Cruise ship to start operating at the Indian Ocean

Cruise tourism is set to receive a major boost with the introduction of a cruise ship which will operate on the Indian Ocean set to launch soon.

According to the Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Najib Balala, plans are underway to introduce a home based cruise ship operator which will diversify the country’s tourism offerings.

“We have been engaging with the cruise liners in Miami, South Florida and we are going to engage with the cruise operators. We are working out modalities to have a cruise operator  to be home based to do the Indian Ocean circuit,” said Balala.

The CS stated that the Kenya Tourism Board will have a department whose sole responsibility will be to market the cruise ship.

The news comes at an opportune time, as the government seeks to establish a Sh350 million terminal at Mombasa Port

The terminal whose construction began in December 2016 is set to be completed in August. The terminal will arrival and departure areas for sea passengers. It will also have an immigration office, reception counters, a lounge and a restaurant, and souvenir shops.