'Why my first cruise changed everything about how I view holidays'

MY FIRST MSC cruise was aboard the MSC Opera, and I've returned with a heart full of stories and memories that still feel unreal.

- LUTHO PASIYA

THE buffet restaurant offers a wide variety of meals throughout the day, making it easy to find something to enjoy at any time. THE balcony cabin.

(Supplied Supplied)

Before embarkation day arrived, I was nervous. Very nervous. Every day, I scrolled through TikTok looking for tips from people who had cruised before. What to pack. What not to pack.

What to expect. Where to eat. What to avoid. That endless scrolling actually helped. It calmed my nerves and made the whole idea feel less intimidating. By the time the day arrived, I felt like I had a tiny crew of strangers guiding me through my first cruise adventure.

The trip was four nights long, which felt both short and endless in the best way.

I was booked into the balcony cabin, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to experience the magic fully. There is something about waking up, opening the curtain, and seeing blue water stretch forever.

You sit there quietly, watching the ocean move, feeling like the world has paused just for you. It becomes your private cinema, except the screen is the sea and the soundtrack is the waves.

Days one and two were spent at sea. Day three was meant to be our stop in Pomene in Mozambique, a moment I had been looking forward to. But nature had other plans, denying us even a few precious hours of island life.

Captain Pietro Scarpato, master of MSC Opera, announced that we could not disembark due to the bad weather. He explained that forecasts showed rough seas and strong winds, making anchoring and tendering unsafe.