Female passengers drove demand during MSC Cruises’ 2025/26 South African season, making up around two-thirds of passengers.
MSC Opera concluded its South African cruise season, welcoming over 85 000 passengers across 37 sailings. Around two-thirds of these passengers were women, underscoring the continued appetite for cruising in South Africa.
The season began in November 2025, sailing from Durban’s Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal, before MSC Opera repositioned to Cape Town. The itineraries took passengers to Mozambique’s Portuguese Island, Pomene and Maputo, as well as Mauritius, Réunion and Walvis Bay.
Gauteng remained a standout source market, with the majority of passengers travelling from the province.
“South African travellers continue to prioritise holidays that require effortless planning and still offer variety, entertainment and discovery, and as MSC Cruises, we are always cognisant of this. Cruising remains a great holiday option, and we are happy to see more South Africans make this discovery,” said Ross Volk, MD of MSC Cruises South Africa.
Growing impact
The 2024/25 Western Cape Cruise Liner Industry Report highlighted a 32% rise in total economic expenditure this season. Around 127 000 cruise passengers contributed R1,9 billion this season, compared with R1,5 billion in the previous season.
“Every cruise season supports a wider tourism ecosystem, from port operations and local suppliers to hospitality, transport and destination experiences. When guests cruise from South Africa, the value is felt on board, on shore and across the communities from which we operate,” said Volk.
For the 2026/27 cruise season, MSC Armonia will sail the region for the first time on November 27.
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