Month: March 2023

Monday morning 13th March 2023. Durban blessed by having 2 MSC cruise ships docked at the same time.

MSC SINFONIA – Tonnage 58,625 gross tons – Length 275m/902 ft – Passengers 2340

MSC ORCHESTRA – Tonnage 92,409 gross tons, Length 294m/964ft, Passengers 3060

Reason for the photos – My brother Jeff and sister in law Linda, were about to embark on the Sinfonia, for a 30 day cruise to Venice, stopping in Reunion, Mauritius, Seychelles, Saudi Arabia, 3 ports in Egypt, Suez Canal, Heraklion(Crete), Athens(Greece), Split(Croatia) arriving in Venice(Italy) on the 9th April.

The Orchestra only due to leave at 20h00.

Cruising in South Africa has definitely increased in popularity, however there have been far too many reports of ill behaviour on some of the local trips to nowhere and onto Mozambique. MSC who are bringing the even bigger SPLENDIDA 137,936 gross tons and +3900 passengers in November, need to stick to the rules and apply them, so that all may enjoy the pleasure of cruising.

How many times do we travel throughout Durban and take everything in ,at face value.

Take for example, the various buildings in our city. What of the historical value?

Here are a few examples of different architectural designs.

1. Art Deco – popularised in the US in the 1930’s , applied to Durban as residential blocks between 1930-1940. Bold colours, geometrical shapes, with ornamentals and local motifs
2. Photo 1- Esplanade 2. Beach front 3. Point area 4. Central Durban(Cenotaph- 1921)

2. Edwardian – generally less ornate Neo Baroque style, early 1900’s.

3. Victorian – relates to Queen Victoria(1837-1901)- commonly known to locals with Broekie lace ornamental wrought iron work.

3. Tudor style– most famous is the PLAYHOUSE.