Pacific World has become the first cruise ship of Cape Town’s 2026/27 season, arriving with 1,397 passengers, predominantly from Japan.

The Peace Boat vessel called at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal on 17 September, where passengers were welcomed with local music and entertainment as part of activities marking Tourism Month.

The arrival officially opened the new cruise season as Cape Town and the Western Cape continue efforts to attract international cruise calls and develop the city’s role within Southern African itineraries.

Pacific World operates as part of Peace Boat, a Japan-based NGO that uses global voyages and educational programmes to promote peace, human rights, sustainable development, and international cooperation.

The start of the season follows a 2024/25 cruise programme that contributed R1.79 billion to the Western Cape’s regional gross domestic product, according to figures cited by regional tourism authorities.

Updated economic impact figures covering the 2025/26 season are expected to be released at a later date.

“A key driver of this success is the strength of the public-private partnerships that underpin Cruise Cape Town. Through collaboration among government, industry, and private-sector partners, we can attract more cruise calls, grow visitor numbers, and maximise the economic opportunities that flow from the cruise economy,” said Wrenelle Stander, CEO, Wesgro.

Cruise Cape Town brings together public and private-sector organisations involved in developing the Western Cape’s cruise industry.

Andre Blaine, Executive for Marine & Industrial, V&A Waterfront, said cruise calls generated economic activity beyond the terminal through spending at local businesses and tourism attractions.

“Every cruise ship arrival creates value that extends far beyond the terminal. Cruise visitors significantly contribute to local businesses, attractions, restaurants, tour operators, and accommodation providers, stimulating visitor spend throughout Cape Town and the wider region,” he said.

The City of Cape Town also highlighted the cruise sector’s role within its wider tourism strategy.

“Through strategic destination marketing and strong partnerships, we are working to attract more visitors and grow the tourism economy. Cruise tourism is a key contributor to this effort, generating jobs, supporting local businesses, and creating economic opportunities for residents across the city,” said James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, City of Cape Town.

Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Ivan Meyer said the sector supported tourism growth, employment, small businesses, and wider economic activity across the province.

The arrival of Pacific World begins Cape Town’s latest cruise season as the city seeks to build on the economic contribution generated by international cruise traffic during recent years.