Queen Anne Docks in Durban boosting Tourism

 

By Fred Felton | Feb. 9, 2026

The Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in Durban was full of activity on 4^th February as the luxurious Cunard’s Queen Anne cruise ship docked with around 3 000 international tourists on board the luxury liner.

The luxury cruise ship Queen Anne docked in Durban on 4th February. | Photo: Durban Tourism

All through the day tourists ventured around Durban, taking in the iconic sights such as the Golden Mile beachfront, uShaka Marine World and other sites.

Many tourists joined guided tours to experience Durban’s diverse heritage, while others took in the City’s warm hospitality and enjoyed the culinary scene.

Durban Tourism welcomed the visitors and offered an authentic taste of the City’s unique blend of traditions and cultures.

It was a vibrant day at Durban's Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal as the Queen Anne docked yesterday, bringing 3 000 tourists eager to explore the City. Photo: Durban Tourism. 

Tourists were treated to local crafts, distinctive flavours and authentic Durban experiences that showcased the City’s appeal as a world destination.

The Queen Anne left Durban at 9pm, leaving with it heightened excitement and a positive boost to the local tourism economy.

The vessel set sail across the Indian Ocean en route to Singapore.

This visit shows Durban’s growing reputation as a premier stop for international cruise liners, reinforcing the City’s position on the global tourism map.

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.

MSC Euribia Visits Durban

 

By Fred Felton | Nov. 10, 2024

The MSC Euribia, MSC Cruises’ flagship made a technical stop in Durban at the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal on the 6^th November 2024. There was also a Crest Exchange Ceremony as this was the first time the ship visited Durban.

MSC Euribia | Photo: Supplied.

This ship is one of the largest to berth at a South African port and is also one of the most technologically advanced and iconic ships in the MSC Cruises’ fleet.

This is MSC Cruises’ fifth Meraviglia class ship and is powered by liquid natural gas (LNG). The ship came into service in 2023.

Crest Exchange Ceremony. | Photo: Fred Felton.

‘’We are delighted to welcome MSC Euribia for her first stop in South Africa. The R300 million Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in Durban is only one of two ports in South Africa equipped to accommodate such a large vessel, making the terminal perfect for this,’’ said Ross Volk, Managing Director of MSC Cruises South Africa.

The MSC Euribia is the 2nd ship in the MSC Cruises fleet to be powered by LNG, which is more environmentally friendly and reduces emissions of greenhouse gasses by 20%. The fuel offers immediate benefits to the local port community compared to conventional maritime fuels by reducing local air emissions (99% less sulphur oxides (SOx), 99% particulate emissions and up to 85% less nitrogen oxides (NOx).

This ship can accommodate 6 334 passengers and has 2 400 cabins, the ship has some amazing features which include an almost 100-metre LED screen running along the ceiling of the central indoor promenade – the longest and most spectacular LED dome at sea which has to be seen to be believed. It is literally jaw dropping.

That 100-metre LED screen. | Photo: Fred Felton. 

The MSC Euribia offers passengers a choice of 10 dining venues, 21 bars, five pools that accommodate over 1 000 guests, and one of the biggest waterparks at sea. The ship also has a theatre, gym and a Spa which features loads of new experiences.

Tiramisu. Sweet treats you can get on board. | Photo: Fred Felton. 

The vessel is also home to the MSC Yacht Club for the ultimate luxury experience which includes privacy and a 24-hour butler service.

MSC Cruises remains committed to the continued growth of the cruising industry in South Africa and the potential of the industry to making a positive impact to the local economy and the SA economy.

‘’This marks the official start of the local cruise season and as MSC Cruises we look forward to welcoming avid cruises and those new to cruising on board, throughout the summer. MSC Musica, the vessel that will service South Africa for the local season, will kick off her time on local waters on the 22^nd of November 2024,’’ noted Ross Volk.

Tour the MSC Euribia here: