NMBM BIDS BON VOYAGE TO A SUCCESSFUL CRUISE SEASON
Published: July 10, 2026<< BACK TO NEWS
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The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe, has expressed her satisfaction at the continued growth of the cruise industry in Nelson Mandela Bay, with the 2025/26 cruise season generating an estimated R111 million in economic impact for the local economy.
On Thursday, 9 July 2026, the NMBM officially brought the 2025/26 cruise season to a close by bidding a warm farewell to the Viking Yi Dun, the final cruise liner to dock in the Bay this season.
The cruise season saw 39 cruise vessels docking in Nelson Mandela Bay, bringing 59 077 passengers and 22 994 crew members to the city. This accounted for 16 overnight calls and 23 day visits, providing a significant boost to the tourism and hospitality sectors while supporting local businesses and creating employment opportunities.
"This growth is attributed to the Tourism Master Plan that the City is implementing, which identified the cruise industry as one of the niche sectors with significant potential to stimulate tourism and economic growth. We are pleased that the economic impact continues to increase, and we are confident that this trajectory will continue to create job opportunities and strengthen the local economy," said Executive Mayor Lobishe.
The City continues to benefit from cruise tourism in a number of ways, including:
Direct Economic Injection: Tourists and crew members spend money on shore excursions, restaurants, transportation, retail outlets and souvenirs, creating a multiplier effect that supports local businesses.
Port Revenue: Port authorities generate income through berthing fees, passenger charges and fees for essential services such as mooring, waste disposal and harbour piloting.
Job Creation: The influx of visitors sustains jobs in the hospitality, tourism, transport and tour guiding sectors.
Supply Chain Demand: Cruise ships procure fresh food, beverages, fuel and other supplies from local vendors before departing.
Destination Marketing: Visitors who enjoy their experience often return for longer land-based holidays, contributing to repeat tourism and promoting Nelson Mandela Bay as a destination of choice.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture (EDTA), Councillor Bassie Kamana, together with Acting Executive Director for EDTA, Wandisile Makwabe, welcomed the Viking Yi Dun and expressed their appreciation to its passengers and crew for choosing Nelson Mandela Bay as one of their destinations.
The Viking Yi Dun, formerly known as the Viking Sun, is a luxury 930-passenger ocean cruise ship renowned for its elegant Scandinavian design, inclusive onboard amenities and adults-only cruising experience.
Harbour Master Vuyani Ntsimango also welcomed the vessel and marked the conclusion of another successful cruise season.
Speaking during the traditional plaque exchange ceremony, MMC Kamana said:
"Today we celebrate the successful conclusion of another cruise season and reaffirm that Nelson Mandela Bay is ready to welcome the world. Every cruise ship that visits our shores contributes to our local tourism economy, supports businesses, creates jobs and showcases the unique experiences our city has to offer. The estimated R111 million generated during the 2025/26 cruise season demonstrates the growing value of cruise tourism to our local economy. We look forward to an even bigger and better season ahead, welcoming more visitors from across the globe. To all our guests, thank you for choosing Nelson Mandela Bay. We wish you a safe journey and hope to welcome you back soon to experience the endless adventures our destination has to offer."
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