Q. What are the most important things to take with me?
Your ticket, passport, spending money, camera, sun cream and essential medication are the most important things to carry with you.

Note: Keep your passport on you as you need to present it to Immigration Officials before boarding ship.
Keep your medication and all valuable items on you or locked safely in your hand luggage.

Q. How much luggage can we take?
There is no weight restriction for cruising, but only luggage which can be carried over gangways and kept in a cabin is allowed on board. We recommend you take smaller bags so as not to clutter your cabin area.

Q. Can my family and friends contact me when I am at sea?
Both the Melody and the Sinfonia have a Satellite telephone on board. This service is VERY expensive and should be used for emergencies only.

Melody Tel: Int. 00 870 335315710/ 635315710
Melody Fax: Int. 00 870 335315712/3

Sinfonia: Tel: Int. 00 870 335671611/621
Sinfonia: Fax: Int. 00 870 335671614/23

Q. How do I make sure I don't "miss the boat"?
All passengers must embark at least 3 hours prior to sailing, please check the embarkation times on your tickets to ensure that you embark timeously.

For departures at 13h00 - Check in between 09h30 and 12h00
For departures at 14h00 - Check in between 10h30 and 13h00
For departures at 16h00 - Check in between 12h30 and 15h00
For departures at 18h00 - Check in between 14h30 and 17h00

Q. What is the best way to travel to Durban?
You can fly to Durban Airport and take a shuttle service to the harbour, drive by car or take advantage of one of three specially tailored Luxury Coach Packages.

Q. What is the best way to travel to Cape Town?
You can fly to Cape Town Airport and take a Private Transfer to the harbour or drive by car. (Please note that the Private Transfer in Cape Town MUST be pre-booked at the time of making your cruise booking).  

Q. What about Parking at Cape Town port?
Previously passengers used secure parking at the Breakwater Parking Garage that is located across from the V & A Waterfront Shopping Centre. The cost was approximately R100 per car per 24 hour period and it could not be pre-booked. ** Details are still to be confirmed for this season)**

Q. What about the Luxury Coach Transfer to Durban (For Cruises Departing from Durban only)
A Luxury Coach Transfer operates from Johannesburg to Durban return and gives you the option of enjoying a stop-over in the magnificent Drakensberg or a night in Durban itself. There is now also an option of direct one way or return coach only trips from Johannesburg to Durban and v.v

This way you can start your holiday within minutes of leaving home! Call our reservations office for more information.

Q. If I fly to Durban what flights should I book?
Arriving in time for the ship's departure:
We recommend that you book flights to arrive no later than 4 hours prior to sailing as any delays in the flights could cause you to miss the ship. Please refer to the recommended check in times under "How do I make sure I don't miss the boat". Please check the embarkation times on your Cruise Tickets in order that you are at the port well in advance of sailing.

Flying home after the cruise:
The ships arrive back into the ports between 07h30 and 08h00 on the final day of your cruise. Clearance by port authorities and disembarkation can take some time.  If you plan to fly home on the same day as your return to port, we recommend that you don't book any flights out before 12h00 on that day.

Q. How do I get from Durban Airport to the Harbour and back?
There is a continuous shuttle bus service between Durban Airport and the Port when the ship is in harbour.  Shuttle tickets are on sale at the airport and the harbour at R90 per person each way, or give yourself peace of mind by phoning our reservation offices and booking and pre-paying your shuttle tickets at least 7 days prior to departure in order to receive the tickets at the same time as your cruise tickets. Children under 3 travel free on the shuttle - provided they do not take a seat (They would have to sit on parent's lap).  The driving time is now 45-60 minutes per way and the last shuttle will leave the airport at 13h00. 

Q. How do I get between the Airport / Hotels in Durban and the Port and back?
Taxis are plentiful and are a relatively inexpensive way to get around. We have negotiated Private Transfer Rates should you prefer to take advantage of these.

Durban Airport to the Hotel (Hotels along the Marine Parade Only)
1-7 Passengers - R680 per minibus per way

Hotel (Hotels along the Marine Parade Only) to Durban Harbour (Pick up from Hotel 11h00)
1 -7 Passengers - R150.00 per minibus per way
Must be pre-booked at the time of Reservation

Q. If I arrive by car can I park at Durban harbour while I am away?
Parking is available at the port on a first come first served basis. Parking fees are charged at R75 per car per night and are added to your onboard account to be paid at the end of your cruise when you settle your onboard account. All vehicles are parked at the owner's risk and Starlight Cruises and MSC Cruises will not be liable for any loss or damage to any vehicles or articles therein, through any cause whatsoever.  Drivers are required to sign an indemnity at the Port.

