MSC Opera to sail from Cape Town this summer!
Cruise fans, start saving! MSC Cruises has confirmed that the MSC Opera will be returning to South African waters for the 2025/2026 season, and while it will spend most of the summer home-ported in Durban – sailing to Mozambique and beyond – there will be a string of dedicated departures out of the Mother City in March and April 2026, departing from the Cape Town Cruise Terminal.
After completing her Durban season at the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal, MSC Opera will cruise into Cape Town on 27 March 2026 with a special three-night at-sea repositioning voyage.
From there, she'll launch three round-trip sailings from Cape Town to Walvis Bay, Namibia, before concluding her local season with a return sailing to Durban on 14 April 2026.
But it's the themed cruises out of Cape Town that are set to make waves for local cruise fans.
First up is the Bok Boot 2026 cruise (30 March - 4 April): a five-night sailing hosted by Bok Radio featuring live performances from top local artists. While the line-up is to be confirmed, expect festive vibes all the way to Namibia. Let's hope this sells better than Steve Hofmeyr's cancelled performance at Cape Town Stadium!
Preer smooth tunes to treffers? The Love Jazz Cruise (4-9 April) is a jazz-lover's dream. Hosted by Clarence Ford, this itinerary includes performances from top jazz artists and culminates in an exclusive jazz festival under the stars amid the dunes of the Namib Desert.
Rounding off the Cape Town run is the ever-popular Oppiwater Kunstefees (9-14 April), a floating arts festival presented by RSG and Lefra Productions. The programme includes theatre, opera, dance and comedy… all while at sea.
Cruisers can add hotel stays through MSC's Stay & Cruise partnerships, and take advantage of pre-booking discounts on drink packages, internet access, shore excursions and on-board spa treatments. Airport transfers and shuttles are also available for a seamless start to your cruise.
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Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Bizarre rise of celebs flogging their own UNDERWEAR & dirty bathwater to fuel pervs' sick fantasies
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SYDNEY Sweeney has been getting pervy fans hot under the collar after releasing limited edition bars of soap containing her bathwater. But the Hollywood star, 27, is not the first celebrity to cash-in on fans' dirtier fantasies - and PR gurus have told The Sun why it could be a genius move for her. 13 Sydney Sweeney has got fans hot under the collar selling her bathwater Credit: Instagram / Sydney Sweeney 13 Sweeney in an ad for Bathwater Bliss, her latest product with Dr. Squatch Credit: The Mega Agency 13 She has been an ambassador for the soap brand since last year Credit: Dr Squatch The Eurphoria and Anyone But You actress created her Bathwater Bliss with Dr. Squatch, who made 5,000 bars that come with a certificate saying they come from the water she bathed in. Ms Sweeney said: "When fans start asking for your bathwater, either ignore it or turn it into a soap. "It's weird in the best way." Nick Ede, branding expert, told us the actress has clearly got "a good sense of humour", adding: "I think she understands the kind of irony of her celebrity. READ MORE SHOWBIZ SO HUNG UP Sydney Sweeney shows off her long legs in new photoshoot for footwear brand "She also understands that a show like Euphoria, for instance, which is pretty sexual, will have had people fall in love with her because of her character... She is a sex symbol." Mr Ede went on to say, being a celebrity now is "all about the fans" and "getting them engaged". "In every way this is good PR," he added. Belle Delphine 13 Belle Delphine made thousands selling her bathwater before Sweeney Credit: Instagram Ms Sweeney is not even the first celebrity to be selling her dirty bathwater, with the gimmick having been pioneered by British-South African influencer and porn star Belle Delphine. The star, 25, began controversially flogging her bathwater in 2019 - and last year revealed how much she'd made from the venture. She launched Gamergirl Bath Water in July 2019 and sold out within three days. Sydney Sweeney looks incredible as she makes FOUR outfit changes in one day to promote new movie Echo Valley When she launched the product on her online store, it was going for $30 (£22) a pop and she said she managed to sell 600 in total – making $18,000 (£13,370) in bathwater sales. During an appearance on The Louis Theroux Podcast, she said: "Obviously the sexual aspects of it also is very clickable, but