MSC Opera
In November 2013 my wife and I went on a four-night cruise on the MSC Opera from Durban, South Africa, to Mozambique. The ship was beautiful and she set sail at 3 o’clock so it was all aboard at half-past two. The sail away party was in full swing as we cleared the breakwater at the Bluff.
The first port of call was Maputo the capital of Mozambique and the next day after breakfast passengers could go ashore. There was a choice of excursions such as a city tour with lunch or a walking tour of the city. You can see this old Portuguese city port with historical buildings such as the train station where the film “Blood Diamond” was shot. Others include the Museum, St Sebastian Fort and Independence Square.
Maputo
Next the MSC Opera moved about 20 miles to anchor off Portuguese Island. Here disembarkation was by Zodiac tender boats for excursions to this island and nearby Inhaca Island. These included snorkelling at Coral Gardens, a beachcomber walk, sea kayaking, banana boat rides and dolphin watching.
Portuguese Island
During the night the ship sailed for Inhambane further north and in the morning we were anchored off Punta de Barra lighthouse near the Barra Lodge. Shore excursions were again by tender boats and there were plenty of choices available. We chose the bus tour to one of the oldest towns in Mozambique, the town of Inhambane. Here we visited the market, docks and the Hotel Casa Do Capitao with its lovely view of Inhambane Bay.
Barra Lodge
Hotel Casa Do Capitao, Inhambane
The next day was spent at sea cruising slowly back to Durban where we docked the next morning – then the whole cycle began over again with the next passengers lined up waiting to board!
Credit: My own blog and photos except 1st photo, care of MSC Cruises.
