South Africa needs coordinated strategy for long-term impact of temporary cruise boom

South Africa has a unique opportunity to capitalise on the surge in maritime traffic, particularly cruise ship traffic, along the Cape Sea Route, the shipping route connecting the Atlantic and Indian Oceans around the Cape of Good Hope.

As more vessels avoid the Red Sea due to geopolitical instability, the Cape Route is emerging as a vital alternative between Europe and Asia for global shipping and the cruise industry.

Cruise calls to Cape Town will break records for the second consecutive year this coming cruise season, even as some of the larger cruise ships sail without passengers due to infrastructure constraints on the continent.

However, leveraging this potential requires more than infrastructure upgrades, according to the Institute for Security Studies. A strategic shift is needed to enhance the country’s appeal as a premier cruise destination.

South Africa’s Cruise Potential

The hijacking of the merchant vessel Galaxy Leader in 2023 highlighted risks in the Red Sea, prompting major shipping companies and cruise lines to reroute vessels via the Cape of Good Hope, which derives its name from its historic role as a major waypoint between East and West after maritime trade routes were established between Europe and Asia.

Following the Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, Cape Town has reclaimed its historic role as a safe haven port along a major shipping route. Starting in late 2024 and early 2025, global cruise leaders such as MSC Cruises and even Costa Cruises are introducing new itineraries along this route, bringing an influx of cruise ships to South African waters and offering unprecedented opportunities to boost tourism revenue.

Ports like Cape Town, Durban, and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) are already vital nodes for international shipping and cruise tourism. Cape Town, in particular, is a top-rated destination for global cruise lines, thanks to its iconic skyline and diverse attractions. However, this increase in cruise traffic demands more robust services, including efficient port operations, seamless passenger experiences, and enhanced maritime safety capabilities.

Unlocking South Africa’s Cruise Tourism Potential

Since 2022, cruise lines have been rerouting ships around South Africa rather than through the Red Sea. Many of these ships have been bound for Dubai in the UAE, where they homeport during the Northern Hemisphere winter months, sailing roundtrip itineraries in the Arabian Gulf. In 2024, Costa Cruises will be the first of these cruise lines (which includes MSC, AIDA, and TUI) to offer the repositioning as a passenger voyage.

The fact that it has taken two years for Costa Cruises to finalise a cruise itinerary around Africa, and the conspicuous lack of port calls on the outbound and homebound repositioning cruises, underscores the need for greater infrastructure investment, as well as a cohesive strategy for South Africa to address safety and environmental concerns, port inefficiencies, and legislative gaps.

The rise in cruise traffic increases the likelihood of maritime incidents, with South Africa’s notoriously rough seas heightening risks. For cruise ships carrying thousands of passengers, a lack of coordinated search and rescue capacity could have catastrophic consequences, although thus far the country’s National Sea Rescue Institute has carried the load with aplomb. Similarly, the country’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are at risk from potential oil spills or other environmental hazards, necessitating rapid-response salvage and spill containment measures.

Despite its strategic location, South Africa’s ports are also among the least efficient globally, suffering from congestion, outdated infrastructure, and cyber vulnerabilities. These issues deter cruise lines from extending itineraries in South African waters. South Africa must invest in modernising its ports, reducing turnaround times, and providing reliable bunkering facilities for vessels. Public-private partnerships could play a key role in funding these upgrades, with an emphasis on integrating technologies like automation and green fuel infrastructure.

Several maritime safety and governance bills, currently pending in Parliament, must be expedited to ensure South Africa can handle the growing cruise traffic responsibly. These include measures to streamline port governance, enhance search-and-rescue capabilities, and address marine pollution. Moreover, the long-delayed national maritime security strategy should be prioritised to coordinate efforts across government and position South Africa as a leader in maritime safety, opportunity and efficiency.

To truly benefit from the rise in cruise tourism, South Africa must showcase its unique offerings to international operators beyond the development of modern terminal facilities, offering seamless passenger transit services, and marketing the country’s diverse cultural and natural attractions.

By addressing inefficiencies and safety concerns, South Africa can transform itself into a sought-after cruise destination and secure its position as a key player in the global cruise industry. With a coordinated approach to infrastructure development, maritime safety, and tourism promotion, South Africa can redefine its role along the Cape Route—not just as a temporary alternative, but as a premier destination for international cruise tourism.