where I got inspiration from it was I knew that Japan has panty vending machines." Katie Price 13 Katie Price sold framed thongs and suspenders for £350 Credit: @kpmemorabilia Former Page 3 girl Katie Price raised some eyebrows in January 2023 when she announced plans to sell off memorabilia from her time as a glamour model. This included sets of used underwear for £350 a pop, framed and signed. Speaking on an Instagram live, mum-of-five Katie shared: 'I'm putting all my old underwear and bras in frames, and signing them, because they're just hanging about, and they don't fit me the amount of boob jobs I've had.' When her pal asked if they had been cleaned, the star - who is well loved for her glamour modelling career - replied: 'Well they might want them authenticated.' Kerry Katona 13 Kerry Katona previously sold her used underwear on OnlyFans Credit: Instagram / Kerry Katona Ex-Atomic Kitten singer Kerry Katona earns tens of thousands of pounds a month on her OnlyFans account. But in 2022 she even began raking in cash from flogging her used underwear, with bra and knicker sets fetching up to £100 a pop. The former Atomic Kitten star joined the subscription site in May 2020 and she's confessed to being so desperate for money at the time that she couldn't even pay her rent. She charges £19-a-month for access to raunchy photoshoots and videos on her OF account. Ms Katon said in 2022: 'I've always been a grafter, I've always had my own money. I've never met anybody like me, to be honest! 'Someone who's been on every side of the coin - go into bankruptcy, become a millionaire, go into bankruptcy and become a millionaire again. Who does that?' Appearing on The Jay Hutton podcast, Kerry continued: 'I think I'm quite extraordinary and I like to give myself a pat on the back.' Brande Roderick 13 Former Playboy Playmate Brande Roderick is apparently selling her worn pyjamas on eBay Credit: EBay Former Playboy playmate and Baywatch Hawaii actress Brande Roderick appears to be currently selling her worn pyjamas, alongside an autograph on eBay for £110 ($149). The 50-year-old revealed last year how she's making "more money than ever" by stripping off on OnlyFans. She told Fox News Digital: "Me being a single mom of two boys with no financial support from their father, I have to take care of my family. "And for me, my passion and love is acting and producing. So, in order for me to do that, I have, you know, my side job with OnlyFans, which helps to facilitate my other passion of acting and producing. "So, for me, it's been really a wonderful outlet for me." Brande went on to compare her OnlyFans shoots to her Playboy work, but this time with more creative control. Scarlett Johansson 13 Scarlett Johansson with her used tissue on the Tonight Show in 2008 Credit: Getty During a chat show promotion for her 2008 film Spirit, Scarlett Johansson used a tissue twice to blow her nose. That mucus covered tissue was signed by the star, now 40, and then auctioned off on eBay where it sold for over $6,523 (£4,803). Johansson used the tissue during an appearance on The Tonight Show, explaining she'd caught a cold from Samuel L. Jackson, joking that it gave her sniffles "more value". She donated the money from the used tissue to USA Harvest, an American hunger charity. Sydney Sweeney 13 Sweeney puts on a busty display in the bath in an ad for Dr Squatch Credit: Dr Squatch Ms Sweeney became an ambassador for Dr Squatch in October last year, leaving fans hot under the collar by selling body wash while sitting in a bubble bath. In the innuendo-filled ad, Sydney swooned to the camera: "'Hello you dirty little boys, are you interested in my body... wash?" "Well you can't have it, because this isn't for boys. It's for men. This is Dr. Squatch Natural Body Wash with long lasting, natural aromas like wood barrel bourbon, pine tar, coconut castaway, and fresh falls." Her new soap - which costs $8 a bar and contains droplets of Ms Sweeney's bathwater - goes on sale next week. 'People feel connected and free to be able to speak about me in whatever way they want, because they believe that I've signed my life away, Sweeney told Variety in March 2024. 