Travis Stedman on his journey into the cruise industry and Cape Town's role

My First Cruise Connections: Travis Stedman, senior manager, Cruise Cape Town - Wesgro, shares his cruise industry firsts.

September 28, 2026

Describe the first time you saw a cruise ship.

My first memorable encounter with a cruise ship was seeing Queen Mary in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, where I spent part of my childhood. I remember being fascinated by the sheer size of the ship and asking my father why the Queen needed so many bedrooms. Looking back, it was an early introduction to the sense of wonder and curiosity that cruise travel can create.

What was the first cruise-related company you worked for as a young professional and what was the role?

Cruise Cape Town was my first professional role in the cruise industry. I came into the sector with experience in venture capital, business development and strategy, and have enjoyed applying that perspective to a global industry that brings together tourism, trade, investment and destination development.

From a Wesgro perspective, it has also been particularly rewarding to see how the cruise sector contributes to Cape Town and the Western Cape's broader tourism economy and international positioning.

What was your first cruise experience as a passenger?

Interestingly, I have never travelled on a cruise as a passenger. My first sailing experience was a Ponant scouting voyage in November 2024, travelling from Cape Town to Mossel Bay with an overnight stay in Hermanus.

As the ship was sailing without guests, I had the unusual privilege of sharing dinner with the captain each evening and hearing his stories. It offered a fascinating behind-the-scenes perspective on the experience of cruising and the role that destinations like ours play in shaping the journey.

Name your first cruise industry mentor or inspiration.

While I do not have a formal cruise industry mentor, Alex Zietz of Virgin Voyages (senior director of global operations, experience, and belonging) has been a significant source of inspiration. I admire his authenticity, openness and willingness to engage, as well as the innovative and inclusive culture being built at Virgin Voyages.

Those values resonate strongly with the work we do in positioning Cape Town and the Western Cape as a destination that is welcoming, innovative and globally competitive.

And your first memory of a Seatrade Cruise event?

My first Seatrade Cruise Global was in Miami in 2024. What stood out immediately was the energy of the exhibition floor and the sheer diversity of destinations represented.

Every destination had a different story to tell through its culture, people, experiences and attractions. It was a great reminder that cruise is not simply about the ship or the journey, it's about the destinations and the experiences that make passengers want to explore further.

For Cape Town and the Western Cape, that is particularly exciting: we have an extraordinary destination story to tell, and the global cruise industry provides an important platform for sharing it with the world.