As Cape Town braces for a busy Wednesday, 12 March 2025, with the arrival of both the MSC Musica and Norwegian Dawn, the city’s streets may experience heavier traffic, but behind the scenes, an economic and tourism windfall is unfolding — one that reflects the growing global appeal of the Mother City.
The two ships alone will bring more than 7,000 people, including passengers and crew, into Cape Town Harbour between 05:00 and 06:00, adding to what is shaping up to be one of Cape Town’s busiest cruise seasons on record.
A Season of Records and Opportunity
According to Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, 76 cruise ship calls are scheduled for the 2024/25 season, a notable jump that underscores Cape Town’s status as a key destination on the global cruise map. This increase follows a 2023/24 season that already saw 67 ship calls generate R1.5 billion in economic activity, supporting nearly 2,000 jobs in hospitality, retail, and tourism services.
“Cape Town is still in its peak visitor period, and what we are seeing now is the culmination of years of strategic work to position this city as an essential stop for international visitors,” said Vos.
The influx of cruise tourists boosts spending in restaurants, shops, local attractions, and guided tours, creating opportunities not only for large tourism operators but also for small businesses and entrepreneurs. From craft markets to township tours, the impact of these visitors reverberates across many sectors.
Why the Cruise Industry Matters for Cape Town
Cruise tourism is often underestimated when compared to air travel, but its economic footprint is significant and growing. Each vessel represents a floating hotel that brings in high-spending, often first-time visitors, many of whom extend their stay in Cape Town or return later for longer vacations.
Moreover, crew members, whose numbers can range from 1,000 to 2,000 per ship, also disembark for leisure and shopping, injecting additional revenue into the local economy.
Cape Town’s strategic positioning as a turnaround port — where passengers disembark and new ones board — means that many visitors book pre- or post-cruise accommodations in the city, amplifying the benefits for the hospitality sector. With 217 international flights weekly connecting Cape Town to 31 destinations, the city’s global connectivity further supports this thriving cruise industry.
Balancing Growth and Urban Mobility
While the city has prepared for increased traffic volumes, particularly around Nelson Mandela Boulevard, FW De Klerk Boulevard, and Buitengracht Street, officials are emphasizing that the long-term economic benefits far outweigh the temporary congestion.
“Cape Town’s popularity as a cruise destination is a success story for tourism and economic growth. Yes, it comes with logistical challenges like traffic, but we are working hard to manage these. In return, the city benefits enormously from the international exposure and direct spending that cruise passengers bring,” noted Cllr Rob Quintas, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility.
City services, together with the V&A Waterfront and port authorities, are collaborating to ensure that traffic is monitored and managed in real-time using CCTV and dynamic signal adjustments, while urging locals to plan routes carefully and avoid non-essential travel during peak times on Wednesday.
The Bigger Picture: A Rising Star on the Global Cruise Map
Cape Town’s cruise terminal is not only a gateway to the city but also a showcase of South Africa’s broader tourism appeal — from Table Mountain and Robben Island to the Cape Winelands and the Garden Route. With ongoing improvements to port infrastructure and destination marketing campaigns, the city is poised to retain and grow its share of international cruise traffic.
As global travelers seek new and enriching experiences, Cape Town’s natural beauty, vibrant culture, and world-class attractions continue to shine — and the cruise industry is becoming a key vessel (literally) for that story to reach the world.
