The 2025–2026 cruise ship season officially came to a close on Saturday the 27th June with the berthing and departure of MV Viking Yi Dun from Port Victoria, marking the final cruise call of the season and the successful conclusion of another chapter for Seychelles’ cruise tourism industry.
A closing ceremony was held at Port Victoria, bringing together key stakeholders from the tourism and maritime sectors to celebrate the season’s achievements. Among those present were the Mayor of Port Victoria, Ms Josy Michaud-Payet; the Principal Secretary for Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Mr David Bianchi; the Principal Secretary for Tourism, Mrs Sherin Francis; the Chairman of the Seychelles Ports Authority, Mr Charles De Clarisse; the Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Ports Authority, Mr Pierre Prosper; the Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Ms Vesna Rakic; the Deputy Chief Executive of the Seychelles Ports Authority, Mr Ronny Matatiken; the Harbour Master of the Seychelles Ports Authority, Captain Jean-Paul Fanchette; the Master Mariner of MV Viking Yi Dun, Captain Henrik Alexander Sehlstedt; as well as representatives of the Tourism Department, shipping agencies, destination management companies and representatives of the Seychelles Ports Authority.
Despite geopolitical tensions that affected global cruise itineraries and resulted in several cancellations worldwide, Seychelles welcomed 41 cruise ship calls during the season, an increase from 35 calls the previous season, including eight maiden calls and several new cruise operators choosing the destination for the first time. The season reflects the resilience of Seychelles’ cruise industry and the strong collaboration between public and private sector partners.
This year’s season also marked a significant step forward in the country’s strategic approach to cruise tourism. Seychelles welcomed a growing number of smaller, premium and expedition cruise vessels, showcasing its commitment to attracting visitors who align with the destination’s sustainable tourism vision. These niche cruise ships offer high-quality experiences while placing less pressure on infrastructure, tourism sites and the environment, contributing to a more balanced and sustainable model of cruise tourism.
Addressing the official close of the 2025–2026 cruise season, Principal Secretary for Tourism, Mrs Sherin Francis, thanked all stakeholders whose dedication ensured the smooth operation of the season.
“This success belongs to all of us. Once again, we have demonstrated what can be achieved through strong collaboration across government agencies, the private sector and our tourism partners. Every successful port call reflects the commitment of everyone involved in delivering the warm Seychellois hospitality for which our destination is known,” she said.
Mrs Francis also highlighted one of the year’s most important achievements for the sector: the development of Seychelles’ first Cruise Tourism Strategy now at validation stage, produced in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The proposed strategy provides a clear roadmap for the future development of cruise tourism, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, economic value and community benefits.
“The proposed strategy reminds us that success is not simply about attracting more ships. It is about creating greater value for our country, protecting our environment, improving the visitor experience and ensuring that more Seychellois businesses and communities benefit from cruise tourism,” she added.
Through the proposed strategy, the Tourism Department will continue working closely with industry stakeholders to strengthen coordination, enhance the visitor experience, expand opportunities for local businesses and further position Seychelles as a premier destination for high-value cruise tourism.
The Tourism Department extends its sincere appreciation to the Seychelles Ports Authority, the Ministry of Transport, ports and civil aviation, shipping agents, destination management companies, tour operators, transport providers, guides, immigration, customs, the police, health services, local businesses and all partners whose continued collaboration contributed to another successful cruise season.
As Seychelles looks ahead to the next season, the focus remains on building a cruise industry that is sustainable, authentic and resilient, one that delivers lasting benefits for the country’s economy, communities and environment while reinforcing Seychelles’ reputation as a world-class destination for quality cruise experiences.
