Kenya Welcomes Crystal Symphony Cruise Ship with Over 500 Tourists

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Kenya continues to strengthen its position as a leading cruise tourism destination in Africa following the arrival of the luxury cruise vessel MV Crystal Symphony at the Port of Mombasa, carrying 501 tourists and 498 crew members.

According to the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), the ship docked at Berth One on Sunday, January 4, 2026, a move that underscores the growing interest by international cruise liners and Kenya’s rising profile on the global cruise tourism circuit.

Upon arrival at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) facility, passengers disembarked to enjoy a variety of curated shore excursions, including wildlife safaris to Tsavo National Park, cultural tours of Mombasa Old Town and Fort Jesus, and local shopping experiences.

“The arrival of Crystal Symphony is a testament to Kenya’s growing appeal in the global cruise market, and we urge tourists to continue coming to Kenya,” said KTB chief executive officer June Chepkemei.

She noted that Kenya’s Cruise Tourism Strategy focuses on strengthening partnerships with cruise operators, upgrading port infrastructure, and ensuring seamless and secure shore experiences for visitors.

“Cruise tourism is growing rapidly. Last year, we recorded a 140 percent growth, and the numbers continue to rise. We anticipate even greater growth this year,” she added.

Local government officials led by Mombasa County Tourism CECM Mohamed Osman expressed optimism that cruise arrivals in 2026 could surpass figures recorded in the last two years.

“We are targeting higher tourism numbers. We are also experiencing an increase in flights to Mombasa, which shows growing global confidence in our destination. As we target five million tourists annually by 2027, increased air and cruise connectivity is key,” he said.

The Crystal Symphony is making its second call to Kenya, having last visited during its inaugural voyage in 2024.

The vessel measures 238 metres in length with a draft of eight metres and arrived from Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It will spend a full day in Mombasa before continuing its voyage to India.

Crystal Symphony’s cruise entertainment director, Ms Vicky van Tassel, said guests were delighted to return to Kenya.

“We’ve received such a warm welcome. Everyone is excited to explore Kenya, even if just for the day,” she said.

She added that the ship’s previous port of call was Cape Town, with Mumbai, India, as its next destination.

“Kenya offers a very good tourism experience, and I am happy to be part of the team enjoying the Swahili culture in Mombasa Old Town. Our guests have had a fantastic voyage, and we hope to return many more times,” she noted.

Some tourists shared their excitement, including Mark Worgan, a first-time visitor from the United States, who described his safari to Tsavo National Park as unforgettable. Similar sentiments were echoed by Christine Knowles from Australia, also visiting Kenya for the first time.

KPA corporation secretary and general nanager board and legal services Turasha Kinyanjui reaffirmed the port’s commitment to supporting cruise tourism growth.

Speaking on behalf of managing director Captain William Ruto, Kinyanjui said KPA remains focused on improving passenger experiences through facility upgrades and collaboration with key stakeholders.

“Mombasa’s strategic location, cultural diversity, and proximity to wildlife-rich national parks make it an attractive destination for cruise itineraries seeking authentic experiences,” he said.

The manager added that the Port of Mombasa remains the premier gateway to East Africa, pledging continued support for cruise tourism and related business ventures.

The visit by MV Crystal Symphony signals a busy cruise season ahead, with several more vessels scheduled to dock at the Port of Mombasa in the coming weeks promising increased visitor numbers and a significant boost to the local tourism economy.