Port of Mombasa sees a surge in cruise vessel calls as Norwegian Dawn docks,
24/10/2024
Mombasa.
Kenya Ports Authority celebrated the arrival of luxury Cruise Liner Norwegian Dawn, to the Port of Mombasa from Seychelles with 2220 tourists and 995 crew members aboard.
The vessel with a length overall of 294 metres and a draft of 8.3 metres, is one of the largest cruise vessels to ever call Mombasa bringing the over 2000 tourists from various nationalities majorly the United States of America to the Kenyan shores.
She sailed to Mombasa barely one week after the port hosted two other cruise vessels, MS Europa and MS World Odyssey popularly known as 'Semester at Sea'.
The arrival of the ship is a clear testament of government's effort to support the growth of cruise tourism in the country. Kenya ports Authority has made significant investments with the development of a modern eco-friendly cruise terminal at the port of Mombasa that has raised the standard of the cruise industry in the country.
His excellency president William Samoei Ruto who was at the Port of Mombasa to welcome cruise liner MV Norwegian Dawn when she arrived, reiterated government's commitment to expanding cruise tourism noting planned marketing initiative in collaboration with other stakeholders.
The development of infrastructure has also contributed to a surge in cruise vessel calls at the ports of Mombasa and Lamu, positioning Kenya as key destination for international cruise liners.
Earlier on when she docked in Mombasa, MV Norwegian Dawn received a special treatment with Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir witnessing the arrival of the vessel which was also piloted by the KPA Managing Director Capt. William Ruto.
Norwegian Dawn docked in Mombasa for the second time after making her maiden call to the port early last year.
Passengers aboard Norwegian Dawn enjoyed various activities during their one day stay in Mombasa including visiting Tsavo and Amboseli National parks, city excursions and a tour of the wasini island.
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