By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The introduction of Kenya’s multiple-entry Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for cruise passengers is paying dividends, with the country recording a sharp rise in cruise tourism.

This was evident this week when Kenya welcomed  more than 2,000 international visitors on Monday And Tuesday alone aboard MV Azamara Journey and EUROPA Valletta which docked at the Port of Mombasa.

Tourism cabinet secretary Rebecca Miano said the surge in cruise arrivals reflects Kenya’s growing appeal as a maritime tourism destination, noting that cruise tourism had expanded by 140 per cent by the end of 2024, with strong economic prospects for coastal communities.

The simplified ETA system, tailored for cruise ship tourists, has eased entry procedures and encouraged repeat visits, helping to fuel a 140 per cent growth in cruise tourism by the end of 2024, according to government figures.

On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Kenya received another luxury cruise liner, MS Europa, a day after MV Azamara Journey docked at the Port of Mombasa with 663 passengers and 300 crew members.

The arrival marked the third cruise ship call this year, signalling a busy season for the sector.

MS Europa, captained by Tom Petzold, was received at Mombasa Port’s Berth 11 by Port Captain East Africa Dr Bwanaheri Lali. The vessel arrived from Zanzibar with 286 passengers on board.

Captain Petzold lauded the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) for their continued support of cruise tourism.

“I am excited to be here in Kenya with my tourists. It’s a good experience for me and hopefully we will make another trip later in the year. The experience is good and we thank KPA and the Kenya government for supporting cruise tourists,” he said.

Passengers from the visiting vessels are expected to boost local businesses, with organised trips to national parks, Mombasa city tours, and increased use of taxis, tuk-tuks and local restaurants.

The MV Azamara Journey had docked at the port on Monday, January 12, 2026, marking its maiden voyage to the East African coast. Its arrival came barely a week after another liner, MV Crystal Symphony, called at Mombasa, underscoring a busy cruise calendar.

Crystal Symphony brought 669 international tourists and 386 crew members for a two-day stay with excursions to the Maasai Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo East national parks, alongside city tours.

KPA managing director Captain William Ruto reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to marketing cruise tourism and investing in infrastructure saying more vessels are expected in Mombasa this season.

In a landmark year for the sector, Kenya welcomed 6,561 cruise tourists in 2024, representing a 163 per cent increase from the previous year. 

Officials say the momentum is set to continue with more than six cruise vessels scheduled to dock at Kenyan ports in 2026.

The growth has been supported by investments in modern port infrastructure, including the state-of-the-art cruise terminal in Mombasa and expanded facilities in Shimoni and Lamu, positioning Kenya as a regional cruise hub.

Cruise tourism is increasingly complementing Kenya’s traditional safari and beach offerings, while injecting revenue into local economies through spending on tours, dining and cultural experiences, and creating jobs for guides, drivers, artisans and service providers.

Kenya’s tourism sector contributed Sh452.2 billion to the economy in 2024, nearly 20 per cent higher than in 2023. With a target of attracting 5.5 million international visitors by 2027, cruise tourism is emerging as a key pillar in the country’s diversified tourism strategy.

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