By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
The tourism sector in the Coast region is set for a major boost ahead of the Easter Holidays. This is after the arrival of 1,700 passengers at the Port of Mombasa.
The 1,700 arrived at the coastal city aboard the iconic cruise vessel MS Ambience. This is the first time the vessel is docking in Mombasa.
According to an update by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), the vessel arrived on Wednesday, March 27, 2024.
The passengers of different nationalities will be in Mombasa for at least two days.
“The Port of Mombasa is honored to receive cruise vessel MS Ambience on a maiden voyage to Mombasa. She sailed to the Port early morning from Victoria port in Seychelles carrying 1700 passengers of different nationalities who will spend two days in our coastal town,” KPA said in an update on their verified X handle.
The MS Ambience is a cruise ship operated by Ambassador Cruise Line. The vessel was delivered to Princess Cruises in 1991 by the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy as Regal Princess, sailing on their North American routes.
It becomes the latest vessel to land in Mombasa in recent months.
KPA noted that since September 2023 when the circuit began, they have received several vessels full of passengers.
Recently, the Port of Mombasa operationalized an ultra-modern Cruise Terminal.
More vessels are expected to arrive at the Port of Mombasa in the next few months.
“It has been a been a good cruise season for KPA, as we have received a fleet of vessels since the circuit begun sometime in September last year. This has been supported by the now operational ultra-modern Cruise Terminal which was developed by the Authority to enhance passenger experience at the Port of Mombasa and solidify Kenya’s position as a hub not only for cargo operations but also for cruise tourism in Africa,” said KPA.
“More vessels are expected at the port before the cruise season ends next month. MS Ambience will call Durban from Mombasa,” it added.
