Leave Winter Behind On A Relaxing Grand Voyage Along Glorious African Coasts

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Travelers seeking a life-changing journey this winter, can explore MSC Opera and MSC Sinfonia's Grand Voyages to South Africa.  

Exclusive to MSC, two leisurely routes from Genoa to Cape Town offer the perfect complement of stunning destinations, unique enrichment and entertainment with the unparalleled opportunity to take life at one's own pace during multiple sea days.

On October 25th, MSC Opera embarks on a 17-night Grand Voyage from Genoa, calling in Villefranche-sur-Mer, France, Valencia, Spain, Casablanca and Agadir, Morocco, Dakar, Senegal, and Walvis Bay, Namibia, before arriving in Cape Town on November 11th.  Travelers will enjoy 10 days at sea, including 6 consecutive days sailing between the vibrant, multicultural center of Dakar and the scenery and exuberant wildlife of Walvis Bay.

During 19-nights, MSC Sinfonia calls on Marseille, France, Barcelona, Spain, Lisbon and Funchal, Portugal, Mindelo, Cape Verde, and Walvis Bay, Namibia, arriving in Cape Town on November 30th. MSC Sinfonia guests will be treated to 12 full days at sea, including 7 consecutive days as they glide along the glorious west coast of Africa.

In addition to popular Mediterranean ports, highlights of the itinerary include several 'off the beaten track' destinations.

Forever immortalized by the classic movie, Casablanca offers visitors a rare glimpse into sacred mosques and magical bazaars as they experience being 'on location' in this legendary romantic city.

Nature lovers will relish the laid-back Afro-Portuguese way of life in little-known Mindelo, the unspoiled cultural capital of Cape Verde characterized by sandy beaches and volcanic mountains, while marveling at rare migratory seabirds in the beautiful natural lagoon that is Nambia's Walvis Bay.

Soak up the sun in Agadir, known as Morocco's surfer's paradise or explore the region's stunning surroundings, including the majestic Anti-Atlas mountains and awe-inspiring Sahara desert.

Travelers will be swept up by the rhythms of vibrant Dakar, Senegal's largest city, renowned for its music, art and film festivals and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Goree Island.

As they arrive in Cape Town in the early morning light, MSC travelers will be amazed by the city's majestic skyline and the dramatic Table Mountain, rising above the city's splendid harbor. World-class shopping, gourmet cuisine and world-class historic vineyards abound here.

As part of MSC's Grand Voyages series, comprehensive enrichment programs will be offered, including lessons with professional dance instructors, arts and crafts sessions, and bridge, burraco and chess programs and tournaments. Fascinating lecture programs (available in English) will be available on each ship, with a range of intriguing topics from Saint Helen and the History of Napoleon to South Africa and Nelson Mandela and Life in the North-Africa Desert.

Guests will enjoy classical concerts and live music by talented South African bands, while dining and entertainment programs take guests on delightful culinary journeys. Bartending demonstrations, aperitifs, cooking shows and special menus are inspired by the local traditions of ports visited on the itinerary.   For more information, visit www.msccruisesusa.com.

SOURCE MSC Cruises USA