Q. How do I get from Cape Town Airport to the Harbour and back?
We are able to arrange Private Transfers between the Airport and the Harbour at the following costs:
1-3 Passengers: R450 per Sedan (No trailer so limited Luggage space)
1-7 Passengers: R680 per Luxury VW Combi
Must be pre-booked at the time of Reservation

Luggage
Please label your luggage very clearly with your Name / Surname and Cabin Number. Cruise Luggage labels are available at the port. Labels must be fixed to all of your main luggage items as you will be handing them over to the "check in" staff at the harbour for delivery to the ship. Please ensure that all bags are securely locked and that NO VALUABLES OR BREAKABLES HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE. . 

Safety and Security
Please do not put any valuable or fragile items in your main luggage.
Items such as cameras, video cameras, jewellery, medication, documentation such as passports and ID cards, money and credit cards should be carried in your hand luggage and kept with you at ALL times.

Your checked luggage will be screened and delivered to your cabin during the course of the afternoon on the day of sailing. Due to high volumes, please allow 2 - 3 hours after boarding for your luggage to arrive at your cabin.

Please Note: Security regulations dictate that you personally deliver your suitcases to the luggage bay located at the rear of the passenger terminal.

Passenger embarkation

Embarkation in Durban takes place at N Shed - Durban Harbour
Embarkation in Cape Town takes place at V & A Waterfront, Jetty Number 2  (In front of the Table Bay Hotel)

You will receive a sticker with a number on it when you arrive at the harbour. When embarkation starts the numbers will be called and displayed, and you may then proceed to embarkation.       

Facilities at the Ports are VERY limited, and a lengthy wait at the Port is not necessarily the ideal way to start to a good holiday.  As all cabins have been assigned prior to the day of departure, no real purpose is served in arriving at the Port prior to the embarkation times stated.  

Embarkation times do occasionally vary and are set and regulated by immigration officials and custom control authorities. We like to remind our guests that the Port facility is maintained and operated by the National Ports Authority (NPA) and not by Starlight Cruises.

Group Embarkation
Please take note that Special Group Embarkation is no longer offered.

Q. Can my family and friends come on board to see me off?
Regrettably no visitors are allowed past security control in the passenger terminal. The ship security staff is always present during embarkation and disembarkation and follow international security regulations in the monitoring of passengers and baggage.
Our security is your security!

Q. What Travel Documents do I need?
Your Cruise Ticket
Cruise tickets, along with any tickets for additional services are issued about 2 - 3 weeks prior to your departure. Your E-Documents will be e-mailed to you 2-3 weeks prior to your cruise departure. You will be required only to print off the Cruise Ticket to present at the harbour for embarkation.

NOTE:
If you have not received your tickets 7 days before the date of departure please call us at the Starlight Office where your booking was made.

Special circumstances for collecting tickets on Departure:
If you have booked close to departure and there isn't enough time for us to e-mail your ticket, you will need to show your cabin number as stated on your booking invoice.

Your Passport

Every passenger (adult and child) will need a valid passport to clear immigration at the Port.

NO PHOTOCOPIES ARE ACCEPTED 

• South African citizens with dual nationality - MUST USE THEIR SOUTH AFRICAN PASSPORT TO EXIT AND ENTER SOUTH AFRICA.
• Non-South African Citizens/Permanent Residents must have their permanent residence endorsed in their foreign passport.

Exceptions:
The only exception is for cruises that do not leave South African waters as in a "Cruise to Nowhere"; "Mossel Bay Cruise" and Cruises from Durban to Cape Town and visa versa. For these cruises an official photo Identification is required - your ID Book, Passport, Driver's License or in the case of children, an original birth certificate is required.

Q. Do I need Visas and Vaccinations?
Mozambique
South African passport holders do not require visas or vaccinations for Mozambique.

Foreign passport holders will need to obtain a visa at a cost of US$25. This can be obtained on board and does not have to be pre-arranged. (SADAC passport holders do not require a visa for Mozambique)
(The following passport holders are not required to pay the Visa Charge for Mozambique: Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) 

Mauritius
South African and British passport holders do not require visas for Mauritius.  

Madagascar
South African passport holders require a visa for Madagascar. Visas can be obtained onboard through the passenger manifest. Madagascar has confirmed that there will be no fee payable for the visa.

Mossel Bay
For these cruises an official photo Identification is required - your ID Book, Passport, Driver's License or in the case of children, an original birth certificate is required.