'That I'm not on a human level anymore, because I'm an actor." Annabelle Knight, Sex & Relationships Expert at Lovehoney told The Sun: 'The idea of buying soap infused with Sydney Sweeney's bath water might seem bizarre to some, but it taps into a very real and popular kink - body worship and object fetishism. "For some people, there's a thrill in owning something that's touched or belonged to someone they desire as it creates a feeling of intimacy, even if it's one-sided. "Think of it like a modern twist on keeping a lover's t-shirt or locking away a love letter. Sydney Sweeney looks incredible as she makes FOUR outfit changes in one day to promote new movie Echo Valley By Callum Wells SYDNEY Sweeney looked incredible as she made no less than four outfit changes in one day to promote her new movie, Echo Valley, in New York City. Actress Sydney, 27, turned heads in a bold red gown, with a midsection that highlighted her svelte waist and a statement skirt accessorised with a giant red bow. The Euphoria star wore her blonde locks in tumbling waves and accentuated her natural beauty with a full face of make-up. Earlier in the day, Sydney put on an equally-chic display in a black fitted waistcoat and a white miniskirt, elevating her height with leather boots. She toted her essentials around in a black leather handbag and shielded her eyes with wayfarer sunglasses. If that wasn't enough, Sydney was also spotted wearing a plaid brown jumpsuit and a giant matching tie on the same very steps of her hotel. This time, she carried a stone handbag, which coordinated with her heels. And, for her arrival at Good Morning America, the starlet put on a leggy display in a brown pinstriped blazer dress. Sydney appeared to confirm her breakup with long-term partner Jonathan Davino at the film's premiere. Speaking to The Times at the AMC Lincoln Square event, the Washington-native was asked if she was still planning her wedding to Jonathan. "No,' she replied. When pressed on whether she was now single, she answered simply: 'Yes.' The actress had been seen in recent months without her engagement ring, fuelling rumours that the couple - who began dating in 2018 and became engaged in 2022 - had quietly parted ways. At Wednesday's premiere, Sydney was joined by co-star Julianne Moore, who plays her on-screen mother in the new thriller. The film follows Julianne's character, a horse trainer living on a Pennsylvania farm, whose life is upended when her daughter, played by Sydney, arrives covered in someone else's blood. It comes as Sydney films the third - and potentially last - series of Euphoria. The explicit teen drama, which follows recovering drug addict Rue (Zendaya) as she navigates school life and relationships while narrating the lives of her school mates, has become known for its dark storytelling. Sydney shot to fame in the series as Cassie, a popular girl with painfully low self-esteem who starts an abusive relationship with her best friend's ex, the violent and uncaring Nate (played by Jacob Elordi). Despite the success of the series, by the time season three is released there will have been a four-year wait for new episodes, thanks to the massive success of its cast in other projects, the death of star Angus Cloud, and the 2023 writers and actors' strikes. As a result, writer Sam Levinson has placed a time jump, launching the troubled teenage group into adulthood. Sydney has since sparked rumours that, despite their physically and mentally abusive relationship, her character Cassie is set to marry Nate, with the actress being spotted in a wedding gown on set. 'It's also a reminder that not all kinks are overtly sexual. Many are about connection, power dynamics, fantasy, or even just fascination. "Someone buying Sydney Sweeney's bathwater soap might not be using it for anything sexual at all - they might just feel closer to her, or enjoy the taboo, playful nature of the idea. "Kinks are incredibly diverse, and they don't always fit into what we consider 'sexual behaviour'. "Sometimes, it's about curiosity, ritual, or even a bit of fun rebellion against what's 'normal.' 'If you think about it celebrity culture is full of kink-adjacent behaviour. "From people collecting toenail clippings on eBay to sniffing old concert t-shirts, this kind of thing is just a more commercial version of what fans have been doing for decades. "Sydney's just owning it - and having a bit of cheeky fun with it too." 