Frequently Asked Questions about the cruise:

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
Sinfonia: Tel: Int. 00 870 335671611/621
Melody Fax: Int. 00 870 335315712/3
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 14h00 - Check in between 10h00 and 13h00
For departures at 15h00 - Check in between 11h00 and 14h00
For departures at 16h00 - Check in between 12h00 and 15h00
For departures at 18h00 - Check in between 14h00 and 17h00
For departures at 19h00 - Check in between 15h00 and 18h00
For departures at 21h00 - Check in between 17h00 and 20h00
For departures at 23h00 - Check in between 19h00 and 22h00

Q. What is the best way to travel to Durban?
You can fly to Durban Airport and take a shuttle service to the harbour or drive by car and leave your car in secure parking at the port.

Q. What if I am flying from Port Elizabeth or East London?
For passengers flying in from the coastal areas, especially Port Elizabeth and East London it is suggested that you book a flight the day before and enjoy the added excursions that we offer in Durban, as unfortunately we have witnessed many delays on the same day departures which have resulted in passengers missing their cruise.

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?
Parking facilities are not available at Duncan Dock, E-berth, secure parking is available at the Clock Tower area. The cost is approximately R110.00 per car per 24 hour period. This parking cannot be pre-booked and passengers are warned that it is some distance from Duncan Dock, E- Berth.

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 €œHow 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 transfer service between Durban Airport and the Port when the ship is in harbour. Transfer tickets are on sale at the airport and the harbour at R110 per person each way, or give yourself peace of mind by phoning our Sales Offices and booking and pre-paying your transfers 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 transfer - provided they do not take a seat (They would have to sit on parents' lap). The driving time is now 45-60 minutes per way and the last transfer 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.

King Shaka Airport to the Hotel (Hotels along the Marine Parade Only)
1-7 Passengers €“ R190 per person per way

Hotel (Hotels along the Marine Parade Only) to Durban Harbour (Pick up from Hotel 11h00)
1 -7 Passengers €“ R100 per person 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?
Car parking is available only in Durban on a first come first served basis. The fare is R80 per car per night (valid for all car types), which will be converted into USD at the actual exchange rate and will be added to your onboard account.
All vehicles are parked at the owner's risk and MSC 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:
1-7 Passengers: R190 per person per way
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 €œcheck 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.

Checked luggage that is screened and found to contain alcohol will be set aside and passengers will be recalled to the terminal to identify their bags, from which the alcohol will be removed and disposed of. In order to avoid any delay in the departure of the ship, luggage found to contain alcohol and which is not identified by the owner will not be loaded on to the ship and will be held at the terminal for collection by the passenger on conclusion of their cruise.

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

Q. What do I do if I find that my luggage has been damaged?
On board: Should you find that your baggage has been damaged during the embarkation process, please approach Guest Services onboard and request a "Lost/Damaged Luggage Form". A staff member from Guest Services is to sign and acknowledge that the damage has been viewed by them and has been reported to them.

On disembarkation: Please approach the information desk inside N Shed where an MSC Starlight Representative will hand you a copy of a "Lost/Damaged Luggage Form" that the Representative will sign acknowledging damage to the luggage.

It is important that these procedures are followed if passengers are considering instituting a claim from their travel insurance for loss or damage of luggage

Passenger embarkation

Embarkation in Durban takes place at N Shed - Durban Harbour
Embarkation in Cape Town takes place at E Berth, Duncan Dock
(Driving directions are on our website www.mscstarlightcruises.co.za)

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 MSC 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 3-2 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 MSC 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 €œCruise to Nowhere"; €œMossel Bay Cruise" and Cruises from Durban to Cape Town and vice versa. For these cruises an official photo Identification is required - your ID Book, Passport, 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, 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. It is best to speak to your doctor or pharmacist or a Travel Clinic if you have any concerns.

Q. What if I am pregnant?
We accept passengers up until their 23rd week of pregnancy. The Company will not accept a booking or carry any passenger who will be 24 weeks pregnant or more by the end of the cruise. Passengers who are up to 23 weeks pregnant at the end of the cruise must obtain a medical certificate from a medical Dr. confirming their fitness to travel onboard the vessel taking into account the specific itinerary.

