Cape Town Emerges as Africa’s Premier Cruise Homeport for the 2025-2026 Season

Cape Town is poised for a vibrant 2025-2026 cruise season, showcasing its growth as a leading homeport in Africa. The city, which has traditionally served as a point for repositioning voyages, is adapting by hosting larger vessels and introducing new itineraries, significantly benefitting its local economy and tourism.

The previous cruise season (2024-2025) ended on a high note with 83 ship visits, including 11 first-time arrivals, contributing approximately R1.32 billion to the regional economy. The upcoming season will continue this trend, welcoming notable ships such as Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Mariner, Navigator, and Voyager. Additionally, MSC Opera will offer themed sailings, including the Love Jazz Cruise.

Industry experts note that Cape Town’s status as a homeport is changing travel habits, with more passengers choosing to arrive days in advance to explore local attractions like the Winelands and Table Mountain, thus enhancing the region’s tourism value.

Demographic insights show a notable shift in South Africa’s cruise market, with 65% of bookings made by women aged 30 to 60, of which nearly 40% are repeat customers. Moreover, passengers from Norwegian Cruise Line are younger, with an average age in the mid-30s, demonstrating a strong interest in balcony accommodations.

The evolution of repeat bookings and changing preferences indicates a maturing market that emphasizes both onboard experiences and the surrounding destination. With various cruise lines set to deploy ships to Cape Town and travelers extending their stays, the city is expected to solidify its leadership as Africa’s premier cruise hub in the 2026 season.

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