The World docks in Cape Town: kickstarting the 2025/2026 cruise season
Cape Town has officially opened its 2025/26 cruise season, with The World docking at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal.
Image: Supplied.
The Mother City has officially opened its 2025/2026 cruise season.
The World - the largest private residential yacht on Earth, with 165 residences - just docked at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal. It will stay in the city until Friday, September 12.
This event marks the beginning of summer for the city's tourism industry and international recognition for the terminal, which was recently ranked 12th among the world’s most beautiful cruise ports in a recent eye-tracking study by travel insurance specialists AllClear.
They shared 12th place with Port of Kotor in Montenegro, Geiranger Cruise Port in Norway and the Funchal Cruise Terminal in Portugal.
The South African cruise season generally runs from November to April, aligning with the summer months and peak travel season.
Over the next few months, more than 70 cruise ships are set to sail into the Cape Town Cruise Terminal.
Among the notable vessels are famous international liners such as the Queen Mary 2, MS Europa, MSC Magnifica, and locally, the MSC Opera.
With such popular vessels visiting, the upcoming season is expected to be great for Cape Town's tourism, hospitality and retail sectors, providing a big boost to the local economy.
"Cruise season is always a highlight for us at the V&A Waterfront as it showcases Cape Town to the world," said David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront.
As the ships arrive, local businesses stand to benefit significantly. These visitors will not only explore iconic attractions but also enhance indicators like sales in shops and foot traffic in restaurants and hotels.
Green added: "Every vessel that docks here brings visitors eager to explore the city and our neighbourhood, while also supporting our retail, hospitality and cultural offerings. It also serves as a reminder of the important role cruise tourism plays in strengthening the local economy."
Last year, the summer season saw over 90 000 South Africans setting sail on ocean adventures around the region.
Cruises from South Africa often included destinations like the Portuguese Island, Pomene, Nosy Be, Walvis Bay and even ports such as Port Louis and La Possession.