on the cruise ship
The MSC Armonia combines classic Mediterranean elegance with modern design. The cruise ship can accommodate just over 2 500 guests in 976 cabins and features 13 decks packed with leisure and entertainment options.
Onboard facilities include four restaurants, five bars and lounges, three outdoor bars, a cigar room, a casino, a disco, and two swimming pools.
Entertainment spans all ages, from kids’ and teens’ clubs to nightly theatre productions at the Teatro La Fenice. Guests can also unwind at the MSC Aurea Spa, complete with Technogym-powered fitness equipment and a power walking track.
Volk added that the addition of MSC Armonia reflects the ongoing growth of South Africa’s cruising sector.
“We are happy to see that the local cruising scene continues to show steady and positive growth. We look forward to welcoming all our guests on board MSC Armonia in 2026.”