Luxurious MSC Poesia ship cruises into the Port of Mombasa in its maiden voyage to the Kenyan Coast| Photo courtesy KPA
The Mombasa Port Cruise terminal continues to witness stellar performance receiving the fourth first caller vessel since the start of 202. This, according to Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) points to increased connectivity of the port and enhanced business.
First callers are vessels that are docking at a port for the first time to load/discharge cargo or for passengers to embark or disembark.
The latest of the maiden calls is MSC Poesia, which cruised the Kenyan coast early Saturday 3 February, 2024 morning. It was preceded by Norwegian Dawn and two other container cargo vessels which docked in Mombasa early last month.
MSC Poesia carried 2500 passengers from different nationalities and 1000 crew members of whom twenty are Kenyans.
With a length overall of 294 metres, MSC Poesia is one of the biggest cruise vessels to have docked at the Port.
According to KPA more luxury cruise liners are expected at the Port before the cruise season ends sometime in April.
“The port of Mombasa is not just a regular port of call but a unique port of call that offers tourists an opportunity for wildlife viewing hence making it the most practical cruise – safari port in the world!”
MSC Poesia was received by Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Dr. Alfred Mutua, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, KPA Chairman Benjamin Tayari and Managing Director Captain. William Ruto.
Dr Mutua said Kenya’s potential for cruise tourism is huge, adding that the country has recognised the potential of cruise ship tourism as a catalyst for economic growth.
To be able to add value and support Cruise Tourism, KPA has invested in the requisite infrastructure, including the state-of-the-art cruise terminal to cement Kenya’s status as a hub not only in cargo operations but also cruise tourism in Africa.
