TNPA welcomes SH Diana, kicking off Port of Richards Bay cruise season

State-owned ports management agency Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) welcomed the British cruise line Swan Hellenic (SH) Diana passenger vessel to its shores through a strategic partnership with the King Cetshwayo district municipality to boost the tourism economy in collaboration with the city of uMhlathuze local municipality.

The SH Diana has opened the Richards Bay cruise season for the second consecutive year, and her docking reflects the port’s growing role in South Africa’s cruise tourism sector, TNPA says.

Fourteen cruise vessels are expected this season, and the Port of Richards Bay is working closely with the tourism sector to create enriching experiences for visiting tourists, thereby supporting economic growth in the region and promoting Richards Bay as a key coastal destination.

The docking of SH Diana also provides an opportunity for the King Cetshwayo district municipality to showcase its rich cultural heritage to international tourists as the gateway to the heart of Zululand, TNPA says.

Built in 2023, the passenger vessel sailed into the port carrying approximately 250 passengers and 200 crew members onboard, marking Richards Bay as an appealing destination for international travellers.

Her arrival brings an influx of visitors eager to experience Richards Bay’s scenic landscapes, rich cultural offerings and unique local attractions, as well as an array of tourist attractions, such as Hluhluwe Mfolozi Game Reserve, Mtunzini trails and Dlinza Aerial Boardwalk.

“The Port of Richards Bay looks forward to this time of the year when we get to promote our port to local and international tourists. We further look forward to a successful cruise season, as we continue to play an essential role in the nation’s thriving tourism industry,” says TNPA Port of Richards Bay port manager Dennis Mqadi.