Walvis Bay is preparing to welcome a series of international cruise liners during the 2026/27 season, with vessels carrying a combined passenger capacity of more than 11,000 expected across six major scheduled calls between October and January.
The arrivals present opportunities for Namibia’s coastal tourism industry, including tour operators, transport providers, restaurants, curio traders and other businesses catering to international visitors.
One of the largest vessels expected is the Mein Schiff Flow, operated by TUI Cruises, which is scheduled to arrive at Walvis Bay on 18 October at 8:00 and depart on 20 October at 13:00. The ship has a passenger capacity of 3 984. The Silver Muse, operated by Silversea Cruises, is scheduled to arrive on 6 November at 7:00 and depart on 7 November at 16:00. Cruise port schedules list approximately 632 passengers for this call, although CruiseDig gives a capacity of 691.
The Mein Schiff 6, also operated by TUI Cruises, is expected on 10 November at 7:00and will depart on 11 November at 13:00. The vessel has a listed passenger capacity of approximately 2 700.
The Europa 2, operated by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, is scheduled to arrive on 14 November at 8:00 and depart on 15 November at 18:00. It has capacity for approximately 516 passengers.
The AIDAstella, operated by AIDA Cruises, is expected to arrive on 16 November at 8:00 and depart on 17 November at 13:00. The ship has a listed capacity of approximately 2 700 passengers.
In January, the Amera, operated by Phoenix Reisen, is scheduled to arrive on 10 January 2027 at 8:00 and depart on 11 January at 18:00. Its passenger capacity is approximately 835. Based on these six calls, the combined passenger capacity is approximately 11 426 using the capacities supplied by CruiseDig for the five vessels and the published port figure for the Silver Muse. This is a measure of potential passenger accommodation, not a confirmed count of people booked or expected to disembark.
The wider cruise calendar also includes vessels such as the Nautica, Hanseatic Spirit, Regatta, Seven Seas Navigator, Le Dumont d’Urville and Hebridean Sky. Their arrival and departure details should be checked against the latest port schedule before publication.
Cruise visits can generate business for local excursion operators and provide visitors with opportunities to experience the Walvis Bay lagoon, wildlife, Swakopmund and the surrounding Namib Desert.
The economic benefit will depend on passenger numbers, the excursions available and how much visitors spend while ashore.
Namport has cautioned that scheduled dates and times are subject to change because of weather conditions and other unforeseen delays. The public and tourism stakeholders are advised to consult www.namport.com for the latest official schedule.
By Rudi Bowe
