Western Cape Cruises Surge
The Western Cape has solidified its status as Africa’s top cruise destination, riding the wave of a record-breaking 2024/25 season. This surge in cruise tourism presents a wealth of opportunities for African travel agents seeking to capitalize on the growing demand for seafaring adventures.
Between November 2024 and June 2025, the region welcomed an unprecedented 145,000 cruise passengers and crew across Cape Town and Mossel Bay. Cape Town, the region’s bustling hub, saw a remarkable 22 cruise calls in March 2025 alone, its busiest month ever. Meanwhile, Mossel Bay is steadily gaining traction as a secondary port, hosting 15 ship visits and extending the reach of cruise tourism beyond the metropolitan center.
This vibrant cruise activity injected an estimated R1.32 billion into the Western Cape economy, fueling job growth in tourism, transport, hospitality, and related sectors. Over 2,000 jobs were supported by the cruise industry, demonstrating its significant contribution to the region’s economic prosperity.
A landmark moment in the season was the inaugural visit of Cunard Line’s Queen Anne, marking a growing interest in luxury cruises and world voyages. This trend is further reinforced by increased seasonal deployments from major players like MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and AIDA Cruises, many of whom utilize Cape Town as a turnaround port.
This success story aligns perfectly with the Western Cape’s tourism strategy, which aims to double visitor numbers by 2035. The positive ripple effects of cruise tourism are already evident, with towns along the scenic Garden Route experiencing increased demand for shore excursions and local experiences.
Wesgro, the regional tourism and investment agency, emphasizes the long-term potential of cruise tourism as a cornerstone of the province’s economic strategy. The Cruise Cape Town initiative, a collaborative public-private partnership, has been instrumental in this growth, focusing on infrastructure enhancements, streamlined disembarkation procedures, and targeted international promotion.
This successful model stands in contrast to other South African ports like Durban, where investment lagged until MSC Cruises spearheaded the development of the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal. While Durban remains a key domestic cruise port, Cape Town’s strategic approach and infrastructure investments have solidified its position as the preferred destination for international cruise lines.
African travel agents are ideally positioned to leverage this cruise tourism boom. By crafting enticing cruise packages, partnering with local businesses, and targeting high-value segments like luxury and experiential cruising, agents can tap into this lucrative market.
Creating bespoke shore excursions that showcase the unique attractions of the Western Cape, from wine regions to wildlife reserves, offers another avenue for agents to differentiate their offerings. Embracing digital marketing strategies, highlighting sustainable tourism practices, and building strong relationships with cruise lines and local stakeholders are crucial for success in this dynamic market.
The continued growth of cruise tourism in the Western Cape presents a wealth of opportunities for African travel agents. By staying informed about industry trends, investing in professional development, and actively engaging with cruise lines and local partners, agents can unlock significant business potential and contribute to the ongoing success of this vibrant sector.
Cape Town’s state-of-the-art cruise terminal, located at the vibrant V& A Waterfront, offers a seamless and enjoyable experience for passengers. With modern amenities, convenient access to shops and restaurants, and efficient disembarkation processes, the terminal has been recognized as Africa’s Best Cruise Terminal. This world-class facility further enhances Cape Town’s appeal as a premier cruise destination.
Meanwhile, Mossel Bay is investing in its own cruise infrastructure, with a new terminal currently under construction. This development will enable the port to accommodate larger vessels, further expanding the reach of cruise tourism along the Garden Route. These infrastructure investments underscore the Western Cape’s commitment to the long-term growth of the cruise sector.
The Cruise Cape Town initiative, a collaborative effort between government, port authorities, and private businesses, has been instrumental in driving the region’s cruise tourism success. By focusing on infrastructure development, streamlined processes, and international marketing, the initiative has created a favorable environment for cruise lines and positioned Cape Town as a leading global cruise destination.
