Tourism boost as Mombasa welcomes over 1,000 tourists from two cruise ships
Many of the visitors seized the opportunity to explore Mombasa’s cultural and historical sites, while others ventured into national parks.
Kenya's tourism received a major boost at the Port of Mombasa as two cruise ships, MS Europa and MV World Odyssey, docked simultaneously, carrying more than 1,600 passengers and crew members.
MS Europa, arriving after a decade-long absence, sailed in from Zanzibar with 334 tourists and 285 crew members on board.
More To Read
Many of the visitors seized the opportunity to explore Mombasa’s cultural and historical sites, while others ventured into national parks. The ship is scheduled to depart for Seychelles.
MV World Odyssey, widely recognised as ‘Semester at Sea,’ arrived from Cochin, India, on its fourth visit to Mombasa.
The vessel, carrying 677 students and 178 crew members, is set to remain at the port for six days, giving passengers ample time to experience Kenya’s coastal attractions and inland safaris.
MV World Odyssey when it docked at the Port of Mombasa on February 17, 2025. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director, Captain William Ruto, hailed the event as a milestone for the country’s cruise tourism.
“This is a historic moment for our port. Normally, we receive one cruise ship at a time, but today, we have two, marking the beginning of what we anticipate to be a busy season. In just a week, we expect one of the largest cruise vessels in the world, carrying about 2,000 passengers,” said Captain Ruto.
The influx of cruise passengers is expected to inject millions of shillings into the local economy, benefiting tour operators, hotels, restaurants, and small businesses.
According to stakeholders, peace and security remain crucial in attracting more cruise liners to Kenya’s coastline.
Deputy Director of Public Relations and Corporate Communications at the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Wausi Walya emphasised Mombasa’s appeal as a prime cruise destination, highlighting its blend of historical heritage and wildlife safaris.
“We have tourists who have gone to Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks, while others are enjoying golf in Vipingo. This underlines Kenya’s unique position as a destination that offers both beach and safari experiences,” said Walya.
Captain Dag Dverqastein, a Norwegian captain aboard one of the vessels, expressed enthusiasm about returning to Mombasa.
Some of the tourists soon after they arrived as the Port of Mombasa received two cruise ships, MS Europa and MV World Odyssey on February 17, 2025. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)
“Mombasa is a beautiful city, and it is always nice to be back. Some of our passengers are heading for safaris, while others will explore the historic town and its surroundings,” said Dverqastein.
According to Captain Ruto, Kenya has been investing heavily in cruise tourism infrastructure.
“The state-of-the-art cruise terminal at Berth One is designed to handle large passenger volumes efficiently, positioning Mombasa as a competitive hub for international cruise liners,” he said.
Captain Ruto reiterated KPA’s commitment to marketing Mombasa as a top-tier cruise destination, noting that enhanced infrastructure and promotional efforts are key to sustaining the sector’s growth.
“We are investing in our facilities to ensure we provide world-class services. With continuous marketing and government support, we can attract even more cruise vessels to our shores,” he said.
Tourism players remain optimistic that more vessels will call at Mombasa as the cruise season gains momentum further cementing Kenya’s status as a preferred stop for luxury cruises in the Indian Ocean.
Top Stories Today
