MSC Opera Cruise
Unclaimed Business
|1.9|7 Reviews (last 12 months)|This business does not respond to reviews
MSC Opera Cruise
Unclaimed Business
|1.9
7 Reviews (last 12 months)
Does not respond to reviews
Performance(last 12 months):
Review Distribution
1.9|7 Reviews
Jul '25 - Jun '26
Recent reviews (7)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your ExperienceZA
Zanya A
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
18 Apr 2026, 21:20
Poor service from Msc staff
I recently returned from the Friendship Cruise on the MSC Opera and felt compelled to share my experience. While the entertainment arranged by Heart FM was outstanding, the overall cruise experience has declined significantly compared to previous years, particularly in terms of food quality and service. The buffet offering was consistently disappointing. The scrambled eggs were watery and undercooked, bacon was overdone, and the quality of meats used in items such as burgers and meatloaf was noticeably poor. The pizzas were unappetising, and even basic items like coffee from the urns were cold. On one occasion, when fries had run out, staff advised that no more would be prepared, which was surprising given the demand. Service levels were equally concerning. Bar staff frequently provided incorrect drink orders and were unwilling to correct them. Cleaning staff asked us to vacate our cabin more than an hour before our scheduled disembarkation time, despite our group not yet being called. We were then left waiting for over an hour with no clear guidance, having to walk around the ship unnecessarily. Even the main dining experience, which is typically a highlight, was below standard. The meals were sp**** and lacked the quality one would expect, especially in comparison to previous cruises. Overall, while the event itself was enjoyable, the standard of food and service onboard the MSC Opera has declined noticeably and requires urgent attention.
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Zanya A
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
18 Apr 2026, 21:20
Poor service from Msc staff
I recently returned from the Friendship Cruise on the MSC Opera and felt compelled to share my experience. While the entertainment arranged by Heart FM was outstanding, the overall cruise experience has declined significantly compared to previous years, particularly in terms of food quality and service. The buffet offering was consistently disappointing. The scrambled eggs were watery and undercooked, bacon was overdone, and the quality of meats used in items such as burgers and meatloaf was noticeably poor. The pizzas were unappetising, and even basic items like coffee from the urns were cold. On one occasion, when fries had run out, staff advised that no more would be prepared, which was surprising given the demand. Service levels were equally concerning. Bar staff frequently provided incorrect drink orders and were unwilling to correct them. Cleaning staff asked us to vacate our cabin more than an hour before our scheduled disembarkation time, despite our group not yet being called. We were then left waiting for over an hour with no clear guidance, having to walk around the ship unnecessarily. Even the main dining experience, which is typically a highlight, was below standard. The meals were sp**** and lacked the quality one would expect, especially in comparison to previous cruises. Overall, while the event itself was enjoyable, the standard of food and service onboard the MSC Opera has declined noticeably and requires urgent attention.
0
Replies (0)TL
Tshepiso L
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
12 Apr 2026, 08:46
MSC LOVE JAZZ CRUISE
MSC Opera Love Jazz Cruise - Cape Town to Walvis Bay (04-09 April 2026) Our recent experience on the Love Jazz Cruise from Cape Town to Walvis Bay. While I traveled from Johannesburg with high expectations for a premier musical experience, the execution of the event was unfortunately disappointing due to several operational and logistical shortcomings. During periods of inclement weather, the transition of performances between decks was handled poorly. There were no formal announcements to inform guests of schedule or venue changes, leading to significant confusion. Furthermore, the alternative venues selected were inadequate for the number of passengers on board. This overcrowding resulted in a hostile environment among guests. Given that the ship is equipped with a large theater, it is unclear why this space was not utilized to comfortably accommodate the audience and maintain a professional atmosphere. The quality of the performances did not consistently meet the standard expected of a specialized jazz cruise. To improve the guest experience, I suggest: Ensuring that every lounge and bar has a dedicated performance program to keep guests entertained throughout the vessel. South Africa and the broader continent possess world-class jazz talent. Future cruises would benefit from a more inclusive and rigorous selection process to ensure the lineup reflects the high caliber of African jazz. The lack of organization contributed to an unruly environment. I personally encountered aggressive and disrespectful behavior from other passengers. Improved crowd control and a more structured environment would help prevent these tensions from escalating and ensure a safe, pleasant experience for younger and older guests alike. The dining experience lacked the variety expected on a multi-day cruise. The breakfast menu, in particular, was repetitive, and the overall standard of the food requires significant improvement to align with the premium nature of the "Love Jazz" theme. I hope this feedback is taken constructively. The concept of a jazz cruise is excellent, but the lack of communication, inadequate venue planning, and stagnant menu options detracted from the overall value of the trip. I look forward to seeing these areas addressed in future voyages.