Walvis Bay, Namibia
South African and British passport holders do not require visas for Walvis Bay. All passengers require valid passports for Walvis Bay, Namibia.

Q. Do I need to take precautions for Malaria?
Mozambique and Madagascar are Malaria areas, but your visits take place during the day when mosquitoes are least active. It is best to speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.

Q. What if I am pregnant?
We accept passengers up until their 26th week of pregnancy. Boarding will be declined to passengers beyond 26 weeks in accordance with the ship owner's terms and conditions.

Q. Does it matter how old I am?

Children:
When advising a child's age, it must be the age that the child will be on the date of return from the holiday. Travel may be refused or costings adjusted if the date of birth on the child's passport differs from the age given on the ticket.

70 years and older:
Passengers over 70 years of age require a doctor's certificate verifying their fitness to travel. The certificate must be dated within 30 days of travel. No travel documents will be released until we are in receipt of this certificate.

Q. Can my infant share my cabin with me?
Yes, if you use the existing bed. A release will need to be signed agreeing to these conditions of travel.
If you need a cot for your infant please ensure that it is requested at the time of booking as there are limited cots on board. Alternatively you may bring your infant's camp cot on board with you.

Q. How do dinner sittings work?
On most cruises, there are two sittings for dinner.

Melody
The Galaxy Restaurant is used for both dinner sittings. The first is at approximately 18h30 and the 2nd at 20h45.

Sinfonia:
The Il Galeone and the Il Covo Restaurants are used for both dinner sittings. The first sitting is at approximately 18h30 and the second at 20h45. 

Note: Your preference of dinner seating, either 1st or 2nd is requested at the time of booking; however your table number is only confirmed to you upon embarkation. If you want to sit with friends and family, please request this at the time off booking, and ensure that you embark together.
Lunches and breakfasts are generally open sittings and guests can choose between a casual buffet or the more formal restaurants for their meal. 

Q. Are we able to have Lunch on the day of embarkation and Breakfast on Disembarkation day? 
Lunch is served on the day of embarkation and passengers embarking between 12h00 and 15h30 will still be able to enjoy lunch on board on that day.

Breakfast is served on the morning of disembarkation between 06h30 and 09h30. All passengers are required to vacate their cabins by 07h30 on the morning of arrival back into the Port.  

Q. Is the General Emergency Drill on board necessary
A General Emergency Drill for all passengers and crew will be held shortly after the ship has set sail.  Your attendance is compulsory according to International Safety Laws governing ships. Please listen very carefully to all announcements and read the emergency instructions posted behind the cabin door. During the Emergency Drill all the ship's services are closed.

Q. Do you cater for special dietary needs?
A vegetarian choice is served at each meal time. Whilst the kitchen onboard is not strictly Halaal, Halaal meat is available onboard and is prepared separately. We regret that we cannot cater for Kosher meals.

Q. Can we take liquor on board?
In keeping with the policies adopted by cruise lines throughout the world, personal supplies of alcohol will be confiscated if found in your luggage or if observed in your cabin. Both your main luggage as well as your hand luggage will be thoroughly searched before embarkation. No exceptions will be permitted. AVOID EMBARRASSMENT IN THE PRESENCE OF YOUR FELLOW TRAVELLERS - LEAVE YOUR PERSONAL SUPPLY OF ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AT HOME.  Liquor purchased onboard at the duty free will be held until disembarkation. (Liquor confiscated will not be returned at the end of the cruise)

Q. Can we take food on board?
MSC follows the most rigid procedures to ensure food safety. For this reason and to prevent the introduction of food borne illness, Guests and crew may not bring on board any beverage or food items.

Q. Can I take my fire arm on board?
Cape Town and Durban harbour are gun-free Ports.  Firearms, weapons and sharp objects are not permitted in the Port area or on board. Any passenger failing to comply with security regulations will be disembarked from the cruise.

Q. How can I stay in touch with friends and family back home?

Mobile phone
Mobile phones rely on signal received from cell phone towers, thus cell phones have no signal at sea. Occasional signal is picked up while cruising along the coast. Many foreign Ports do have signal, but your phone will need to be enabled for International Roaming so please consult with your service provider before you leave. 

On board communication facilities
There is an onboard satellite telephone and fax facility but this is expensive and should be reserved for emergencies only. Internet facilities are available onboard at a charge.

Q. Will my South African electrical appliances work on board?
The ships run on both 110v and 220v. The plug sockets are American (110v) and European round 2 pin (220v). The South African 3 pin plug will require a European 2 pin round adapter.
Hairdryers are available in the cabin.

