An Azamara cruise ship carrying 690 passengers has docked at the Port of Mombasa, marking another major milestone for Kenya’s growing cruise tourism industry.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano welcomed the Azamara Journey on Monday, saying the visit is the third major cruise arrival of the 2025/26 season, following successful calls by the SH Diana and Crystal Symphony. She said the arrival highlights Kenya’s efforts to diversify its tourism offerings beyond wildlife safaris.
“Today, we are thrilled to welcome the Azamara Journey and her 690 passengers to the Port of Mombasa,” Miano said. “This visit supports our strategy to expand coastal and maritime tourism. In 2024, sea arrivals grew by 140 per cent, contributing a record Sh452.2 billion to the economy.”
The luxury cruise ship departed Port Louis, Mauritius, on January 4 and has since toured several destinations across the Indian Ocean. Its journey included stops at Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) and Nosy Be Island in Madagascar, Mamoudzou in Mayotte, and Zanzibar, Tanzania, before arriving in Mombasa on January 12.
After its overnight stop in Mombasa, the vessel is scheduled to sail to La Digue and Praslin Islands in the Seychelles, followed by Mahé Island and the capital Victoria, before returning to Port Louis on January 20.
The cruise offers passengers a mix of luxury onboard experiences and carefully planned shore excursions, allowing them to explore the natural beauty, culture, and history of East Africa and the Indian Ocean islands. In Mombasa, visitors are expected to tour attractions such as the historic Old Town, Fort Jesus, spice markets, and nearby safari destinations.
Miano said modern facilities at the Port of Mombasa, together with Kenya’s streamlined Electronic Travel Authorization system, have made it easier for cruise tourists to visit the country.
“Our goal is to make Kenya the leading cruise hub in the Indian Ocean by showcasing our coastal beauty, culture, and hospitality,” she said.
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