Cape Town Shines as Cruise Hub: Costa Smeralda’s SA Stop Underscores City’s Growing Importance
Costa Cruises has unveiled exciting plans for its 2026/27 winter season, with the Costa Smeralda set to make a significant stop in Cape Town, South Africa. This move highlights Cape Town's rising prominence as a key player in the global cruise industry, offering a strategic gateway for repositioning cruises between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
The decision to route Costa Smeralda via Cape Town reflects a broader industry trend. With ongoing instability in the Red Sea, many cruise lines are choosing to navigate around Africa, solidifying Cape Town's position as a vital link in international cruise itineraries. This strategic shift follows a similar move by Costa Toscana during the 2025/26 season, which also included Cape Town as a port of call on its repositioning voyages between Europe and the Middle East.
After completing its journey around the African continent, the LNG-powered Costa Smeralda will be stationed in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from December 2026 to March 2027. During this period, the ship will offer a series of enticing seven-night cruises to popular destinations in Qatar and Oman, providing travelers with an unforgettable Arabian Gulf experience.
This deployment forms part of Costa Cruises' comprehensive 2026/27 global program, which features eight ships operating across five distinct regions. While South America and the Caribbean remain the company's largest markets, with ships like Costa Diadema, Costa Serena, Costa Favolosa, and Costa Fascinosa serving these regions, the focus on Cape Town underscores the growing importance of the African market.
In Europe, Costa Toscana will continue to operate in the Western Mediterranean, offering week-long itineraries to captivating destinations in Italy, France, Spain, and Tunisia. Meanwhile, Costa Pacifica will reposition to the Canary Islands in early 2027, further diversifying the company's offerings.
The 2026/27 program also includes two exciting world cruises. Costa Serena will embark on a new 65-night itinerary from Tokyo to Buenos Aires, departing in October 2026 and visiting 24 ports along the way. Costa Deliziosa will offer a classic round-the-world voyage starting in November, departing from Italy, Spain, and France.
The return of Costa Smeralda to the Middle East builds on its successful deployment during the 2024/25 season, where it made history as the first Costa vessel to be refueled with LNG in Dubai. This achievement highlights the region's growing capacity to accommodate next-generation cruise ships and reinforces Costa Cruises' commitment to sustainable practices.
Launched in 2019, the 182,700 GT Costa Smeralda is a true giant of the seas, measuring 337 meters in length and accommodating 5,224 guests at double occupancy. With nine restaurants, 15 cafes and bars, three pools, an aqua park, eight whirlpools, a spa and fitness center, and a wide array of entertainment venues, the ship offers a luxurious and unforgettable experience for all its passengers.
As more cruise lines divert their routes away from the Red Sea, Cape Town's strategic importance continues to grow. The city is rapidly becoming a crucial logistical and tourism hub within the global cruise network, connecting continents and bridging major seasonal markets. This development presents exciting opportunities for African travel agents to capitalize on the expanding cruise tourism sector and offer their clients unique and enriching travel experiences.
Cape Town's emergence as a cruise hub is further bolstered by significant investments in its port infrastructure and the city's commitment to providing world-class facilities for cruise passengers. The Cape Town Cruise Terminal, recognized as Africa's best, has undergone substantial upgrades to accommodate larger, modern vessels and ensure smooth passenger flow. These enhancements, combined with the city's vibrant cultural attractions and natural beauty, make Cape Town an increasingly attractive destination for both cruise lines and travelers.
The cruise industry's growing focus on Cape Town also brings significant economic benefits to the region. Cruise tourism has already generated substantial revenue for the local economy, creating jobs and supporting various businesses in the tourism sector. As more cruise ships include Cape Town in their itineraries, this positive economic impact is expected to amplify, further strengthening the city's position as a leading destination in the African travel market.
