Cape Town: As the 2024/25 cruise season draws to a close, Cruise Cape Town, powered by Wesgro, celebrates the end of the longest and most successful cruise season yet, which saw 83 ship calls, of which 11 were inaugural visits.

March stood out as a strong month, with a record-breaking 22 ship visits – the highest in a single month this season, while the Port of Mossel Bay welcomed 15 cruise ship calls this 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,’’ said Wrenelle Stander, CEO at Wesgro.~

Cruise Cape Town is a catalytic project, powered by Wesgro, dedicated to growing the cruise economy in Cape Town and the Western Cape, ensuring greater impact and long-term benefits for the destination. “This catalytic project highlights the power of collaboration, where together with our partners in the public and private sector, we are working together to attract more cruise-liners to our shores.”

Emphasising the economic impact of the cruise sector’s performance, Stander added: “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.”

Overall, the Cape Town Cruise Terminal saw a 16% increase in passenger and crew numbers in the 2024/25 season compared to the 2023/24 season. The 2024/25 cruise season concluded with the departure of the Crown Princess on 29 June.
David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront, which operates the Cruise Terminal, reflected on the importance of inaugural ship visits: “We were especially pleased to welcome 11 inaugural calls this season. 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.”

Queen Anne docked at Cape Town Cruise Terminal

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 10 April 2025. Her arrival marked yet another significant milestone for Cape Town’s growing cruise industry, following last year’s historic occasion when Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria docked together in the city — a first in African history.

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria docked at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal last year

Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development, and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, praised the sector’s job creation impact: “Cruise tourism aligns with our Growth for Jobs Strategy, which focuses on job creation and investment. 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.”

Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth at the City of Cape Town, Alderman James Vos, highlighted the City’s role in promoting cruise tourism: “We have worked hard to promote Cape Town as a cruise gateway to Africa. This season’s success demonstrates what is possible when government and industry collaborate. Every ship arrival is an economic opportunity – not just for the City, but for communities across the metro.”

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

About Cruise Cape Town:
Cruise Cape Town, powered by Wesgro, is a strategic project dedicated to growing the cruise economy and sustainability of the cruise industry in Cape Town and the Western Cape. Comprising key stakeholders such as Wesgro, the Western Cape Government, the City of Cape Town, Transnet Ports Authority, the V&A Waterfront, and the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), Cruise Cape Town aims to enhance competitiveness, stimulate economic growth, and create employment opportunities in the province.