MV Crystal Symphony docks at port of Mombasa

The luxurious cruise ship, MV Crystal Symphony, has docked at the Port of Mombasa on its maiden visit, signaling a boost to the local tourism industry.

According to the Kenya Ports Authority, the cruise ship measuring 238 meters in length arrived on Monday morning from Mahé, Seychelles.

"It’s the seventh cruise vessel to arrive in Mombasa this season, which started in September 2024, bringing along 373 tourists and 475 crew members," said the Authority.

KPA added that Crystal Symphony would be docked at the port for the next two days, allowing her guests to explore various attractions sites.

Built in 1995 in Finland, Crystal Symphony is the oldest vessel in the Crystal Cruises fleet.

On March 19, 2025, the port welcomed the MV Viking Sky on a maiden visit.

The vessel had also arrived from Mahé carrying 845 passengers and 469 crew, making it the sixth cruiser of the season to call Mombasa beginning from September 2024.

While witnessing the arrival of tourists aboard the MV Viking Sky, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said the tourism economy was on the upward trend that was attributed to the growth of cruise tourism.

The CS added that Kenya prospects to hit over three million international arrivals this year was on course with cruise tourism being the biggest contributor to the foreign exchange earnings.

“As a government we are very determined to support the industry, we are looking forward to 2025 to welcome more than three million international visitors and in the next two years having five million tourists annually which is a critical foreign exchange earner.”

According to Miano Mombasa is becoming a global hub for cruise ship tourism following government investment at the port to attract cruise ships.

"As Kenya’s rich history, breathtaking coastline and warm hospitality continue to captivate travelers, we are proud to see Mombasa recognized as a preferred cruise destination," she said.