Cruise Cape Town has wrapped up a record-breaking season, boosting jobs and the economy. Cape Town’s thriving cruise sector continues to make waves. It has contributed over R1.3 billion to the regional economy and supported 2,000 jobs in the 2024/25 season.
Cruise Cape Town has wrapped up a record-breaking season
As the curtain falls on the longest and most successful cruise season to date, Cruise Cape Town, powered by Wesgro, is celebrating not just impressive visitor numbers but the growing economic and employment impact of cruise tourism across the Western Cape.
83 Ship Calls and 11 Inaugural Visits Mark Bumper Season
The 2024/25 season saw 83 ship calls, including 11 inaugural visits, affirming Cape Town’s status as a premier cruise destination on the African continent. March was a standout month, with 22 ship visits recorded. This is the highest in a single month this season. The Port of Mossel Bay also welcomed 15 cruise ships, reflecting the growing appeal of regional ports.
R1.32 Billion Boost and 2,000 Jobs Created
“The cruise sector’s contribution to the local economy is undeniable,” said Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander. In just one season, cruise tourism injected R1.32 billion into the regional economy and supported 2,000 jobs across various sectors, and this is from tour operators and hotels to local crafters and restaurants.”
Cruise Cape Town is a catalytic project by Wesgro aimed at expanding the province’s cruise economy, ensuring long-term benefits and sustained growth.
“It’s a testament to strong public-private partnerships working together to make Cape Town a preferred port of call,” Stander added.
Record Growth in Passenger Numbers
The Cape Town Cruise Terminal, operated by the V&A Waterfront, experienced a 16% increase in passenger and crew numbers this season. Reflecting on the 11 inaugural calls, David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront, noted, “Each new ship strengthens global ties and opens doors for long-term collaboration. Cape Town’s world-class infrastructure and breathtaking scenery make it a must-visit on any global itinerary.”
Iconic Moments and Milestones
One of the season’s most memorable moments was the arrival of Cunard’s Queen Anne on 10 April 2025 – her first-ever docking in Cape Town. This followed last season’s historic moment when Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria docked together in the city – a first for Africa.
Cruise Tourism Aligns with Job Creation and Growth Strategy
Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, praised the industry’s contribution to the Growth for Jobs Strategy: “This sector is delivering real economic value and inclusive job creation. With over a billion rand contributed and thousands of jobs supported, the cruise industry is vital to our provincial economy.”
City of Cape Town: A Strategic Cruise Gateway to Africa
Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, highlighted the City’s role in promoting Cape Town as a cruise hub: “We’ve positioned Cape Town as the cruise gateway to Africa. Each ship that docks brings new economic opportunities, not just to the city but to communities across the metro.”
Eyes on the Horizon: 2025/26 Season Set to Shine
Looking ahead, Cruise Cape Town is preparing for an even stronger 2025/26 season, with a robust pipeline already in place. The season officially concluded with the departure of the Crown Princess on 29 June.
With continued collaboration between government and industry partners, the region’s cruise sector is charting a course toward even greater economic impact.
