MSC Cruises’ MSC Musica is set to offer a unique cruise to the sub-Antarctic islands of Prince Edward as part of its 2024-25 deployment in South Africa.

Offered in partnership with BirdLife South Africa, a registered non-profit dedicated to bird conservation, the special sailing is scheduled for January 24, 2025.

Sailing roundtrip from Durban, the seven-night voyage will focus on wildlife conservation and bird watching while cruising around the Prince Edward Islands Marine Protected Area.

According to its website, BirdLife is currently seeking a special permit from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to approach Marion, one of the two islands in the archipelago.

While passengers won’t be able to disembark, the association plans to have the MSC Musica within one kilometer of the island.

Over 50 seabird and marine mammal experts will be onboard to assist guests in wildlife watching sessions, the organizers said.

Some of the seabirds that will be seen include King Penguins, Wanderings, Grey-headed, Sooty and Light-mantled Albatrosses, Kerguelen, Grey and Blue Petrels, BirdLife said.

The onboard program also includes a number of informative lectures, as well as a special workshop with seabird expert, author and artist Peter Harrison.

Bookings will be first open to BirdLife South Africa’s donors and members, the cruise is now open to the general public.

According to MSC, all profits from the cruise will be donated to the Mouse-Free Marion campaign.

The project, led by BirdLife South Africa and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, aims to restore Marion Island’s ecosystems and ensure a healthy future for the incredible seabirds that live on the island.

The MSC Musica will spend the 2024-25 cruising out of South African ports. Serving the local market, the ship offers a series of three- to 12-night cruises departing from Durban and Cape Town.