South African cruise market matures with growing demand for international itineraries

South African travellers are no longer choosing between local and international cruises—they’re increasingly doing both, according to Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre South Africa. 

As Cape Town and Durban continue to grow as embarkation points, and more South Africans opt to fly abroad for iconic cruise itineraries, the market is showing signs of diversification and maturity.

“For those looking to skip long-haul flights or streamline their travel plans, local departures offer a convenient starting point, especially with the growing calibre of ships visiting our shores,” says Turner. “But equally, many travellers are flying overseas specifically to cruise iconic routes in Europe, Asia, and beyond.” 

“It’s not about choosing one over the other anymore – it’s about having more options than ever before,” she says.

Cape Town welcomed 76 cruise ships during the 2024/25 South African cruise season—up from 67 the previous year, driven by the Red Sea security crisis and the city’s growing appeal as a major cruise destination. 

This past season, Cunard’s Queen Anne departed Cape Town on a 16-night voyage to Southampton, Viking Sky called during a 32-night west coast itinerary, and Costa Cruises introduced its first Cape Town departure with Costa Toscana, a 5,000-passenger ship repositioning between the Middle East and Europe via South Africa.

Durban’s terminal is also saw increased activity, with many of the new cruise ships sailing from Cape Town including the city as a port of call.

Flight Centre’s 2024 booking data shows that domestic cruise bookings are leaning toward longer, more immersive experiences. 

“On domestic cruises, couples made up 62% of travellers, followed by families (29%), solo travellers (6%), and groups (3%). The average cruise length was an impressive 10 days,” says Turner—suggesting growing familiarity and confidence among South African cruisers.

Local convenience, global outlook

For those watching costs or time, local departures offer practical benefits. Flights, visas, and currency exchange are unnecessary if travellers stick to South African or regional routes.

In contrast, international cruises typically involve added expenses: return flights (often over R15,000 per person), pre-cruise accommodation (R2,000–3,000 per night), and multiple visa applications. 

Local sailings from Cape Town or Durban can help reduce upfront costs and logistical complexity, while still delivering access to ships with international-standard amenities.

“Time-strapped travellers can opt for one of the immensely popular 3–4 night cruises,” Turner notes. “They’re ideal for a quick reset without needing extensive leave days.”

South African cruisers looking for beach-focused holidays comparable to the Caribbean are booking itineraries aboard MSC Opera from Durban to Mozambique. Destinations such as Portuguese Island offer similar scenery and require only a South African passport.

MSC Opera has been updated with new balcony cabins, expanded dining areas, and a larger music and dance venue, positioning it as an accessible entry point to cruising for first-timers and families.

Travellers seeking cultural immersion similar to Mediterranean sailings are turning to itineraries that include Réunion, Mauritius, and Madagascar. Azamara Journey will offer 13–15 night voyages from Cape Town in November and December 2025, targeting the premium market with smaller ship experiences and port-rich itineraries.

Cruising also taps into culinary travel trends. Departures from South Africa allow guests to explore the region’s unique food heritage, from Cape Malay curries to Mozambican seafood.

“For families, MSC has really positioned itself as the go-to cruise line departing from South Africa,” says Turner. “Their kids’ clubs, family activities, and entertainment options rival anything you’d find on international family cruises, making them perfect for school holiday breaks.”

South Africa is increasingly seen as both a cruise destination and source market. As more cruise lines offer locally based sailings and South Africans embrace longer international itineraries, the binary of “local vs overseas” cruising is being replaced by a broader, blended approach.

“The question isn’t ‘why cruise from South Africa?’ but ‘why haven’t you done it already?’” Turner concludes. “The calibre of vessels departing from our ports is truly impressive.”