Mombasa: Stakeholders in the tourism sector are expressing excitement and readiness for the 2025/2026 cruise ship
season. They have welcomed the start of the cruise season with enthusiasm, anticipating increased tourism activities and significant economic benefits.
According to Kenya News Agency, industry players, including port authorities, tour, travel, and hospitality providers, have emphasized their commitment to improving marine infrastructure and services to support the growing sector. Stakeholders recognize the significant economic potential of cruise tourism and are set to attract more visitors to boost the coastal economy.
The excitement follows the arrival of the luxury expedition cruise ship christened SH Diana, which brought 250 tourists to Shimoni, Lamu, and Mombasa seaports, where it was greeted with jubilation. The cruise ship first called at Shimoni port in Kwale county from Port Victoria, Seychelles, before it set sail to Lamu and finally Mombasa, marking the start of the cruise ship season.
SH Diana, operated by Swan Hellenic and flagged in Panama, measures 124 meters in length with a draft of 5.7 meters and features state-of-the-art hospitality facilities. The Ship’s Captain, Jaanus Hannes, commented that SH Diana is the largest and most modern ship in the Swan Hellenic fleet. Hannes stated that the cruise ship, with 96 staterooms and suites, typically visits destinations of historical, cultural, and tourism significance.
The coastal reception was colorful and festive, with Governors Fatuma Achani and Issa Timamy welcoming guests in Kwale and Lamu, respectively. The tourists toured UNESCO-listed Lamu Old Town, explored Swahili architecture, historic mosques, and Shela Beach, and sampled local delicacies, experiencing the region’s rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality.
Governor Achani emphasized Kwale’s potential as a top coastal tourism destination, showcasing its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and pristine beaches. Diani beach, in particular, is highlighted as a favored destination, having been awarded the best beach destination in Africa for seven consecutive years by the World Travel Awards.
Governor Timamy hosted a welcoming ceremony for tourists, commending the ship’s management for including Lamu archipelago in their cruise tour itinerary. He expressed hopes for more future stopovers in Lamu, highlighting its tropical allure as an emerging cruising destination.
Kenya Tourism Federation Chairman Mohamed Hersi and Kenya Tourism Board CEO Allan Njoroge both underscored the economic benefits of cruise tourism. Njoroge stated that the arrival of cruise ships will boost the country’s tourism sector, create jobs, and empower local communities, noting that tourists spend money across various sectors of the economy.
Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Capt. William Ruto expressed appreciation for the surge in cruise tourism as Kenya positions itself as a premier cruise destination in Africa. Ruto reiterated KPA’s commitment to enhancing maritime infrastructure, highlighting the transformation of Shimoni fishing port into a maritime tourism hub.
Tourists like Ksenia Smirnova and Elena Karmanova from Russia, as well as Dr. Michael Frey and his wife Sarika Frey from Canada, shared their excitement about visiting Kenya, exploring its beautiful scenery, and mingling with its lovely people. KPA Chairman Benjamin Tayari praised the government’s efforts to streamline the Electronic Travel Authorization system, improving travel document processing for international travelers arriving by sea.