Cruise Lines Repositioning via South Africa: A Shift in Maritime Routes

As the cruise industry adapts to evolving global conditions, a notable trend has emerged: cruise lines are increasingly opting to circumvent the Red Sea in favor of routes that include stops in South Africa, particularly Cape Town. This strategic decision reflects ongoing security concerns in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, leading many operators to prioritize passenger safety even if it means longer journeys.

Cape Town: The New Hub for Cruising

Cruise lines such as TUI Cruises, Costa Cruises, and AIDA Cruises have confirmed their plans to reposition several of their ships to sail from Cape Town during the 2025/26 season. This marks a significant shift, as the city is set to become a central transit point for vessels heading to the Arabian Gulf for the winter, transforming the local tourism landscape.

Safety First: The Impact of Security Concerns

The decision to bypass the Red Sea for the second consecutive year highlights the serious nature of security issues in the region. Cruise operators are increasingly focused on ensuring that their passengers enjoy safe travel experiences, prompting a search for alternative itineraries. This focus on security is more than just a reactive measure; it also demonstrates a shift in how cruise lines are planning their operations in volatile regions.

Noteworthy Itineraries

TUI Cruises: Mein Schiff 4 and 5

TUI Cruises has confirmed that its vessels, Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5, will utilize the Cape Town route for winter repositioning. Their extended voyages will connect the Mediterranean to Dubai and Doha, with layovers in notable ports such as Walvis Bay, Cape Town, and Durban. One of the standout itineraries is Mein Schiff 5’s remarkable 43-night journey from Heraklion to Doha, beginning on November 7, 2025. This cruise will touch several locales across Europe and Africa, before navigating around the Cape and heading into the Gulf.

Costa Toscana’s African Odyssey

Costa Cruises is also making significant maneuvers, rerouting its new flagship, Costa Toscana, around Africa. Departing on November 13, 2025, it will embark on a 43-night journey from Savona to Abu Dhabi. This voyage includes port calls in Cape Town and Mauritius, further underlining the appeal of South Africa as a crucial stop for international cruise traffic. Costa will also offer shorter options, including a 17-night sailing from Cape Town to Dubai, catering to both repositioning and regional travelers.

AIDA Cruises and the Expanding Itinerary

AIDA Cruises is not far behind in the repositioning game, offering various itineraries that highlight South Africa. AIDAprima will operate routes from Hamburg and the Canary Islands to Cape Town, with additional sailings extending to destinations like Mauritius and Oman. One standout option includes a comprehensive 57-night cruise from Hamburg to the Arabian Gulf, showcasing the increasingly complex and attractive nature of these Africa-Arabia routes.

Cape Town’s Emerging Role in Global Cruising

This trend of rerouting has not only transformed Cape Town into a vital stopover for cruise ships but also positions it as a thriving hub for international maritime travel. The combination of beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and appealing shore excursions makes Cape Town a prime destination for cruise lines and passengers alike.

Additionally, ports like Durban and Port Elizabeth stand to benefit as they may also become hosts for an influx of international cruise traffic. This unexpected advantage allows these regions to capitalize on increased tourism and related economic benefits.

Future Prospects for Rerouted Cruises

Until the security situation in the Red Sea stabilizes, it seems that this new, longer routing is likely to remain standard. Only a handful of operators, such as MSC Cruises, are betting on a return to Red Sea transits by the end of the upcoming season. For now, cruise lines are prioritizing passenger safety and comfort by taking the scenic route.

In summary, the ongoing shift of cruise lines to bypass the Red Sea in favor of South African routes exemplifies how the industry adapts to changing global circumstances. It also opens up new opportunities for cities like Cape Town, which are fast becoming key players in the maritime tourism landscape.