Mombasa, Kenya| The luxury cruise vessel Viking Sky, operated by Viking Ocean Cruises, arrived at the Port of Mombasa today on a scheduled stop, marking another milestone in Kenya’s growing cruise tourism sector.
The ship, which carries 845 international passengers and a crew of 469, docked at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Berth 1 Cruise Ship Terminal early this morning from Mahe, Seychelles.
It will remain in Mombasa for three days and two nights, allowing passengers to explore the city and its surrounding attractions.
The arrival of Viking Sky is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy, as tourists engage with various cultural, historical, and recreational sites.
The cruise liner’s visit is facilitated by Sturrock Shipping K Ltd, with arrangements in place to ensure a seamless experience for guests.
Government’s Commitment to Cruise Tourism
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, who was present to welcome the vessel, emphasized the significance of the visit in bolstering Kenya’s tourism industry.
She noted that the government remains committed to supporting and expanding cruise tourism through favorable policies and infrastructure development.
“This is a major boost to our tourism sector, and we are determined to sustain this momentum by ensuring a conducive environment for cruise tourism. Kenya is a premier destination, and Mombasa remains the country’s tourism jewel, contributing nearly 50 percent of all tourism revenues,” Miano said.
The CS congratulated the private sector for facilitating smooth tour operations and lauded the collaboration between the national government and the Mombasa County government in promoting tourism.
She further highlighted the government’s ambitious targets to welcome over three million international visitors in 2025 and at least five million annually within the next two years.
Miano assured visitors of their safety, noting that adequate security measures are in place to safeguard their well-being.
Encouraging Local Tourism and Employment Opportunities
Beyond attracting international tourists, Miano urged Kenyans to embrace domestic tourism and nurture the country’s hospitality culture.
She encouraged locals to act as tourism ambassadors, underscoring the sector’s vital role in job creation, business growth, and foreign exchange earnings.
The CS also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting young Kenyans interested in working on cruise vessels, pointing out that Viking Sky currently has 20 Kenyan crew members.
Mombasa’s Position as a Cruise Tourism Hub
Kenya Ports Authority’s General Manager for Operations, Dr. Sudi Mwasinago, revealed that Viking Sky is the fourth cruise vessel to dock at the Mombasa port this year.
He noted that the port has already received 4,000 cruise passengers, with another vessel expected to arrive on March 31.
“The increasing number of cruise ship visits affirms Mombasa’s appeal as a premier cruise destination. This resurgence in cruise tourism is a testament to the sector’s growing potential,” Mwasinago said.
According to KPA, Viking Sky, which measures 228.2 meters in length, will continue its journey to Andoany (Hell-Ville), Nosy Be, Madagascar, after its stop in Mombasa.
A Warm Reception for Viking Sky
Captain Fredrik Nelson of Viking Sky expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and praised KPA’s professionalism in ensuring a smooth docking process.
“We appreciate the hospitality and efficiency of the Kenyan port authorities. Mombasa is a fantastic destination, and we look forward to our stay here,” Captain Nelson said.
With the continued arrival of cruise liners, Kenya is positioning itself as a key player in the global cruise tourism market.
The government and tourism stakeholders remain optimistic that 2025 will surpass previous years in international tourist arrivals, further cementing the country’s reputation as a world-class travel destination.
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