Cape Town’s 2025/26 Cruise Season Brings New Luxury Ships and Expanding Regional Impact

The 2025/26 cruise season in Cape Town is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic yet, with 72 ship calls already confirmed and expectations for this number to rise as the season unfolds. This surge, highlighted by Wesgro, underscores the city’s growing reputation as a premier destination for both major cruise operators and boutique expedition lines, each offering distinctive itineraries across Southern Africa.

This year’s schedule is a testament to Cape Town’s increasing allure, not only for traditional cruise giants but also for smaller, specialized vessels that cater to adventurous and luxury-seeking travelers. Among the season’s highlights is the arrival of Le Commandant, an ice-breaking ship operated by Ponant, renowned for its polar expeditions. This vessel will embark on a remarkable 20-day journey from Cape Town to Brest, France, showcasing the city’s role as a gateway for unique, long-haul voyages.

Ponant’s Le Bougainville, a five-star boutique ship, will also grace Cape Town’s harbor, offering guests a blend of luxury and intimate exploration. Adding to the excitement, the National Geographic Orion, operated by Lindblad Expeditions, is set to debut a new itinerary titled “Southern Africa: Living History and Legendary Species.” This nine-day adventure will take guests from the iconic Table Mountain and the historic District Six to the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, before venturing inland to the renowned Sabi Sabi Game Reserve within the Greater Kruger Park. Nancy Schumacher, Senior Vice President and General Manager for National Geographic Expeditions, emphasized that this new route will allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the majesty of Southern Africa while continuing National Geographic’s legacy of exploration.

The season will also see the return of Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 in April, a vessel synonymous with classic ocean travel, while her sister ship, Queen Anne, will conclude its Southampton–Cape Town route in January. These high-profile visits not only elevate Cape Town’s status on the global cruise map but also attract a diverse mix of international visitors, further boosting the city’s tourism economy.

According to the Western Cape Cruise Liner Industry Report, commissioned by Wesgro’s Cruise Cape Town, the previous 2024/25 season saw 79 ship calls, generating nearly R2 billion (US\$116 million) in visitor spending. The outlook for 2025/26 is even more optimistic, with industry stakeholders anticipating that the city will surpass last season’s performance as it cements its role as a key port for both regional and international cruise itineraries.

One notable trend driving this growth is the increase in ship calls due to security-related rerouting in the Red Sea since 2023. As cruise operators adjust their deployment plans, Cape Town has benefited from a higher number of vessels seeking alternative routes. While some ships have arrived without passengers, this shift has nonetheless contributed to the city’s rising profile as a safe and attractive port of call.

The economic benefits of cruise tourism are not limited to Cape Town alone. Smaller coastal towns such as Mossel Bay, Hermanus, and Saldanha Bay are also experiencing a positive ripple effect. Collectively, these towns received 26 ship visits, generating R47.5 million (US\$2.8 million) in local spending. This broader distribution of cruise tourism revenue highlights the sector’s potential to drive inclusive growth and support local economies across the Western Cape.

For Africa’s travel sector, Cape Town’s cruise boom offers valuable lessons and opportunities. The city’s ability to attract a diverse range of vessels—from luxury liners to expedition ships—demonstrates the importance of investing in port infrastructure, developing compelling shore excursions, and fostering partnerships with global cruise brands. As more African destinations look to tap into the lucrative cruise market, Cape Town’s experience underscores the need for strategic planning, robust marketing, and a focus on delivering authentic, high-quality visitor experiences.

Looking ahead, the continued expansion of cruise tourism in Cape Town and beyond is set to reshape the region’s travel landscape. With each new season, the city not only welcomes more ships and visitors but also strengthens its position as a hub for innovation, cultural exchange, and sustainable economic development. As the 2025/26 season gets underway, all eyes will be on Cape Town and its coastal neighbors, watching as they chart a course toward a vibrant and prosperous future in the global cruise industry.