The Mother City just can’t stop winning, she’s gained yet another point towards her rep as one of the best cities in the world!
Cape Town, South Africa (12 August 2025) – The Mother City has pulled in yet another global nod of approval, this time smooth sailing into the 12th spot on a list of the world’s most beautiful cruise ports, thanks to AllClear’s latest research.
The study looked at which cruise ports grab attention the fastest around the world, and hold onto them the longest. Cape Town’s vibe, whether you’re making your grand arrival from land or sea, is pretty undeniable.
As you pull into the Mother City from the bay, there’s Table Mountain standing proud, the V&A Waterfront, and that ocean-meets-city magic that would compel anybody to stop in their tracks and soak it all up. Cape Town is a show-off without even trying.
The ranking was backed by some interesting insights. Research included analysing 33 cruise ports from around the globe, each known for its views on arrival.
A group of 100 participants from around the world took part, with their reactions measured using eye-tracking technology. The setup tracked two things: how quickly someone’s eyes locked onto an image (the ‘wow’ factor) and how long they kept looking.
These two metrics were combined, with a little extra weight given to the ability to hold attention, to work out the final ranking. It wasn’t only about making a good first impression; it had to keep them there. Perhaps wishing they were rather on a cruise arriving in Europe. Or, Cape Town.
Top honours in the world’s most beautiful cruise ports went to Valletta Cruise Port in Malta, followed by Ushuaia in Argentina and Palermo in Italy. European ports took most of the spots, but Cape Town Cruise Terminal proved she can hold her own, earning a 70/100 ‘eye-catching appeal’ score. She’s a looker.
Honestly, this is just the latest and not even the loudest in a long line of wins for the Mother City this year.
She’s already been crowned Best City in the World (again), recognised as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities, celebrated for having three restaurants named among the world’s best, and even played host to Outlander star Sam Heughan, who couldn’t stop raving about her charm. Oh, and she just smashed a world record for housing the world’s largest marimba ensemble, because she doesn’t do things halfway.
She’s not just a pretty port. Cape Town is the full package. A playground for foodies, a ‘bringer of vibes’ when it comes to music and culture, and home to some of the warmest people you’ll ever meet.
Just another small reason to be proudly Capetonian today.
Sources: Supplied
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The port’s appeal lies in its stunning natural backdrop, with Table Mountain towering over the harbor, and its proximity to the vibrant V&A Waterfront, offering visitors a blend of scenic beauty and cultural experiences.