Eighty-three cruise ships – 18% more than in the preceding season – docked at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal between September 2024 and June 2025, representing R1.99 billion in passenger and vessel spending, according to regional development organisation, Wesgro.
The vessels, their number up from 67 ships in the previous season, carried 127 000 passengers, up 16% from 110 000 the previous year.
Wesgro’s Cruise Cape Town report says the 2024/25 cruise season which ended on 29 June 2025 was “the longest and most successful to date. It set new benchmarks for cruise-liner visits, passenger numbers, and economic contributions, underscoring the scalable opportunity this sector represents”.
In a statement, Grant Elliott, Deputy Chairperson of the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) and COO of Thibault Investments, said passenger and vessel spending of R1.99 billion in the 2024/25 season is 32% higher than the previous season’s R1.5 billion.
“The sector also created 1 234 direct full-time equivalent jobs, mostly in retail and markets (44 %), followed by hotels and restaurants (27 %) and tour operators and other services (9 %).”
Elliott says that, beyond benefiting tourism and hospitality, visiting ships “bring global exposure for Cape Town and the CBD”.
“They also present opportunities to attract foreign direct investment and long-term partnerships with international hospitality brands, property developers, and businesses that recognise Cape Town as a compelling gateway to future investment and opportunities in Africa.
“The CCID has worked hard to shape a city centre that offers a world-class experience – clean, safe, characterful and welcoming to all.”
Elliott adds: “With the 2025/26 Cape Town cruise season well underway, Cape Town continues to be a global ‘must-visit’ destination.
“Economically, the CBD is one of the key beneficiaries of cruise-driven growth. Passengers visiting the city centre bring more than spending power. They help us reimagine what the inner city can be.
“This is the kind of globally appealing CBD the CCID has striven to build since the organisation’s inception 25 years ago. The tourist season is here, and we’re ready to showcase the very best of what the Mother City has to offer.”
[Image: Cunard, supplied by CCID]