Splendour at sea as Kenya welcomes another luxurious cruise vessel

Kenya received another luxurious cruise vessel, MSC Poesia, from a Mediterranean Shipping Company on Saturday.

The cruise liner docked in Mombasa with 2,500 passengers of all nationalities and 1,000 crew members, 16 of whom were Kenyan.

Speaking to the tourists, CS Tourism Alfred Mutua stated that the majority of them will stay in Mombasa, but as of Saturday morning, 70 of them had already flown to Maasai Mara, with others visiting Amboseli and Tsavo.

"We estimate that the visit alone has generated Sh23 million. "If we calculate the total, it has given us Sh 50 million in a very short period of time," remarked CS Mutua.

He mentioned that last year, 3123 people arrived by ship.

“This month alone, we have surpassed 5000, which means there is new growth and interest in Kenya. In terms of booking, we are receiving so far in excess of 2000 visitors who are coming by cruise ships. The reality is that the 12,000 people that we are expecting this year will drop into the ocean because Kenya should be receiving more. Our capacity is 140,000 visitors per cruise ship,” said Mutua.

The Tourism CS noted that he tasked officials in the ministry to go around and ensure the tourists were given top-notch hospitality while in the country.

“We are expecting around two billion shillings from cruise ship tourism. I want to urge our tour operators to ensure their businesses are in line because this is a lot of money and they can gain from the tourism business,” he said.

Mutua said the ship cannot stay for long because of the yellow fever requirement set by the World Health Organisation.

“We are going to talk to WHO about the requirements, but it is up to us before ships come to Kenya we talk to the cruise company before they board indicating they have their yellow fever so that when they arrive they get to stay even for two days,” he said.

He thanked the cruise line for allowing Kenya immigration officers to board the ship in Zanzibar and coming while clearing and stamping the passports for all people disembarking

Stella Wangari, a Kenyan senior who represents Kenyans working aboard the ship, stated, "I am from Nairobi, and we are excited today. We've been longing for this day. I'd like to emphasise that bMSC is a fantastic firm to work for, and we're glad to meet folks from home. I encourage my fellow adolescents to look for jobs online because it is simple," she stated.

She indicated that 16 Kenyans would be onboard.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir welcomed the visitors, and directed relevant ministries to ensure that all tourists visiting Mombasa are given adequate protection and supplied any assistance they may want.

“This is so that anybody who comes onboard could sell the narrative of Mombasa to others. I hope this is going to be one of the many visits that the ship will be making to Mombasa, carrying more and more passengers to enjoy the scenery and hospitality of Mombasa,” said Governor Nassir.

He stated that he has been lobbying the National Government to waive the costs that tourists must pay whenever they leave the ship.

"Mombasa has excellent cuisine, and everything needs to be offered, from the beach to historical sites. We want to ensure it is easy for someone to leave in the morning and come back to the ship, change clothes, and have dinner on board. We have written to relevant ministries to look at the possibility of having this kind of fee waived,” said Nassir.

Last month, a cruise vessel carrying more than 2,200 passengers and 1,000 crew members docked at the port city of Mombasa.

Receiving the visitors onboard MV Norwegian Dawn, county tourism executive Mohamed Osman said the vessel's arrival marks a significant milestone for tourism in Mombasa County as it showcases its emergence as a premier destination in East Africa.

It boasts the largest suites at sea, spanning up to 6,693 square feet. The Garden Villas feature king- or queen-size beds, separate living and dining areas, luxury baths, and private balconies, all complemented by certified butler and concierge services.