Cruise success at Mombasa port as 'Semester at Sea' marks third visit

The Mombasa Port Cruise Terminal is experiencing remarkable success, welcoming another luxurious cruise vessel early on Friday.

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) attributes this to the port's improved connectivity and thriving business opportunities.

The latest cruise vessel is the Bahamas-flagged cruise ship MV World Odyssey 'Semester at Sea' that arrived at the Port of Mombasa on Friday.

KPA noted this is the third visit by the Cruise vessel World Odyssey to the port of Mombasa. Popularly known as “Semester at Sea” the World’s biggest floating campus which operates academic voyages for students will be in Mombasa for six days.

“Aboard the ship is 763 passengers, of which 585 are students who will visit institutions of higher learning for educational tours, conduct excursions around the city and visit various wildlife parks during their stay,” KPA said.

Semester at Sea transports students across the globe to explore the histories of the countries they visit.

According to KPA, the students are of mixed nationalities with one Kenyan student aboard.

Departing from India, the next destination on their itinerary is Mauritius.

Bahamas-flagged cruise ship MV World Odyssey 'Semester at Sea' that arrived at the Port of Mombasa. (Photo: KPA)

The floating campus had an extensive visit to the country calling the port last year and in 2022.

“Port of Mombasa has recorded an increase in cruise vessel calls pointing to improved connectivity of the port and a hub for cruise tourism in Africa,” KPA said.

The port has also received its first caller vessels since the beginning of the year, with the fourth, the MSC Poesia, arriving five days ago.

First callers are vessels that are docking at a port for the first time to load/discharge cargo or for passengers to embark or disembark.

The luxurious cruise vessel, MSC Poesia, from a Mediterranean Shipping Company docked in Mombasa with 2,500 passengers of all nationalities and 1,000 crew members, 16 of whom were Kenyan.

MSC Poesia, boasting a length overall of 294 metres, ranks among the largest cruise ships to have ever berthed at the Port.

KPA anticipates an increase in the number of high-end cruise ships docking at the port before the cruise season concludes in April.

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

The CS Tourism Alfred Mutua last week said the government is 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.

To enhance support for cruise tourism, KPA has invested in necessary infrastructure, including a modern cruise terminal, to solidify Kenya's position as a leading hub for both cargo operations and cruise tourism on the continent.