MSC Sinfonia gets an upgrade

MSC Sinfonia gets an upgrade

Cape Town - The popular South African cruise liner, the MSC Sinfonia, will be one of a few MSC cruise ships undergoing a 200 million Euro upgrade in the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo, Sicily.

The improved MSC Sinfonia is planned to return to South African seas in time for the 2015/2016 cruising season, reports iAfrica.

Only 4 of the twelve ships in the MSC fleet will be revamped in this 'Renaissance Program' - the MSC Armonia, MSC Licrica, the MSC Opera and the MSC Sinfonia.

They are planned to be lengthened by inserting a pre-made 24 meter long section to the vessel, that would enable the it to hold more than 600 passengers extra.

Facilities, such as a Baby Club childcare unit and a Young Club unit for older children, will be also be initiated as part of the improvement program. Technological improvements, as well as an upgrade to the menus and the beloved 20-hour buffet are also something cruisers can look forward to.

XL Travel by Arrangement Turns 15!!!

XL Travel by Arrangement Turns 15!! Happy Birthday to 15 Years of Growth, Dedication and Service Excellence...

Mozambique - More heavy rain expected

More than 200 people have died in Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar in one of the worst disasters to hit the region in years. Rivers have burst their banks, flooding vast areas and destroying homes, bridges and crops.

More heavy rainfall has been forecast to hit the same areas in the next few days.

Torrential rains are also expected in the southern regions of Tanzania, as well as northern Zambia. These rains could worsen the flood situation in the region.

Malawi has been hardest hit, with at least 176 people confirmed dead and 121 000 others displaced. Its president has declared half of the country a disaster zone.

In neighbouring Mozambique, the government has reported 49 confirmed deaths and 33 unconfirmed deaths in "red alert" central and northern areas.

Travellers in the affected areas are advised to exercise caution when moving around and to listen to advice from the local authorities.

DRC - Fatal protests continue in Kinshasa

Four people have been killed in protests in Kinshasa over claims that President Joseph Kabila is seeking to extend his 14-year rule by delaying next year's elections.

Protests continued today in the capital following yesterday's fatal clashes between opposition supporters and security forces.

Police fired shots in the air to disperse protesters in the city earlier today. 

Students had burned tyres and barricaded the road leading to the University of Kinshasa.

Thousands of people are also protesting in other cities as well, including Goma.

Protesters believe that government plans for a census are a ploy to delay elections.

Travellers are advised to stay away from all public demonstrations and avoid going outside after sunset.

Singapore - Public drinking curbs to be introduced

A new bill, introduced to Parliament yesterday, plans to curb public drinking in Singapore.

Under the new bill, drinking in public places, including parks and common areas in Housing Board estates, will no longer be allowed after 22h30.

The proposed island-wide ban will last through the night till 07h00.

The Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Bill, introduced by Second Minister for Home Affairs S. Iswaran, will also stop retail shops from selling alcohol after 22h30.

There will be stricter rules for Little India and Geylang, which will be designated as Liquor Control Zones - places where there is higher risk of public disorder associated with excessive drinking.

In the Bill, those found guilty of drinking after 22h30 in a public place will face a fine of up to $1 000. A repeat offender may be jailed for up to three months. A shop which sells alcohol after permitted hours may get a fine not exceeding $10 000.

The tougher measures will be similar to the temporary rules put in place in Little India following the December 8, 2013 riot there.

Drinking is currently banned in public places in Little India from 06h00 on Saturdays, to 06h00 on Mondays, and also from 06h00 on the eve of public holidays, to 06h00 on the day after public holidays. Additionally, the retail sale of alcohol is banned from 20h00 till 0600 on weekends, and on the eve of public holidays and public holidays.

It is not currently known when the new bill will come into effect.

COTE D'IVOIRE Cholera outbreak in capital

An outbreak of cholera in Abidjan has infected 264 people, resulting in 19 deaths.

The most affected areas are Koumassi; Port Bouët; Yapougon; and Attécoubé. 

The details of the epidemic are correct as of December 2014.

Travellers are advised to take extra precautions including, washing hands frequently and with soap; drinking only safe bottled water; eating properly cooked food that is not from street vendors; avoiding eating sushi and any other raw fish; only eating fruits that have been peeled by themselves; and avoiding eating any dairy products. 

Airport to open all-access Arrivals lounge

OR Tambo International Airport is to get a new arrivals lounge, open to all travellers, regardless of airline or travel class.

It will be the first of its kind in South Africa.

The Sesfikile Premium Arrivals Lounge, which will offer complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi among other things, is set to open in April, adjacent to the SAA Arrivals lounge. 

The lounge will also be open to walk-in travellers, irrespective of flight class, who will be charged R350 plus VAT to enter.

Mauritius, Splash into the New Year with LUX Resorts

LUX Belle Mare From R19 255.00 per person Sharing

LUX Le Morne From R20 705.00 per person sharing

Packages Include: Valid 03 Jan - 31 Jan 2015

*Return Flights ex Johannesburg

*Return airport to hotel transfers

*6 nights accommodation

*approximate airport taxes

*Hotel credit of MUR8000 per room per stay

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Package Excludes: Items of a personal nature, Meals not mentioned

Terms & Conditions Apply

For More Packages Contact us:

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T: 011 794 4900

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Happy 2015!!

 "Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you have always wanted to do but could not find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Vow not to make a promise you do not think you can keep. Walk tall, and smile more. You will look 10 years younger. Do not be afraid to say, I love you. Say it again. They are the sweetest words in the world." - Ann Landers

Travel more this year with... 

 XL Travel by Arrangement & Holiday Cafe