SWAKOPMUND—The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) anticipates the arrival of more than 10 passenger vessels at the Port of Walvis Bay by the end of December, signaling the start of the 2023 cruise liner season. According to Elias Mwenyo, Namport’s Executive for Commercial Services, who released the information through a media statement on Monday, the passenger liner season usually begins in November and lasts until March the following year.

According to Namibia Press Agency, The Vasco da Gama-Nicko cruise liner, flying the Switzerland flag, marked the season’s commencement when it docked at the port on Sunday. The 219-metre-long vessel carried 396 holidaymakers and spent the night at the Port of Walvis Bay. The ship is set to depart for the Port of Lüderitz as its next port of call later on Monday.

Mwenyo noted that the cruise liner industry brings multiple benefits to Namibia. It attracts international tourists interested in the country’s natural beauty and injects foreign currency into the local economy. The industry also offers job opportunities in various sectors such as tour guiding, transportation services, and arts and crafts.

The Zaandam, a vessel owned and operated by Holland America Line and named after the city of Zaandam in the Netherlands, is the next cruise liner expected to arrive at the port on November 26.