Mombasa Port welcomes dual Cruise Ship arrival in boost to Kenya’s tourism sector

Rebecca Miano, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary

The coastal city of Mombasa on Monday morning welcomed two luxury cruise ships—MS Europa and MS World Odyssey—carrying over 1,600 passengers and crew. This historic double docking at the Port of Mombasa underscores Kenya’s growing reputation as a premier cruise ship destination.

As the sun rose over the Indian Ocean, the two magnificent vessels sailed into Mombasa’s harbor, greeted by the rhythmic beats of traditional dancers and a warm reception from port officials. Passengers from diverse nationalities disembarked, ready to explore the vibrant coastal city and embark on thrilling excursions across Kenya.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Captain William K Ruto speaking outside MS Europa, expressed enthusiasm about this momentous occasion, noting that it was the first time in history that two cruise ships had docked at the port simultaneously. He affirmed KPA’s dedication to enhancing port facilities in collaboration with the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) to ensure a seamless experience for visiting cruise liners.

“This double docking is a testament to the strides Kenya is making in the cruise tourism industry. We are committed to ensuring that Mombasa remains the preferred cruise ship tourism destination by continuously improving our infrastructure and working closely with key stakeholders.”

Tourists aboard both ships embarked on various excursions, with some opting for safaris to Tsavo National Park, renowned for its iconic red elephants and breathtaking landscapes. Others chose to explore Mombasa’s Old Town, Fort Jesus, and the pristine beaches along the coastline, immersing themselves in Kenya’s rich history and Swahili culture.

Mombasa Port welcomes dual Cruise Ship arrival in boost to Kenya’s tourism sector

While MS Europa is set to depart this evening for Seychelles, passengers aboard MS World Odyssey will have six days to experience Kenya’s beauty before setting sail for Cape Town, South Africa

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Hon. Rebecca Miano lauded the arrival of the two cruise ships as a significant boost to Kenya’s tourism industry, especially as the country works towards increasing inbound visitor numbers.

“At a time when we are working smart to increase inbound visitor numbers, it’s truly gratifying for Kenya to welcome two cruise ships to Mombasa—MV Europa and MV World Odyssey—with upwards of 1,000 tourists,” Hon. Miano stated. “It’s even more heartwarming that yet another cruise ship is expected to dock in Mombasa with 2,000 visitors onboard this coming week.”

She further commended the Kenya Ports Authority for making Mombasa an attractive and efficient port of call for cruise liners, reinforcing Kenya’s global position as a top-tier travel destination.

MS Europa’s captain expressed appreciation for the hospitality and efficiency demonstrated by Kenyan authorities, noting that Mombasa remains one of the most welcoming destinations for cruise ships in the region.

With an even larger cruise ship expected next week, Kenya’s cruise tourism sector is gaining momentum, promising immense economic benefits for local businesses, tour operators, and the hospitality industry.