Cape Town saw an increase in cruise calls of 18% during the 2024/25 cruise season, while passengers numbers were up 16%, resulting in 35% growth in the Western Cape’s cruise tourism sector.

According to a preliminary report released by the Western Cape Cruise Liner Industry, commissioned by Cruise Cape Town and powered by Wesgro, the cruise sector contributed R1.79 billion to the province’s GDP during the season, up from R1.32 billion the year before. 

The findings confirm the 2024/25 season as the strongest on record for Cape Town and the Western Cape’s cruise industry.

Between September 2024 and June 2025, the province welcomed 79 cruise ship arrivals, amounting to 83 vessel calls in total. Long-haul world cruises, which link continents across extended itineraries, accounted for 42 of these calls, reinforcing Cape Town’s positioning as a fixture on global cruising schedules. 

Passenger traffic surged to 127,000, compared with 109,000 in 2023/24, driving higher levels of visitor expenditure across accommodation, retail, attractions, and wine estates.

Overall, combined spending by passengers and vessels rose to R1.99 billion, a 32% increase on the R1.5 billion recorded in the prior season.

Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander described it as a “successful year for Cape Town and the Western Cape’s cruise industry,” adding that the record performance underlines the sector’s importance in job creation and economic growth.

The report found that 1,234 direct full-time equivalent jobs were created during the season, increasing to 2,345 once multiplier effects were considered. Most of these were in retail and markets (44%), followed by hotels and restaurants (27%), and tour operators and related services (9%). 

Nationally, nearly 3,000 jobs were supported, with international visitors accounting for almost two-thirds of all passenger spending.

Smaller towns across the Western Cape also benefited. Mossel Bay, Hermanus, and Saldanha Bay together welcomed about 32,000 passengers on 26 ship calls, generating R47.5 million in local expenditure. 

Stander remarked: “What is particularly encouraging is how the benefits of cruise tourism are being felt across the province.”

Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, said the results demonstrate the cruise industry’s role in strengthening local businesses. 

“These results highlight its vital role in supporting our world-class restaurants, hotels, wine estates, and cultural attractions. The growth of the sector signals global confidence in our destination,” he said.

Alderman James Vos, Mayco member for Economic Growth, praised Cape Town’s role in Cruise Cape Town, pointing out that each visiting ship injects millions of rand into the city’s economy. 

“With another record-breaking season behind us, our focus remains firmly on building on this success,” he stated.

Looking ahead, expectations are high with more than 70 vessels scheduled to call in the coming season. The arrival of the luxury cruise ship  The World marked the start of the new season. 

V&A Waterfront CEO David Green commented: “The arrival of The World is a proud milestone for Cape Town. With our Cruise Terminal ranked among the most attractive globally, each vessel docking here supports our hospitality, retail, and cultural sectors while showcasing the city as a leading international port.”

Captain Alex Miya, Acting Port Manager for the Port of Cape Town at Transnet National Ports Authority, added that the cruise industry is becoming a growing contributor to South Africa’s GDP through tourism, with Cape Town firmly at the centre of this expansion.