South African cruise market saw strong performance in 2024 from families and couples

South Africans are increasingly turning to cruising as a favoured holiday choice, especially families and couples, according to Sue Garrett, General Manager of Supply, Pricing, and Marketing at Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa.

With new cruise ships, experiences, and itineraries on the horizon this year, Garrett told IOL that 2025 promises even greater appeal with its combination of luxury, value for money, and convenience.

Garrett emphasised that the all-inclusive nature and accessibility of cruising remain key drivers of its growing popularity. Local cruises, particularly those departing from Durban and Cape Town with MSC Cruises, continue to attract first-time cruisers and budget-conscious travelers. 

These itineraries provide an affordable and hassle-free option, eliminating the need for long-haul flights and travel visas.

This trend mirrors broader demographic shifts in the cruising market. In 2024, couples dominated both international and domestic cruising, accounting for 65% and 62% of passengers respectively. 

Families followed, making up 28% of international cruisers and 29% of domestic ones, while solo travelers and groups comprised smaller percentages. The average cruise duration was ten days, indicating a strong preference among South Africans for immersive, extended experiences at sea.

Looking ahead to 2025, emerging trends are expected to further diversify the appeal of cruising. 

Digital detox cruises are gaining traction among those seeking to unplug, while culinary-focused voyages offer immersive food experiences, including specialty menus and cooking workshops with celebrity chefs. 

Women-only cruises, such as those offered by Uniworld River Cruises, are providing exclusive, tailored experiences for female travelers.

The rise of “workations” is also transforming the cruise landscape, enabling remote workers to stay connected while enjoying life at sea. Meanwhile, river cruising continues to grow in popularity, offering intimate and personalized journeys that appeal to seasoned travelers.

Garrett encouraged travelers to explore the range of options available. “First-time cruisers can start small with affordable, local cruises, while seasoned at-sea holidaymakers can look forward to various upgrades and longer, multi-continent itineraries,” she said.

With the Red Sea and Suez Canal remaining an unstable security environment for shipping, major cruise lines are continuing to reroute their itineraries around the coast of Africa, providing a boom in cruise calls for Cape Town, but also an ever-greater array of itineraries departing from the city.

Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, AIDA Cruises, Fred Olsen Cruise Line and more are all sailing grand voyages from Cape Town this year as they reposition ships between East and West or sail World Cruises.