Kenya: President William Samoei Ruto witnessed the welcoming of cruise liner MV Norwegian Dawn at the Port of Mombasa on Sunday, Feb 23, 2025.
President Ruto noted that the federation will continue to do marketing in Kenya in partnership with the stakeholders to expand arrival of cruise and tourism in the country.
Reportedly, the Norwegian Dawn is one of the largest cruise ships that arrived for the second time after making her maiden call to the Port of Mombasa, last year in 2024.
Moreover, the arrival of the ship is a clear testament of the efforts put by the government of Kenya to support the growth of cruise tourism in the country. Kenya Ports Authority has made significant investments with the development of a modern eco-friendly cruise terminal at the Port of Mombasa that has raised the standard of the cruise industry in the nation.
MV Norwegian Dawn sailed from Seychelles with 2220 tourists and 995 crew members on board boasts a length overall of 294 metres and a draft of 8.3 metres. The ship is expected to cruise to Zanzibar after a one day stay at the Port of Mombasa.
The majority of the tourists is excited that they are visiting various tourists’ attraction sites including the national parks and excursions within the Coast.
It is one of the largest cruise vessels to ever call Mombasa and bringing over 2000 tourists from various nationalities majorly from the United States of America to the Kenyan shores.
It’s enhanced infrastructure, especially a modern cruise terminal and other strategic developments have led to a surge in cruise vessel calls at the Port of Mombasa and Lamu, positioning Kenya as the key destination for international cruise liners.
As per the sources, the Norwegian Dawn sails to Mombasa barely just after the one week since the port hosted two other cruise vessels, MS Europa and MV World Odyssey which is popularly known as ‘Semester at Sea’.
The MV Norwegian Dawn received a special treatment with Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir that witnessed the arrival of the vessel. Also, KPA Managing Director Capt. William Ruto piloted the vessel.
The passengers aboard in Norwegian Dawn will enjoy various activities during their one day stay in Mombasa including their visit to Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks, city excursions and a tour of the Wasini Island.