Meanwhile, the SA ports of Durban and Cape Town are getting a bonus visit by the Queen Mary 2 cruise liner this week.MSC Virtuosa – the biggest cruise ship to dock in a South African port – called at the Port of Durban’s Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal this week on a ‘technical stop’ to refuel and stock up as part of her return journey to Europe, after being diverted to avoid risks in the Red Sea.
MSC Cruises South Africa CEO Ross Volk told Moneyweb that MSC Virtuosa’s stopover was not just to avoid the Red Sea area, but ‘a deliberate call to the continent and Durban’ to showcase the mega vessel and the new cruise terminal.MSC, which is a global player in the shipping and cruising industry, owns a major stake in the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal.
“It is a big deal for us, highlighting the commitment of MSC Cruises to Durban and South Africa. While MSC Virtuosa came here on a technical stop to fuel up and for fresh produce and other supplies, we have had our other cruise ships operating in SA water for years,” he added.Asked about the Rea Sea situation, Volk said most major shipping and cruise operators were still avoiding the area.