A second call by the luxury cruise vessel MV Viking Sky has brought 789 passengers and 476 crew members to the port city of Mombasa, reinforcing Kenya’s growing appeal on the global cruise circuit.
The vessel docked early Thursday morning at the Port of Mombasa, marking the fifth cruise ship call this season, with the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) now expecting two more vessels before the season ends bringing the total to seven cruise calls.
Owned by Viking Ocean Cruises, the ship sailed from Seychelles and will remain in Mombasa for three days before continuing its onward voyage.
Tourism stakeholders say the vessel’s extended stay is particularly significant, with most visitors expected to tour Kenya’s national parks.
The influx is projected to create a ripple effect across the tourism sector, boosting local businesses and hospitality services.
KPA Manager for Security Services, Tony Kibwana, who received the vessel on behalf of Managing Director Capt. William Ruto, said the arrival is key to positioning both the port and the country as a premier tourist destination.
“The arrival of this vessel underscores the importance of Mombasa and the country in handling cruise passengers. We look forward to more vessels arriving in the coming months,” he said.
Director General of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Prof. Erustus Kanga, noted that the visit signals Kenya’s rising status along the Indian Ocean cruise circuit.
He added that incentives introduced in national parks are expected to attract more cruise tourists seeking unique wildlife experiences.
“Today’s arrival is not just another cruise stop each vessel and every visitor reflects growing global confidence in Kenya as a safe, diverse, and experience-rich destination. It is also an opportunity to showcase a tourism model that seamlessly connects our coastal heritage with world renowned wildlife,” said Kanga.
The return of MV Viking Sky comes exactly one year after its maiden call to Mombasa, when it docked with 845 passengers and 469 crew further cementing the port city’s reputation as a key destination for international cruise liners.
