The Kenya Ports Authority has announced the arrival of the MV Azamara Onward at the Port of Mombasa.
The vessel’s arrival at the Kenyan is part of the ongoing cruise ship season of 2025/26, boosting the tourism sector.
Azamara Onward’s docking adds to a growing list of international cruise liners visiting Mombasa, reinforcing its position as a key cruise destination in East Africa.
The vessel, operated by Azamara Cruises, arrived with 653 passengers and 389 crew members, who are expected to spend two days exploring the Kenyan coast.
KPA has also revealed that three Kenyans are among the crew members aboard the MV Azamara Onward.
Arrival of MV Azamara Onward brings the total number of cruise ships this season to six, reflecting a steady rise in cruise traffic through the Port of Mombasa.
Maiden Call Highlights Growing Cruise Traffic
The maiden call of the Azamara Onward comes at a time when Mombasa is experiencing increased cruise activity, with several international liners choosing the port as part of their regional and global itineraries.
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Kenya Ports Authority has attributed the growth to improved port efficiency, enhanced coordination of cruise operations, and strengthened engagement with global cruise operators.
KPA is also expecting to receive at least two additional cruise ships before the end of the cycle.
This positions the season among the most active in recent years, signaling renewed confidence in Mombasa as a reliable cruise destination.
The steady flow of cruise ships is also being seen as a reflection of Kenya’s broader strategy to position its coastal infrastructure within the international tourism sector, particularly in the Indian Ocean cruise network.
“The increased cruise traffic reflects a positive trajectory for Kenya’s cruise tourism segment, strengthening the country’s interface with the global cruise industry while delivering tangible economic and branding benefits to the coastal city,” KPA statement read.
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MV Azamara Cruise in Indian Ocean
In January 12, 2026 Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife CS Rebecca Miano, announced the arrival of Azamara Journey in Mombasa with 690 passengers, marking the third cruise ship of the 2025/26 season reflecting Kenya’s push to become the Indian Ocean’s top cruise hub.
The ship visited ports including:
- Diego Suarez in Antsiranana and Nosy Be in Madagascar
- Mayotte in Mamoudzou
- An overnight stay at Zanzibar in Tanzania
- La Digue, Praslin, and Mahé in the Seychelles
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.
