Cape Town and the Western Cape have wrapped up the most successful cruise season on record, with ship arrivals, passenger numbers, and economic impact all hitting new highs in 2024/25.
According to the Western Cape Cruise Liner Industry Report, commissioned by Cruise Cape Town and powered by Wesgro, the sector contributed R1.79 billion to the province’s GDP-R, up from R1.32 billion in 2023/24. Passenger and vessel spending reached R1.99 billion, a 32% jump on last season.
Between September 2024 and June 2025, the city welcomed 79 cruise ships (83 vessel arrivals), an 18% rise from 67 the year before. Passenger numbers also climbed to 127,000, boosted by 42 “world cruise” port calls that strengthened Cape Town’s reputation as a premier stop on global itineraries.
“This has been a successful year for Cape Town and the Western Cape’s cruise industry,” said 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 report found the season created 1,234 direct jobs in the Western Cape, rising to 2,345 with multiplier effects. Retail and markets accounted for the largest share, followed by hospitality and tour services. At national level, almost 3,000 jobs were supported.
Importantly, the benefits extended beyond Cape Town. Mossel Bay, Hermanus, and Saldanha Bay welcomed 32,000 passengers across 26 ship visits, generating R47.5 million in local spending.
Western Cape Minister of Economic Development Dr Ivan Meyer called the results “a strong signal of global confidence in our destination.”
With more than 70 vessels scheduled for the coming year, officials say Cape Town is cementing its place as Africa’s premier cruise destination.
