The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has announced the arrival of cruise MS Ambience at the Port of Mombasa. The port was honoured to receive the vessel on a maiden voyage to Mombasa.
Reportedly, the cruise sailed to the port early morning from Victoria Port located in Seychelles. The cruise vessel carried the 1700 passengers of different nationalities on board. The passengers on board have spent two days in the coastal town of Mombasa.
According to KPA it has been a good cruise season for them, as they have received a large group of vessels since the circuit began in September last year.
The cruise was supported by the operational ultra-modern Cruise Terminal which was developed by the Authority to enhance the passenger experience at the Port of Mombasa. The operation solidifies Kenya’s position as a hub not only for cargo operations but also for cruise tourism in Africa.
The Port of Mombasa expects to receive more vessels before the cruise season, as it will end next season. After Mombasa, the MS Ambience will depart for Durban. The arrival of the cruise has marked the significance of African tourism.
Moreover, arrival of the MS Ambience which is operated by Ambassador Cruise Line was welcomed with an official ceremony, a warm reception by the was organised by the Tourism Principal Secretary – John Ololtuaa along with the officials from the Kenya Tourism Board.
The Principal Secretary mentioned that the cruise ship is on a 132-day voyage, covering the world. He also said that the tourists will visit Tsavo and Amboseli and will also tour Mombasa City. It signifies the impact on the country’s economy.
Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa added that since the beginning of the year, the port has welcomed four cruise ships and has brought 8,366 visitors included tourists and crew members.
Ololtuaa also expressed that his appreciation to the Government and the Port for the refurbishment has emphasised the significance and impacted in enhancing the port capacity to accommodate the visitors.
He also added that the improvements have enabled the port to host upto 140,000 visitors annually and has marks its growth that appeals the premier cruise destination.
MS Ambience cruise ship is operated by the Ambassador Cruise Line where the vessel was delivered to Princess Cruises in 1991 by the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy as the Reagla Princess was sailing on the North American routes.