Around the World at Table 643

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After the mandatory security check, it was finally time to step on board the MSC Magnifica for the first time. Since she is a sister ship to the MSC Poesia, we immediately felt familiar with the layout and first made our way to our respective cabins. We wanted to collect our cruise cards and drop off our hand luggage before fully exploring the ship.

As the cabins were not yet ready, we headed to the buffet restaurant to grab something to eat and enjoy a cold drink. There, we experienced our first reunion with waitresses and waiters who had already been on the 2023 world cruise with us aboard the MSC Poesia. What surprised us was that members of the crew actually remembered us. After all, they meet thousands of travelers over time, and the previous world cruise had taken place two years earlier. This naturally led to several interesting conversations.

Afterward, we returned to our cabins and waited for our suitcases to arrive. My parents had chosen a balcony cabin, while I opted for a standard interior cabin. I was fortunate to be assigned an accessible cabin. These cabins are generally larger, which makes storing the suitcases much easier, and they also feature a more spacious bathroom. My cabin this time was 9037, the same number as on the previous voyage, just on the opposite side of the ship. My parents were staying in cabin 12102. Once the suitcases had been delivered outside the cabins, it was time to unpack and settle in for the journey ahead.

Due to the change in the itinerary, each cabin received an additional onboard credit of 500 euros, which could be used for various activities on board. If that were not sufficient, guests could deposit cash at designated machines or register a credit card to their account.

In the late afternoon, the mandatory safety drill was scheduled. In the event of an emergency on board, procedures must run smoothly. For that reason, guests first watch a safety video in their cabin on the television. Afterward, the emergency signal sounds, seven short blasts followed by one long blast, and guests must call a specific phone number to confirm that they have watched the video. Finally, everyone must proceed to their assigned muster station. The location of the muster station is posted inside the cabin and also printed on the cruise card. It is important to note that during the drill, as in a real emergency, elevators are not in operation, so the stairs must be used. Fortunately, during the drill, it is not necessary to wear a life jacket. Guests only need to go to the muster station and have their cruise card scanned. Nevertheless, there are always a few fellow travelers who show up wearing their life jackets.

In the evening, guests can choose between the buffet restaurant, which I described in the previous chapter, and the main dining room with table service. In this restaurant, each guest is assigned a fixed table for the entire voyage as well as a dedicated waiter. The three of us were fortunate to receive a private table. Table sizes range from two to ten guests. This is also where the title of my book originates, as we were assigned table 643 in the Quattro Venti restaurant.

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In the afternoon, I was sitting on my parents’ balcony when the unmistakable silhouette of Cape Horn suddenly appeared on the horizon. It was a moment that sent chills down our spines. We had truly reached the end of the world, the southernmost point of the South American continent.

It was a deeply moving moment, filled with the fascination and history of countless sailors who once had to navigate this passage under the harshest conditions. Today, we were fortunate enough to experience this natural wonder in complete calm and safety.

Slowly, the MSC Magnifica passed the steep cliffs and the wild landscape of the cape. Spray crashed against the rocks, and despite the surprisingly mild conditions for this region, the air felt cuttingly cold at just 6 °C.

Yet the weather offered exceptionally clear visibility, a true gift in an area that is so often shrouded in mist.

After passing Cape Horn once, the ship turned around and sailed by it a second time. This double passage gave us the opportunity to take in the untamed beauty and dramatic scenery of this magical place even more intensely.

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During the World Cruise 2025 on board the MSC Magnifica, we once again had the opportunity to experience Sydney for 2 days, which gave us enough time to explore both the classic sights and some personal highlights. Early in the morning on the first day, we sailed into the impressive harbor and were welcomed by a spectacular view of the Opera House and the mighty Harbour Bridge.

As the cruise terminal was already occupied, we anchored offshore and reached land by tender boats, which delayed our planned excursion by about 1 hour.

Our tour began with a drive through The Rocks, one of Sydney’s oldest neighborhoods, which recalls the early days of the city with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and distinctive atmosphere. We then continued to the famous Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s best-known beaches. Unfortunately, we had only a limited time there, so we had to confine ourselves to a short walk, a few photos, and a view of the ocean.

Back near the Opera House, we parted ways with the group and explored the city on our own. While strolling through the streets, we happened to discover a LEGO Store. Of course, we made a short stop there and admired the many LEGO animals and constructions on display. The highlight of the day, however, was still to come. A visit to the Sydney Tower Eye offered a breathtaking panoramic view over the city, the coastline, and the surrounding mountains. From above, it became truly clear just how vast and diverse Sydney really is.

After this impressive experience, we took a taxi back to the Opera House and then returned to the MSC Magnifica by tender boat. The first day was packed, varied, and full of classic Sydney sights.

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