WALVIS BAY – Thousands of tourists are set to arrive at the coast as the Namibia Ports Authority (Namport) is set to welcome 34 international passenger liners.
NamPort’s 2026 passenger liner schedule shows that 21 cruise vessels are expected to call at the Port of Walvis Bay, while 13 vessels are scheduled to dock at the Port of Lüderitz between February and July this year.
According to NamPort, the increase in passenger liners reflects a continued growth in global cruise tourism and Namibia’s position as a destination along the African coast.
“NamPort is proud to announce the 2026 Passenger Liner Season, with our ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz set to welcome an exciting lineup of international cruise vessels,” the authority said.
Tourism officer for the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Suama Nambala, added that passenger liners have a significant economic impact on the country’s economy as well as the local tourism industry.
Hence, she said, the ministry always welcomes all efforts by stakeholders that collaborate to ensure tourists are safe and continue to return to Namibia.
“As a norm, we will create awareness and make sure that tourists are safe and enjoy Namibia,” Suama said.
Senior Inspector Judith Shomongula told New Era that they are always ready to intensify patrols around the ports and in town, as well as on common routes used by tourists.
“This is not an uncommon operation. Our aim has always been to protect and maintain safety,” she said. She also appealed to those working closely with tourists to operate orderly and in a way that does not negatively affect Namibia’s reputation.
At full capacity, this translates to about 60 000 tourists disembarking from passenger liners.
The first cruise vessel, Azamara Journey, was expected to dock in Lüderitz on Thursday and on Friday in Walvis Bay.
Other vessels expected at the ports include Europa, Pacific World, Seven Seas Voyager, Aida Diva, Aida Stella, Costa Deliziosa, Mein Schiff 5, Viking Sky, Queen Mary 2, and MSC Magnifica.
Some vessels, including MSC Opera, are scheduled to make more than one call during the season.
These passenger liners have a capacity of at least 60 000.