The MSC Sinfonia docked in the Eastern Mole in the city's harbour this morning. It is set to leave late tonight and continue its maiden South African voyage, finally docking in Durban.

Starlight Cruises, the local shipping agents for MSC Cruises, said the 58 600-ton vessel would attract a fair amount of attention in local harbours.

Alan Foggit, the managing director of Starlight Cruises, said the MSC Sinfonia conjured up images of a floating resort as it glided through the waters.

"It's like a little city cruising on the water.

"This is a very pleasant holiday experience; it's a well-equipped ship with wonderful facilities. This is a world-class ship operating out of local ports during the summer season."

Some of the amenities it boasts include 777 cabins, three restaurants, a disco, casino, a shopping area and two swimming pools. A medical centre, Internet café and duty-free shops are also on hand.

Almost 1 000 crew would be on board, said Foggit.

The ship left Italy in October with about 1 000 guests on board. Its last stop was Walvis Bay in Namibia. When it docks in Cape Town today, 600 South Africans will join the guests already on board for the journey to Durban.

From Durban, there will be a series of cruises to Mozambique and other Indian Ocean islands until the end of the summer season in April. When the ship leaves Durban on November 14, about 2 000 guests are expected to be on board.