The coastal town of Mombasa is seeing an exciting surge in tourism activity as the MS Ambience, a magnificent cruise ship carrying 1,700 passengers, made its debut at the Port of Mombasa on Wednesday morning. Arriving from Victoria Port in Seychelles, the ship brought a diverse group of tourists from all corners of the globe, all eager to explore the rich cultural and natural beauty of Kenya’s coastal region. The passengers are set to spend two days soaking up the vibrant atmosphere and scenic views that Mombasa has to offer.
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) made the announcement of the ship’s arrival, expressing their pride in hosting the MS Ambience on its maiden voyage to Mombasa. The arrival marks a continued positive trend for the local tourism sector, which has been experiencing a welcome revival thanks to the influx of cruise ships at the port. “We have seen a steady increase in the number of vessels docking here since the cruise season began in September of last year,” said KPA in a statement.
The MS Ambience’s arrival is part of a broader growth in cruise tourism in Kenya, with more ships expected to dock at the port before the season ends next month. This boost in cruise activity is largely attributed to the opening of the ultra-modern Cruise Terminal at the Port of Mombasa. The terminal, which was developed by the KPA, enhances the passenger experience, making Mombasa a more attractive destination for cruise tourists. It also solidifies Kenya’s status as a leading cruise tourism hub in Africa, a position that is growing steadily as the country diversifies its tourism offerings.
The tourists disembarked with excitement, ready to explore Mombasa’s historical sites, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage. The cruise ship MS Ambience is set to continue its journey to Durban after its stopover in Mombasa, but its brief stay is a testament to the port’s growing importance in the global cruise tourism circuit.
This recent arrival follows the MV World Odyssey, which made its third visit to Mombasa last month. Often referred to as “Semester at Sea,” this massive cruise vessel serves as the world’s largest floating campus, offering academic voyages to students. Its visit, which lasted six days, brought attention not only to Mombasa’s tourism potential but also to its ability to cater to diverse passenger needs.
The KPA has noted a steady increase in cruise ship calls to the port, signaling improved connectivity and growing interest in Mombasa as a key stopover for international cruises. The increasing number of ships reflects a positive trajectory for both the local economy and the tourism sector, offering jobs and boosting the local hospitality industry.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua highlighted that the government is anticipating a significant financial windfall from cruise ship tourism, with expectations to generate around Sh2 billion. This development is a testament to the efforts being made to position Kenya as a leading destination for international travelers, especially those exploring the unique allure of the coastal region.
As Mombasa continues to receive these international cruise vessels, it not only enhances its reputation as a desirable travel destination but also contributes to the ongoing revitalization of the tourism sector, benefiting local businesses and communities alike. The future looks promising for Mombasa and Kenya’s cruise tourism, as more ships and tourists make their way to the beautiful shores of the Indian Ocean.
