Today, 6 December 2013, following the sad news of the passing of former South African President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, MSC Cruises’ fleet will pay tribute to this towering figure of our time.

Tonight a minute of silence will be respected in memory of Mandela’s life at the beginning of all shows across MSC Cruises’ 12 ships.

The South African flag will also be flown at half-mast on MSC Opera and MSC Sinfonia, currently cruising in South African waters.

Eulogies will be held by MSC Sinfonia’s and MSC Opera’s cruise directors tonight to remember South Africa's first black president and his legacy. A moment of silence will be respected in memory of Mandela’s life. Traditional South African music will be played, to wish the revered figure farewell.

Mandela passed away on 5 December 2013, at his Houghton home in Johannesburg, surrounded by his family.

MSC Cruises salutes a great man who stood for freedom, hope, tolerance as well as peace, and set a moral example not only to a nation, but to the world.