After years of dormancy, cruise tourism along East Africa’s coastline is finally showing signs of revival. Once a vibrant route for global cruise liners, the region’s potential dimmed in the late 2000s when piracy off the coast of Somalia cast a long shadow over maritime travel. Ships rerouted to safer waters and ports like Mombasa, Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam saw a steep decline in calls.
But with piracy now largely contained and countries investing in port upgrades, a resurgence is taking place and Kenya, in particular, is leading the revival.
Kenya cruise tourism snapshot
According to Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, the country welcomed 6 561 cruise tourists in 2024 – a 163% increase from 2023.
The KSh350 million (US$2.7 million) Mombasa Cruise Terminal, completed in 2021, has transformed the port’s ability to receive larger vessels and process passengers efficiently. Kenya has also introduced a multiple-entry electronic travel authorisation (ETA) allowing cruise tourists to move easily between ship and mainland excursions without repeated approvals.
New cruise lines
With major global lines like Norwegian Cruise Line, Viking Cruises, Azamara and Crystal Cruises setting their sights on East Africa, the tide is turning. Cruise specialist Ruhan Shah from Holiday Bazaar describes Kenya’s cruise scene as entering “a really exciting growth phase”.
“We’re especially looking forward to Crystal Cruises in early 2026, which will operate itineraries starting and ending in Mombasa. That’s a huge milestone for the region.”
Shah noted that Kenya, traditionally a stopover on longer world cruises, is now being included in shorter regional itineraries.
Barry Clemens, Group CEO of Hospitality EQ, believes Kenya is turning a corner. “Kenya stands out for its mix of coast, culture and wildlife – something no other African cruise stop offers within such a short radius. South Africa wins on scale, Seychelles on exclusivity and Zanzibar on nostalgia but Kenya wins on variety.”
Opportunities and challenges
Clemens said Kenya’s next step should focus on branding and visibility. “Kenya’s story needs to be told boldly,” he said. “We’re naturally aligned with the global shift towards smaller, greener ships that prioritise cultural immersion. What we need now is sharper marketing, better storytelling and consistent participation in global cruise trade forums.”
There’s a need to refine visitor experiences around ports, he added. “We have the fundamentals right but awareness still lags. Kenya’s cruise narrative should be as compelling as its safari story,” he said, pointing to the need for better signage, shaded walkways, Wi-Fi and traffic control near terminals.
Mohamed Hersi, Group Director of Operations at Pollman’s Tours & Safaris, identified two major barriers: perceptions of insecurity and outdated health regulations. “If travellers feel unsafe, even in the waters, they stay away. And the yellow fever vaccination requirement remains a huge obstacle.”
Hersi explained that many cruise passengers are retirees, typically over 60 years old, who avoid vaccines that might pose health risks. “So ships dock for a day, tourists do a quick safari and, by evening, they’re gone,” he said. “It’s unfortunate because our terminal is beautiful but underutilised.”
He argues that the region should revive inter-island cruises that once connected Mombasa, Lamu, Zanzibar and Pemba, creating a coastal circuit that serves international visitors and regional travellers. “We had Mombasa-Zanzibar routes in the past,” Hersi recalled. “If Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar are thriving, why not reconnect them with Mombasa? Even vessels that operate in Zanzibar come to Mombasa for repairs — that shows the potential.”
