Cape Town’s transformation into a globally sought after cruise destination has been a boon for the local economy and cruise ship fans alike.
More than R1.3 billion has been injected into the Western Cape economy this season, and some of the world’s most famous ships are set to dock in Cape Town between now and the end of the season.
The arrival of these mega vessels in Cape Town always brings traffic to a standstill near the V&A Waterfront as residents flock to the waterfront to see the ships dock, while thousands of passengers set off to explore the city.
Whether it’s the enormous Costa Smeralda, with its rooftop aqua park, or the elegant Queen Anne making its maiden world voyage, these floating resorts captivate both tourists and residents.
Great views can be had from Signal Hill, rooftop bars in the Foreshore, or premium spots like The Silo Hotel and Hotel Sky’s thrilling rooftop ride.
Many of the ship’s docking this month in Cape Town also feature the city as a turnaround port.
Cunard’s Queen Anne will set sail on a 16-night journey from Cape Town to Southampton for around R25,000, while Viking Sky will sail a 32-night voyage along Africa’s west coast for R235,000.
Costa Smeralda and her sister ship Costa Toscana, carrying more than 5,000 passengers, are the largest of the cruise ships due to dock in Cape Town during the remainder of this season.
Cruise ships docking in Cape Town through June:
23 March 2025 – 24 March 2025: Arcadia (P&O Cruises) -2,094 guests
25 March 2025 – 26 March 2025: Zuiderdam (Holland America Line) – 1,964 guests
27 March 2025: MSC Musica (MSC Cruises) – Capacity: 2,550
28 March 2025 – 29 March 2025: AIDAprima (AIDA Cruises) – Capacity: 3,300
30 March 2025: MSC Musica (MSC Cruises) – Capacity: 2,550
31 March 2025 – 2 April 2025: Bolette (Fred Olsen Cruise Lines) – Capacity: 1,338
3 April 2025 – 4 April 2025: Viking Sky (Viking Ocean Cruises) – Capacity: 930
7 April 2025 – 8 April 2025: Amadea (Phoenix Reisen) – Capacity: 580
10 April 2025 – 11 April 2025: Queen Anne (Cunard Line) – Capacity: 2,996
11 April 2025 – 13 April 2025: Crystal Symphony (Crystal Cruises) – Capacity: 606
16 April 2025: MSC Magnifica (MSC Cruises) – Capacity: 2,518
14 May 2025: Norwegian Sky (Norwegian Cruise Line) – Capacity: 2,004
16 May 2025: Sirena (Oceania Cruises) – Capacity: 684
3 June 2025: Costa Toscana (Costa Cruises) – Capacity: 5,224
20 June 2025: Azamara Journey (Azamara) – Capacity: 690
23 June 2025: Crystal Symphony (Crystal Cruises) – Capacity: 606
25 June 2025: Crown Princess (Princess Cruises) – Capacity: 3,080
30 June 2025: AIDAstella (AIDA Cruises) – Capacity: 2,700
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