The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has announced the end of the 2025/26 cruise season with the arrival of the MS Viking Yi Dun, the ninth cruise vessel to dock at the Port of Mombasa, bringing the total number of cruise tourists received this season to more than 6,000.
In a statement issued on June 30, KPA said the MS Viking Yi Dun, operated by Viking Ocean Cruises, became the first cruise liner from Asia to dock at the Port of Mombasa.
“The Port of Mombasa has closed a successful cruise season with the arrival of the MS Viking Yidun, the ninth vessel to dock at the port. The season brought more than 6000 cruise tourists to the Kenyan coast,” read part of the statement.
The vessel arrived carrying 717 passengers and 489 crew members, with the majority of the guests being Chinese nationals.
KPA Ends Cruise Season With Ninth Cruise Ship at Mombasa Port
According to KPA, the cruise ship departed the Port of Shanghai on June 4 and is scheduled to visit 27 ports across 16 countries in Asia and Africa during its voyage.
During their one-day stay in Mombasa, the passengers will take part in organized city tours, excursions and game drives as part of efforts to promote Kenya’s tourism attractions.
KPA Chief Executive Officer William Ruto welcomed the vessel at the port, saying the authority is working with tourism stakeholders to grow the cruise tourism sector and position Kenya as a leading cruise destination.
He added that KPA plans to expand amenities at the port’s modern cruise terminal following recent investments to improve the passenger experience and support the growth of cruise tourism.
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About MS Viking Yi Dun
The Viking Yi Dun is one of Viking’s award-winning ocean cruise ships and was originally launched as the Viking Sun before being renamed.
Designed for immersive travel experiences, the vessel accommodates 930 guests across 465 staterooms, offering a more intimate cruising experience than larger liners.
Built in 2017 by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, the ship features contemporary Scandinavian-inspired interiors, all-veranda staterooms, spacious public areas, and a variety of dining venues serving both international cuisine and Japanese-inspired dishes.
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Onboard amenities include The Kitchen Table, The Chef’s Table, Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant, The Living Room, The Bar, Guest Services, a Fitness Center, and The Nordic Spa.
Its compact size allows it to access ports often beyond the reach of larger cruise ships, enabling passengers to enjoy a wider range of destinations.
The vessel initially operated in Europe after entering service in 2017. In 2021, it became part of a joint venture between Viking Cruises and China Merchants Group.
It is now registered in Shenzhen under the name Zhao Shang Yi Dun, while Viking continues to manage and oversee the entire onboard guest experience.
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