Cape Town Cruise Sector Set for Record Season, Boosting Regional Tourism
The 2025/26 cruise season promises unprecedented activity for Cape Town, solidifying its position as a leading cruise hub in Africa. With over 50 confirmed itineraries, the Mother City is preparing for a diverse array of vessels, from luxury liners to expedition ships, further enhancing its appeal to international cruise lines and boosting regional tourism.
As the current season concludes, marked by repositioning voyages departing through early June, the focus shifts to the exciting prospects of the upcoming season. Norwegian Sky, Oceania Nautica, Mein Schiff 6, and AIDAstella are among the vessels offering final departures from Cape Town in May, presenting last-minute opportunities for travelers seeking unique itineraries along Africa’s western coast and across the Atlantic.
The 2025/26 season kicks off in October with Mein Schiff 4 embarking on a 19-night journey to Dubai, signaling the start of a busy period. November sees a surge in activity with AIDAprima, Voyager of the Seas, Azamara Pursuit, and Europa gracing Cape Town’s port, offering diverse itineraries to destinations such as Singapore, Mauritius, and the Seychelles. This influx of cruise traffic underscores the growing recognition of Cape Town as a prime departure point for global voyages.
December welcomes the return of Oceania Sirena, embarking on a 24-night voyage to Singapore, and Costa Toscana, commencing its Middle East journey to Dubai. The presence of these prominent vessels, alongside others like Azamara Journey and Crystal Symphony, highlights Cape Town’s ability to attract a wide range of cruise lines and cater to diverse passenger preferences.
January marks the peak of cruise activity, with a diverse fleet of vessels including Seven Seas Voyager, AIDAstella, Arcadia, Queen Anne, and the iconic Queen Mary 2. These ships will connect Cape Town to destinations across the globe, from Port Louis to Sydney, Hong Kong, and New York, showcasing the city’s strategic importance as a global cruise hub.
The momentum continues into February and March with long-haul voyages to Europe and the Canary Islands, culminating in April and May 2026 with return transits to the Mediterranean and beyond. AIDAprima and Costa ships will connect Cape Town with key European homeports, offering convenient access for both repositioning guests and European source markets.
The 2025/26 season features several noteworthy highlights, including AIDAprima’s 21-night sailing to Abu Dhabi, showcasing the growing German cruise market’s interest in the region. The arrival of Costa Toscana, the largest and newest ship of the season, underscores Cape Town’s appeal to high-capacity, next-generation vessels. Cunard Line’s Queen Anne will make a significant call as part of her inaugural world cruise, reinforcing Cape Town’s long-standing connection with this prestigious line.
The season concludes with the final sailings of Norwegian Sun and Seven Seas Mariner, marking the end of an era for these vessels. Their departure underscores the constant evolution of the cruise industry and the ongoing renewal of fleets serving Cape Town.
This robust cruise schedule not only benefits Cape Town but also has a significant positive impact on the broader regional economy. The influx of tourists generates revenue for local businesses, creates employment opportunities, and stimulates investment in infrastructure. Cape Town’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices ensures that this growth aligns with environmental responsibility, preserving the natural beauty and resources of the region.
The impressive lineup of cruise ships and diverse itineraries planned for the 2025/26 season positions Cape Town as a premier cruise destination, attracting a global audience and contributing significantly to the growth of the African tourism sector. This vibrant activity reinforces the city’s reputation as a dynamic and attractive hub for both travelers and the cruise industry.
