In a jubilant celebration of South Africa’s Western Cape, the region has raised anchor on a historic cruise season, proving itself to be a top-notch destination for sea-bound adventurers. The 2022/23 cruise season has shattered records, leaving a lasting wake of success.
The results of a study conducted by Western Cape tourism officials have confirmed what many had speculated since May—Cape Town’s cruise season during the 2022/23 period was nothing short of extraordinary. With more port calls, increased passenger numbers, and higher revenues than any previous season, the Western Cape has proudly sailed into the annals of cruise industry history.
During this memorable cruise season, a remarkable 70 cruise ship calls brought 145,000 passengers and 42,000 crew members to the region, infusing over R1.2 billion into the local Western Cape economy. Beyond the economic boost, this maritime bonanza also ushered in 1,800 new direct jobs, reinforcing the importance of the cruise industry to the local community.
The study’s findings highlight the sustained growth of the cruise industry in Cape Town. Moreover, for every 30 cruise passengers disembarking, a full-time job is created, exemplifying the tangible benefits of this flourishing sector.
In the world of cruise destinations, homeport itineraries and turnaround port calls are the golden tickets, and Cape Town had several of these coveted moments throughout the season. The presence of three cruise ships simultaneously in port on five separate occasions demonstrates the high demand for the destination and Cape Town’s capability to manage the logistical intricacies, thanks in part to the newly revamped Cape Town Cruise Terminal.
Mossel Bay also shared in the season’s success, as the Port of Mossel Bay welcomed 14 cruise ship visits, nearly doubling the number from the 2019 season. This upswing in activity underlines the region’s resilience after the turbulent 2019/2020 and 2020/21 cruise seasons, which were marred by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Against the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain, Cape Town is one of the world’s most attractive ports to sail into, and the Cape Town Cruise Terminal serves as the marine gateway to Africa,” enthused David Green, CEO of V&A Waterfront. “We have managed to successfully integrate the Cruise Terminal into our service amenities such as hotels, attractions, and retail offerings…all of which have enhanced the desirability of the port and Cape Town as a destination for cruise lines,” he added.
Data from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reveals that 63% of cruise passengers are inclined to revisit a destination they’ve initially encountered through a cruise—a heartening sign of the potential impact on tourism in Cape Town and the Western Cape. As the Cape region basks in the glow of its remarkable cruise season, it appears that this success may set a lasting benchmark for future cruise tourism contributions to the local economy.
