Seychelles Cruise Season 2025-2026: An Unprecedented Tourism Boom
A Record Number of Port Calls in Victoria
The 2025-2026 cruise season officially began on October 12, 2025, with the arrival of the SH Diana at Victoria port on Mahé Island. This year, no fewer than 47 cruise ship calls are scheduled, representing an increase of over 25% compared to the previous season. Eight new cruise ships are making their debut in Seychellois waters, demonstrating the growing appeal of the archipelago to international maritime companies.
Surging Tourist Arrivals
The figures speak for themselves: between January and September 2025, the Seychelles tourism sector generated USD 803 million in revenue, according to the Central Bank of Seychelles. Europe, the primary source market, recorded a 13% increase, while Africa and Asia posted gains of 22% and 23% respectively. Oceania experienced exceptional growth of 94%. These results place the Seychelles among the world’s fastest-growing destinations in 2025.
New Airline Routes to the International Airport
To support this momentum, air connectivity at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) has been significantly strengthened. Turkish Airlines now offers four weekly flights from Istanbul between November 2025 and March 2026. Condor Airlines relaunched its route from Germany in September 2025, extending through May 2026. Edelweiss has resumed its seasonal flights from Zurich. Emirates, Qatar Airways and Ethiopian Airlines have also increased their frequencies, providing travellers with more direct connections to this tropical paradise.
A Sustainable Position in the Indian Ocean
Beyond the numbers, the Seychelles is committed to responsible tourism. Institutional partners, including the World Bank, emphasise that sustainable development remains central to the country’s growth strategy. Marine environment protection programmes and local community support initiatives help maintain the archipelago’s reputation for eco-responsible tourism. Victoria, the world’s smallest capital, embodies this vision: authentic, preserved and welcoming.
Why Choose the Seychelles Now?
With more airline connections than ever, a booming cruise offering and a strong commitment to sustainable development, the 2025-2026 season is the perfect time to discover the Seychelles. Whether you arrive by air at Mahé Airport or by sea at Victoria port, the archipelago of 115 granite and coral islands promises an unforgettable experience of white sandy beaches, lush tropical forests and crystal-clear waters.