POMENE LIVES UP TO PROMISE
A 5-day cruise from Durban to Mozambique’s Pomene Island is as idyllic as it sounds, writes Clinton Moodley
DAY 1
THE PORT of Durban is a hub of activity. It’s Monday morning and the temperature in the city’s starting to soar. Families, couples and groups of friends are sauntering about in their summer wear – sun hats being a mandatory accessory.
We are about two hours away away from boarding the MSC Musica, bound for Pomene.
After boarding the cruise liner, famished passengers make a beeline for the buffet, gorging on pizza and desserts.
The cabins are available to guests from 1pm. However, there’s no guarantee our luggage will arrive at the same time.
After the mandatory safety drill, half an hour before the MSC Musica is scheduled to leave the harbour, everyone flocks to the pool area and viewing deck. The chatter continues as cocktails are sipped while little ones enjoy a swim.
By late afternoon, everyone is in cruise mode (no pun intended).
Dinner, usually a formal affair, is in two sittings – one at 6pm and the other 8pm. I am booked at the L’oleandro Restaurant, where I feast on aloo palak, an Indian curry made with spinach and cheese, and seafood paella. Both are delicious.
While some of the guests choose to end the night with a theatre show, others retire early.
DAY 2
BEING an early riser, I can’t resist catching the sunrise from my balcony cabin. Fitness fanatics have the option of working out at the gym, which opens at 6am.
With more than 2 500 holidaymakers on board, breakfast tends to be a crowded affair. It’s best to arrive early to get a table.
And it’s a spread of note with everything from baked bread, fresh fruit and a hot buffet on offer.
Afterwards, we can choose how to spend the time. The pool (or the Jacuzzi) holds much appeal. But so does the rest of the activities on board, which was provided in a pamphlet the night before.
Intrigued, I attend The Masterchef at Sea competition, before lunch. Amateur chefs battle in teams of two for the title, which makes for entertaining viewing.
The Kaito Sushi Bar serves a wonderful lunch – it comes with an additional fee but is worth every cent.
In the afternoon, I head to the Crystal Lounge for a general knowledge quiz, where I emerge as the winner. Other options for guests include a game of Bingo in one of the lounges or enjoy live music along with a cocktail. For those feeling a bit more energetic, the Q23 disco is the place to be.
DAY 3
THE DAY trip to Pomene Island, an unspoilt area just 170km south of Vilanculos and 600km from Mozambique’s capital Maputo, starts from 7am. With my sunscreen packed – temperatures rise to well over 40°C – I get myself ready.
I am an island boy at heart. There is nothing better than taking a dip in the ocean or lazying on a lounger with a good book.
On the island, we can sunbathe or explore Pomene through a range of exciting educational tours.
After a generous (bordering on excessive), application of sunscreen, I am ready to explore.
It is enlightening to learn the history behind the hotel ruins that we stumble upon.