By
Alex Smith |
Cape Town has set a new record for the longest and busiest cruise season in its history in 2024-2025, according to official tourism agency Wesgro.
The South African city received 83 ship calls throughout the season, including 22 visits during March, the busiest month of the season. There were 11 inaugural calls during the season, with first-time visitors including Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne, which docked in Cape Town on 10 April 2025.
“We were especially pleased to welcome 11 inaugural calls this season,” said 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. Our world-class infrastructure, coupled with Cape Town’s natural beauty and diverse experiences, makes us a compelling stop on any global cruise itinerary.”
Overall, the Cape Town Cruise Terminal saw a 16 per cent increase in passenger and crew numbers in the 2024-2025 season compared to the previous year. The season concluded with the departure of Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess on 29 June.
“Cruise tourism aligns with our Growth for Jobs Strategy, which focuses on job creation and investment,” said Dr. Ivan Meyer, minister of agriculture, economic development and tourism for the Western Cape. “With 2,000 jobs supported and over a billion rand added to the economy in the previous season, the cruise industry is helping us realise our vision of a thriving, inclusive, and resilient Western Cape.”
The nearby Port of Mossel Bay also welcomed 15 cruise ship calls in 2025. Both ports are supported by Cruise Cape Town, a catalytic project led by Wesgro dedicated to growing the cruise economy in Cape Town and the Western Cape.
‘‘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 Wrenelle Stander, CEO at Wesgro.