Queen Mary 2 docks in Durban, boosting cruise tourism

Durban welcomed the iconic ocean liner Queen Mary 2 at the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal on April 9, in one of the standout calls of the 2025/26 cruise season. 

The ship, among the world’s largest passenger liners, is on a 109-day world voyage that began in Southampton in January. Its arrival offered Durban a chance to showcase its port facilities, cultural heritage and visitor experience to a global audience.

Durban welcomes 4,500 visitors, tours

Passengers and crew were greeted with local performances, including the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra. Many visitors joined guided tours across the city and surrounding areas. 

Popular stops included uShaka Marine World, the beachfront promenade, Ithala Game Reserve and Phezulu Safari Park. The excursions gave travelers a mix of coastal leisure, wildlife and local culture. 

The vessel brought about 4,500 international visitors to Durban. It carries between 2,640 and 3,271 passengers, supported by roughly 1,250 crew members.

Partnerships drive sustained cruise growth

The latest visit adds to a steady increase in cruise traffic since the terminal opened in 2021. City officials say the uptick has supported tourism activity and helped draw more international visitors. 

The current season began earlier than usual, starting in September 2025. Between December and April 9, Durban recorded 27 cruise ship calls, with more expected before the season ends. Bookings already confirmed through 2028 point to continued interest from global cruise operators. 

Local authorities attribute part of the growth to partnerships with operators such as MSC Cruises and the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority. Durban Tourism has also maintained a presence at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, where it promotes the city to cruise executives and itinerary planners.

Durban cruise gains, Queen Mary II

Officials say those efforts are starting to show results, with more ships including Durban on their routes. Recent seasons have also seen additional vessels from major cruise lines call at the port, alongside repeat visits by Queen Mary 2. 

The city continues to attract travelers from key markets such as the United Kingdom, the United States and Europe. For many visitors, Durban serves as both a destination and a gateway to wider travel across southern Africa. 

As the current season progresses, local tourism operators are banking on sustained demand to support jobs and small businesses linked to the cruise economy.