Q. Does it matter how old I am?

Children:
A maximum of 2 children under 18 are permitted to share a cabin with 2 adults. When advising a child's age, it must be the age that the child will be on the date of return from the holiday. In the Balcony Suites onboard MSC Sinfonia a maximum of 2 Adults and 2 Children under 12 only are permitted. 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 do not need to provide a doctor's certificate verifying their fitness to travel, however they are advised to study the Insurance brochure available on www.mscstarlightcruises.co.za very carefully as there are very specific exclusions for passengers over 70 - whether pre-existing conditions exist or not.

Q. Can my infant share my cabin with me?
Infants are classified from 0-1.99 years of age and may share the existing bedding in the cabin. 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. On the MSC Sinfonia an alternative Casual Dining Buffet is available for families or passengers who prefer more casual dining. The Casual Dining Buffet is served from 18h30-20h00 in La Terrazza Restaurant on Deck 11.

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 a request ONLY at the time of booking, and your table number and allocated dining time is only confirmed to you upon embarkation. If you want to sit with friends and family, please request this at the time off booking. Lunches and breakfasts are generally open sittings and guests can choose between a casual buffet and 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. 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. Consuming liquor on Port Authorities property
The ports of both Cape Town and Durban harbour are "Alcohol free Zones". The carrying and consumption of all alcoholic beverages on any port property or access road is an offence and any passenger failing to comply with these security regulations will be escorted from the property.

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. What beverages, if any are included and are available 24 hours

Ice; cold water; hot water; American coffee (by dispenser only); decaffeinated coffee & selection of teas (at dispenser area)

Breakfast Buffet
Ice, cold water; hot water; American coffee by dispenser; concentrated juices; instant coffee; decaffeinated coffee; tea; milk.

Breakfast Dining Room:
Products offered as per €œDining room breakfast menu": Selection of teas and infusions; American coffee; decaffeinated coffee; instant coffee; hot chocolate; whole or semi-skimmed milk; fruit juices (orange/pineapple/ACE/grapefruit, tomato)

Lunch Buffet:
Ice; cold water; hot water; America coffee by dispenser; decaffeinated coffee; instant coffee; tea; milk

Lunch Dining Room:
No free beverage service

Tea time/ afternoon snack:
Ice; cold water; hot water; American coffee by dispenser; decaffeinated coffee; instant coffee; tea; milk

Dinner Buffet (when in place):
Ice; cold water; hot water; American coffee by dispenser; decaffeinated coffee; instant coffee; tea; milk

Dinner Dining Room:
No free beverage service

Midnight buffet (when in place)
Ice; cold water; hot water; American coffee by dispenser; decaffeinated coffee; instant coffee; tea; milk

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. Please also be advised to check with your Medical Aid Scheme prior to departure whether they will reimburse you for any visits to the Doctor on board realising that the Doctor is not a South African Doctor and does not have a practice number, and that you will be within International waters at the time of visiting the onboard 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 have a complaint whilst onboard?
Any Passenger with a complaint whilst on a Cruise must bring it to the attention of the Cruise staff onboard as soon as possible. If the Cruise staff are unable to resolve the problem, any complaint must be notified in writing to the Company within 14 (fourteen) days of the termination of the Cruise. Failure to report the complaint within this time may adversely affect the Company's ability to deal with it. Complaints relating to any other part of a package must be made promptly to the Company or the supplier.

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 your 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% Bar service charge is levied on all bar and on all restaurant bills); Duty Free Shopping, Photos, Gambling - including Bingo; 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. Cruise Card / 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, and is also your own personal identification onboard, and for that reason you will be required to show it to the gangway security team whenever you go ashore and return to the ship.
Do not lose this card! In the event that you do misplace your card, you must proceed to Reception as soon as possible to have it replaced and to have your old card voided to avoid possible unauthorised charges being made to the card. On request, any cards (for a family for example) can be linked to a master account.

Q. How do I pay my expenses onboard using my cruise card?
You are required to activate your cruise card/s (only 1 member per family need do this) once you have embarked the ship. This then opens up your onboard account and your cruise card can be used for onboard purchases. For all onboard purchases you will present your cruise card and sign for these purchases which will then be added to your onboard bill to be settled in full on the night prior to arrival back in the port at the end of your cruise.
It is important to note that it is required that you activate your cruise card before anything can be purchased onboard

Q. How do I activate my Cruise card using my 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. Where passengers have used a DEBIT / CHEQUE CARD or Cash/Forex PASSPORT to activate your onboard account (contrary to our prohibition thereof) MSC and / or Starlight Cruises will not be liable for loss suffered as a result of the use thereof and the onus will rest solely with the passenger to recover funds from their own bank.

