Kenya's tourism sector marked a significant milestone with the arrival of the Azamara Journey cruise ship at the Port of Mombasa on Monday, January 12. Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano personally welcomed the vessel and its 690 passengers, highlighting that this was the third major cruise arrival of the 2025/26 season, following previous successful calls by the SH Diana and Crystal Symphony.

CS Miano expressed immense enthusiasm for the visit, emphasizing its crucial role in Kenya's strategy to diversify its tourism offerings beyond traditional safaris. She noted that the broader tourism industry had a record year in 2024, contributing an impressive Sh452.2 billion to the economy. This economic success was bolstered by a significant 140 percent increase in sea arrivals, underscoring the growing importance of cruise tourism to the nation's economic vitality.

The Azamara Journey embarked on its journey from Port Louis, Mauritius, on January 4. Prior to its arrival in Mombasa, the cruise ship had already explored several captivating destinations in the Indian Ocean. Its itinerary included stops in Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) and Nosy Be Island in Madagascar, followed by a visit to Mamoudzou on Grande-Terre Island in Mayotte, and a stop in Zanzibar, Tanzania, before docking in Kenya.

Following its call in Mombasa, the Azamara Journey is set to continue its exploration of the Indian Ocean's pristine islands. Its upcoming stops include La Digue and Praslin Islands in the Seychelles, followed by Mahe Island and Victoria, also in the Seychelles. The vessel is scheduled to conclude its enriching voyage by returning to Port Louis, Mauritius, on January 20.

The cruise experience offered to passengers combines luxurious onboard amenities with carefully curated shore excursions. This allows visitors to deeply immerse themselves in the natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture of East Africa and the various Indian Ocean islands. Miano further highlighted that Kenya's modern facilities at the Port of Mombasa, combined with a streamlined Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system, are making it increasingly convenient and appealing for international visitors to explore the country.

Kenya's ambitious goal is to position itself as the leading cruise hub of the Indian Ocean, showcasing its stunning coastal beauty, diverse culture, and renowned hospitality to a global audience. Tourism officials anticipate that the current cruise season will provide a substantial boost to a wide array of local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and port services, thereby solidifying Kenya's esteemed reputation as a premier destination for both maritime and luxury tourism.