Cruise passenger arrivals in Nelson Mandela Bay increased by 18% during the 2025/26 season, contributing an estimated R111 million to the local economy.
This is according to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, which said 39 cruise vessels brought 59 077 passengers to the city, up from 37 vessels and approximately 50 000 passengers in the 2024/25 season.
Of the 39 calls, 16 included overnight stays and 23 were day visits. The season ended with the departure of the Viking Yi Dun.
“We are pleased that the economic impact of the cruise industry continues to increase and we are confident that this trajectory will continue to create job opportunities and strengthen the local economy,” said Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe.