Q. Is there a Doctor onboard?
The ship has a medical facility staffed by a doctor and nursing personnel. This is a private service and all consultations are charged for. Please note that the medical facility does not operate as a pharmacy and a consultation with the doctor is required prior to any medicine being dispensed.

We highly recommend that you take all necessary medications onboard with you.
Please note the mandatory cruise insurance included in your cruise fare does not cover this doctor.

Q. What if I get sea-sick?
There is so much to do that most passengers don't even think about getting seasick. However, a very small percentage of people are susceptible to motion sickness, which is caused by the confusion of the senses, mainly sight and balance.
If you are predisposed to motion sickness, several excellent non-prescription drugs (eg: Stugeron, or Avonmine) and various homeopathic remedies (eg: Pegasus) are available on the market. It is best to start taking this medication 24 hours prior to cruising.
Fresh air and being on deck are excellent natural remedies. Movement of the ship is also reduced with stabilisers.

Q. What if I have a disability or have Special Needs
If you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability that need special travel, accommodation or dietary requirements please phone our reservations team BEFORE you book your holiday to ensure that we can adequately provide for you onboard.

Q. What if I need help on board?
The information / reception desk is open 24 hours.
There are several heads of department who can also attend to your queries depending on what assistance you require.

Q. What if I am celebrating a special occasion?
Congratulations!  If you are celebrating a birthday, an anniversary or a special occasion we will try and help make it truly memorable! Simply advise reception as soon after embarkation as possible to give them time to prepare your special cake or treat. Note: A charge will be involved. 
A ‘Special Moments Package" can be pre-booked at the time of your cruise booking - To book or for more information on prices and inclusions call our Reservations Department. 

Q. Purchasing Photos and DVD's of our Cruise
There will be many photo opportunities onboard and the Ship's photographer captures many special moments on film. These photographs are put on display and are available for purchase on board. A DVD of your cruise is also available for purchase on board. Please note that at the end of each cruise the photos and DVD's that have not been sold are destroyed, we are therefore unable to obtain any copies of Photos or DVD'S for you once you have disembarked the ship.

Q. Is there an activity programme for youngsters?
A fun and exciting activity programme for children aged between 4 and 12 years takes place every full day at sea from 09h00 - 12h00 & 14h00 - 17h00. An evening activity programme is also available from 20h00 until 23h00.

A children's play area is also available for children aged 2 - 4 years of age, however a supervising parent must be present at all time.

An orientation meeting for all parents and children is held on the first afternoon onboard.

See your daily programme delivered to your cabin for details of activities which range from treasure hunts to fun sports, creative activities and games.

Q. Is there babysitting on board?
Due to Insurance Regulations, private babysitting is not available onboard. 
Note: Infants aged from 12 - 24 months old are not permitted in the child care centre as there are no sleeping facilities separated from playing areas.

Q. What is there for adults to do on board?
The great thing about cruising is you can choose to do as much or as little as you like. 

You can plan your day with our comprehensive daily programme which is delivered to your cabin every day. It includes information on all activities, shows, services, meals and dress codes.

For outdoor enthusiasts there are a variety of sports to choose from. For those that enjoy being active, there are various exercise & dance programmes on offer every sea day.
Day activities may include lecture presentations, creativity classes, fun activities on the deck and indoor game shows. Daily crosswords, Sudoku, brainteasers and word search puzzles are also available.

Other facilities include swimming pool, Jacuzzis, a gymnasium, a jogging track (Sinfonia), the casino, duty free shops and in-cabin movies.  In the evenings, more exciting entertainment options include live bands, the disco and our famous Deck Party!  In addition, every night we host cabaret shows featuring local and international artists.

Q. How much money do we need?
Meals and entertainment are included in your cruise fare. You will need spending money for drinks (15% service fee is levied on all bar bills); Duty Free Shopping, Photos, Gambling - including Bingo;  Compulsory Onboard Service fee (see more in * Service Fee), Laundry, Beauty Salon and any optional shore excursions you would like to book.  All prices onboard are in Euros on Cruises Southbound from Europe to S.A and in US Dollars on all cruises in and around S.A and from S.A back to Europe.

Q. How do we pay for goods & services?
For the convenience of all guests, the ship uses a cashless system.  Every passenger (including children) will receive a personalised ID cruise card. This card may be used for all your purchases onboard. On request, any cards (for a family for example) can be linked to a master account.

How do I activate my cruise card?
To activate your cruise card/s (only 1 member per family need do this), a deposit of US$250 per cabin - or the Rand equivalent- must be lodged at the accounting desk on board.  You may then spend up to the amount of the deposit paid. You can top up this amount during the cruise if needed. At the end of the cruise, when you close your account, if you have given cash deposit, you will receive any change owing to you in US Dollars.

