by Thinus Ferreira
The MSC Poesia has made the cruise ship's first visit to South African waters with chef Reuben Riffel who curated a special menu.
The MSC Poesia docked in Port Elizabeth on 18 February as part of an ongoing cruise taking it to a berth in Cape Town harbour on 21 February.
The MSC Poesia visit to South Africa follows shortly after the MSC Splendida's first cruise rotation to Southern African shores and will bring another influx of international tourists disembarking in these cities for sight-seeing tours and to do some shopping.
MSC tells me the South African celebrity chef Reuben Riffel was onboard the MSC Poesia for the Port Elizabeth to Cape Town sailing, with guests who enjoyed "his curated menu with a local South African twist".
The MSC Poesia's visit to South African harbours is part of the ship's current world cruise.
"MSC Poesia calling, not just in South Africa but other African parts as part of her journey is a significant vote of confidence in the capacity in the capacity and structures of these destinations, says Ross Volk, MSC Cruises South Africa's managing director.
"The vessel brings with her over 2 000 foreign national visitors
to our country and this will have an immense impact on the local economies of
Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. We hope the guests will enjoy their time
in South Africa and come back again soon."
The 16-deck MSC Poesia built in 2008 in France has three swimming pools, four whirlpool baths
and a giant poolside cinema screen, as well as a Zen garden and a foyer waterfall.
Reuben Riffel's curated menu during the Port Elizabeth to Cape Town cruise included pickled fish, malva pudding and Karoo lamb.
"I'm excited to see the
collaboration come to life and equally as excited about sharing this menu with
the guests who will be onboard MSC Poesia," said Riffel who did special meet-and-greets while onboard and was on hand during dinner to speak to guests as well about what is being served.
"It is not every day that people from
around the world get to experience our local flavours and I hope that the food
will be a true reflection of our rich South African cuisine."
