Seychelles Records Growth in Cruise Calls as First Cruise Tourism Strategy Nears Finalisation
Seychelles closed its 2025 - 2026 cruise season on 27 June with the departure of MV Viking Yi Dun from Port Victoria, recording 41 cruise ship calls - up from 35 the previous season - despite geopolitical tensions that led to cancellations across global itineraries. The season included eight maiden calls and several new cruise operators visiting the destination for the first time, reflecting continued growth in the islands' appeal as a cruise destination.
A notable strategic shift marked this season, with Seychelles actively prioritising smaller, premium and expedition vessels over mass-market cruise traffic - an approach aligned with the destination's sustainable tourism vision. Principal Secretary for Tourism Sherin Francis highlighted the development of Seychelles' first Cruise Tourism Strategy, produced in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and currently at validation stage. The strategy sets out a roadmap focused on sustainability, economic value and community benefit, reinforcing Seychelles' positioning as a high-value cruise destination rather than one driven purely by volume.
Source: VoyagesAfriq