'She understands the irony' Branding expert Mr Ede told us: "I think someone like Sydney Sweeney has also got quite a good sense of humour. "I think she understands the kind of irony of her celebrity, and she also understands that a show like Euphoria, for instance, which is pretty sexual, will have had people fall in love with her because of her character. She is a sex symbol. "People have slipped into her DMs or commented on social media posts, saying, 'Oh, wouldn't mind a bit of your bath water', you know. "It's a bit like when, years ago, when people threw knickers at Tom Jones, or asked people for their underwear, it's a modern progression of that." He went on to say: "It's got a little bit of salt burn in it, which sounds a bit strange, but it feels like that with the bath water. "It is a bit naughty, but you know we've seen it before with somebody like Gwyneth Paltrow and her famous candle that smelled of her vagina, which sold out in minutes. "Now with celebrity, it's all about the fans. It's all about actually getting them engaged, and this is a good way of connecting with them. In every way this is good PR." Mr Ede said Ms Sweeney selling her bathwater could be seen as being "quite empowering, because this has come from Sydney herself". "This is not some guy who works in a hotel and has gone into her bath and taken a jar of it and gone 'right, I'm going to sell it.' "This is somebody who's gone: 'Actually, this is quite fun. I'm going to do it. Let's see what we can do. And let's create some noise about it.'" Mr Ede said platforms like OnlyFans - previously "frowned" upon, have given content creators control "of their own creation". "They've allowed for it to happen, it doesn't feel sleazy." Asked how exactly the bathwater would've been collected, the expert said: "I don't think she had a full on bath. "Who knows whether she was singing in the bath for a while, but I'd be interested to see actually how much essence of Sydney Sweeney has gone into that soap." Referring to some of the backlash the actress has garnered on social media by the decision, Mr Ede said: "It's something that's going to follow her forever, and I don't know whether that's going to be negative or positive." He added: "Who knows? We might see some other stars dipping their toes in things that aren't just bath water. "For some talent I would say it would be cheapening their brand, but she (Ms Sweeney) has used social media to really engage her fans. It's a case of you asked for it, now here it is for you. "It's a pretty genuine attitude and I find that quite refreshing." 13 Sweeney has generated a huge fanbase through her acting and social media accounts Credit: Getty 13 Roderick appeared in a Baywatch spin off in 2000 and was also a Playboy playmate Credit: Getty 13 Price was previously a glamour model before becoming an entrepreneur Credit: Xposure
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Budget airline to launch more flights to one of the world's cheapest holiday destinations
And what it is like flying with the airline according to the Sun's Head of Travel for Digital TAKING OFF Budget airline to launch more flights to one of the world's cheapest holiday destinations Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BUDGET airline is increasing flights to an affordable holiday destination - less than a year after they first launched. Norse Atlantic Airways started the new route from London Gatwick to Cape Town in October 2024. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Norse Atlantic Airways is adding even more flights to Cape Town Credit: Getty 3 Cape Town is often named a top affordable winter sun destination Credit: Alamy And the huge demand for the South African route has since seen them extend the flight season as well as add more flights. Previously offering three flights a week, this was increased to four earlier this year. And the airline has now increased it even further, with six flights a week being launched. And the seasonal route previously only operated until the end of April. Read more on airlines LONDON CALLING Little-known airline to launch first ever flights from London airport However the new season will operate from October 2, 2025 until May 2026. Bård Nordhagen, Norse Chief Commercial Officer, said: "Following the success of our inaugural season we see great opportunity in the South African market. 'By expanding services, we wish to show to the trade and consumer markets we are committed to this route.' Andrew Fish, Head of UK & South African Sales at Norse Atlantic Airways added: 'We are seeing exceptional momentum on this route, and this frequency increase reflects both customer confidence and Norse Atlantic Airlines' long-term growth strategy." Cape Town was named the best value long-haul holiday destination in Post Office Travel Money's Long Haul Holiday Report last year. Not only is it affordable, but don't expect any jet lag either with no time difference. Best Value Winter Sun Long Haul Destinations And it is a great winter sun hotspot, with highs of 27C in November and January. The Sun's Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire recently visited Cape Town with her family. She said: "Everything in Cape Town is so accessible that we landed at 8.30am, got our hire car, checked into the hotel and