85,000+ guests, strong Gauteng demand and broad regional reach underline the growing appeal of cruising from South Africa
MSC Cruises has concluded its 2025/2026 South African cruise season featuring MSC Opera, welcoming over 85 000 passengers onboard for 37 sailings, underscoring the continued appetite for cruising in South Africa.
Ross Volk, Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa, says the season highlighted the growing strength of cruising as an accessible, value based, holiday choice for travellers. “South African travellers continue to prioritise holidays that require effortless planning and still offer variety, entertainment and discovery, and as MSC Cruises, we are always cognizant of this. Cruising remains a great holiday option, and we are happy to see more South Africans make this discovery.”
An end to a positive season
The local season began in November 2025, sailing from Durban’s iconic Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal, before MSC Opera repositioned to Cape Town for the final chapter of the South African programme.
Gauteng remained a standout source market, with the majority of passengers travelling from the province, pointing to a clear and growing trend; more landlocked travellers are choosing cruise holidays for their convenience, value and novelty.
The local season also reflected the widening reach of cruising with women making up around two-thirds of passengers, while international travellers also showed a keen interest in local itineraries, with guests from Russia, the United States of America, Germany, Brazil, China, the United Kingdom and more, cruising locally.
The itineraries gave holidaymakers a front-row seat to some of the region’s most memorable destinations. From Mozambique’s Portuguese Island, Pomene and Maputo, to Mauritius, Réunion and Walvis Bay.
The season’s themed cruises added a unique touch, with tailored entertainment for guests to enjoy.
Growing demand, growing impact
The 2024/25 Western Cape Cruise Liner Industry Report highlighted a 32% rise in total economic expenditure this season. 127 000 cruise passengers contributed R 1.99 billion this season, compared to R1.5 billion contributed to the economy in the previous season.
Although this is a fraction of the 37 million global cruise passengers noted by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), 2026 State of the Cruise Industry Report, Volk
believes that South Africa can look forward to sustained growth locally, supported by a robust tourism industry.
He notes that the impact of the local seasons extends beyond the ship. “Every cruise season supports a wider tourism ecosystem, from port operations and local suppliers to hospitality, transport and destination experiences. When guests cruise from South Africa, the value is felt on board, on shore and across the communities from which we operate.”
Welcoming MSC Armonia
Looking ahead, MSC Cruises will return for the 2026/2027 cruise season which will feature MSC Armonia, arriving in the country for the first time on 27 November 2026.
Sailing directly from Durban and Cape Town, MSC Armonia will offer guests a more intimate cruise experience, suitable for every type of traveller. Guests can look forward to the MSC Aurea Spa, an ocean-view gym, scenic walking track, live entertainment, themed bars, kids’ zones featuring LEGO®, an open-air spray park, and activities suited for every member of the family.
For more information on the upcoming local cruise season, please visit: https://www.msccruises.co.za/cruise-deals/local-deals/msc-armonia-south-africa-2026 or https://shorturl.at/LK2vv
