Unfold Durban met with Ross Volk at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026, where his passion for Durban and genuine belief in the city’s future came through clearly. It is encouraging to see leaders like Volk in positions where they can help drive meaningful change and long-term tourism growth for the city.

MSC Orchestra Pool Deck

MSC Cruises South Africa Managing Director Ross Volk believes Durban is entering an important phase of growth as cruise tourism continues expanding globally, with the city increasingly positioned as a key gateway for the industry in Southern Africa.

Speaking to Unfold Durban, Volk said the global cruise sector remains strong, driven by increasing demand and continued investment in new ships worldwide.

Closer to home, he believes Durban still has significant room for expansion as a cruise destination.

“Durban still has a lot of growth available to it,” Volk said during the discussion around South Africa’s cruise future.

Durban’s Infrastructure Will Shape Future Growth

While optimistic about Durban’s future, Volk said infrastructure development remains one of the most important factors in determining how quickly the local cruise sector can expand.

As Durban positions itself for greater cruise tourism growth, Volk says continued investment into infrastructure and tourism development will be critical to unlocking the city’s full potential.

“Infrastructure is the biggest barrier to cruising at the moment in Southern Africa,” Volk said, while discussing the opportunities still available for Durban and the broader regional cruise industry.

He also pointed out that South Africa’s coastline still offers major untapped opportunities for future cruise development, despite currently having limited operational cruise ports.

MSC Musica

MSC Cruises Working Alongside Durban Stakeholders

Volk’s involvement extends beyond the ships themselves. During the interview, he revealed that he forms part of a presidential committee focused on Durban tourism growth and is actively involved in conversations around accelerating tourism initiatives within the city.

“We’re obviously looking at trying to fast-track the various initiatives that are required to grow it,” he said.

MSC Cruises has already played a major role in boosting Durban’s cruise economy through the Durban Cruise Terminal and its seasonal sailings, which continue drawing both local and international travellers to the city. The ripple effect supports surrounding industries including hospitality, tourism operators, transport services and local businesses around the port precinct.

Cruise Tourism Becoming More Diverse

Volk also challenged outdated perceptions around cruise tourism being for older generations, explaining that the industry today attracts a far wider audience than many people assume.

According to MSC Cruises, family-focused travel continues to grow strongly, alongside younger travellers and women travelling in groups. Volk noted that the average age of South African cruisers is now under 50.

“Our vision of cruising is that it must be an all inclusive experience,” Volk said.

For Durban, that vision represents more than tourism growth alone. It signals growing confidence in the city’s ability to become a stronger player in the global cruise economy under leaders determined to see the industry, and Durban itself, move forward.

Tour of MSC Euribia November 2024 – Bronwyn Marcus, Ross Volk and Lyse Comins

While MSC Cruises continues to see growth, inclusion, and strong expansion within the cruise sector, Unfold Durban believes Ross Volk may well be one of the key ingredients behind the company’s success in South Africa. Unfold Durban has worked alongside MSC Cruises for some time, and while Volk is someone who clearly values his team and would likely avoid taking personal credit, his leadership, passion for Durban and commitment to growing tourism in the city deserve recognition.