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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 66814, member: 636"]
The German cruise ship Mein Schiff 4 docked at Port Elizabeth on Friday to begin Nelson Mandela Bay's 2025-26 cruise season. Officials expect 25 vessel visits through July 2026 to generate approximately R120 million for the Eastern Cape economy. The season marks the longest cruise period on record for the port.

More than 40,000 visitors will arrive through nine overnight stays and 16-day visits between October and July. The TUI Cruises vessel carried over 2,500 passengers and crew on its first seasonal call. Mayor Babalwa Lobishe said each ship creates employment for tour guides, transport operators and hospitality workers across the metro.

Port manager Pamela Yoyo confirmed that Transnet National Ports Authority upgraded berthing facilities and security systems to accommodate larger vessels. The 293-meter ship can hold 2,790 guests who typically spend R2,000 to R3,000 daily on tours, meals and souvenirs. Previous seasons contributed R80 million to local businesses in the 2023-24 period.
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