Kenya's ambition to expand its cruise tourism market received a significant boost on Tuesday after the Viking Yidun became the first cruise ship sailing from Asia to call at the Port of Mombasa.
The vessel arrived at 6:00 a.m. carrying 717 passengers from 12 nationalities and about 450 crew members, before embarking on a day-long stopover that allowed visitors to explore Mombasa and other tourist attractions along the coast.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Capt. William Ruto described the visit as a landmark moment, noting that cruise vessels calling at Mombasa have traditionally originated from Europe.
"Today we are really honoured to receive the first cruise ship from Asia. Most of our cruise ships have been coming from Europe but today this one is the first one coming from Asia," he said.
Ruto said the arrival reflects growing international confidence in the Port of Mombasa following investments in a modern cruise terminal and improved services for passenger vessels.
According to the KPA chief, the Viking Yidun is the ninth cruise ship to visit Mombasa this year, with the authority projecting at least 20 cruise ship calls before the end of 2026.
"We continue marketing the port as a cruise destination and according to our projection we expect to receive not less than 20 ships by the end of the year," he said.
The authority is also working with the Kenya Tourism Board, the national government and the County Government of Mombasa to attract more cruise operators to Kenya's coastline.
Regional Manager for East Africa Hashim Abdalla said the vessel docked smoothly after receiving pilotage services and departed later in the evening following its scheduled visit.
Captain Alex Sehlstedt said the Viking Yidun began its transition voyage in Shanghai on June 4 and is travelling around Africa before concluding the journey in Tarragona, Spain.
"We started this transition cruise in Shanghai on the 4th of June and we are going now through Asia, around Africa, around South Africa and finally we will end up in Tarragona, Spain," he said.
The reception also featured representatives from the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), who presented the captain with a commemorative gift under the Magical Kenya brand, underscoring the country's efforts to market Kenya as a preferred cruise tourism destination.
Among the passengers was Wu Haifeng from Beijing, who said although it was his fourth visit to Kenya, it was his first time arriving aboard a cruise ship.
Haifeng said he was looking forward to discovering Mombasa's rich history, experiencing the local culture and visiting Kenya's famous wildlife attractions during the stopover.
Tourism stakeholders welcomed the vessel's arrival, saying increased cruise traffic is expected to generate more business for tour operators, hotels, transport providers and local traders while strengthening Mombasa's position as a regional cruise tourism hub.
