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Address
33, The Crescent, Hillary,
Durban 4094
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+27 (0)31 463 1681
+27 (0)72 874 0859
eMails
info@cruise-guru.co.za
charles@cruise-guru.co.za
The INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS
New Year’s Cruise 2026/2027 – aboard the MSC Armonia
🏝️🎉13 Days · 12 Nights · Roundtrip from Durban
Visiting: Port Louis · Nosy Be · Portuguese Island
This spectacular New Year’s sailing aboard MSC Armonia is one of the most exciting long‑duration cruises available from Durban. Over 13 unforgettable days, you’ll explore Mauritius, Réunion, Nosy Be, and Mozambique’s Portuguese Island, with six relaxing days at sea to enjoy the ship’s entertainment, dining, and festive New Year’s celebrations.
Celebrate the New Year on a 13‑day MSC Armonia cruise visiting Mauritius, Réunion, and Portuguese Island. Enjoy three full days in Port Louis, explore volcanic landscapes in La Possession, and relax on Mozambique’s warm tropical beaches. This itinerary blends culture, nature, and Indian Ocean beauty, making it one of the most unforgettable holiday cruises from Durban.
🚢 Your Ship: MSC Armonia
Expect warm hospitality, excellent dining, theatre shows, themed parties, and a magical New Year’s Eve celebration at sea.
🌴 Mauritius — Island of Paradise
Mauritius is a jewel in the Indian Ocean, famed for its turquoise lagoons, sugarcane fields, and warm Creole hospitality. As your cruise docks in Port Louis, the island’s capital, you’ll be greeted by a blend of colonial charm and modern vibrancy. The waterfront buzzes with life — from local markets to chic cafés overlooking the harbor.
🏝️ What to Do and See
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Le Caudan Waterfront: A lively hub of shopping, dining, and art galleries. Stroll along the promenade and enjoy local street performances.
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Champ de Mars Racecourse: The oldest horse‑racing track in the Southern Hemisphere, offering a glimpse into Mauritian tradition.
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Pamplemousses Botanical Garden: Home to giant water lilies and rare tropical plants — a must‑visit for nature lovers.
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Le Morne Brabant: A UNESCO World Heritage site symbolizing freedom and resilience, with panoramic views of the island’s coastline.
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Grand Baie: The island’s playground for water sports, nightlife, and boutique shopping.
Mauritius offers a sensory feast — from fragrant vanilla plantations to rum distilleries and Creole cuisine bursting with spice and color. Try local favorites like dholl puri, fish vindaye, and gateaux piments at seaside stalls.
🌅 Insider Tip
Catch the sunset at Flic‑en‑Flac Beach, where the horizon glows gold and pink, and the rhythmic sega dance fills the air.
🌋 Réunion — Island of Fire and Adventure


Just a short sail away lies Réunion, a French overseas territory that feels like a world apart. Its dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and multicultural flair make it a paradise for explorers. The island’s heartbeat is Saint‑Denis, a city blending French elegance with Creole soul.
🏞️ What to Do and See
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Piton de la Fournaise: One of the world’s most active volcanoes — hike its lunar trails or take a helicopter tour for breathtaking views.
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Cirque de Mafate: Accessible only by foot or helicopter, this natural amphitheater offers rugged beauty and authentic mountain villages.
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Saint‑Gilles‑les‑Bains: The island’s beach resort area, perfect for snorkeling, diving, and dolphin watching.
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Hell‑Bourg: A charming Creole village in the Cirque de Salazie, known for its colorful houses and thermal baths.
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Cascade Niagara: A stunning waterfall near Sainte‑Suzanne, surrounded by lush greenery and picnic spots.
Réunion’s cuisine is a flavorful fusion of French, Indian, Chinese, and African influences. Savor dishes like cari poulet, rougail saucisse, and samoussas, paired with local rum or fresh fruit juice.
🌄 Insider Tip
Drive the scenic Route des Laves, where hardened lava flows meet the sea — a surreal reminder of the island’s volcanic power.
⚓ Why This Cruise Is Unforgettable
This itinerary combines two contrasting worlds: Mauritius’s serene beaches and cultural warmth with Réunion’s wild volcanic majesty. Over 13 days and 12 nights, guests experience the best of both islands — from leisurely days at sea to immersive shore excursions.
Whether you’re snorkeling in coral gardens, hiking through volcanic craters, or savoring Creole flavors under the stars, this cruise promises a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
🌍 Highlights at a Glance
| Destination | Signature Experience | Must‑Try Dish |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritius | Sunset at Flic‑en‑Flac Beach | Dholl puri |
| Réunion | Hike Piton de la Fournaise | Rougail saucisse |
This journey is more than a holiday — it’s a celebration of island life, culture, and natural wonder. From Mauritius’s gentle lagoons to Réunion’s fiery peaks, every moment invites discovery and delight.
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📅 Full Itinerary – Day by Day
Day 1 – Durban, South Africa
Take the official MSC Shuttle, Cruising SA, the official MSC Shuttle Contractor since 1992, with Starlight Cruises.
Safety and security are of paramount importance, plus you get these benefits:
- Free Meet and Greet Services at the Durban Airport
- Free Porter Service at both the Airport and Harbour.
- Good quality buses with professional drivers.
- R100 million in Passenger Liability Insurance (more than anyone else)
- Free Priority check-in at the harbour.
SHUTTLE TIMES – Approx
From the Airport: 08h00 to 11h00
From the Harbour: 06h30 to 09h00To book the shuttle: CLICK >>>
Departure from the Port of DURBAN
18:00 Begin your holiday adventure as MSC Armonia sets sail from Durban. Enjoy sail‑away cocktails, live music, and the excitement of a long voyage ahead.
Day 2–4 – At Sea
Three relaxing days to unwind, explore the ship, enjoy spa treatments, poolside entertainment, and festive onboard activities.
Day 5–7 – Port Louis, Mauritius
Arrival: 13:00 (Day 5) Departure: 18:00 (Day 7)
Port Louis is a vibrant blend of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. With three full days here, you can explore beaches, markets, volcanic landscapes, and Mauritius’ famous turquoise lagoons.
Top Experiences in Mauritius
- Grand Baie beaches
- Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
- Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth
- Port Louis Waterfront & Markets
- Catamaran lagoon cruises
Day 8 – La Possession, Réunion
Arrival: 08:00 · Departure: 18:00
Réunion is dramatic, volcanic, and breathtaking. Expect towering peaks, waterfalls, and lush green landscapes unlike anywhere else in the Indian Ocean.
Top Experiences in Réunion
- Piton de la Fournaise volcano
- Cirque de Salazie waterfalls
- Black‑sand beaches
- Creole cuisine
Day 9–11 – At Sea
Three more days to relax, enjoy onboard entertainment, and celebrate the New Year in style
Day 12 – Portuguese Island (Inhaca Archipelago), Mozambique
Arrival: 08:00 · Departure: 15:00
Portuguese Island is a tranquil tropical paradise with shallow turquoise waters, soft sands, and a relaxed beach setup provided by MSC.Top Experiences
- Lagoon swimming
- Snorkelling
- Beach bars & loungers
- Optional excursion to Inhaca Island
Day 13 – Durban, South Africa
Arrival: 10:00 Your New Year’s voyage concludes as MSC Armonia returns to Durban.
🎆 Why This Cruise Is Special
- Celebrate New Year’s Eve at sea
- Visit three world‑class destinations
- Enjoy six sea days of relaxation
- Perfect mix of beaches, culture, nature & adventure
- Ideal long‑duration holiday for couples, families & groups







