By Simon Cephas

Mombasa, Kenya - Sunday, 14/01/2024

The luxury liner Norwegian Dawn arrived at the Mombasa Port on Sunday morning, in a remarkable event marking the second cruise ship to dock in Mombasa this year. The vessel, sailing from Seychelles, brought a total of 2300 passengers, including 1100 crew members.

With a Length Overall (LOA) of 294 meters, the Norwegian Dawn has positioned itself as a significant contributor to Kenya's growing cruise tourism industry.

The cruise had travelers from 54 different countries eager to explore the diverse attractions Kenya has to offer, including pristine white sandy beaches and renowned national parks.

Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director, Captain William Ruto, who personally piloted the vessel to berth number one, expressed his appreciation for the milestone achieved. Captain Ruto highlighted the importance of the Norwegian Cruise Vessels in promoting tourism within the Coastal Region and throughout the country, establishing Mombasa as a hub for tourism.

In an address to the media and travelers, Captain Ruto assured the visitors of their safety during their stay in Mombasa. He emphasized the commitment of the Kenya Ports Authority to supporting cruise tourism, citing recent infrastructure developments that will further enhance the experience for cruise passengers.

Captain Asen Gyuroy of the Norwegian Dawn, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome to Mombasa. He underscored the cruise line's interest in including Kenya in its operations circuit, highlighting the potential for collaboration and increased cruise traffic through Mombasa Port.

The arrival of the Norwegian Dawn not only marks a significant moment for Mombasa but also signifies the growing appeal of Kenya as a preferred destination for international cruise tourism.