Cape Town is preparing for an exceptionally dynamic 2025/26 cruise season, with an impressive 72 ship calls already confirmed and expectations for this number to grow further. This notable surge, highlighted by Wesgro, underscores the city's increasing prominence as a top-tier destination for a wide array of cruise operators, ranging from major global lines to specialized boutique expedition vessels, all offering unique itineraries across Southern Africa. The upcoming schedule serves as a clear indication of Cape Town’s growing appeal, not just to traditional large cruise ships but also to smaller, more specialized vessels that cater to travelers seeking adventure and luxury.

Among the season’s most anticipated arrivals is Le Commandant, an advanced ice-breaking ship operated by Ponant, renowned for its polar expeditions. This distinctive vessel is scheduled to embark on an extraordinary 20-day voyage from Cape Town to Brest, France, showcasing the city's strategic role as a pivotal gateway for unique, long-haul maritime journeys. Additionally, Ponant’s Le Bougainville, a five-star boutique ship, will also dock in Cape Town’s harbor, offering its guests an exquisite blend of luxury and intimate exploration experiences.

Adding to the excitement for the new season, the National Geographic Orion, managed by Lindblad Expeditions, is set to launch a brand-new itinerary titled “Southern Africa: Living History and Legendary Species.” This captivating nine-day adventure will guide guests from the iconic slopes of Table Mountain and the historically rich District Six, to the vibrant penguin colony at Boulders Beach, before journeying inland to the world-renowned Sabi Sabi Game Reserve located within the Greater Kruger Park area. Nancy Schumacher, Senior Vice President and General Manager for National Geographic Expeditions, emphasized that this innovative route is designed to allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the majestic beauty and rich history of Southern Africa, while simultaneously upholding National Geographic’s long-standing legacy of exploration and discovery.

The 2025/26 season will also mark the return of Cunard’s magnificent Queen Mary 2 in April, a vessel synonymous with classic ocean travel, further cementing Cape Town’s status as a premier cruise destination. Meanwhile, her sister ship, Queen Anne, will conclude its Southampton–Cape Town route in January. These high-profile visits from globally recognized cruise lines significantly elevate Cape Town’s position on the international cruise map and are expected to attract a diverse mix of international visitors, providing a substantial boost to the city’s vital tourism economy.

Economically, the outlook for the 2025/26 season is highly optimistic. According to the Western Cape Cruise Liner Industry Report, commissioned by Wesgro’s Cruise Cape Town, the preceding 2024/25 season recorded 79 ship calls and generated nearly R2 billion (equivalent to US$116 million) in visitor spending. Industry stakeholders are confident that Cape Town will surpass last season’s performance in the upcoming year, solidifying its role as a crucial port for both regional and international cruise itineraries.

A significant trend contributing to this growth is the increased number of ship calls resulting from security-related rerouting in the Red Sea since 2023. As many cruise operators have had to adjust their deployment plans to ensure passenger safety, Cape Town has emerged as a key beneficiary, seeing a higher volume of vessels seeking alternative, safer routes. While some of these ships have arrived without passengers, this operational shift has undeniably contributed to Cape Town’s rising international profile as a safe and attractive port of call.

The positive economic ripple effects of cruise tourism extend beyond Cape Town itself, reaching smaller coastal towns across the Western Cape. Locations such as Mossel Bay, Hermanus, and Saldanha Bay have collectively welcomed 26 ship visits, generating an estimated R47.5 million (US$2.8 million) in local spending. This broader distribution of cruise tourism revenue highlights the sector’s substantial potential to foster inclusive economic growth and provide crucial support to local economies throughout the province.

For Africa’s wider travel sector, Cape Town’s flourishing cruise industry offers invaluable lessons and opportunities. The city’s proven capability to attract a diverse range of vessels, from luxurious liners to adventurous expedition ships, underscores the critical importance of strategic investments in modern port infrastructure, the development of compelling and authentic shore excursions, and the cultivation of strong partnerships with leading global cruise brands. As more African destinations aspire to tap into the highly lucrative cruise market, Cape Town’s experience provides a clear blueprint, emphasizing the necessity of meticulous strategic planning, robust marketing efforts, and an unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, memorable visitor experiences.

Looking forward, the continuous expansion of cruise tourism in Cape Town and its neighboring regions is poised to fundamentally reshape the travel landscape of Southern Africa. With each new season, the city not only extends a warm welcome to an increasing number of ships and international visitors but also significantly strengthens its position as a dynamic hub for innovation, cultural exchange, and sustainable economic development. As the 2025/26 season commences, all attention will be focused on Cape Town and its coastal counterparts, as they confidently chart a course towards a vibrant and prosperous future within the global cruise industry.