New cruise reception facility opened in Mossel Bay, with SH Diana 1st vessel to call

The Port of Mossel Bay has launched its new Cruise Reception Facility, with the expedition cruise ship SH Diana of Swan Hellenic serving as the first vessel to use it during her 15-day voyage from Mombasa, Kenya to Cape Town. 

The docking of the 152-metre ship, carrying 167 international passengers and 127 crew, served as the first operational use of the dedicated terminal and signals TNPA’s intention to strengthen Mossel Bay’s role within South Africa’s expanding cruise sector.

The new facility has been built to improve the efficiency and safety of cruise operations at the port, which frequently handles vessels at anchor in the bay. 

Its position adjacent to the quay infrastructure allows passengers to transfer from ship to shore with greater ease, while providing shelter, processing areas, and basic services that meet the expectations of small-ship and expedition operators increasingly active along the South African coastline.

TNPA said the layout and features of the facility are intended to create a more seamless experience for visitors, ensuring that passengers can move through safety checks, customs procedures, and onward transfers without congestion. 

The development is also designed to centralise cruise-related functions in one location, improving coordination between port authorities, tourism bodies and service providers.

“The development of this new facility is TNPA’s direct response to the needs of our tourism partners,” said Phyllis Difeto, Acting Chief Executive, TNPA. “This delivery further strengthens Mossel Bay’s positioning as a key destination on the country’s growing cruise map. The project embodies [our] commitment to sustainable tourism while stimulating economic growth in our port cities.”

Constructed to international standards, the facility will serve as a focal point for immigration, customs, port health and other agencies involved in cruise handling. TNPA noted that its completion forms part of the wider Transnet Reinvent for Growth strategy, which prioritises operational improvements and increased value for port users. 

With an investment of roughly R22 million, the project aligns with broader efforts to enhance the port’s competitiveness in the marine and coastal tourism market.

Mossel Bay has recorded steady growth in cruise traffic in recent years, becoming a regular call for expedition lines exploring the Garden Route and South Africa’s southern coastline. During the 2024/25 season, the port handled 21 cruise calls with more than 13,000 passengers on board. For the 2025/26 season, 23 cruise calls are already scheduled, with TNPA expecting further increases as operators continue to diversify itineraries beyond South Africa’s major hubs.