Think of a cruise. What comes to mind? Most likely, it’s sun-soaked Caribbean beaches, huge vessels navigating through the bustling blue Med, or Disney ships crammed with kids having the time of their lives.
For years, South Africans have associated bucket-list cruise holidays with far-flung destinations… but that’s only part of the story. While we’ve been busy planning long-haul flights and navigating visa applications, incredible cruises have washed up right on our shores.
With Cape Town ticking off the 76 ships expected to visit or depart this 2024/25 season (up from 67 vessels last season) and Durban’s terminal also bustling with activity, South Africa has transformed into a world-class cruise hub offering.
This past season alone, Cunard’s Queen Anne departed the Mother City on a 16-night journey to Southampton, the Viking Sky included a Cape Town stop on its 32-night itinerary up Africa’s west coast, and Costa Cruises launched its first-ever local departures with the 5,000-passenger Costa Smeralda sailing from Cape Town between December and March.
For South Africans, world-class cruises are now more accessible than ever, with added convenience and cost savings.
“The beauty of cruising right now is choice,” says Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre South Africa. “For those looking to skip long-haul flights or streamline their travel plans, local departures offer an incredibly convenient starting point, especially with the calibre of ships visiting our shores. But equally, many travellers are flying overseas specifically to cruise iconic routes in Europe, Asia, and beyond. It’s not about choosing one over the other anymore – it’s about having more options than ever before.”
Flight Centre South Africa’s 2024 cruise statistics showed who’s cruising and just how long South Africans are keen on being on the water.
“On domestic cruises, couples made up 62% of travellers, followed by families (29%), solo travellers (6%), and groups (3%). The average cruise length was an impressive 10 days,” adds Turner – far removed from the quick 3-day local cruise of days gone by.
Why choose local cruises?
For those watching their rands or looking for convenience, local departures offer fantastic value: no long-haul flights, fewer upfront costs, and no need to navigate visa requirements or currency exchanges if you’re staying regional.
An international cruise often involves additional expenses, such as return flights (which can be R15,000+ per person), pre-cruise accommodation (around R2,000–3,000 per night), and visas – which are important to factor into your overall budget.
In contrast, driving to Cape Town or Durban and boarding directly can be easier on both your wallet and your schedule. And these savings don’t come at the expense of experience either: many of the ships visiting our shores offer the same entertainment, dining options, and five-star amenities you’d find on international routes
“Time-strapped travellers can opt for one of the immensely popular 3–4 night cruises,” Turner explains. “They’re ideal for a quick reset without needing extensive leave days.”
International vs local cruises: Do they compare?
Dreaming of Caribbean beach vibes? Head to Mozambique
If you’re seeking pristine beaches, warm water and not much else, the MSC Opera’s voyages from Durban to Mozambique deliver beach bliss without the 16+ hour flight to Miami. Portuguese Island offers comparable white sand beaches and turquoise waters that draw travellers to the Bahamas, but it’s accessible with just your South African passport.
The MSC Opera itself boasts spacious new balcony cabins, enlarged restaurant and buffet areas, and a new 330m² music and dance area. With family-friendly facilities and entertainment, MSC cruises are well-suited for multi-generational travel. Their short 3-night cruises offer an ideal introduction to cruising for families or first-timers.
Craving culture and scenery a la Med cruise? Bonjour Mauritius and Réunion Island instead!
The French architecture and ambience of Réunion, the weird and wonderful discoveries of Madagascar with its lemurs and baobabs, or the multicultural melting pot of Port Louis tick the box for that Med culture feel.
Step aboard the Azamara Journey, offering cruises of 13 – 15 nights, departing from Cape Town in November and December 2025. Explore Madagascar, Réunion Island, and Mauritius. The Azamara Journey is a luxurious boutique ship, and with its intimate size, it delivers a never-crowded experience that will delight even the most well-travelled cruisers.
All-you-can-eat buffet? Foodies, you’re in for a treat
Food-themed cruises and travel are a major trend for 2025. South African departures provide special opportunities to explore the fusion cuisines of our region – from Cape Malay to Portuguese-influenced Mozambican dishes.
Kids nagging? Save on the pricy flights
For families seeking value and entertainment, the MSC vessels offer particularly compelling options.
“MSC has really positioned itself as the go-to family cruise line departing from South Africa,” explains Turner. “Their kids’ clubs, family activities, and entertainment options rival anything you’d find on international family cruises, making them perfect for school holiday breaks.”
Expanding your horizons
The question isn’t “why cruise from South Africa?”, but rather “why haven’t you done it already? The calibre of vessels departing from our ports is truly impressive,” concludes Turner.