Cape Town, affectionately known as the ‘Mother City,’ lies at the southern tip of South Africa’s Western Cape. It is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s most captivating cruise destinations, drawing the interest of travellers from around the globe.
Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro – the official agency responsible for promoting tourism, trade, and investment in Cape Town and the Western Cape – points out that this increasing recognition highlights the city’s strong appeal in the global tourism market. With its breathtaking landscapes, it’s no surprise that more and more cruise lines are incorporating Cape Town into their itineraries.
“Sailing into Cape Town via Table Bay is considered one of the world’s most scenic arrivals,” says Stander. “Each year, passengers onboard cruise ships are treated to the breathtaking sight of Table Mountain as they approach the harbour. This iconic view consistently ranks among the top scenic cruise arrivals globally, attracting travellers from around the world.”
Once they step onshore, cruise guests have the chance to experience the best of South Africa’s second largest city, which Stander describes as a “must-visit destination”. She identifies five key reasons why cruise lines and their guests are attracted to Cape Town, the first of which is its rich cultural diversity. The city has been influenced over its history by Dutch, British, Malay and indigenous Khoisan traditions, which is reflected in its unique food, architecture and culture.
Cape Town and the Western Cape boasts a variety of natural landmarks, including 31 Blue Flag beaches, vineyards of the Cape Winelands and the iconic Table Mountain (pictured)
The city’s natural sights are no less impressive, with the dramatic landscape of the surrounding Western Cape region making it a top destination for nature enthusiasts to explore.
“Cape Town and the Western Cape is famed for its natural beauty, with Table Mountain recognised as one of the New7Wonders of Nature, highlighting its global appeal,” says Stander. “The region’s charm extends beyond the mountain to its nature reserves and coastline, which feature 31 Blue Flag beaches – an international eco-label for cleanliness and sustainability.”
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Cruise passengers can participate in a variety of shore excursions to explore the cultural and natural landmarks of Cape Town.
“Shore excursions from Cape Town contribute significantly to the region’s economy,” says Stander. “In 2024, a large number of cruise passengers participated in these excursions, boosting the local community. Popular excursions include visits to both Robben Island and Boulders Beach, the latter of which is home to African penguins.”
Visitors can also take a trip to the nearby Cape Winelands, an area renowned for its historic estates and vineyards, as well as its multitude of world-class restaurants that offer fine dining experiences.
“South Africa’s wine industry is a significant contributor to tourism, with wine tourism generating a total contribution of R9.3 billion ($568 million) to GDP in 2022,” says Stander. “Visitors are captivated by the scenic landscapes and the opportunity to enjoy wine-tasting tours paired with gourmet dining experiences. The Winelands offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, culture and culinary excellence, making them an essential stop for those seeking a unique and indulgent experience close to the city.”
Stander further adds that there are a variety of attractions available in the Western Cape for more adventurous travellers to experience.
“The Western Cape is a hub for outdoor adventure, attracting thrill-seekers from around the globe,” she says. “It’s home to the newly launched K3 zipline in Caledon, the world’s longest zipline, unveiled on World Tourism Day 2024. Adventure tourism in the region continues to expand, in line with the consistent growth of the global sector, which is projected to reach $4.6 trillion by 2032.”
Cruise guests can explore the Western Cape on a variety of adventurous excursions, including visits to nearby game reserves
Cruise lines have taken note of Cape Town’s unique and diverse appeal in the last decade and the destination has rapidly grown into a strategic hub that serves as a key stopover port for several major cruise lines, including MSC Cruises, Cunard and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
“During the 2023-2024 season alone, Cape Town welcomed over 109,000 cruise passengers onboard 67 vessels, making a substantial contribution to the local economy,” says Stander.
The city’s cruise terminal has played a key role in accommodating the steady rise in cruise tourism over the last decade, welcoming passengers into the centre of the bustling Victoria & Albert (V&A) Waterfront. The terminal’s proximity to landmarks like the Two Oceans Aquarium, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, and the historic Clock Tower makes it an ideal starting point for tourists.
The terminal has also undergone several improvements to help Cape Town continue to grow its cruise sector while ensuring the continuing sustainability of its port operations.
“Cape Town’s government and port authorities have introduced several eco-friendly initiatives,” says Stander. “The V&A Waterfront is a certified green building, recognised for its sustainable practices. This aligns with Cape Town’s push for responsible tourism, which seeks to attract visitors while preserving the environment for future generations.”
The city’s strategy is set to attract more visitors than ever in 2025, as it aims to serve as a departure point to destinations across the world.
“With over 80 ship calls scheduled for Cape Town during the 2024-2025 season, the city is now becoming one of Africa’s most important cruise destinations,” says Stander. “Furthermore, Antarctic expeditions and Indian Ocean cruises to destinations such as Mauritius and the Seychelles are set to be departing from Cape Town.”
The Mother City isn’t the only destination in the Western Cape, however. The ports of Saldanha Bay and Mossel Bay offer their own unique and interesting experience for cruise passengers exploring South Africa’s coastline.
“Saldanha Bay, known for its deep natural harbour, provides access to pristine beaches and the West Coast National Park, where visitors can enjoy birdwatching, wildflower displays, and tranquil coastal landscapes,” says Stander. “Meanwhile Mossel Bay, situated along the Garden Route, is famous for its rich maritime history and adventure activities, including shark cage diving and whale watching. Both ports offer a more relaxed, nature-focused alternative to Cape Town, making them popular stops for those seeking a blend of outdoor adventure and local charm.”
Cape Town and the wider region offer diverse attractions that keep guests coming back, both for a day and for longer stays. Its proximity to the Cape Winelands and South Africa’s renowned game reserves makes it an ideal gateway to explore more of the country.
“Cape Town and the Western Cape is a standout among global cruise destinations, welcoming thousands of passengers each year with its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and world-class attractions,” says Stander. “Its allure lies not only in its natural beauty but also in its capacity to cater to the diverse interests of every traveller. As cruise tourism continues to expand, Cape Town’s status as a premier African cruise destination will only grow stronger, making it a must-visit stop on any global voyage.”
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Alex Smith
www.cruiseandferry.net
