Durban’s Cruise Tourism Grows, But Calls for Safety and Urban Renewal Persist
Durban’s cruise tourism sector continues to thrive, with the recent arrival of the Cunard Line’s Queen Anne cruise ship at the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal highlighting the city’s growing appeal as a port of call. Carrying approximately 3,000 international passengers, the ship docked on Wednesday as part of its World Cruise, which includes a dedicated Cape Town to Singapore leg. Passengers spent the day exploring Durban and its surrounding attractions before the vessel departed later that evening.
The cruise season has become an increasingly valuable contributor to Durban’s visitor economy, particularly following a strong festive period for tourism. According to Brett Tungay, Chair of Hospitality at the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA) KwaZulu-Natal, cruise ship arrivals generate immediate demand for services such as day tours, transport, and retail. “Before the cruise ships arrive, most of them will offer their day packages in the different ports in which they’re going to stop,” Tungay explained. “So, if they come into Durban, for example, they might get a helicopter tour around Durban or a drive out to a game park, or a city tour maybe to the shopping centres.”
Tour operators, transport providers, and guides are among the sectors that benefit directly from these visits, with excursions ranging from urban sightseeing to wildlife experiences outside the city. However, industry representatives stress that the continued growth of Durban’s cruise tourism will depend on addressing key challenges, particularly around safety and urban renewal near the port area.
Tungay emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for passengers disembarking at the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal. “Trying to ensure the safety around the passenger terminal area, that the tourists that are coming off the boat are safe,” he said. While he acknowledged that municipal authorities have made progress in recent years, he called for increased safety measures, particularly around Point Road, a key area near the terminal. “We need to see a little bit more safety in terms of presence there, but the metro is doing a very good job with the cruise ships,” he added.
In addition to safety, Tungay highlighted the need for urban renewal to improve the aesthetic appeal of the area. “We need to see a bit more development in terms of restoration, where there’s a lot of derelict building for the aesthetic value for when these people are coming off the boats,” he noted. Enhancing the streetscape and restoring nearby buildings would not only improve first impressions but also encourage passengers to return for longer stays in the future.
Durban has been positioning itself as a key cruise hub on the southern African coast, with the opening of the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal playing a pivotal role in attracting international vessels. The terminal, which can accommodate up to 4,000 passengers daily, has become a cornerstone of the city’s tourism strategy. Regular calls by major cruise lines, including MSC Cruises and Cunard Line, have bolstered Durban’s reputation as a premier destination for cruise tourism.
For tourism operators, the arrival of large ships represents more than just a single day’s activity. Positive first impressions can encourage passengers to return independently, extending the economic impact beyond the cruise season. Industry stakeholders argue that improving safety visibility and accelerating redevelopment around the Point waterfront would help Durban convert short port calls into repeat visits and longer stays.
As Durban continues to grow its cruise tourism sector, the city’s efforts to balance safety, urban renewal, and visitor experience will be critical. With international cruise lines increasingly including Durban in their itineraries, the city has a unique opportunity to solidify its position as a leading cruise destination in Africa. By addressing these challenges, Durban can ensure that its cruise tourism sector remains a vital contributor to the local economy while offering passengers a safe and memorable experience.
