Essential Documents

When packing for a cruise, start with a few essential documents. Make sure to bring:

• Your paper or digital airline tickets, if you are flying to your cruise departure port
• Your cruise documents
• Your valid passport (Make sure it’s valid for at least 6 months before return to South Africa)
• Copies of your prescriptions and a list of all medications you need to bring along

Life Onboard

Live each day exactly as you please

Your days aboard can be as relaxed and spontaneous or as structured as you like. Some travellers wake late, take breakfast in bed and let the day unfold to the rhythms of the sun and sea, lounging by the pool or reading in the shade of a secluded deck. Others plan their day’s events in advance and rise at the crack of dawn to take advantage of the many scheduled activities and rich facilities on board. We work on the variety so you can play with the choice, living every day your way.

Start the day

Breakfast is served in all its splendour from 7am – 10am, or you can call room service for continental breakfast in your cabin. See the sights you want, the way you like Our expert-designed excursions ensure you can make the most of your voyage, offering a vast choice so you can explore ashore just as you prefer. Because we are visiting Portuguese Island only, the excursions are applicable to those on offer on the island only.

Morning activities

In addition to the AfriGay Cruise activities on board, the MSC Musica offers a vast array of facilities, allowing you to match your mood every morning as you ease or launch yourself into the day. Laze on tranquil sun decks or take a dive in the pools or opt for a gentle game of bowling or a full workout in the gym, a leisurely round of mini golf or high-octane fun in the games arcade and 4D cinema.

Midday dining

Lunch is served in four different onboard restaurants at times that vary slightly depending on your ship and geographical location, but always offer full scope for a relaxed experience that lets you savour every moment. Treat your taste buds to freshly prepared Mediterranean cuisine or the authentic delicacies from around the world served in our speciality restaurants. Make delicious a way of life.

Afternoon activities

Stroll the decks after lunch or treat yourself to a holiday gift in one of our classy boutiques or craft stalls. Ratchet up the pace with a game of tennis or badminton. Get creative with an arts & crafts class or give your body the care it deserves in the beauty salon. Try your luck in the casino or just relax over tea in one of the many delightful onboard cafés, watching the world go by and catching up with new friends. Of course, the AFriGay Cruise activities are guaranteed to keep you engaged.

Evening dining

As day fades into night, explore the freshly-cooked creations of master chefs in a world tour of gourmet dining, from Mediterranean fusion cuisine to Asian delights, French bistro gastronomy, authentic Neapolitan pizzas, spicy all-time Tex-Mex favourites and more.

Into the night

Check out the AfriGay themed party line ups. If you are up for something different, there will be loads of other activities to choose from with the ships world of art and entertainment – cabaret and dance, theatre, music and spectacular shows. Dance the night away in our glamorous lounges or join the crowd on the disco dance floor. Big on fun and open ‘til the small hours, you’ll be greeting tomorrow before you know it.

Other Important Information

Carry-On Backpack

On the first day of your cruise, it may take a while for your luggage to be delivered to your cabin, but you don’t have to wait to have fun. Stuff a carry-on backpack with essentials like your cell phone, wallet, bathing suit and sunglasses, and start swimming, sunning or exploring your ship immediately.

What should I pack?

We advise travellers to pack a range of garments, from casual wear for relaxing aboard to occasion wear for the dinners & themed parties. And of course, anything that you want to wear that will allow you to express who you are. We will provide information about the themed parties soon, so watch this space.

What about meal times?

There are 2 set meal times for the main restaurant: 18:00 & 20:00. You will be asked to select one time. You are not, however, restricted to eating at that restaurant. There are many other options on board

Do you cater for special diets?

Special requirements such as halal, gluten-free, kosher and vegetarian diets are well catered for on board. Please contact us if you have any questions

Is there an age restriction on the AfriGay Cruise?

Yes, we will not allow any person under the age of 18 years old to travel on the AfriGay Cruise

What makes an MSC cruise such a good-value holiday?

At MSC Cruises we’re passionate about combining top quality with the best possible value. So you can savour a perfect experience without worrying about the cost. That’s why all our cruises include full board in our Mediterranean fusion cuisine main restaurants. And why we include a huge number of activities on board free of charge, from our pool complexes, water slides and general activities – including quizzes, group games and competitions, kids and teens clubs – to our fitness facilities, library, casino, live music and spectacular evening shows. Plus we offer a wide choice of money-saving packages to help you plan and budget everything in advance, from pampering massage and beauty treatments to drinks, speciality restaurants, shore excursions and the little extras that make a big difference. And of course these packages don’t just give you great savings, they also bring you peace of mind. So they’re more than good value, they’re good sense, making an MSC cruise an unbeatable experience.

Sun, Rain and Bug Protection

A few protective items keep cruisers comfortable on board the ship and on land. To guard against harmful UVA and UVB rays, pack sunglasses with UV lenses, sunscreen with an SPF factor of 30 or more and a brimmed hat. In the event that you are going on a snorkeling tour, you need to remember to only bring eco-friendly sunscreen, as most tours now only allow that type of sunscreen on their excursions. In case of rain, stay dry with a small umbrella or light raincoat, and prevent bug bites with some travel-sized mosquito repellent.

Comfortable Closed-Toed Sandals or Water Shoes

Your footwear can make or break your cruise vacation. Comfortable, closed-toed sandals or water shoes with anti-slip soles make the perfect choice for staying upright on slippery pool decks, wading in rocky reefs, exploring ancient ruins or shopping till you drop in outdoor markets. For easy transitions from water to land, purchase products made from durable, quick-drying materials.

Light Jacket, Sweater, Sweatshirt or Wrap

When you’re at sea, it can get chilly after the sun goes down. Stay warm and comfortable with a light jacket, sweater, sweatshirt or wrap.

Hanging Organizers

Few items help keep your cabin neat and orderly like hanging organizers. A variety of companies sell attractive toiletry bags that can hang on bathroom towel bars and hooks. For all of your toiletry needs, consider packing the following items:

• A comb or brush
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Non-aerosol hairspray
• Makeup
• Deodorant
• A toothbrush and toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Mouthwash
• Tweezers
• Nail polish
• Nail clippers
• A razor and shaving cream

To keep other items like flip flops, wallets, cell phones, sunglasses and water bottles organized and always at the ready, bring along an over-door shoe organizer with clear pockets.