Kenya: The MV Azamara cruise ship docked at the Port of Mombasa and made its maiden voyage to the East African coast by the luxury liner. Azamara sailed just a week after another liner MV Crystal Symphony arrived at Mombasa.
Arrival of MV Azamara signalled during the busy season for cruise tourism. The ship brought 669 international tourists along with it and 386 crew members. The passengers will stay for two-day with packed itineraries to the Masai Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo East, alongside the city tours and excursions.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has officially shared the glimpses of the welcome ceremony of the cruise ship MV Azamara on its social media handle and celebrated the moment.
Considering this, the Cabinet Secretary – Rebecca Miano welcomed the ship and highlighted a striking 140% surge in cruise tourism. She said that this has boosted the overall visitor numbers of the nation.
Furthermore, Managing Director of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) – Captain William Ruto emphasised the commitment of the authority to the marketing sector and provided the requisite infrastructure by confirming more vessels that are slated for arrival in Mombasa, for this season.
Reportedly, the cruise ship MV Azamara sailed from Zanzibar and next it will set its course to cover journey for La Digue Seychelles.
MV Azamara Journey
The luxurious boutique cruise ship is on a 16-day East African tour, spanning the Vanilla Islands and the Kenyan coast.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary – Rebecca Miano welcomed the vessel on Monday, Jan 12, 2026 and noted that it is the third major cruise arrival of the 2025-26 season, following successful calls by the SH Diana and Crystal Symphony.
Miano said that they are thrilled to welcome the Azamara Journey and her passengers to the Port of Mombasa. She said, “This visit underscores the strategy to diversify Kenya’s tourism beyond safaris, which in 2024 contributed a record Sh452.2 billion to the economy through a 140% increase in sea arrivals.”
The Azamara departed Port Louis, Mauritius on Jan 04 and visited Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) and Nosy Be Island in Madagascar. Then it proceeded to Mamoudzou on Grande-Terre Island in Mayotte before stopping in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
After its stop in Mombasa on January 12, the cruise ship will later call at La Digue and Praslin Islands in the Seychelles. Followed by Mahe Island, Seychelles, Victoria, before returning to Port Louis, Mauritius on Jan 20, 2026.
The itinerary combines luxurious onboard amenities with curated shore excursions, allowing passengers to experience the natural beauty, history, and culture of East Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.
Miano further highlighted that modern facilities at the Port of Mombasa, along with a streamlined Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) System, make it easier than ever for visitors to explore Kenya.
She added that their goal is to make Kenya the leading cruise hub of the Indian Ocean, by showcasing their coastal beauty, culture, and hospitality to the world.
Tourism officials expect that the cruise season will boost local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to tour operators and port services by reinforcing Kenya’s reputation as a premier destination for maritime and luxury tourism.