Move over Mediterranean: Africa signals new era for cruising
There’s no doubt about it, the global cruise industry is having a moment in the sun. When Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) released its 2024 State of the Industry report earlier this year, they confirmed that 2023 passenger volumes had reached 31.7 million (surpassing 2019’s pre-COVID numbers by 7%). Experts believe that 2024 could see this number reach 36 million—more than 13% up year-on-year.
The team at Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) is not surprised. “We’re seeing a lot of interest from first-time cruisers,” says Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre South Africa. “Loyal cruisers are also looking for new offerings next year, including expedition cruises.”
The Cape Town Cruise Terminal, which recently scooped Africa’s Best Cruise Terminal at the World Cruise Awards for the fourth consecutive year, is expecting a record-breaking 88 ships this cruise season. “Global circumstances, including the situation in the Middle East, have redirected some vessels to our shores. This presents an incredible opportunity for Cape Town, which is fast positioning itself as the cruise capital of the continent,” says Turner.
But for Turner, it’s not just Cape Town that can benefit. “If you think about the rise in popularity of expedition cruises, where smaller ships head off to new destinations to explore alternative routes and experiences—Africa has plenty to offer,” says Turner.
“As an example, along the South African coastline, ships can anchor off Hermanus, Mossel Bay and even Port Elizabeth for wine, culinary and Big 5 excursions,” says Turner. “With Madagascar, Mauritius and Kenya all offering unique wildlife or cultural experiences alongside beaches that rival the Med!”
Five ways to cruise the African continent
- MSC Musica ‘Love Jazz’ Cruise
The MSC Musica sails from Cape Town to Walvis Bay in March 2025 for six ‘jazzy nights’ where it takes in the striking coastal landscapes and marine life of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast—before culminating in a spectacular international jazz festival set against the dunes of the Namib Desert.
- NCL’s Norwegian Dawn
Norwegian Dawn, one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) mid-size vessels, has seven African itineraries over the 2024/2025 season, including an 18-day cruise taking in ports in South Africa, Angola, São Tomé and Príncipe, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal before heading off to the Canary Islands and finally Portugal.
- Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas
Royal Caribbean International is just one example of cruise liners re-entering the South African cruise market as a result of tensions in the Middle East. Voyager of the Seas will now sail two routes to and from Cape Town late next year, with their 17-night itinerary taking in Port Elizabeth, Reunion and Mauritius before heading on to Singapore.
- Oceania Insignia
Oceania has five African cruises planned in 2025, including a 33-day voyage from Cape Town to Singapore aboard Insignia, taking in Maputo (Mozambique), Mayotte (French Comoros), Nosy Be (Madagascar) and Mahe (Seychelles).
- Silversea’s Silver Wind
Silversea’s 19-day expedition cruise visits 11 ports across 7 countries, including Namibe (Angola), Pointe Noire (Republic of Congo), Bom Bom Island (São Tomé and Príncipe), Lomé (Togo) and Takoradi and Accra (Ghana). A true adventure for those looking to explore Africa’s dazzling and diverse coastline on fascinating day trips and excursions.
The growing appeal of cruising
“This is the appeal of cruising,” says Turner. “Passengers can sign up for any number of shore excursions—many specially curated by destination experts for an immersive travel experience like no other—while ‘sea days’ still promise sun decks, loungers and relaxation.”
Ease of travel (and the bonus of only having to unpack once), value, family-friendly entertainment on board, dining options and all-inclusive packages are just a few reasons seasoned cruisers find themselves answering the call of the open ocean again and again. For those looking to book their first (or second or third) cruise, Turner recommends waiting for ‘Wave Season’ —a three-month period at the beginning of each year (January to March) when cruise lines offer special promotions and deals.
“Wave Season is a great time to book because you can find reduced fares, upgrades, onboard credit deals and group discounts,” says Turner. “Chat to your Flight Centre Travel Expert early in the New Year and we can help make your cruising dreams a reality!”
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