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Tshepiso L
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
12 Apr 2026, 08:46
MSC LOVE JAZZ CRUISE
MSC Opera Love Jazz Cruise - Cape Town to Walvis Bay (04-09 April 2026) Our recent experience on the Love Jazz Cruise from Cape Town to Walvis Bay. While I traveled from Johannesburg with high expectations for a premier musical experience, the execution of the event was unfortunately disappointing due to several operational and logistical shortcomings. During periods of inclement weather, the transition of performances between decks was handled poorly. There were no formal announcements to inform guests of schedule or venue changes, leading to significant confusion. Furthermore, the alternative venues selected were inadequate for the number of passengers on board. This overcrowding resulted in a hostile environment among guests. Given that the ship is equipped with a large theater, it is unclear why this space was not utilized to comfortably accommodate the audience and maintain a professional atmosphere. The quality of the performances did not consistently meet the standard expected of a specialized jazz cruise. To improve the guest experience, I suggest: Ensuring that every lounge and bar has a dedicated performance program to keep guests entertained throughout the vessel. South Africa and the broader continent possess world-class jazz talent. Future cruises would benefit from a more inclusive and rigorous selection process to ensure the lineup reflects the high caliber of African jazz. The lack of organization contributed to an unruly environment. I personally encountered aggressive and disrespectful behavior from other passengers. Improved crowd control and a more structured environment would help prevent these tensions from escalating and ensure a safe, pleasant experience for younger and older guests alike. The dining experience lacked the variety expected on a multi-day cruise. The breakfast menu, in particular, was repetitive, and the overall standard of the food requires significant improvement to align with the premium nature of the "Love Jazz" theme. I hope this feedback is taken constructively. The concept of a jazz cruise is excellent, but the lack of communication, inadequate venue planning, and stagnant menu options detracted from the overall value of the trip. I look forward to seeing these areas addressed in future voyages.
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Replies (0)FA
Francois A
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
30 Mar 2026, 15:25
Super disgusted
Myself and my wife paid our deposit in June last year for our cruise from cape town to walvisbay. In December my wife got very ill and we also found out she has cancer. She is currently in chemo treatment. We forwarded all the documents to MSC stating why we can't go on the cruise and that my wife will be in chemo treatment. They refuse to pay our deposit back because my wife is not hospitalised during the cruise. Now my question is do they want us to take the chemo doctors on the cruise because of her being in treatment. I am super disgusted with this company and I will strongly advise anyone not to use them
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Francois A
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
30 Mar 2026, 15:25
Super disgusted
Myself and my wife paid our deposit in June last year for our cruise from cape town to walvisbay. In December my wife got very ill and we also found out she has cancer. She is currently in chemo treatment. We forwarded all the documents to MSC stating why we can't go on the cruise and that my wife will be in chemo treatment. They refuse to pay our deposit back because my wife is not hospitalised during the cruise. Now my question is do they want us to take the chemo doctors on the cruise because of her being in treatment. I am super disgusted with this company and I will strongly advise anyone not to use them
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Replies (0)TC
Teresa C
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
28 Feb 2026, 08:12
Very Unhappy Client
Very Unhappy I forgot my car keys and a bunch of house keys on the cruise ship and after more than 10 attempts of phoning and emailing them they just say they can't find it which I know is UTTER NONSENCE and I am now having to make a trip to DURBAN PORT where we boarded the cruise ship to go and sit there until I get my keys. Teresa +27 727433204
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Teresa C
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
28 Feb 2026, 08:12
Very Unhappy Client
Very Unhappy I forgot my car keys and a bunch of house keys on the cruise ship and after more than 10 attempts of phoning and emailing them they just say they can't find it which I know is UTTER NONSENCE and I am now having to make a trip to DURBAN PORT where we boarded the cruise ship to go and sit there until I get my keys. Teresa +27 727433204
0
Replies (0)VC
Visa C
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
10 Feb 2026, 11:14
Refund not addresed
I am extremely disappointed with MSC’s service. As a loyal Silver Member who always books directly with MSC, I booked a cruise for my family (3 cabins) on 31 December 2025 for the 19–23 January 2026 sailing. The agent confirmed that I qualify for the 5% Silver Member discount; however, due to a software glitch, the system could not apply it at the time. I was advised to pay before the year-end deadline on the 31st and was assured by the consultant that the discount would be calculated afterward and refunded to me I was also told that this would be finalised once she returned from leave on 3 January 2026. Payment of over R45 000 went off my card. When I later contacted MSC with a query, I was shocked to be told that I needed to contact the “travel agent” I supposedly booked with, even though I booked directly with MSC. After being strung along, I eventually discovered that my balcony cabin had been placed under an agency in Port Elizabeth. This created unnecessary delays and confusion on my side. The Pomene Island stop was cancelled, and when I enquired about port charges and my discount, I received the following response: “Port charges and taxes form part of the overall cruise fare and are not charged or refunded separately per port. As such, no refund is applicable for Pomene port charges when a port is not accessed.” This explanation is unacceptable, because I paid for the Pomene experience, which was not delivered. I was also falsely told that my Silver Member discount had already been app****. I have email correspondence clearly stating that MSC was still “working on it” after payment was made. I will appreciate a correct recalculation of my 5% Silver Member discount and the immediate refund due to me also Pomene Island stop was cancelled and we did not get our experience.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)VC
Visa C
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
10 Feb 2026, 11:14
Refund not addresed
I am extremely disappointed with MSC’s service. As a loyal Silver Member who always books directly with MSC, I booked a cruise for my family (3 cabins) on 31 December 2025 for the 19–23 January 2026 sailing. The agent confirmed that I qualify for the 5% Silver Member discount; however, due to a software glitch, the system could not apply it at the time. I was advised to pay before the year-end deadline on the 31st and was assured by the consultant that the discount would be calculated afterward and refunded to me I was also told that this would be finalised once she returned from leave on 3 January 2026. Payment of over R45 000 went off my card. When I later contacted MSC with a query, I was shocked to be told that I needed to contact the “travel agent” I supposedly booked with, even though I booked directly with MSC. After being strung along, I eventually discovered that my balcony cabin had been placed under an agency in Port Elizabeth. This created unnecessary delays and confusion on my side. The Pomene Island stop was cancelled, and when I enquired about port charges and my discount, I received the following response: “Port charges and taxes form part of the overall cruise fare and are not charged or refunded separately per port. As such, no refund is applicable for Pomene port charges when a port is not accessed.” This explanation is unacceptable, because I paid for the Pomene experience, which was not delivered. I was also falsely told that my Silver Member discount had already been app****. I have email correspondence clearly stating that MSC was still “working on it” after payment was made. I will appreciate a correct recalculation of my 5% Silver Member discount and the immediate refund due to me also Pomene Island stop was cancelled and we did not get our experience.
0
Replies (0)NZ
Ntombiyoxolo Z
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
4 Feb 2026, 06:52
The best Msc cruise vacation I had.
Everything is 100%.It a small world with everything you need. Staff is friendly and food is delicious. Entertainment and excursions are planned well. You don't cry for the payment you made and it affordable. I'm planning a next vacation with my family.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)NZ
Ntombiyoxolo Z
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
4 Feb 2026, 06:52
The best Msc cruise vacation I had.
Everything is 100%.It a small world with everything you need. Staff is friendly and food is delicious. Entertainment and excursions are planned well. You don't cry for the payment you made and it affordable. I'm planning a next vacation with my family.
0
Replies (0)PF
Pholisa F
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
19 Jan 2026, 06:32
MSC Opera stressful cruise
I went on an MSC opera from the 22/12-27/12/2025. We pee booked our drinks and activities for Pomene and Portuguese Island. We were expected to board 13:00 at the MSC Terminal in Durban. We called the call centre to inquire if we arrive early considering we flying from CT if we'd be allowed atleast inside the terminal not even the ship. We arrived to a long queue where we had to stand in a long queue. Upon boarding the ship we board internet packages, the ship is beautiful, staff is friendly but I can say the same for the experience. Every morning we had to stand in long queues to get breakfast, took away the vacation and relaxation completely away. We asked for an iron, we had to pay for the use of an iron which is ridiculous. Lunch and dinner times were extremely stressful where again we stand in long queues just to eat. We didn't go to Portuguese island, due to 'weather conditions', guests that have done it before confirmed that it happens every time. We bought a activities for Pomene and Portuguese island. Pomene we paid for priority disembark and exclusive lounge. We shared food and drinks with everyone - Nothing was exclusive. For priority we were told to stand in queue, we complained and demanded priority disembarking. I was looking forward to a relaxing luxury holiday, instead it became stressful. I would not do it again.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)PF
Pholisa F
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
19 Jan 2026, 06:32
MSC Opera stressful cruise
I went on an MSC opera from the 22/12-27/12/2025. We pee booked our drinks and activities for Pomene and Portuguese Island. We were expected to board 13:00 at the MSC Terminal in Durban. We called the call centre to inquire if we arrive early considering we flying from CT if we'd be allowed atleast inside the terminal not even the ship. We arrived to a long queue where we had to stand in a long queue. Upon boarding the ship we board internet packages, the ship is beautiful, staff is friendly but I can say the same for the experience. Every morning we had to stand in long queues to get breakfast, took away the vacation and relaxation completely away. We asked for an iron, we had to pay for the use of an iron which is ridiculous. Lunch and dinner times were extremely stressful where again we stand in long queues just to eat. We didn't go to Portuguese island, due to 'weather conditions', guests that have done it before confirmed that it happens every time. We bought a activities for Pomene and Portuguese island. Pomene we paid for priority disembark and exclusive lounge. We shared food and drinks with everyone - Nothing was exclusive. For priority we were told to stand in queue, we complained and demanded priority disembarking. I was looking forward to a relaxing luxury holiday, instead it became stressful. I would not do it again.
0
Replies (0)