MSC Cruises launches new recreational beach facilities on Portuguese Island

Last month, MSC Cruises celebrated the opening of a new beach facility on Portuguese Island, one of many destinations on the company's southern African itineraries. Completed just in time to welcome over 40 000 guests expected to visit the island during this cruise season, the facilities provide travellers of all ages with the perfect break from the hot Mozambican sun.

The new facilities include a large undercover dining and entertainment area; a venue for MSC's chefs to prepare and present beach barbeques; and a unique beach bar with themed entertainment. Children and families are also catered for, with a kid's play area alongside the main structure designed to keep younger guests entertained while offering parents peace of mind as they enjoy the beach.

As part of the upgrade, MSC Cruises added new shore excursions to its programme. Activities now include paintball, snorkelling, and sea kayaking, while beach games are co-ordinated to keep children of all ages (and the young at heart) entertained throughout the day.

A beautiful, untouched island

"Portuguese Island is one of the most popular cruise destinations on the South African cruise calendar," said Allan Foggitt, marketing director of MSC Cruises South Africa. "Previously, the destination was a Robinson Crusoe type of call: a beautiful, untouched island, but with a lack of facilities for passengers enjoying a day on the beach. This was, therefore, an important area of focus and improvement for MSC, and we are now sure that our travellers will enjoy the same high standards on the island as they enjoy on our ships."

MSC Cruises is the largest privately-owned cruising company in the world. The current South African season, on board the Sinfonia and the Opera, runs until April 2013. You can begin your search or go to www.msccruises.co.za for more. Bon voyage!