MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The arrival of the cruise ship, Island Sky, which docked at Mossel Bay's Quay 4 on 10 April coincided with the conclusion of the town's best cruise season, where a total of 13 passenger ships visited town.

They brought 9 270 visitors to Mossel Bay and surrounds. The season started on 17 December.

This is according to a media statement from Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA).

It noted: "The use of ferries, a phenomenon in ports such as Mossel Bay, also provided a more enjoyable experience for passengers, as it allowed them to enjoy the scenic views of the city, Seal Island and the beautiful Santos and Munro beaches."

Some of the most popular places visited by the passengers included the game reserves, Mossel Bay Central Business District (CBD), Oudtshoorn and Knysna.

Port manager, Dineo Mazibuko, said: "While the port of Mossel Bay is the smallest in South Africa with noticeable quay and draft limitations, the milestones achieved confirm and reinforce the envisioned strategic growth of the port's marine and coastal tourism which will see the port being able to service bigger vessels and even larger numbers of tourism enthusiasts in the near future.

"The port expresses its deepest gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the 2022/23 cruise liner season and looks forward to strengthening and sustaining such partnerships for the advancement of this sector and the benefit of the city's economic growth."

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’