Cape Town has officially wrapped up its longest and most successful cruise season on record, with 83 ship calls during the 2024/25 season – 11 of them marking inaugural visits.
Image of The World Cruise Ship in Cape Town (2024) used for illustrative purposes/Radova/Wikimedia Commons
March emerged as the busiest month, seeing 22 cruise liners dock at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal, while the Port of Mossel Bay recorded 15 cruise ship calls, showing growing interest along the Western Cape’s coastline.
Passenger and crew numbers at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal rose by 16% compared to the 2023/24 season, a sign of the city’s growing appeal as a key African cruise hub, according to Engineering News.
“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,” said Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander.
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Wesgro’s strategy to anchor Cape Town as a cruise hub
Cruise Cape Town – an initiative powered by Wesgro – was established to enhance the cruise industry across the province.
“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,” said 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.”
Cruise tourism pumps over R1 billion into the economy
“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,” said 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.”
Inaugural visits signal growing global interest
David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront, which operates the Cruise Terminal, echoed the excitement around the growth of the industry.
“We were especially pleased to welcome 11 inaugural calls this season,” said Green.
“Each new ship that chooses Cape Town brings with it the opportunity to create long-term partnerships.”
Among the season’s most notable arrivals was Cunard’s Queen Anne, which made its inaugural Cape Town docking on April 10, drawing global attention.
Looking ahead, Cruise Cape Town is already preparing for another bumper 2025/26 season, with a robust lineup of confirmed arrivals hinting at continued momentum for the region’s thriving cruise economy.
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