That’s fantastic news for Durban! The iconic Queen Mary 2 (Cunard’s flagship and the world’s last true ocean liner) docked at the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal on Thursday, 9 April 2026, bringing around 4,500 international tourists (passengers plus crew) for a day visit as part of her 110-night 2026 World Voyage.
This is a major boost for local cruise tourism and the hospitality sector in eThekwini. Visitors would have had the chance to explore Durban’s beaches, markets, uShaka Marine World, the Golden Mile, and other attractions before the ship sailed onward.
The QM2 arrived from Singapore and departed for Cape Town, where she is scheduled to arrive early on 12 April 2026 for an overnight stay (with passengers greeted by sunrise views of Table Mountain), before continuing her journey to Southampton, UK (final arrival 30 April).
It’s great to see big cruise ships returning to Durban’s harbour — the last notable QM2 visit was in 2023 with about 2,000 passengers. This larger call highlights growing confidence in South African ports for luxury ocean travel.
If you’re in Durban and spotted her (or have photos/stories from the day), it must have been quite the sight! How did the city welcome her — any special events or performances at the terminal?
