President William Ruto on Sunday morning toured the luxury cruise liner Norwegian Dawn at the Port of Mombasa, marking a significant moment for Kenya’s tourism sector. The ship, which arrived from Seychelles, carried 2,220 tourists and 1,100 crew members, making it the first cruise vessel to dock in Mombasa this year.
The 294-meter-long vessel brought tourists from 54 nationalities, offering them a chance to explore Kenya’s white sandy beaches and renowned national parks. President Ruto, joined by key government officials including Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Captain William Ruto, and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, celebrated the ship’s arrival as a boost to Kenya’s cruise tourism industry.
“I am proud to welcome visitors as we establish Kenya as a key tourism destination,” said President Ruto. “I am informed that 800 guests have already left for Amboseli and city tours, which speaks volumes about the impact of tourism on our economy.”
Cruise tourism in Kenya has experienced fluctuations in recent years, with a decline at some point. However, President Ruto highlighted a resurgence, noting that 6,500 cruise tourists visited Kenya last year and that the number is expected to increase in 2024. He announced that Kenya anticipates welcoming eight more cruise ships this year, reinforcing its position as a premier travel destination.
Captain William Ruto piloted Norwegian Dawn to Berth No. 1 at the port, reaffirming KPA’s commitment to enhancing cruise tourism through strategic infrastructure investments. He assured international cruise lines of the port’s readiness to accommodate more vessels, emphasizing security and efficiency.
“This is just the beginning we expect more vessels to call at the Port of Mombasa,” said Captain Ruto. “The port is safe and fully equipped to receive more visitors.”
The visit follows other notable ship arrivals, including the MV KMTC Hochiminh, a cargo vessel that made its inaugural voyage to Mombasa, and the MV Bollete, which docked in December 2024 carrying over 900 passengers. Another cruise liner is expected to arrive next month.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano highlighted that the number of tourists who arrived on Sunday marks the highest Kenya has received in a single day in the past decade. “We are happy that cruise tourism is picking up, and Kenya is emerging as a favorite destination for international cruise ships,” Miano stated.
As tourists disembark for various excursions, including wildlife safaris and coastal adventures, Kenya’s tourism sector looks set to benefit from the renewed interest in cruise travel, solidifying the country’s reputation as a top global travel destination.
