The docking of the Vasco Da Gama kicked off the 2023/24 cruise season in the City.

THE 2023/24 cruise season is underway in Durban signalling the start of the festive season. Durban Tourism on 11 November, in collaboration with Transnet National Ports Authority, officially launched the 2023/24 cruise season. They welcomed the Vasco Da Gama cruise liner with 550 passengers from Portugal to the City’s shores. She is
the first vessel to dock at the Durban Harbour this cruise season. 

The Vasco Da Gama is making way for around 70 vessels that are expected to dock at the Durban Port over the next few months. To experience the City’s various attractions, passengers were taken to explore activities at the Valley of 1000 Hills, the Phezulu Safari Park, a Ricksha bus tour and other activities as part of marketing the destination. 

Deputy Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Phili Ndlovu said Durban is a strategically located destination with a newly developed cruise terminal. “The launch of the cruise season comes as the City is busy with the expansion project of the Port of Durban. This development is expected to be a major drawcard for cruise liners and will include fivestar hotels, a retail mall, apartments, and an African cultural centre.

These ambitious projects will undoubtedly make Durban the number one destination for cruise ships and create job opportunities in the City.” Meanwhile, a team from Durban Tourism attended the 2023 World Travel Market London from 6 to 8 November. The team engaged with tour operators to forge partnerships that will ensure they include Durban in their itineraries and travel packages for international travellers and booking agents. They further discussed collaborations with the United Kingdom trade on how they can bring visitors to Durban.