Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) says its ready to welcome thousands of international tourists to South Africa’s shores through its commercial and seaports as the 2022/23 cruise liner season kicks-off.
This season is expected to attract more tourists as the global COVID-19 regulations and restrictions have eased.
Approximately 239 cruise ship call-ins are expected between October 2022 and April 2023.
The Port of Cape Town anticipates 70 call-ins; Port of Durban 76, Port of East London 18, Port of Mossel Bay 16; Port of Port Elizabeth 34 and Port of Richards Bay, 25.
The first passenger vessel of the season, Hanseatic Spirit, arrived at the Port of Cape Town on the 18th of October.
Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Retief Odendaal welcomed the luxurious Hanseatic Spirit in the Port of Port Elizabeth on Saturday morning and reiterated that the Metro is open for business.
"Our hope for the new season is that we will see many more cruise liners visit our shores and that we will be able to improve on our pre-Covid numbers," he said.
"Nelson Mandela Bay has a unique offering that visitors can enjoy such as The Big 7, pristine beaches, unique heritage sights and very competitive rates that our establishments charge."
The Hanseatic Spirit is carrying 173 passengers and 169 crew members on this cruise.
She was built in 2021, has a Gross Tonnage of 15651 and is 139 metres in length.
The 230-passenger Hanseatic Spirit was built by VARD Holdings Ltd, the Norwegian subsidiary company of the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, and is currently sailing under the flag of Malta.
