Cruise Cape Town says it has seen the longest and most successful cruise season yet, with 83 ship calls, of which 11 were inaugural visits.

March stood out as the strongest month, with 22 ship visits – the highest in a single month this season. The Port of Mossel Bay, meanwhile, welcomed 15 cruise ship calls this season.

Overall, the Cape Town Cruise Terminal saw a 16% increase in passenger and crew numbers in the 2024/25 season, which ended in June, compared with the 2023/24 season.

‘‘As we work towards the province’s goal of doubling tourism by 2035, these figures underscore Cape Town and the Western Cape’s growing stature as a leading cruise destination on the African continent,’’ says Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander.

Cruise Cape Town (powered by Wesgro) has been established to grow the cruise economy in Cape Town and the Western Cape.

“This catalytic project highlights the power of collaboration, where, together with our partners in the public and private sectors, we are working together to attract more cruise-liners to our shores,” says Stander.

“Beyond the record number of ship calls, the economic impact of cruise tourism is undeniable.

“During the 2023/24 season, the sector contributed R1.32-billion to the regional economy and supported 2 000 jobs.

“This growing industry creates tangible value for local businesses, from tour operators and accommodation providers to restaurants and artisans, and helps position Cape Town and the Western Cape as a globally competitive tourism destination.”

“We were especially pleased to welcome 11 inaugural calls this season,” says David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront, which operates the Cruise Terminal.

“Each new ship that chooses Cape Town brings with it the opportunity to create long-term partnerships.”

One of the most memorable inaugural visits this season was the arrival of the world-renowned British cruise liner, Cunard’s Queen Anne, which docked in Cape Town on April 10.

Looking ahead, Cruise Cape Town says it is gearing up for another bumper season, with a strong pipeline of arrivals already in place for 2025/26.