MOMBASA, Kenya, Feb 9 – MV World Odyssey, popularly known as the “Semester at Sea,” made its third visit to the port of Mombasa on Friday.
The cruise vessel, renowned as the world’s largest floating campus, specializes in academic voyages for students from various nations.
The vessel arrived with 763 passengers, including 585 students from twenty different countries, alongside a crew of 400 members.
It will stay in Mombasa for six days, until February 14.
This is the fifth cruise ship to dock at the Port of Mombasa since November last year.
The arrival of the World Odyssey follows the recent visit of MSC Poesia, one of the largest cruise vessels, with over 2,500 tourists.
Another cruise ship is expected in Mombasa in March.
The students’ itinerary includes visits to institutions of higher education such as the Technical University of Mombasa and the Kenyatta University Mombasa campus for educational tours.
Additionally, they are set to explore Mombasa City, embark on excursions, and visit wildlife parks in Tsavo National Park and Shimba Hills Reserve.
KPA harbour master and general manager of marine operations Captain Ali Abdille attributed the increased cruise ship vessels to the Port of Mombasa because of the operationalization of the multi-million-shilling cruise terminal at the port.
“The port authority is eager to host more vessels, and we extended a warm welcome to cruise tourism,” said Abdille.
Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) head of public relations Wausi Walya said the MV World Odyssey’s third visit to Kenya is an endorsement of Mombasa Port.
She cited an increase of more than 50 per cent increase in cruise tourists compared to last year.
“Last year, we closed the year with 3,123 cruise tourists. We are only in February, and we have received slightly over 6,000 now. This is a 50 per cent growth,” she said.
The vessel’s last port of call was Cochin, India and will be heading to Port Louis in Mauritius from Mombasa.
