Durban’s record 2025/26 cruise season expected to inject R1.8bn into local economy

Durban is preparing for its largest cruise season on record, with projections indicating the 2025/26 programme will inject nearly R1.8 billion into the city’s economy and attract around 255,000 cruise visitors between November 2025 and June 2026.

The Port of Durban will host a strong line-up of international vessels, including MSC Opera, Europa, Queen Mary 2, Silver Dawn, Azamara Onward, and Seven Seas Navigator. 

The season will officially begin with the arrival of MSC Opera and Hapag Lloyd Cruises’ Europa in late November, signalling Durban’s continuing role as a major gateway for the regional cruise industry.

MSC Opera will homeport in the city through April next year, sailing several dozen roundtrip departures visiting Mozambique and Mauritius.

According to figures released by eThekwini Municipality, direct spending from cruise visitors is expected to contribute about R762 million to the local economy, with the total direct, indirect and induced impact estimated at R1.88 billion. 

The cruise sector’s combined contribution to the city’s GDP is forecast to support more than 3,400 jobs and generate over R140.5 million in taxes.

The 2025/26 season will run through to June next year and include several key events designed to welcome ships and their passengers. These include a Christmas carnival on MSC Opera in December, a New Year celebration with World Voyager and Inchcape in January, Valentine’s Day activities in February, and a close-out event with Seven Seas Navigator in June.

“Durban is once again proud to stand at the forefront of global cruise tourism. This season exemplifies our unwavering commitment to excellence, safety, and authentic cultural experiences,” said eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba. “We are confident that Durban will solidify its position as Africa’s premier cruise destination, driving economic growth and showcasing the unparalleled beauty and spirit of our City to the world.”

The municipality said the 2025/26 season reflects the success of long-term collaboration between MSC Cruises, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, and the city’s tourism and transport authorities. Durban’s port is expected to handle one of its busiest cruise calendars to date, welcoming both turnaround and transit calls across the season.

The city also plans to highlight its cultural and creative industries through smaller-scale pop-up activations, including local fashion showcases, craft displays, and storytelling events. These will form part of a wider effort to integrate the cruise experience with Durban’s cultural landscape and community participation.

Beyond its beaches and harbour, Durban’s location provides access to several of South Africa’s most popular tourism routes, with visitors able to reach wildlife reserves and scenic rural areas within a few hours.

The upcoming season underscores Durban’s strategic role in South Africa’s maritime tourism network, linking international cruise itineraries with regional travel and economic activity. The city’s continued investment in cruise infrastructure and visitor experience is expected to further strengthen its position as a key hub on the Indian Ocean circuit.

Key cruise calls for Durban’s 2025/26 season:

23–26 November 2025: MSC Opera (MSC Cruises) and Europa (Hapag-Lloyd Cruises) mark start of the season

5 December 2025: MSC Opera Oh Ship Cruise with entertainment and giveaways

22 December 2025: Christmas carnival on MSC Opera

7 January 2026: New Year celebration with World Voyager(Atlas Ocean Voyages) and Inchcape, its local agent

13 February 2026: Valentine’s Day welcome on MSC Opera

14 and 20 March 2026: Costa Deliziosa (Costa Cruises) and MSC Opera visits

9 and 27 April 2026: Calls by Queen Mary 2 (Cunard ) and Silver Dawn (Silversea Cruises) 

7 May 2026: Azamara Onward (Azamara Cruises) welcome

6 June 2026: Season close-out with Seven Seas Navigator(Regent Seven Seas Cruises)