If you thought last summer’s record-breaking arrivals were impressive, wait until you see what’s docking next.
After welcoming 127,000 passengers and contributing a staggering R1.79 billion to the Western Cape’s economy in 2024/25, the Mother City is charting a course for another bumper season.
From luxury liners to music-fuelled adventures, the 2025/26 Cruise Season, officially launched by Cruise Cape Town powered by Wesgro, promises a calendar packed with sea-splashed excitement.
Themed Cruises
Among the headliners? Two of South Africa’s most talked-about themed cruises are set to make waves:
Mi Casa’s Friendship Cruise (14–17 April 2026) returns after a sold-out voyage, setting sail once again aboard the MSC Opera. Expect three unforgettable nights of live music, laughter, and all-out connection - curated by Mi Casathemselves.
“Friendship Cruise is more than just a getaway,” says frontman JSomething. “It’s a celebration of togetherness.” Think sunset sessions, themed parties, gourmet dining, and a deck full of good energy. Prices starting at R7,601 per person.
The Love Jazz Cruise with Clarence Ford (4–9 April 2026) brings rhythm to the open seas with a five-night voyage aboard the MSC Opera, cruising from Cape Town to Walvis Bay, Namibia. Expect smooth sounds, soulful sunsets, and a one-of-a-kind Jazz Festival in the dunes of the Namib Desert. Prices start at R9,570 per person sharing.
Map your 2025/2026 cruise plans
And that’s just the beginning. Cape Town’s cruise terminal will also welcome international heavyweights like Queen Mary 2, Queen Anne, AIDAStella, Mein Schiff and Seven Seas. While cruise schedules are set, they remain fluid in the event of unforeseen circumstances - you can check who's docking when via this cruise mapper.
With the global cruise industry projected to reach nearly 40 million passengers by 2027, Cape Town is clearly steering in the right direction as one of Africa’s premier homeports.
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