Boom as Azamara Cruise Ship With 690 Passengers Docks in Mombasa

The Kenya Times ~ Trending, Breaking News and Videos Boom as Azamara Cruise Ship With 690 Passengers Docks in Mombasa Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife in the government of Kenya, CS Rebecca Miano, has today, January 12, 2026, announced the arrival of Azamara Journey in Mombasa with 690 passengers, marking the third cruise ship of the 2025/26 season and reflecting Kenya’s push to become the Indian Ocean’s top cruise hub. The sector saw a […] This post Boom as Azamara Cruise Ship With 690 Passengers Docks in Mombasa first appeared on The Kenya Times ~ Trending, Breaking News and Videos and is written by Immaculate Ndinda

News Jan 12, 2026 0 0 Add to Reading List

The Kenya Times ~ Trending, Breaking News and Videos

Boom as Azamara Cruise Ship With 690 Passengers Docks in Mombasa

Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife in the government of Kenya, CS Rebecca Miano, has today, January 12, 2026, announced the arrival of Azamara Journey in Mombasa with 690 passengers, marking the third cruise ship of the 2025/26 season and reflecting Kenya’s push to become the Indian Ocean’s top cruise hub.

The sector saw a 140% surge in 2024 sea arrivals, from 2,490 to 6,561 passengers, contributing to a record KES 452.2 billion in sector earnings amid diversification from safari-focused tourism.

“Our strategy to diversify Kenya’s tourism beyond our world-class safaris is paying off. In 2024, we saw a staggering 140% increase in arrivals by sea, contributing to a record-breaking year where tourism injected KES 452.2 billion into our economy,” read part of the announcement.

Also Read: KNCCI Lists Containers Allowed to Exit Without Scanning at Port of Mombasa

This visit follows successful calls by the SH Diana and Crystal Symphony, underscoring Kenya’s strategy to diversify beyond world-class safaris and its push to become the premier cruise hub in the Indian Ocean, gaining global traction, with lines like Azamara choosing extended port calls to offer deeper immersion.

The government’s mantra, “Magical Kenya – Origin of Wonder” campaign, continues to promote the blue economy, wildlife conservation, and innovative tourism products.

Azamara’s Journey to Mombasa

This immersive round-trip voyage started at Port Louis, Mauritius, and highlights the “Vanilla Islands” and East Africa with extended overnight stays for deeper exploration.

Key ports include:

Diego Suarez in Antsiranana and Nosy Be in Madagascar
Mayotte in Mamoudzou
An overnight stay at Zanzibar in Tanzania
In Mombasa, Kenya, the ship will have an overnight stop on the night of 12th and departure on January 13.
La Digue, Praslin, and Mahé in the Seychelles

Passengers enjoy Azamara’s boutique-style experience with destination-focused excursions, such as Mombasa’s historic Old Town, Fort Jesus, spice markets, and easy access to safaris.

Also Read: Is Ruto’s Govt Selling Public Beaches? Ministry of Tourism Sets Record Straight

As more ships are on the horizon for the 2025/26 season, today’s docking of the Azamara Journey signals a promising and robust future for cruise tourism in Kenya. As CS Miano affirmed that they are committed to making Kenya the leading cruise hub of the Indian Ocean.