Durban's Tourism Economy Set for Boost with Bumper Cruise Season

 

By Fred Felton | Dec. 2, 2025

The global spotlight turns to Durban for the 2025/26 cruise season, further cementing its position as Africa’s premier cruise destination.

Durban is preparing for the bustling cruise season which commenced in November. Thousands of international visitors will experience the City's rich cultural and historical offerings. | Photo: Supplied. 

Cruise season runs from November 2025 to June 2026 with the season expecting to draw international visitors, showcasing Durban’s rich culture, world-class port facilities, and its position as the gateway to the Indian Ocean.

The season officially set sail with the arrival of vessels like the MSC Opera and Rennies Europa, marking Durban’s return as a top-tier port of call.

For this season the City will welcome a big line-up of cruise ships, including Queen Mary 2, Silver Dawn, Azamara Onward, and Seven Seas Navigator, each one offer travellers wonderful experiences filled with Durban’s hospitality and heritage.

The City is preparing to host thousands of visitors from all over the world who will explore Durban’s shores for leisure and adventure.

The 2025/26 season is expected to attract around 255 000 cruise visitors, contributing about R762 million to the economy of the City. The total economic influence could rise to around R1.12 billion.

The combined direct, indirect, and induced contributions to Durban’s GDP are estimated at almost R1.88 billion.

These figures are mostly from onshore spending by cruise visitors and look set to support around 3 401 jobs while making R140.5 million in taxes for the City.

Visitors can expect to see mini pop-up fashion shows, authentic cuisine, craft displays, and storytelling that shows the City’s vibrant identity.

Durban is a gateway to some of South Africa’s most renowned attractions, offering adventure, tranquillity, food, edutainment, and new discoveries that add to its status as a global gem.

Visitors can also go on safari game drives just a few hours from the City, where they can see the big five in natural reserves.

Vessel Dockings and Key Activations

§  5 December 2025: MSC Oh Ship Cruise – Welcome with entertainment and giveaways

§  22 December 2025: Christmas carnival on MSC Opera

§  7 January 2026: New Year celebration with World Voyager and Inchcape

§  13 February 2026: Valentine’s Day welcome on MSC Opera

§  14 and 20 March 2026: Costa Delizosa and MSC Opera visits

§  9 and 27 April 2026: Queen Mary 2 and Silver Dawn calls

§  7 May 2026: Azamara Onward welcome

§  6 June 2026: Season close-out with Seven Seas Navigator

 

This cruise season shows the fruitful collaboration between MSC Cruises and the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, showing Durban’s status as a pivotal port for cruise tourism in Africa.

‘’Durban is once again proud to stand at the forefront of global cruise tourism. This season exemplifies our unwavering commitment to excellence, safety, and authentic cultural experiences. We are confident that Durban will solidify its position as Africa’s premier cruise destination, driving economic growth and showcasing the unparalleled beauty and spirit of our City to the world,’’ said eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba.

This cruise season promises economic growth and an enduring legacy of hospitality and real experiences that will sustain Durban’s leadership in global cruise tourism.