Azamara Journey’s Arrival Highlights Kenya’s Ambitions as Indian Ocean Cruise Hub
The Port of Mombasa welcomed the Azamara Journey and its 690 international passengers on January 12, marking another milestone in Kenya’s dynamic push to establish itself as a major cruise tourism gateway for East Africa and the wider Indian Ocean region. This port call, the third of the 2025/26 season after visits by the SH Diana and Crystal Symphony, demonstrates the country’s efforts to diversify its tourism economy well beyond the traditional safari experience.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano greeted the vessel with optimism, stating that the cruise’s arrival is a testament to Kenya’s evolving tourism strategy. “Today, we are thrilled to welcome the Azamara Journey and her 690 passengers to the Port of Mombasa. This visit underscores our strategy to diversify Kenya’s tourism beyond safaris, which in 2024 contributed a record Sh452.2 billion to the economy through a 140 per cent increase in sea arrivals,” she said. Such statistics highlight the growing significance of maritime tourism in underpinning Kenya’s overall economic growth and international appeal.
The Azamara Journey’s current itinerary began in Port Louis, Mauritius, and has included stops at Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) and Nosy Be Island in Madagascar, Mamoudzou in Mayotte, and Zanzibar, Tanzania, before reaching the Kenyan coast. The cruise will next visit La Digue and Praslin Islands, as well as Mahe Island and Victoria in Seychelles, before concluding back in Mauritius on January 20. This route showcases the allure of the Indian Ocean islands and East Africa’s coastal gems, blending luxurious onboard experiences with curated shore excursions that immerse guests in the region’s natural beauty, heritage, and vibrant culture.
Miano also emphasized how recent investments in modern port facilities at Mombasa and the adoption of a streamlined Electronic Travel Authorization system have made it easier than ever for cruise visitors to explore Kenya. Enhanced infrastructure and seamless border processes are now positioning Mombasa as an attractive stop for the world’s leading cruise lines and a springboard for further regional exploration.
Kenya’s ambition, according to Miano, is to become the “leading cruise hub of the Indian Ocean,” leveraging its coastal attractions, cultural diversity, and renowned hospitality. The government’s focus on cruise tourism is not only increasing arrivals but also driving significant business for local hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and port service providers. As cruise passengers disembark, their spending ripples through the local economy, generating new opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs along the coast.
For Africa’s tourism professionals, the current cruise season in Kenya offers an important case study in the power of strategic diversification. The steady uptick in ship calls and passenger numbers is reinforcing Kenya’s reputation as a premier destination for both maritime and luxury tourism. As global travelers seek more authentic and varied experiences, the country’s ports are now positioned to capture new visitor segments, boost year-round occupancy, and strengthen international partnerships.
Looking ahead, the continued success of cruise arrivals like the Azamara Journey will be pivotal in shaping the future of tourism across the continent. As Kenya and its neighbors invest in port infrastructure, streamline visa processes, and curate high-quality shore excursions, the region is poised to benefit from increased interest among cruise operators and travelers alike. For the African travel trade, these developments signal a new era of opportunity—one where the blue economy and luxury tourism go hand in hand, reshaping business models and opening up fresh avenues for sustainable growth.
