Cruise ship from Asia docks in Mombasa with 717 tourists

SADIK HASSAN-KNA

Kenya’s cruise tourism has reached a momentous milestone with the arrival of MS Viking Yi Dun, the first-ever cruise vessel to sail directly from Asia to the Port of Mombasa.

The ship brought 717 tourists and 450 crew members in a breakthrough voyage that signals the country’s growing prominence as a global cruise destination.

The vessel’s arrival brings the total number of cruise ships that have docked at the Port of Mombasa’s modern cruise terminal to nine during the October-to-June cruise season, with 4,889 tourists on board.

This represents an increase of 684 visitors compared to the previous cruise circuit.

During the last cruise season, five vessels called at the port, carrying 4,205 tourists. Before the end of 2026, Kenya is projected to receive a total of 20 cruise vessels.

The nine-year-old Norway-flagged luxury liner arrived at the Port of Mombasa carrying excited tourists, the majority from the People’s Republic of China, alongside visitors from 16 other nationalities.

Stretching 228 metres in length and towering 10 decks above the waterline, the magnificent cruise ship cut an impressive silhouette against the Port of Mombasa skyline as it gracefully sailed into the modern cruise terminal.

The vessel has a passenger capacity of 930.

The tourists received a colourful welcome from Mijikenda cultural performers, whose traditional music and dances showcased Kenya’s rich coastal heritage before the visitors embarked on excursions to some of the country’s iconic tourist attractions. 

The vessel’s 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,” stated Capt. Sehlstedt.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director (MD) Capt. William Ruto described the maiden arrival of the cruise vessel from Asia as a testament to Kenya’s growing appeal as a global cruise tourism destination and increasing 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 this one is the first one coming from Asia,” said Capt. Ruto.

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 leveraging 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,” revealed Capt. Ruto.