Cruise Cape Town Makes Waves with Record-Breaking Season
Report and image courtesy of Wesgro
Cape Town’s star continues to rise on the global cruise map, as Cruise Cape Town, powered by Wesgro, wraps up its most successful season to date. The 2024/25 cruise season marked a historic milestone with 83 ship calls to the Port of Cape Town – 11 of which were inaugural visits – and a notable expansion of cruise tourism across the Western Cape.
According to figures reported by Wesgro, March emerged as a highlight month with a record 22 ship calls, the highest ever recorded in a single month. Meanwhile, Mossel Bay welcomed 15 cruise ships, reflecting a broader regional growth that strengthens the province’s appeal as a cruise destination.
“This season underscores the Western Cape’s growing stature as a cruise hub on the African continent,” said Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander. “As we work toward our goal of doubling tourism by 2035, the cruise sector plays a critical role in driving economic impact and creating jobs.”
A flagship initiative of Wesgro, Cruise Cape Town is a catalytic project aimed at scaling the region’s cruise economy through strong public-private partnerships. The results speak volumes. The 2023/24 season injected an estimated R1.32 billion into the regional economy and supported over 2,000 jobs – a significant boost for local tour operators, accommodation providers, restaurants, and artisans alike.
The Cape Town Cruise Terminal, operated by the V&A Waterfront, recorded a 16% rise in passenger and crew traffic this season compared to the previous year. The season culminated with the departure of the Crown Princess on 29 June, closing what has become a defining chapter in the city’s cruise journey.
Among the season’s most memorable moments was the arrival of Cunard’s Queen Anne on 10 April 2025 – her maiden call to Cape Town – following last year’s historic docking of Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, a first in African cruise history.
David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront, noted the strategic value of welcoming new ships: “Each inaugural visit opens the door to long-term partnerships. Our world-class cruise infrastructure, combined with Cape Town’s natural beauty and cultural richness, makes us a compelling stop on the world’s most coveted itineraries.”
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development, and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, lauded the sector’s role in job creation. “Cruise tourism is aligned with our Growth for Jobs Strategy. With thousands of livelihoods supported and more than a billion rand generated, this industry is helping us build a thriving, inclusive, and resilient Western Cape.”
City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, echoed the sentiment: “This season’s success proves what’s possible when government and industry pull in the same direction. Every ship that docks brings economic opportunity for our city and beyond.”
With a strong pipeline already confirmed, Cruise Cape Town is charting a bold course into the 2025/26 season — and all signs point to another stellar year for cruise tourism in South Africa’s Mother City.
