Looking for a sea getaway that mixes beaches, great food, and plenty of fun onboard? An MSC cruise on the MSC Opera, visiting the Portuguese islands is the perfect 2026 escape. From the moment you step on board to the moment you disembark, this mid-sized ship makes every day exciting.
We also spoke with Mandi Laurens at Pentravel, who says, “Choosing an MSC Opera cruise is about experiences that feel personal and exciting – you get great entertainment, amazing destinations, and the kind of holiday that stays with you long after you return home. Our clients love how easy it is to customise their trip and make it truly their own.”
Here are seven highlights you don’t want to miss.
The MSC Opera has a line-up of entertainment options that make each evening feel like a new occasion. You can enjoy Broadway-style performances at the Teatro dell’Opera, listen to live music at the La Cabala Piano Bar, or keep going late into the night at the Byblos Disco. Whether you want to watch a show or be part of the music and dance, the evenings on this ship are lively and fun.
Travelling with children? The Aqua Park is a big highlight. With interactive slides, fountains, and play zones, kids can spend hours having fun. The dedicated kids’ clubs, filled with LEGO® and Chicco toys, give younger travellers their own space to play and make friends, giving adults some time to relax or explore other areas of the ship.
If you want a bit of downtime, the MSC Aurea Spa is the perfect place to refresh and renew your energy. Choose from Balinese massages, unwind in the thermal area with saunas and Turkish baths, or enjoy beauty treatments that leave you feeling pampered. After a day at sea or after exploring an island stop, this spa experience helps you return to your holiday mood ready for more.
One of the best parts of cruising is the food, and the MSC Opera doesn’t disappoint. From gourmet Italian meals at Le Caravelle to the buffet that’s open most of the day, there’s a great variety of choices to suit all tastes. The fact that meals are included in most MSC cruise deals makes budgeting easier, and you can focus on enjoying every dish without second thoughts.
If you want some quiet time away from the busier parts of the ship, the Top 13 Exclusive Solarium offers calm and comfort. This adults-only area gives you a chance to soak up some sun, watch the ocean pass by, or enjoy a good book in peace. It’s an ideal spot to slow down between excursions or after an active day.
Planning your days on MSC Opera is effortless. A printed Daily Programme is usually delivered to your cabin each evening, while the MSC for Me app lets you view schedules, book excursions or spa treatments, track spending, and use an interactive ship map. You can also book directly at onboard desks or via your in-cabin TV. With clear signage and digital directories, getting around the ship is quick and easy.
One of the biggest reasons people choose an MSC cruise is the range of destinations on offer. Sail close to home with ports like Durban or Walvis Bay, or look further afield to international destinations such as Greece, Brazil, Japan, the UAE, the Portuguese Islands, or Pomene. With such a wide variety of itineraries available across the MSC fleet, it’s easy to choose a cruise that fits your travel plans, interests, and schedule – whether you’re after a short break or a longer holiday at sea.
Take a look at our MSC cruise options and let us help you plan a cruise holiday that fits you perfectly.
What are the best months to cruise to the Portuguese Islands?
The best time is generally between January and March, when the weather is warmer and the seas are calm – great for beach exploring and swimming.
How do I get to Portuguese Island?
Most people travel to the Portuguese Island as part of a MSC cruise from Durban.
How long is a cruise from Durban to Portuguese Island?
Cruises typically last 3 nights or extend to 4 nights if Pomene is included.
What island do MSC Cruises go to?
In this region, MSC Opera sails to Portuguese Island and Pomene in Mozambique. There are also select cruises departing Cape Town to Walvis Bay in Namibia.
Where are the Portuguese islands?
They are found off the southern coast of Mozambique, near the Inhaca Archipelago – accessible by cruise ship from South Africa.
An MSC cruise keeps your days easy and well balanced. Enjoy life on board, head ashore to explore new destinations, and slow things down when you feel like it. It’s travel with flexibility, not pressure.
If you’ve missed this season, now’s the time to plan for summer. Ships like the MSC Opera and MSC Armonia offer great itineraries, and booking early means more choice and better value.
Ready to go? Book your MSC cruise package with Pentravel and start planning your 2026 getaway.
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