Cape Town poised for busiest cruise month as 2024/25 season reaches its peak

Cape Town is gearing up for the busiest month of the 2024/25 cruise season in March, with 24 cruise calls scheduled during a season that is expected to bring in R1.5 billion to the local economy.

That builds on the R1.32 billion during the 2023/24 season, and the R1.2 billion reported during the season before that, reflecting the robust growth in cruise ship numbers and local spending by passengers.

Cruise Cape Town, part of the tourism agency Wesgro, said March is typically the busiest month of the season, when the city hosts not only homeporting and turnaround cruise calls, but also visits by cruise ships repositioning from the Middle East and Asia to Europe.

Around 76 cruise ship calls are planned for the 2024/25 season, an increase from 67 last year, with 24 of them happening in March alone.

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has reported that South Africa as a whole has seen a total of 268 cruise liner calls for the season, 29% more than the previous year.

Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, told IOL that the growth in cruise arrivals this March highlights Cape Town’s growing reputation as a must-visit destination.

“Beyond the immediate tourism boost, the industry has positive ripple effects, from tour operators and transport services to restaurants, hotels, and retailers,” said Stander.

Dr Ivan Meyer, the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development, and Tourism, echoed these sentiments: “We are anticipating a bumper month. The growth in tourism numbers will provide a significant boost to our tourism sector, supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and showcasing the world-class attractions that make the Western Cape a must-visit destination.”

Cape Town is preparing for a surge of activity around the cruise terminal and also taking proactive measures to manage the influx of visitors, according to Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth.

“The March arrivals will not only create a buzz in the city but will also provide a major boost to our economy; for every 36 cruise passenger arrivals, one job is created. The City is taking proactive traffic management steps, together with our partners, to manage this increase in arrivals,” said Vos.

The V&A Waterfront, which operates the Cape Town Cruise Terminal, has also established designated transport options for cruise passengers and enhanced security measures, including increased traffic marshals during high-volume days, according to a statement.