Cruise ship docks at Mombasa port with 650 tourists

By Philip Mwakio

Mombasa, Kenya: Despite an existing travel advisory by the UK against non-essential travel to Kenya, a US owned cruise ship with 645 tourists docked at the port of Mombasa early, Thursday.

 Tourism stakeholders led by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB)  termed the docking of MS Nautica, which sailed into Kenyan waters from Mahe, Seychelles  as a strong confirmation of secure waters in the Indian Ocean and growing security.

Piracy off the Coast of Somalia has dealt cruise ship tourism a severe blow after international cruise liners gave Mombasa port a wide berth.

The vessel which sailed into Mombasa port was on  day long call before sailing to Zanzibar as part of its Indian ocean waters sea sojourn.

“KTB  will continue to encourage  tour operators  handling cruise ships  to plan for far longer excursion periods for tourists on board cruise liners to enjoy Kenyan’s diverse  tourism products,’’ KTB Head of Human Capital and Administration, Voi Chyulu who represented KTB Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa said yesterday.

Tourists from the ship that docked at port’s berth number one disembarked and took a day off to visit the idyllic Tsavo East National Park, Shimba Hills Game Reserve,  while others went on city tour of Mombasa.

In the meantime, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has reiterated its plans to renovate berths one and two to handle cruise ships.However, General Manager Operations, Twalib Khamis said yesterday the renovation was only a short term measure as KPA  envisages in its port infrastructure development masterplan to put up a dedicated terminal solely for cruise ships at the Dongo Kundu project.

 “We have played our part in ensuring our port is secure by installing  world class security systems and apparatus in efforts to attract more cruise lines,’’ Capt Twalib said.

 And turning to the travel alert, the British government through its  British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, warned its people from visiting Kenya because another terror attack similar to that witnessed at Westgate Mall was imminent.

The statement warned that terror threats on Kenya had increased and that the Al-Shabaab terrorists would strike any time.

The UK also warned its nationals to keep off government offices as terrorists were targeting buildings hosting government staff and law enforcement personnel facilities.

“The main threat is from extremists linked to Al-Shabaab, a militia group in Somalia opposed to the Somali government and targeting buildings like government offices, law enforcement agencies and Somali Government’s interests in Kenya,” read the statement in part.