The MV World Odyssey has docked at the Port of Mombasa with more than 600 international students for a six-day academic and cultural exchange programme in Kenya.
The vessel, popularly known for hosting the “Semester at Sea” programme, arrived from Cochin, India, marking its sixth visit to Mombasa. On board are 609 students and 183 crew members, including three Kenyans — one student and two lecturers — participating in the global floating campus.
The students are expected to tour various attractions in Mombasa and across the country as part of their experiential learning. County Executive Committee Member for Climate Change Resilience Emily Achieng’ Okello, who welcomed the ship on behalf of the county government, said the visit presents a significant opportunity for the local tourism sector.
“We are delighted to host over 600 students for the next six days. Mombasa has a rich Swahili culture, spice markets, trade, and history that we want to share with the rest of the world,” she said.
Okello noted that the students will visit key sites, including Fort Jesus, local markets, and other attractions, creating economic opportunities for tour operators and the transport sector.
“This means jobs for the people taking them around and a market for the transport sector. It is an important economic opportunity for the county of Mombasa,” she added.
Among the Kenyan participants is Jasmine Janet, a law student at the University of Nairobi, Mombasa Campus, who embarked on the voyage in India. She said her role involved introducing fellow students to Kenya’s culture, heritage, and the landscape of innovation.
“I taught them about our culture, how to dress during the Ramadan period, our language, dances, wildlife, and technology hubs because Kenya is more than safaris,” she said.
Rose Musero, an interport lecturer on board, delivered lectures on data protection, cybersecurity, and policy-making, while also guiding students on conservation practices within Kenya’s national parks.
Sarah Mbugua, a student at Kenyatta University studying Public Policy and Administration, described the programme as a unique academic experience that allows students to study while at sea.
For many of the international students, the stop in Mombasa marks their first visit to Africa, with several expressing excitement about exploring Kenya’s culture and wildlife.
Cruise tourism continues to grow globally, and the increasing number of cruise vessel calls at the Port of Mombasa signals a positive outlook for Kenya’s tourism industry.
