MSC Cruises - Be extremely careful with these *******

MSC Cruises has declined to refund or transfer my deposit, despite being notified 16 months prior to the scheduled departure date.

We booked a cruise with MSC Cruises and paid a deposit of R3000. Upon realising that the sailing was scheduled for April 2027 rather than the intended date, I contacted MSC on 6 January 2026 and spoke with Sandiswa Bhobho. She informed me that MSC’s policy does not allow for refunds or transfers of deposits, even though we have subsequently booked a 14-day cruise to Mauritius in December (valued at R62,000). The R3000 deposit cannot be app**** to the Mauritius trip and must therefore be forfeited.

Ms. Bhobho stated that she had consulted both her supervisor (Nomsa Maleka) and Manager (Nobuhle Mvelase), who confirmed that a transfer or refund would not be considered.

MSC booked a cruise for April 2026 leaving from Cape Town without my consent and insists that my wife and I must go on this trip. I explained to Sandiswa and Nomsa that I would need to arrange an Uber and return flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town just for a three-day cruise, which isn't economically reasonable. However, their response was simply "take it or leave it," otherwise I will forfeit my R3000.

I am concerned that this approach may not align with the Consumer Protection Act of South Africa. Given that MSC Cruises was advised of the requested change 16 months in advance, it seems unreasonable to forfeit the deposit under these circumstances. I respectfully request your assistance in resolving this matter and wish to inform prospective South African clients about MSC Cruises’ policies regarding changes to bookings.

Be extremely careful with these *******