The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport), in partnership with the Walvis Bay Tourism Advisory Forum and regional tourism stakeholders, is gearing up for a landmark 2026 cruise season that is expected to further strengthen Namibia’s reputation as one of Africa’s emerging cruise destinations.
The season will feature several historic vessel calls, including the first visit by a Chinese-operated luxury cruise ship and the arrival of one of the largest cruise liners ever scheduled to dock in Namibia.
According to Namport, these milestones are the result of sustained destination marketing, strategic partnerships and ongoing international engagement aimed at positioning the Port of Walvis Bay as a premier gateway for cruise tourism along Africa’s west coast.
Earlier this year, Namport and the Namibia Tourism Board participated in Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 in Miami, the world’s largest annual cruise industry exhibition. The event provided an opportunity to engage directly with international cruise executives, itinerary planners and tourism stakeholders while showcasing Walvis Bay’s modern port infrastructure and tourism offerings.
A key role has also been played by the Walvis Bay Tourism Advisory Forum, which has brought together public and private sector stakeholders to improve visitor experiences, coordinate destination readiness and market Walvis Bay as an attractive port of call for international cruise passengers.
Among the highlights of the upcoming season will be the arrival of Zhao Shang Yi Dun on 14 July 2026. The vessel is expected to become the first Chinese-operated luxury cruise ship to visit a Namibian port, opening new opportunities to attract the growing Asian cruise tourism market.
The Port of Walvis Bay will also welcome the maiden calls of Mein Schiff Flow, one of the newest additions to the international cruise fleet. The vessel is scheduled to dock on 18 October and 5 November 2026, reflecting growing confidence among international cruise operators in Namibia’s ability to accommodate modern passenger vessels. Another major highlight will be the arrival of Costa Smeralda on 30 November 2026. Measuring approximately 337 metres in length and exceeding 185,000 gross tonnes, the vessel ranks among the largest cruise ships ever scheduled to visit Namibia and demonstrates the Port of Walvis Bay’s capability to safely handle some of the world’s biggest passenger liners. Namport said cruise tourism continues to make an important contribution to Namibia’s economy by creating business opportunities for tour operators, transport providers, accommodation establishments, restaurants, craft markets and numerous small and medium-sized enterprises. Each cruise ship visit also provides an opportunity to showcase Namibia’s unique landscapes, wildlife, cultural heritage and hospitality to thousands of international visitors.
Namport reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government, tourism authorities, shipping agents, cruise operators and local stakeholders to expand Namibia’s cruise tourism sector. Through continued investment in port infrastructure, operational excellence and collaborative destination marketing, the Authority aims to attract new cruise markets, increase passenger arrivals and contribute to the country’s long-term tourism and economic growth.
By Rudi Bowe
