One of the world’s largest passenger ships, Queen Mary II, docked in Durban on Monday, causing a buzz at the old N-Shed, harbour.

The Queen Mary 2, a high-end cruise company, has visited KwaZulu-Natal once more. The last time the passenger cruise ship visited Durban, the COVID-19 epidemic was at its worst. Six staff members who had tested positive for the illness at the time were delivered to the Port of Durban. For nearly 15 months, trips were halted by the pandemic.

Building on the Queen Mary 2 began in 2004. It is thought to be, after the Symphony of the Seas, the second-largest passenger ship in the world.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative effect on the tourism industry, according to Mxolisi Kaunda, the mayor of eThekwini, but the industry is now gradually recovering.

“We all know that COVID-19 reversed significantly the gains we have made in this sector of tourism and the arrival of Queen Mary 2 demonstrates that the tourism industry in Durban is now bouncing back. There is no doubt about that. This occasion also marks the beginning of the Easter Holidays. Therefore, we want to assure you that Durban is ready to host thousands of visitors who have already started to descend on our shores. We are happy that 19 of the 23 beaches are open and safe for swimming. Our visitors are more than welcome to explore the beauty of our city.”

Captain Andrew Hall of the Queen Mary 2 received a gift of a Zulu spear and shield from the city of Durban.

“Thanks for the well welcome that we had in Durban this morning. The authentic taste of your culture with the dances and music it really added to the warm welcome. It is really nice to be back in Durban after an absence of some three years, it is really nice to be back, Mr. Mayor in your speech you acknowledge the importance of tourism and acknowledge the importance of cruise industry.”

Tourists who arrived in Durban are anticipated to spend some time visiting the city’s tourist hotspots, including the Valley of a Thousand Hills and the game reserves near Hluhluwe and St. Lucia in northern KwaZulu-Natal.