MSC Cruises carries 85,000 passengers during 2025/26 South African season

More than 85,000 passengers sailed with MSC Cruises during the 2025/26 South African cruise season, as the company reported strong demand ahead of the arrival of a new ship for the 2026/27 season.

The season saw MSC Opera operate 37 voyages from South Africa, beginning in Durban in November 2025 before repositioning to Cape Town for the final part of the programme.

Passengers sailed to destinations including Portuguese Island, Pomene, and Maputo in Mozambique, as well as Mauritius, Réunion, and Walvis Bay.

The figures, relfecting an average capacity of more than 85% across the season, come amid continued growth in South Africa’s cruise sector.

According to the latest Western Cape Cruise Liner Industry Report, cruise-related economic expenditure increased by 32% during the 2024/25 season, with approximately 127,000 passengers contributing nearly R2 billion to the economy, compared with R1.5 billion the previous year.

Ross Volk, Managing Director, MSC Cruises South Africa, said demand continues to be driven by travellers seeking convenient holiday options.

“South African travellers continue to prioritise holidays that require effortless planning and still offer variety, entertainment and discovery,” said Volk.

“As MSC Cruises, we are always cognizant of this. Cruising remains a great holiday option, and we are happy to see more South Africans make this discovery,” he added.

The cruise line also introduced a number of themed cruises during the season, offering passengers specialised onboard entertainment and activities.

Gauteng remained MSC Cruises’ largest source market, reflecting the continued appeal of fly-cruise and domestic travel packages for inland travellers.

Women accounted for approximately two-thirds of passengers, while international guests from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, China and Russia also joined local sailings.

Volk said the economic benefits of cruise tourism extend beyond passenger numbers.

“Every cruise season supports a wider tourism ecosystem, from port operations and local suppliers to hospitality, transport, and destination experiences,” he said. “When guests cruise from South Africa, the value is felt on board, on shore and across the communities from which we operate.”

The season was centred on the recently opened Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in Durban, which has helped strengthen the city’s position as South Africa’s primary cruise homeport.

Looking ahead, MSC Cruises will deploy MSC Armonia to South Africa for the first time when it arrives in Durban on November 27th, 2026.

The vessel will operate sailings from both Durban and Cape Town, replacing MSC Opera for the 2026/27 season.

MSC Armonia will offer itineraries to destinations across Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean, while bringing a different onboard product to the region. Facilities include the MSC Aurea Spa, an ocean-view fitness centre, entertainment venues, themed bars, dedicated family areas, and a water play zone.