The Port of Mombasa received two cruise ships MV Europa and MV World Odyssey that docked at the port early Monday morning.
The MV Europa which called Mombasa after a ten-year hiatus, cruised from Zanzibar with 334 tourists and 285 crew members on board and is set to continue its journey to Seychelles. Earlier, 222 tourists from the ship took the opportunity to explore Mombasa city and visit nearby national parks.
“It is history in this port today because normally we only receive one ship at a time, but today we are lucky enough to have received two ships and it is a start for the season of cruise tourism,” said Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Captain William Ruto.
Most of the passengers who came onboard MV Europa went for excursions before the ship left for Seychelles on Monday evening.
“It is always nice to come back to Mombasa because this is the gateway for all the beautiful safaris that all the guests are participating in. We have almost everyone heading to the national parks,” said Europa Captain Dag Dvergastein.
The cruise tourism market has become the swiftest growing segment in the entire travel industry across the globe and there is plenty of variety of cruises on offer these days.
“It is a great honor to have the cruise ship MV Europa at the Port of Mombasa and I am happy with all our engagement with authorities on the ground for making the call possible,” said Dr. Bwanaheri Lali, Port Captain East Africa.
Cruise tourism is fundamentally a form of enclave tourism, and it incorporates all the aspects of the tourism industry such as transportation, accommodation, attractions, and hospitality.
“We are excited about the fact that we are still a big deal in terms of Mombasa being a port of call that attracts so many tourists, especially because it connects tourists to their dream of the authentic safari that Kenya offers,” said Wausi Walya, the Deputy Director Public Relations and Corporate Communications- Kenya Tourism Board.
“Today we have tourists who have gone to the Tsavo National Park and Amboseli National Park and it is exciting to also have some of them going to Vipingo to play golf, so we look forward to more endorsements about having more ships dock here. We know that this is money that remains with the community in terms of their spending,” she added.
MV World Oddsey popularly referred to as ‘Semester at Sea’ marked the second international arrival to dock at the Mombasa port.
Hosting students from across the globe, this floating campus will call Kenya home for a week. The Vessel is carrying 677 students and 178 crew members. They will have an opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant coastal culture, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.
“Immediately after that ship leaves, there will be a bigger ship which will be arriving with 2,000 passengers. It is one of the biggest passenger ships in the world which will also be visiting our port and we will be greatly honored as a port, a country, and also a county to receive those passengers,” said KPA MD Capt. William Ruto.