Kenya expands cruise tourism with arrival of Norwegian Dawn
Kenya expands cruise tourism with arrival of Norwegian Dawn
Kenya’s tourism sector is witnessing a revival as the country strengthens its cruise tourism infrastructure, marketing strategies, and visitor experiences to drive growth. The arrival of the Norwegian Dawn, a 294-meter-long passenger vessel carrying over 2,200 tourists, marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to attract international visitors and boost foreign investments
Cruise tourism in Kenya peaked in the early 2000s, with around 40 port calls and 20,000 passengers annually. However the sector faced a decline due to piracy concerns. In recent years, a steady recovery has been observed, with 6,561 passengers recorded in 2024. The 2024/25 cruise season is gaining momentum, with the Norwegian Dawn’s docking on February 23rd, 2025, making it the largest cruise ship to visit Kenya in over a decade.
The Norwegian Dawn which arrived on Sunday morning at the Port of Mombasa hosted 2,206 passengers and 995 crew members, with a majority of the tourists being American. Approximately 550 passengers had confirmed participation in excursions within Kenya. The country’s cruise season runs from October to April, aligning with favorable monsoon winds. The 2024/25 season expects eight cruise lines to dock at Mombasa, further reinforcing the country’s tourism agenda.
Speaking at the Port of Mombasa, President William Ruto announced the rollout of a multiple-entry Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for cruise ship tourists. The initiative is aimed at easing entry procedures, allowing tourists to visit Kenya’s mainland seamlessly.
“The government is committed to positioning Kenya as a top-tier tourism destination. We urge the private sector to leverage the growing number of both domestic and international visitors and make significant investments in the hospitality industry,” said President Ruto. He reiterated the government’s ambitious target of welcoming five million tourists by 2027, a significant increase from 2.4 million recorded in 2024.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Hon. Rebecca Miano echoed the president’s sentiments, emphasizing that the new multiple-entry regime and the ETA system will encourage cruise passengers to extend their stay and explore Kenya’s hinterland.
“The introduction of cruise-specific e-visa arrangements will not only facilitate seamless movement of tourists but will also reduce the traditional visa application processes significantly. With travelers obtaining authorization online before arrival, we anticipate a smoother experience for our visitors,” said Hon. Miano.
The resurgence of cruise tourism is expected to spur foreign investments and stimulate economic growth. The government’s strategic focus on quality infrastructure, strategic marketing, and enhanced visitor experiences aligns with efforts to attract high-value tourists and boost revenue generation in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Industry stakeholders have been urged to capitalize on this renewed interest in cruise tourism by expanding accommodation options, improving transport infrastructure, and creating more engaging experiences for visitors.
The docking of Norwegian Dawn serves as a testament to Kenya’s growing appeal as a prime cruise destination. With continued investment and strategic policy implementation, the country is set to reclaim its position as a leading player in the global cruise tourism industry.
