History as Shimoni Fish Port receives first cruise ship

A section of Shimoni Port on South Coast. [Omondi Onyango, Standard]

Kenya's newest fish port of Shimoni in Kwale County yesterday received its first cruise ship, the SH Diana, with 248 passengers and crew.

The passengers of the Panamanian-flagged vessel, a regular caller in Kenya, disembarked to visit the world-renowned Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Reserve and the Wasini Boardwalk.

The tourists were expected to tour Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Reserve, popular for its dolphins, whale sharks, and unique marine life species.

The master of the vessel, Captain Jaanus Hannes, said Shimoni Port was well positioned to attract more cruise ships owing to its position near Dian Beach and unique game reserves.

"We are pleased with the warm reception we have been accorded. We look forward to more visits," said Hannes, adding that Dian offers his passengers extra experience.

Kwale's Diani Beach has been voted Africa's leading beach destination multiple times by the World Travel Awards and the best white sand beach in Africa and 5th in the world.

On hand to receive the vessel on its maiden Shimoni Fish Port call were Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani and Senior Kenya Ports Authority Corporate Manager Jones Buchere.

"It's a good day for us not only in Kwale but in Kenya as a whole, as we start the cruise tourism season with this first call here. The county, known for its various tourist attractions, has to offer," Governor Achani said.

She thanked the national government for having invested in a state-of-the-art port handling facility, which is now starting its operations as it awaits to receive its fish cargoes.

The vessel's handling agents, Nisomar Ship Agency, through its Operations Manager, Mr John Marambi, said that they were happy with the vessel calling at this time of the year, when the Kenyan cruise season is beginning.

Lunga Lunga Member of Parliament, Mr Mangale Munga Chiforomodo, thanked both the vessel management and local handling agent for choosing to dock at the Port of Shimoni, which boasts of diverse attractions within its surroundings.

"Now that SH Diana has made a successful port call here, it is our hope that the government and all agencies involved in cruise ship itineraries will consider bringing more cruise vessels to Shimoni Port," the legislator said.

Two travel agents onboard the vessel, Eleanor Ksenia and Ksenia Smirnova from St Petersburg in Moscow, Russia, said that they were excited to be part of the team visiting Kenyan ports.

"We are looking forward to seeing marine life and what the boardwalk has to offer," said Elena, who is visiting Kenya for the first time.

The Kenya Coast Guard Service and the Kenya Wildlife Service personnel ensured security for the visitors and the vessel.