The arrival of the cruise ship MS Ambience at Mombasa Port has provided a significant boost to the coastal tourism sector. Carrying 1,700 passengers, the vessel docked on Wednesday morning, marking a key moment for Kenya’s growing cruise tourism industry. The ship arrived from Victoria Port in Seychelles, bringing in tourists from various countries who will spend two days in Mombasa before continuing their journey.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) announced the arrival, highlighting the increasing number of cruise ships making stops at Mombasa. Since the cruise circuit began in September last year, several vessels have visited the port, contributing to the region’s economic growth. KPA emphasized the importance of these visits, particularly with the ongoing cruise season set to conclude next month. The authority confirmed that additional ships are expected to arrive before the season ends.
The presence of the ultra-modern cruise terminal at the port has been a major factor in attracting more vessels. Developed to enhance passenger experience, the terminal has positioned Mombasa as a key hub for cruise tourism in Africa. KPA reiterated that the facility has not only improved operations at the port but also reinforced Kenya’s reputation as a preferred destination for both cargo and cruise ship activities.
Passengers arriving aboard MS Ambience were met with warm hospitality as they disembarked to explore Mombasa’s attractions. The coastal city offers a mix of historical and modern experiences, from the iconic Fort Jesus to the pristine beaches that attract thousands of tourists annually. Local businesses, hotels, and tour operators are set to benefit from the influx of visitors, further stimulating the economy.
Following its stay in Mombasa, MS Ambience is scheduled to set sail for Durban, continuing its voyage along Africa’s coastline. The recent increase in cruise ship visits underlines the growing interest in Kenya’s tourism sector, which has been recovering steadily after setbacks caused by global travel restrictions.
Last month, the port also welcomed the Bahamas-flagged cruise ship MV World Odyssey, famously known as “Semester at Sea.” This floating university provides students with an academic voyage across different countries and made its third visit to Mombasa, where it remained for six days. The return of such vessels signals a positive trend in cruise tourism, reinforcing Mombasa’s status as a preferred port of call.
The increase in cruise vessel calls at Mombasa Port has been attributed to improved port connectivity and the government’s commitment to developing the tourism sector. Officials have noted that first-time caller vessels, those docking for the first time, have also contributed to the rising numbers. The continued investment in port infrastructure and tourism facilities is expected to sustain this momentum.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua recently projected that cruise ship tourism could generate approximately Sh2 billion in revenue. The government remains optimistic about leveraging Kenya’s strategic coastal position to attract more international travelers and cruise liners. As more ships continue to dock at Mombasa, the future of cruise tourism in Kenya looks increasingly promising.