The following credit cards are accepted on the ship:
VISA CARD/MASTERCARD/AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD/DINERS/JCB

At the accounting desk onboard where you will go to activate your cruise card, you will be required to sign a receipt authorizing MSC Cruises to utilize the credit card number for the total payments onboard. The credit card on-line system will request an initial pre-authorization of USD150 (the currency in force onboard) (Euros on Ships sailing from Europe to S.A) The on-line system will then automatically ask for incremental USD100 single authorization as soon as your expenses exceed the amount of the pre-authorization. On the night before disembarkation 2 copies of your onboard bill will be delivered to your cabin. You will be required to verify and sign only 1 copy of the bill that you will receive in your cabin, and deliver that signed copy to the reception desk before disembarking the ship. The 2nd copy will be your passenger copy to take with you.

It is important to note that the pre-authorization is only an estimate of the amount that could be utilised during your time onboard. 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.

Q. How do I activate my Cruise card using Cash?
At the accounting desk onboard where you will go to activate your cruise card, you will be required to make a minimum deposit of USD200 per person / USD300 per family.
On the night before disembarkation 2 copies of your onboard bill will be delivered to your cabin. You will be required to proceed to the Accounting desk to settle your bill. Where there is money outstanding you will be required to pay this in cash, and where there is a credit balance you will be refunded according to the currency in force onboard: USD
Example: If your deposit on your account was paid in S.A Rands, then the credit balance will be refunded in US Dollar.

Q. What happens when I pay my original deposit in cash, but don't have enough cash to settle the entire bill and so have to settle the difference with my bank credit cards?
The on-line system will ask automatically for a USD100 single authorization, regardless of the actual amount that is due.
Example: I owe USD35 - The system will request an automatic USD100 single authorization.
This pre-authorisation once again is not an actual debit and the full USD100 is BLOCKED on your credit card for the period of 7-15 working days after your disembarkation. After this period has lapsed you will be able to see on your bank statements that only the amount authorised i.e.: USD35 as used in the example above, has been debited and the authorisation or BLOCK on the remaining funds has been released.

Q. Can I use my cruise card for purchases at the ports of call?
No. The cruise cards are only used to charge expenses and purchases to your onboard bill, and have no value besides for purchases and expenses onboard the ship. For these destinations you would require credit cards/ cash / travellers cheques etc as you would normally when travelling.

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. Are there ATM's (Automatic teller machines) onboard?
There are no ATM's on board the ships or in the ports. It is therefore important that if you wish to draw cash that you do so prior to arriving at the port and/or embarking the ship.

Q. Is there a bank onboard?
The Accounting office does not work as a bank. Small amounts of European currencies and Travellers Cheques can be changed on board at the Accounting Office - commission charges apply.

Credits on your cruise card may not be €œcashed out" during the cruise. Any credits on your cruise card are paid back only at the end of the cruise when each guest settles their onboard bill. * Reminder cash is paid back only against cash deposits made and not where credit card pre-authorizations have been authorized.

Q. What about a service charge?
During your cruise you will meet staff throughout the ship who will provide you with excellent service. They are supported by just as many staff and crew who work hard behind the scene to ensure that you enjoy every moment onboard. Hotel Service Charges will be prepaid at the time of booking based on the below amounts:

Southbound Cruises - From Europe to South Africa
Adults 18 years and over R65 per person per day
Children 14 years and over R32.50 per person per day
Children under 14 years No Service charge applied

Northbound Cruises - From South Africa to Europe
Adults 18 years and over R50 per person per day
Children 3 years and over R25 per person per day
Children under 3 years No service charge applied

All other Cruises
Adults 18 years and over R50 per person per day
Children 3 years and over R25 per person per day
Children under 3 years No service charge applied

(Example of charges - A 3 night cruise is calculated as 3 DAYS)
Note: A 15% Bar service charge is automatically added to all purchases in all Bars and all Restaurants

Q. What about tipping?
No tips are requested onboard

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. Are landings guaranteed where transfer to the destination is by zodiac?
Landings are weather dependent and the sea conditions dictate whether a successful landing can proceed or not. The Captain has the final say as to whether a landing will proceed or not based on the information he has in regard to sea and weather conditions, and with the safety of the passengers and staff onboard as his primary concern.

