Summer cruise season launches this week

The Port of Richards Bay is gearing up to welcome passenger vessels for the 2021/22 cruise season.

Richards Bay, Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Gqeberha and Durban are scheduled to receive a total of 20 passenger vessels for the season which begins this month and ends in May.

The first cruise vessel will dock in Cape Town at the end of the month, while the other cities will welcome their first vessels during December.

‘We are thrilled to be able to welcome cruise passengers and crew back to our shores,’ said Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) acting chief harbour master Captain Sabelo Mdlalose.

‘We encourage visitors to adhere to Covid-19 guidelines, including social distancing and mask wearing, both on-board and while exploring our cities,’ he said.

The reopening of the season follows SA’s move to adjusted alert Level 1 of the Covid-19 related lockdown, which has allowed for passenger ships to plan and recommence tourism activities.

Mdlalose said the reopening presents a valuable opportunity for the cruise tourism industry.

‘Our ports are ready for the 2021/22 cruise season. We pride ourselves in our role of enabling the South African tourism industry, which has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

‘This season will also see the official opening of a new cruise terminal at the Port of Durban, said Captain Mdlalose.

Passenger vessels will also be permitted to call at local ports to replenish fuel, stores and provisions; for repairs and maintenance; and for medical evacuations, emergencies and other services approved by the Department of Transport.

‘Vessel owners and operators will also need to adhere to strict operating protocols. Embarkation and disembarkation must be staggered at terminals to ensure social distancing, and must comply with curfew restrictions,’ said Mdlalose.