Think about a cruise. What comes to mind? Perhaps it's a sun-soaked Caribbean beach, a huge ship sailing through bustling blue Meds, or a Disney ship packed with kids who have spent time in life.
For years, South Africans have associated bucketlist cruise holidays with far-reaching destinations, but that's only part of the story. We were busy planning long-distance flights and navigating visa applications, but an incredible cruise was washed away on our coast.
With Cape Town being carved on 76 ships scheduled to visit or depart this 2024/25 season (up from 67 ships last season), and the Durban terminal is also bustling with activity, South Africa has transformed into a world-class cruise hub product.
In this past season alone, Queen Anne of Cunard left Mother City on a 16-night trip to Southampton, Viking Sky includes Cape Town Stop on a 32-night itinerary on the West Coast of Africa, and Costa Cruises launched its first-ever local departure with 5,000 people sailing from Captown between December and March.
For South Africans, world-class cruises are more accessible than ever before, adding convenience and cost savings.
“The beauty of cruising right now is a choice,” says Antoinette Turner, general manager of South Africa's flight centres. “For those looking to skip long-haul flights or streamline their travel plans, local departures provide a very convenient starting point, especially with the caliber of the ships visiting our coast. But likewise, many travelers fly abroad to cruise iconic routes such as Europe, Asia and more.
South Africa's 2024 cruise statistical flights showed who was cruised and how enthusiastic South Africans were on the water.
“On domestic cruises, couples made up 62% of travelers, followed by family (29%), solo travelers (6%) and groups (3%). The average cruise length was an impressive 10 days,” added Turner.
Why choose a local cruise?
For those who are looking for land and convenient, local departures offer great value. Long-haul flights, low advance fees, and if you are staying in the area, you do not need to navigate visa requirements or currency exchanges.
International cruises often include additional costs such as on-the-go (over R15,000 per person), accommodation before cruises (approximately 2,000 to 3,000 per night), and visas.
In contrast, driving and direct boarding to Cape Town or Durban can be easier on both your wallet and schedule. And these savings don't come at the expense of experience: many of our shores offer the same entertainment, dining options and 5-star amenities you find on international routes
“Time-strapped travelers can choose one of the extremely popular 3-4 night cruises,” explains Turner. “It's perfect for a quick reset without the need for a large holiday.”
International vs Local Cruises: Do they compare?
Do you dream of the Caribbean beach atmosphere? Heading to Mozambique
If you're looking for untouched beaches, warm water and anything else, the MSC Opera voyage from Durban to Mozambique brings beach bliss without over 16 hours of flights to Miami. The Portuguese island has comparable white sand beaches and turquoise waters that attract travelers to the Bahamas, but only accessible by South African passports.
The MSC Opera itself features a spacious new balcony cabin, an expanded restaurant and buffet area, and a 330m² music and dance area. With family-friendly facilities and entertainment, MSC Cruises is suitable for multi-generational travel. Their short 3 night cruise offers an ideal introduction to cruising for families and first-timers.
Craving culture, scenery and La Med Cruise? Instead, Bonjour Mauritius and Lenion Island!
Lenion's French architecture and atmosphere, the strange and wonderful discovery of Madagascar with lemurs and baobabs, or Port Louis' multicultural melting pot checks the box for its sense of mared culture.
A ride on the Azamara journey will offer a 13-15 night cruise departing from Cape Town in November and December 2025. Explore Madagascar, Lenion Island and Mauritius. The Azamara Journey is a luxurious boutique ship, with its intimate size, offering an experience that even the most traveled cruisers will not please.
A buffet where everything is eating? Foodie, you're for treating
Food-themed cruises and travel are a major trend in 2025. The South African departure offers a special opportunity to explore our local fusion cuisine, from Cape Malay to Portuguese-influenced Mozambican cuisine.
Are the kids persistent? Save expensive flights
For families looking for value and entertainment, the MSC ship offers a particularly attractive option.
“The MSC really positioned itself as a family cruise line starting from South Africa,” explains Turner. “Their children's clubs, family activities and entertainment options rival everything you can find on an international family cruise and are perfect for school holidays.”
Expand your vision
The question is not “Why are you cruise from South Africa?”, but “Why are you not doing that? The caliber of the ship departing from the port is truly impressive,” Turner concludes.