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 or Moses Mabhida Stadium before or after our cruise on the Sinfonia.
Visiting uShaka or Moses Mabhida Stadium before your cruise
Due to the location of the new King Shaka Airport in Durban, it is recommended that uShaka tickets as well as tickets for the Moses Mabhida Stadium be purchased at the transfer desk at the Airport on the day of embarkation or at the port on the day of disembarkation.
The transfer will leave the airport at 08h30 to drop off passengers who have purchased tickets for the Moses Mabhida Stadium and will then proceed on to uShaka to drop off passengers who have purchased uShaka tickets. The transfer will then proceed to the port.
The transfer will return to the Moses Mabhida Stadium again at 11h30 to pick up passengers, and to uShaka at 12h00 to pick up those passengers before proceeding back to the port.

Visiting uShaka or Moses Mabhida Stadium after your cruise
The transfer will leave the port at 10h30 for uShaka to drop off passengers who have purchased tickets, and will then proceed to the Moses Mabhida Stadium to drop off passengers holding tickets.

The transfer will then pick up passengers at uShaka at 13h00 and from Moses Mabhida Stadium at 13h30, and then proceed to the airport.
Due to the scheduled times of the skywalk (10h00/13h0/16h00) passengers will not be able to do the Skywalk after the cruise.
NB! Please note that the ORIGINAL vouchers must be presented at both Moses Mabhida Stadium as well as uShaka to be permitted entry. The MSC Starlight Cruises vouchers must be exchanged for the ORIGINAL vouchers at your closest MSC Starlight Cruises office before proceeding to either the Moses Mabhida Stadium or uShaka.

Q. Can I request Double / Single beds in the cabin
The beds in Sinfonia are all Convertible Lower beds, which means that the cabin can be set up either as a double or as 2 singles as required. The beds in Melody are not convertible, and it is therefore important to request either a double or 2 single beds at the time of booking.

Q. What is the Early Payment/Prima Special and who qualifies?
The Early Payment/Prima Special offers up to a 40% discount to passengers who book more than 6 months prior to sailing. The first 2 Adults in the cabin will enjoy up to a 40% saving on the Cruise fare. Any additional adults sharing the same cabin will pay the normal brochure 3rd and 4th passenger sharing rates. All passengers in the cabin will pay the full port charges, insurance and service fees. This special must be booked more than 6 months prior to sailing and must be paid in full more than 60 days prior to departure. A maximum of 2 Children under 18 (under 12 in Balcony Suites on Sinfonia) may share the same cabin as 2 Adults, and will pay only the Port Charges and services fees if applicable. It is important to note that Specials are capacity controlled and can be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. The Prima Special is sometimes combined with a Buy 2 Get 2 Free Special, however Specials are not necessarily assigned to all cruise departures, and it is therefore imperative to check with a Sales Agent to see on which departures this Special applies and whether it is able to be combined with any other specials at the time of booking.

Q. What is a Buy 2 Get 2 Free Special and who qualifies?
This special is designed for 4 Adults sharing ONE cabin. The First 2 Adults in the cabin pay the full cruise fare, and the 2nd two adults enjoy a 100% saving on the cruise fare. All passengers in the cabin will pay the full port charges, insurance and service fees. A 4 Berth (bedded) cabin is required to be booked in order to qualify for this special as all 4 Adults will share ONE CABIN (Bunk Beds on Sinfonia) . This special must be booked and paid in full no later than 60days prior to sailing. It is important to note that Specials are capacity controlled and can be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. The Buy 2 Get 2 Free Special is sometimes combined with the Prima/Early Payment Special, however Specials are not necessarily assigned to all cruise departures, and it is therefore imperative to check with a Sales Agent to see on which departures this Special applies and whether it is able to be combined with any other specials at the time of booking.