(It is important to note that it is now required that you activate your cruise card before anything can be purchased onboard)

Activating your Cruise card with your bank Credit Cards

IMPORTANT
It is very important the you DO NOT use a DEBIT CARD / CHEQUE CARD or CASH PASSPORT to activate your on board account.

All major credit cards are accepted, however we would highly recommend that you activate your cruise card utilising CASH, either US Dollars or Rand.

Although we do not recommend it, you are able to activate your cruise card with your bank credit card. Should you opt to pay by credit card, your credit card will be "swiped" and pre-authorised for the amount of approximately USD$250.00. This pre-authorisation is only an estimate of the amount that could be utilised during your time on board.
This pre-authorisation is not an actual debit and the amount is "blocked" on your credit card for the period of 7-15 working days after your disembarkation.  After this period has lapsed your bank automatically releases the pre-authorised amount. The only amount actually debited to your credit card will be the amount that corresponds with the invoice signed prior to disembarkation.

Should you have any concerns about this, we highly recommend you use CASH to activate your account.

Small amounts of European currencies and Travellers Cheques can be changed on board at the Purser's Office - commission charges apply.

What money do I use in the Casino?
The Casino only accepts CASH
The Casino does not accept credit cards or cheques - only cash.

Q. What about a service charge?
All onboard services offered to MSC guests are subject to a modest service charge which will be billed to the guests' account. Payment will only be requested at the end of the cruise and will depend on the number of days services were actually provided. Service charges serve the purpose of maintaining the highest quality standards of service to the passengers. The amount of the service charge is fixed and cannot be altered.  

Southbound Cruises - From Europe to South Africa
 â‚¬6 per adult per day (Six Euros per adult per day)

All other Cruises 
Adults US$6 per adult per day (Six United States Dollars per adult per day) 
Children under 18 US$3 per child per day (Three United States Dollars per child per day) 
(For Example - a 3 night cruise is calculated as 3 DAYS) 

Note: A 15% service fee is added to onboard bar bills

Q. What about tipping?
No tips are requested onboard

Q. UNICEF Donation
MSC Crociere supports an innovative UNICEF programme to combat poverty and inequality by helping ensure disadvantaged children in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo gain quality education. Guests are invited to "get on board for children" and make a difference by offering a small donation. This can be as little as Euro 1 (or $1.50), which will be added to the bill at the end of the cruise. However this small donation, valid on all ships in the MSC Cruises fleet, is of course optional. Therefore, passengers may freely decide whether to increase, decrease or cancel it, communicating their decision to the Accounting Office before 22.00 of the last day of the cruise. For more information please read the informational brochure left in every cabin or go to www.msc-unicef.org

Q. Can we snorkel at the destinations?
Yes, but please take note that there is no gear available onboard to hire, and if you intend to snorkel, it is advisable to bring your own. Barra Lodge and Portuguese Island do offer a snorkel excursion with gear hire included from a local source although fin sizes and condition of equipment are not guaranteed. A limited range of snorkelling equipment will be available for purchase at Durban harbour prior to boarding the ship.

Q. What about shore excursions?
Shore excursions cannot be pre-booked and are only available to be booked and paid for directly once on board. These excursions fill up very quickly so it is recommended that you go to Reception as soon as possible after boarding to see what shore excursions are on offer and to pre-book.  

Q. Do I need take bath and beach towels?
Bath towels and pool / beach towels available on board.

Q. What is the Dress Code?
During the day casual wear is encouraged although no bathing suits are permitted in the main restaurant. A buffet breakfast and lunch are available on deck should you prefer casual dining.
Evenings are generally smart casual (from 18h00) with a formal night on any cruise 4 nights or longer. Every cruise has a PARTY NIGHT where guests are encouraged to dress up bright & bold and anything goes. Although the summer evenings are generally warm, it is advisable to bring a light jumper in case of a sea breeze or to wear indoors as most venues are fully air-conditioned.

Q. Will there be time to visit uShaka Sea World before or after our cruise on the Sinfonia.

Visiting uShaka before your cruise
Due to the location of the new King Shaka Airport in Durban, uShaka tickets can no longer be pre-purchased at the time of booking. uShaka tickets will be available for sale at the shuttle desk at the Airport on the day of embarkation as well as at the port on the day of disembarkation. No shuttles will be available to transport passengers to uShaka so passengers purchasing tickets will have to take a taxi to uShaka and back.