Mombasa,KENYA: A fifth cruise ship since the season began in October, Mv Silver spirit has docked the port of Mombasa.
The cruise ship which arrived on Monday morning had on board 496 passengers and 394 crew members and her last port of call was Zanzibar and is expected to embark for Mahe in Seychelles on Tuesday at 1800hrs.
According to the principal communication officer at the Kenya Ports Authority Hajj Masemo this was the second stop Mv Silver Spirit was making in Mombasa since the season began after making another stop in November.
“For quite some time we have not had a vessel staying overnight so we are happy that there is now trust.” Masemo told Baraka FM.
The Mv silver spirit began its cruise trip in California, USA and has made several stopovers in countries like Hong Kong.
This comes as the port is gearing up for the completion of a cruise terminal which is expected to be complete in August.
“ We expect it to be complete by August so that by the start of the next season in October we can start receiving tourists,” Masemo said.
The cruise ship terminal is expected to cost sh. 450 million.
Masemo said that the port management was committed to marketing the country as an attractive cruise destination so as to boost tourism in other sectors such as historical sites and national parks.
Last week, the KPA marketing team held an exhibition in Mauritius during the Mauritius Maritime week so as to try foster good working relations between the port and the island nations of the Indian ocean.
According to Masemo the port will be represented at sea trade cruise global convention that is slated for the 5th- 8th of March at Fort Lauder dale in Florida, USA.
Other cruise vessels that have docked at the port of Mombasa since the season began include Oman vessel Fulk Al Salamah which docked at the Port in October and Norwegian vessel Ms Nautica.
Another vessel is expected to dock at the port in February, which will bring to total the number of vessels that have docked at the port this season to 6 which is an improvement from last year when 3 cruise ships docked at the port during a similar season.