were on the glorious Camps Bay beach in swimsuits by 11.30am. "Camps Bay suburb feels like a cross between Cannes and a fancy California town, with its white sandy beach, backdrop of Table Mountain and smart restaurants lining the beachfront. What is it like flying on Norse? The Sun's Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire recently tried the airline's Premium Economy out. Norse doesn't do online check-in - everyone checks in at the airport. And Premium passengers are given their own lane, so we waited about five minutes before dropping off our bags and getting our tickets. Most importantly, the chairs are very roomy. With a very decent recline that allowed my whole family to get a decent night's sleep. My son pretty much slept uninterrupted from 10pm to 7am, while I snatched a manageable 5ish hours, which is far more than I've ever done before in Economy on a long haul flight. Crew hand over ear plugs, eye masks, pillows and blankets at the start of the flight, as well as headphones for the TVs (you have to pay £5 for these in Economy). Two meals are also included - I had a decent tortellini, side salad and cheesecake-type evening meal with complimentary wine, and a hot cooked breakfast, plus a croissant, yogurt and mini fruit salad. To give you an idea of price, return fares for two adults and one child in premium economy cost £3,583 to Cape Town next March, while return fares in Premium Economy on a rival airline cost £5,000. "Better still, the one-hour time difference meant we had no jet lag, so we could get stuck in straight away without the need to sleep it off. "The famous mountain was the first adventure spot on our list. "And it made for a great family day out thanks to the rotating gondolas that slowly spin to offer panoramic views on the ascent to the top. " Norse currently offers six long-haul destinations, including Miami, New York, Bangkok and Cape Town. Here are some of the other new flights that have launched this year.
Time Out
3 days ago
- Time Out
Cape hotels shine in Elite Suites list
The Penthouse, The Silo Hotel The Penthouse at The Silo Hotel crowns one of Cape Town's most iconic buildings, with panoramic views of Table Mountain, the city, and harbour through the hotel's signature geometric glass windows. A soaring double-volume living area is anchored by a striking chandelier and bold contemporary art, while deep sofas and richly textured finishes create an atmosphere of opulent indulgence. The one-bedroom suite includes a private cinema, a personal bar, a study, and an in-suite spa treatment room. Two balconies offer front-row seats to Cape Town's spectacular sunsets. Presidential Suite, One&Only Cape Town The Presidential Suite at One&Only Cape Town offers a truly elegant retreat, with sweeping views across the marina to Table Mountain. Enter through a sculptural doorway into a vast space defined by its floor-to-ceiling marble fireplace, which divides the spacious living and dining areas. Designed for effortless entertaining, the suite features a 10-seater dining table, private bar, curated collection of South African art, and plush ivory sofas. Two en-suite bedrooms offer king-sized beds, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms, one with a steam shower. With a private gym, media room and easy access to the recently refurbished One&Only Spa, it's the perfect wellness bolthole in the heart of the Waterfront. Villa One, Ellerman House Set within the manicured grounds of Ellerman House, Villa One is an ocean-facing retreat perfect for families or groups seeking space, privacy, and five-star service. The villa's three en-suite bedrooms, generous living areas, and private infinity pool offer an easy blend of coastal luxe, with a personal chef on hand to tailor each meal. Villa One is set above the intimate Ellerman House Spa, which was recently revamped to include a Polar Plunge pool. Owner's Villa, Delaire Graff Lodge The Owner's Villa at Delaire Graff is an art-filled four-bedroom sanctuary set high above the Stellenbosch winelands. With sweeping views from its west-facing terrace, the villa is framed by vineyards, mountain peaks, and distant ocean horizons. A heated infinity pool – and jacuzzi – invites quiet reflection outdoors, while artworks from Laurence Graff's collection lend an intimate, gallery-like feel to the interior space. Here a generous living area and a private dining (with a dedicated chef, of course) make entertaining effortless. There's serenity in the setting, but the villa's private gym and easy access to the elegant Delaire Graff Spa ensure that The Owner's Villa sets itself apart when it comes to wellness.
