Cruise ship MS Nautica. The tourists will visit Amboseli National Park and also tour various parts of Mombasa including the iconic Fort Jesus, a historical site in Mombasa. [Photo/nation.co.ke]
Kenya has welcomed 576 tourists who have arrived at the Port of Mombasa aboard the cruise ship, MS Nautica, marking the first cruise ship arrival to the country this year.
The cruise ship arrived in Mombasa at 6.30 a.m. Thursday from Zanzibar and is scheduled to make a one day stop before it sails onward to Mahe Island in Seychelles.
During their one day stop, the tourists will visit Amboseli National Park and also tour various parts of Mombasa including the iconic Fort Jesus, a historical site in Mombasa.
The arrival of the cruise ship comes barely a fortnight after MS Silver Spirit, a luxury cruise ship with 472 passengers on board, made its maiden stop in Mombasa.
Speaking soon after the arrival of MS Nautica, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Betty Radier welcomed the arrival of the cruise ship, saying its arrival is yet another major boost to the coastal region’s tourism sector even as the festive season comes to an end.
“The arrival of MS Nautica portrays the uniqueness of Mombasa as a port of call, especially considering that Mombasa is the only port in the region where disembarking passengers can get to go on safari within the short duration of their stop.”
Shimba Hills National Park, Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary, Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Park, as well as Amboseli National Park, are among the national parks that are within easy reach of cruise ship travelers arriving in Mombasa.
And as a commercial and cosmopolitan port town, Mombasa is a place steeped in history, with Fort Jesus standing as a testimony of its rich history. The true heart of Mombasa is found in the exotic old town, among the narrow winding streets and Arab architecture as well as its spice market, making it an unforgettable shopping destination.
During the Africa edition of the World Travel Awards held in October 2017, the Port of Mombasa scooped top honours as Africa’s best cruise port for the third consecutive year.