Anthem of the Seas becomes largest cruise ship ever to dock in South Africa

Anthem of the Seas, a Quantum class cruise liner operated by Royal Caribbean International docked in Cape Town this week, becoming the largest cruise ship ever to visit a South African port.

The 168,666 gross ton mega-ship, capable of carrying up to 4,905 passengers, departed Cape Town on October 25th following a technical stop for fuel and provisions.

The ship is sailing around the southern tip of Africa to avoid the Red Sea. Royal Caribbean had intended to reposition the mammoth ship from Europe to Asia via the Suez Canal and Dubai, but cancelled her Dubai to Singapore cruise due to ongoing security concerns in the Red Sea.

The ship is too large to visit most African ports, making a passenger voyage infeasible for Royal Caribbean. Her record-breaking visit to Cape Town, however, comes ahead of a bumper cruise season for the Western Cape and wider South Africa.

According to James Vos, the Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, this arrival is historic, underscoring Cape Town’s growing status as a desirable destination for major international cruise lines. “Every visit pumps R100 million into our local economy – that’s jobs, business opportunities, and growth for Cape Town!” Vos said, emphasizing the positive economic impact these visits bring.

This season, Cape Town anticipates visits from a total of 88 cruise ships, contributing to an expected influx of over 130,000 passengers. These visitors not only generate substantial direct spending but also position Cape Town as a premier travel destination on the continent. The city was recently awarded the title of Africa’s Best Cruise Port, a prestigious accolade that further boosts its appeal.

For those interested in catching a glimpse of these vessels, the best vantage points are accessible within Cape Town’s CBD.

From the Convention Centre, a quick look to the right offers a view of docked cruise liners, including Anthem of the Seas. For a closer experience, visitors can head over to the Cruise Terminal at Maker’s Landing, where they can observe the bustling activity as ships are restocked and prepared for their next journeys.

Vos also highlighted the efforts of the Cruise Cape Town Programme, which actively builds global partnerships to draw these high-profile vessels to South African shores. He concluded optimistically, noting, “Here’s to an unforgettable season of growth, adventure, and endless possibilities ahead.”