Nine Cruise Ships Now Docked at Mombasa This Season

(MOMBASA COUNTY) – Kenya’s cruise tourism sector has reached a milestone with the arrival of MS Viking Yi Dun, the first cruise vessel to sail directly from Asia to the Port of Mombasa, carrying 717 tourists and 450 crew members.

The Norway flagged luxury liner, built in 2017, arrived early Tuesday morning from Shanghai. The tourists, mostly from the People’s Republic of China alongside visitors from 16 other nationalities, were greeted by Mijikenda cultural performers before setting off on excursions to local attractions.

The vessel’s arrival brings to nine the number of cruise ships that have docked at the Port of Mombasa’s modern cruise terminal during the October to June cruise season. A total of 4,889 tourists have arrived, an increase of 684 visitors compared to the previous season when five vessels called at the port carrying 4,205 tourists. Before the end of 2026, Kenya expects to receive 20 cruise vessels.

The ship stretches 228 metres in length and towers 10 decks above the waterline, with a passenger capacity of 930.

Captain Alex Sehlstedt said the cruise began in Shanghai, China, and is sailing around Africa to South Africa before concluding its voyage in Tarragona, Spain.

“The weather has been beautiful so far, and the weather is perfect today. Not too warm for me as a polar bear, so this is very nice,” Capt. Sehlstedt said.

Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Capt. William Ruto described the maiden arrival of the cruise vessel from Asia as proof of Kenya’s growing appeal as a global cruise tourism destination and rising confidence in the Port of Mombasa as a strategic gateway to East Africa.

“This is something that we have been looking forward to for a long time. You are all aware that most of our cruise ships have been coming from Europe, but today this one is the first one coming from Asia,” Capt. Ruto said.

He assured visitors that the Port of Mombasa remains safe and reaffirmed KPA’s commitment to guaranteeing the security and comfort of all cruise tourists. He noted that the authority is using the modern cruise terminal to attract more international cruise liners.

“I think this year we are really blessed. This is the ninth cruise ship visiting the Port of Mombasa, and we are just halfway there. Our purpose of making the Port of Mombasa a cruise destination is now becoming a reality,” Capt. Ruto said.

The KPA Managing Director added that another cruise vessel is expected within the next two months. He credited the sector’s growth to joint efforts by the County Government of Mombasa and the Kenya Tourism Board in promoting cruise tourism.

“At the Port of Mombasa, we continue investing in cruise tourism by ensuring that visitors and the vessels bringing them to our port are well taken care of,” Capt. Ruto said.

He also appealed to the vessel’s management to consider extending future stopovers from one day to at least a week to allow tourists enough time to explore Kenya’s varied attractions.

“One day is not enough for visitors to experience the beautiful scenery of Mombasa and the many wonderful attractions our country has to offer,” he said.

Pollman’s Tours and Safaris Group Director of Operations Mohamed Hersi praised the government’s continued efforts in marketing Kenya as a premier tourism destination. He said the campaigns have played a big part in the growing number of cruise visitors.

“I wish you were staying longer so that you can enjoy more of what Kenya has to offer,” Mr Hersi said.

One of the tourists, Wu Haijeng from Beijing, China, said it was his fourth visit to Kenya but his first time arriving as a cruise tourist. He said he was looking forward to experiencing the country’s unique attractions.

“I want to see the beautiful views, animals, culture and history here. I want to have a good experience,” Mr Haijeng said.

The cruise season is expected to have injected more than KES 100 million (USD 774,500) into the local economy through tourism related activities. When port fees and marine services are included, the overall economic impact is likely to be higher.

The voyage was part of the ship’s 60 day Asia Africa Europe route, making stops in Seychelles, South Africa and Spain. Its arrival in Mombasa marks a major step towards strengthening Kenya’s position as a cruise tourism destination and expanding its international footprint.