Q. What is a Partner Special and who qualifies?
The Partner Special is valid for 2 Adults sharing a cabin. The first Adult will pay the Full Cruise fare and the Partner will enjoy a 50% saving on the cruise fare. Both passengers in the cabin will pay Full port charges, Service Fees and Insurance charges. This special must be booked and paid in full no later than 60days prior to sailing. The Partner Special cannot be combined with any other specials. A maximum of 2 Children under 18 may share the same cabin as the 2 Adults, and will pay only the Port Charges and services fees if applicable. It is important to note that Specials are capacity controlled and can be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Specials are not necessarily assigned to all cruise departures, it is therefore imperative to check with a Sales Agent to see on which departures this Special applies.

Q. What is a Student Special and who qualifies?
Students must be between the ages of 18-35 years, with a minimum of 4 Students sharing ONE cabin
Students will be berthed in the Lowest Category Available Inside/Outside available at the time of booking
Inside cabin - R550 per person per night cruise fare
Outside Cabin - R650 per person per night cruise fare
All 4 passengers in the cabin will pay Full port charges, Service Fees and Insurance charges. This special must be booked and paid in full no later than 60days prior to sailing. The Student's Special cannot be combined with any other specials. It is important to note that Specials are capacity controlled and can be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Specials are not necessarily assigned to all cruise departures, it is therefore imperative to check with a Sales Agent to see on which departures this Special applies. Student Specials are not applicable to travel on Peak or High Season Cruises.

Q. What are Senior Citizen Special and who qualifies?
Passengers who are 60+ at the time of completion of travel will qualify for the Senior Citizen Discount.
Senior Citizens enjoy a 10% saving on the cruise fare for all cruises 4 nights or less and 5% off on all cruises 5 nights or more. Senior Citizens will still pay Full port charges, Service Fees and Insurance charges Please note that this only applies where the Senior Citizen is the 1st or 2nd Adult in a booking - it does not apply to 3rd and 4th passenger sharing rates where there are four Adults sharing ONE cabin. This special must be booked and paid in full no later than 60days prior to sailing. The Senior Citizen Special cannot be combined with any other specials. It is important to note that Specials are capacity controlled and can be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Specials are not necessarily assigned to all cruise departures, it is therefore imperative to check with a Sales Agent to see on which departures this Special applies.

Q. What is the Honeymoon Special?
Honeymooners enjoy a 10% discount per person on the cruise fare, with a free one Category upgrade - subject to availability. The upgrades cannot be from an Inside cabin (without porthole) to an Outside cabin (with porthole) or from an Outside cabin (with porthole) to a Suite or Balcony Suite. Both passengers will pay Full port charges, Service Fees and Insurance charges. In addition to the one Category upgrade Honeymooners will receive an invitation to a Honeymooners' Cocktail party; a bottle of sparkling wine in the cabin; and a certificate commemorating the event. This special must be booked and paid in full no later than 60days prior to sailing. The Honeymoon Special cannot be combined with any other specials. It is important to note that Specials are capacity controlled and can be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Specials are not necessarily assigned to all cruise departures, it is therefore imperative to check with a Sales Agent to see on which departures this Special applies.

Q. Will I still get honeymoon benefits if I don't book the Honeymoon Special?
If you have elected not to book the Honeymoon Special, but you do ask the Sales Agent to advise the ship that you will be on your honeymoon, you will receive only an invitation to the Honeymooners' cocktail party, and will not enjoy any of the other benefits which passengers booked on the Honeymoon Special will enjoy.

Q. Can we get married / Renew our Vows onboard?
Weddings onboard are not legal and are merely "ceremonial". You will therefore have to be legally married in a civil service prior to having your wedding onboard. There are 2 packages which can be pre-paid for Weddings/ Renewal of Vows onboard. Please refer to the website for further information on the packages on offer and the inclusions.

Q. Can I take the Mandatory cruise insurance off of my cruise fare?
MSC Starlight has a mandatory insurance charge which is designed exclusively for cruise passengers. This charge, which is very reasonable, is required for all passengers travelling on cruises in and around South Africa. The insurance covers the repatriation of passengers from the vessel as there are no ports of call in reach of the vessels on the routes which they sail. This insurance is not optional and we are required to pay the policy for ALL passengers travelling.

Q. Is the Mandatory cruise insurance included for Positioning cruises: ie South and Northbound cruises?
This insurance is NOT included and all passengers on these cruises are to obtain their own fully comprehensive Travel Insurance and to provide such proof to MSC Starlight. No cruise documentation will be processed until such time as this proof has been received as no passengers will be accepted for travel without Travel Insurance in place.