Cape Town has wrapped up its most successful cruise season ever, with luxury liners and international passengers injecting a massive R1.79 billion into the Western Cape economy during 2024/25.
The impressive figures represent a significant jump from the previous season’s R1.32 billion contribution, showcasing the growing appeal of South Africa’s Mother City as a world-class cruise destination.
Between September 2024 and June 2025, Cape Town welcomed 79 cruise ships carrying 127 000 passengers – an 18% increase in vessels and 16% rise in visitors compared to the previous year.
The star attractions were the long-haul “world cruises” that connect multiple continents, with 42 of these prestigious voyages choosing Cape Town as a key stop on their global itineraries.
“The 2024/25 season has been a successful year for Cape Town and the Western Cape’s cruise industry,” says Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander. “With record passenger numbers and expenditure, the industry is showing its ability to create jobs and stimulate growth across the province.”
The economic impact extends far beyond the V&A Waterfront’s cruise terminal. When international passengers step ashore, they spend money at local restaurants, hotels, wine farms, cultural attractions, and retail stores – creating a powerful economic multiplier effect.
Total passenger and vessel expenditure reached R1.99 billion for the season, representing a substantial 32% increase from the previous year’s R1.5 billion.
The cruise industry proved to be a significant job creator, generating: – 1,234 direct full-time equivalent positions – 2,345 jobs when including multiplier effects – Nearly 3,000 jobs supported at national level
The employment benefits were spread across various sectors including retail and markets (44%) of jobs, hotels and restaurants (27%), tour operators and services (9%) and fuel bunkering (8%).
The benefits weren’t limited to Cape Town. Smaller coastal municipalities like Mossel Bay, Hermanus, and Saldanha Bay welcomed 32 000 passengers across 26 ship visits, generating R47.5 million in local spending.
“What is particularly encouraging is how the benefits of cruise tourism are being felt across the province,” explains Stander. “From Mossel Bay to Saldanha, local businesses are gaining exposure and income from international visitors, which strengthens the overall tourism ecosystem.”
The cruise industry is a catalyst for growth across the Western Cape.
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, praised the industry’s broad-based impact: “The cruise industry is a catalyst for growth across the Western Cape. From small family-owned businesses to major enterprises, every visitor who steps ashore contributes to livelihoods across the province.”
City of Cape Town’s Alderman James Vos echoed these sentiments: “Each ship that docks injects millions into local businesses, sustains jobs, and enhances Cape Town’s global profile as a tourism hub.”
The success story continues with MS The World’s recent arrival – one of more than 70 vessels scheduled to visit Cape Town in the coming season.
V&A Waterfront CEO David Green highlighted the terminal’s global reputation: “With our Cruise Terminal ranked among the most attractive globally, each vessel docking here supports our hospitality, retail, and cultural sectors while showcasing the city as a leading international port.”
Captain Alex Miya from Transnet National Ports Authority stated: “These results confirm that the cruise industry is one of the fastest-growing contributors to South Africa’s GDP through tourism. Cape Town’s strategic location on global shipping routes makes it a natural gateway for cruise tourism.”
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