Erongo eyes cruise tourism boom as ships dock in droves
Walvis council determined to tap into cruise liner boom
The tens of thousands of cruise ship passengers expected to arrive at the port this year present an opportunity for improving Namibian livelihoods and boosting development.
The Erongo region’s tourism sector is setting its sights on the growing cruise ship industry, aiming to leverage the tens of thousands of passengers expected to disembark at the Walvis Bay port this and in future years.
With more than 20 international cruise liners scheduled to dock between now and mid-December, the tourist influx presents a major economic opportunity for the coastal region.
In response, the Erongo Regional Council is intensifying efforts to position the region as a key player in Namibia’s expanding cruise tourism sector.
Council chairperson Florian Donatus said this is part of a broader alignment focused on expanding tourism routes and products while ensuring services meet national standards.
During a council meeting earlier this month, he said council would collaborate with key ministries and agencies to create an enabling environment for local vendors and service providers linked to cruise tourism.
“This is a lucrative industry which deserves to be wholly supported by the regional council to ameliorate the livelihoods of our communities,” Donatus said.
His remarks follow his return from a trade mission to the United States, where he, councillor Ernst Wetha and chief regional officer Sam Ntelamo joined a Namibian delegation at the 2025 Seatrade Cruise Global Expo in Miami.
“It was an eye-opener for the Erongo Regional Council, particularly on how we can contribute towards making sure that cruise ships become a conduit for economic development for our people, especially those trading in tourism, precious stones, public transport and the hospitality industry,” he explained.
The mission also included representatives from the tourism ministry, Namibia Tourism Board, Lüderitz Waterfront and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB).
Thousands call at port
Namport’s confirmed cruise schedule includes major liners such as Mein Schiff 6, Seven Seas Voyager, Crown Princess, Azamara Pursuit, AIDAstella and Amera, with some returning multiple times during the year.
The vessels range in size from around 28 000 to over 159 000 gross tonnes, each carrying thousands of passengers.
Donatus said emphasis will be placed on ensuring that services linked to cruise tourism align with standards set by key regulatory bodies. Further consultations are expected in the coming weeks to assess infrastructure readiness, vendor capacity and inter-agency coordination ahead of the peak cruise months.
With more than 20 international cruise liners scheduled to dock between now and mid-December, the tourist influx presents a major economic opportunity for the coastal region.
In response, the Erongo Regional Council is intensifying efforts to position the region as a key player in Namibia’s expanding cruise tourism sector.
Council chairperson Florian Donatus said this is part of a broader alignment focused on expanding tourism routes and products while ensuring services meet national standards.
During a council meeting earlier this month, he said council would collaborate with key ministries and agencies to create an enabling environment for local vendors and service providers linked to cruise tourism.
“This is a lucrative industry which deserves to be wholly supported by the regional council to ameliorate the livelihoods of our communities,” Donatus said.
His remarks follow his return from a trade mission to the United States, where he, councillor Ernst Wetha and chief regional officer Sam Ntelamo joined a Namibian delegation at the 2025 Seatrade Cruise Global Expo in Miami.
“It was an eye-opener for the Erongo Regional Council, particularly on how we can contribute towards making sure that cruise ships become a conduit for economic development for our people, especially those trading in tourism, precious stones, public transport and the hospitality industry,” he explained.
The mission also included representatives from the tourism ministry, Namibia Tourism Board, Lüderitz Waterfront and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB).
Thousands call at port
Namport’s confirmed cruise schedule includes major liners such as Mein Schiff 6, Seven Seas Voyager, Crown Princess, Azamara Pursuit, AIDAstella and Amera, with some returning multiple times during the year.
The vessels range in size from around 28 000 to over 159 000 gross tonnes, each carrying thousands of passengers.
Donatus said emphasis will be placed on ensuring that services linked to cruise tourism align with standards set by key regulatory bodies. Further consultations are expected in the coming weeks to assess infrastructure readiness, vendor capacity and inter-agency coordination ahead of the peak cruise months.
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