On February 23, 2025, President William Ruto toured the luxury cruise liner Norwegian Dawn at the Port of Mombasa, marking a significant moment for Kenya’s cruise tourism industry. The 294-meter-long vessel, which had arrived from Seychelles, carried 2,220 tourists and 1,100 crew members from 54 different nationalities, reinforcing Kenya’s status as a premier tourist destination.
The Norwegian Dawn is the first cruise ship to dock in Mombasa this year, with President Ruto hailing its arrival as a testament to the country’s growing tourism sector. He noted that the ship’s passengers had already begun their excursions, with many visiting Amboseli National Park and Mombasa’s historic landmarks.
“I am proud to welcome visitors as we establish Kenya as a destination for tourism. I am told 800 of our guests have already left for Amboseli and the city tour, and it speaks volumes about what tourism is doing for our country,” President Ruto stated.
He also highlighted the revival of cruise tourism in Kenya. After experiencing a slowdown, the industry has seen a resurgence, with 6,500 cruise visitors in 2024 and expectations for even higher numbers in 2025. The government anticipates at least eight more cruise ships arriving at Mombasa Port this year.
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), under the leadership of Managing Director Captain William Ruto, played a key role in ensuring the smooth docking of the Norwegian Dawn. Captain Ruto personally piloted the ship to Berth No. 1, underscoring KPA’s commitment to enhancing Kenya’s cruise tourism infrastructure.
“This is just the beginning we expect more vessels to call at the Port of Mombasa. I want to assure all cruise lines that the port is safe and ready to receive more visitors,” Captain Ruto assured.
The ship’s visit follows the arrival of other major vessels, such as the cargo ship MV KMTC Hochiminh and the MV Bollete, a cruise liner that brought over 900 passengers to Kenya in December 2024. Another cruise ship is expected to dock in Mombasa next month.
During his tour of the Norwegian Dawn, President Ruto engaged with tourists on board, shaking hands and taking selfies with them. He was accompanied by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, and other key government officials.
The over 2,000 passengers who disembarked were treated to thrilling excursions along the Kenyan coast, with many exploring the country’s white sandy beaches, wildlife parks, and cultural heritage sites.
Tourism CS Rebecca Miano celebrated the moment, noting that this was the largest single arrival of cruise tourists in Kenya in the past decade.
“We are happy that cruise tourism is picking up, and Kenya is emerging as the favorite destination for cruise ships,” she said.
Mombasa Port’s improved infrastructure and security measures have contributed to its increasing appeal among international cruise operators. Chairman Benjamin Tayari emphasized that the visit by Norwegian Dawn affirms Kenya’s position as a key tourism hub in Africa.
With more cruise ships expected in the coming months, the government remains committed to expanding Kenya’s tourism sector by promoting coastal attractions, wildlife experiences, and cultural tourism.
The arrival of Norwegian Dawn signals a bright future for Kenya’s cruise tourism industry, as the country continues to attract international visitors seeking unique and diverse travel experiences.
