The arrival of the luxury cruise ship SH Diana at the Port of Mombasa has marked another milestone for Kenya’s growing cruise tourism sector, bringing renewed economic prospects and global visibility to local communities along the coast.
The vessel, operated by Swan Hellenic Cruises, is on a regional voyage that included stopovers in Lamu, Shimoni, and Mombasa, showcasing Kenya’s potential as a multi-port cruise destination. This is the third time the liner has visited Kenya, with next year’s call already confirmed.
According to the Nisomar Group (NSM), which represents Swan Hellenic in Kenya, the ship’s repeated visits demonstrate confidence in the country’s ports, hospitality, and growing tourism infrastructure.
The cruise brought around 120 passengers and 129 crew members, many of whom disembarked to explore Kenya’s attractions, from safaris and cultural tours to the coastal cuisine and heritage sites.
“Our guests went out yesterday; some went on safari, others joined excursions, and the feedback was extremely good. Many even spotted the Big Five. It means a lot to us to be in Kenya again, and it won’t be our last,” said Captain Jaanus Hannis, master of the SH Diana.
Local businesses, from tour operators and transport providers to craft sellers and restaurants, are among the direct beneficiaries of these visits. Each passenger is estimated to spend about USD 1,000 during their stay, contributing to Kenya’s tourism revenue and supporting jobs in coastal counties.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Capt. William Ruto said the SH Diana’s itinerary reflects the country’s progress in developing a sustainable cruise circuit connecting Shimoni, Lamu, and Mombasa.
“It’s the first time we’re having a cruise ship spending four days in Kenya. They began in Shimoni, then Lamu, and now Mombasa. We want cruise liners to consider these ports as part of their regular circuit, even as their home ports,” he said.
He added that KPA is working with the county governments of Mombasa, Kwale, and Lamu to improve port infrastructure and offer incentives to cruise operators who homeport in Kenya.
“We are willing to support cruise tourism by offering more incentives for those who choose the ports of Mombasa, Shimoni, or Lamu,” he said.
From riding donkeys in the vehicle-free streets of Lamu Island, to exploring the UNESCO-listed Fort Jesus and sampling Swahili dishes in Old Town Mombasa, visitors get a first-hand experience of the region’s diverse heritage.
Khamis Juma, County Chief Officer for Trade, Tourism, and Cultural Affairs, said the cruise visits open new opportunities beyond tourism.
“Apart from being a tourist destination, Mombasa is also a hub for investment. As our guests explore the city, we encourage them to seek information and learn about the many opportunities here,” he said.
Representing the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Kenya Tourism Board Acting CEO Allan Njeru said the ship’s arrival coincides with the official start of Kenya’s cruise season.
“We’re positioning cruise tourism as one of the ways to diversify our tourism products,” he noted. “This visit helps showcase Kenya’s offerings beyond the traditional beach and safari experiences.”
The KPA Chairperson Benjamin Dalu Tayari added that the government remains committed to supporting cruise tourism, noting that improved port facilities and simplified immigration procedures through the new Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) have made Kenya more accessible to visitors.
“The president was here himself last year to witness and receive one of the biggest vessels, and he’s really been urging us to make sure that we promote our tourism sector and also to ensure that we make good use of the ports which we have,” said Tayari.
Kenya handled over 6,500 cruise passengers last year, up from just 656 in 2020, a sign of recovery and renewed global confidence in the country’s blue economy. With ongoing investments in port infrastructure and stronger collaboration between national and county governments, coastal residents are set to benefit even more from this growing sector.
“When a ship brings hundreds of tourists, the multiplier effect is immense. They spend money here, support local livelihoods, and promote Kenya to the world. That’s the real value of cruise tourism,” said Capt. Ruto.