Under the banner of Magical Kenya, the coastal city of Mombasa has once again reaffirmed its status as a premier global tourism and education destination after the MV World Odyssey — famously known as the floating campus for the Semester at Sea program — docked at the Port of Mombasa with 609 passengers on board.

The vessel arrived with students, faculty and lifelong learners from across the world, including three Kenyans, alongside 183 crew members.

The ship is scheduled to stay in Mombasa for six days until February 23, offering its passengers a rich immersion into Kenya’s culture, history, wildlife and economic landscape.

The arrival underscores Kenya’s growing appeal as a cruise tourism hub in the region, aligning with the government’s aggressive push under the Magical Kenya campaign to position the country as a top experiential travel destination.

Mombasa, with its pristine beaches, heritage sites such as Fort Jesus, vibrant Swahili culture and proximity to world-renowned national parks, continues to attract international vessels seeking authentic African experiences.

Tourism stakeholders say the docking of the MV World Odyssey is a major boost to the local economy. Hotels, tour operators, transport providers, curio traders, restaurants and beach businesses are expected to benefit significantly from the visitors’ spending during their stay.

The hospitality sector in particular anticipates increased bookings, excursions to Tsavo and Amboseli, and cultural tours within the coastal region.

Local business owners have welcomed the ship’s return, noting that cruise tourism injects direct foreign exchange into the economy while creating short-term employment opportunities for tour guides, taxi operators and small-scale traders.

Industry players argue that sustained cruise ship visits could help cushion the tourism sector during low seasons and diversify revenue streams beyond traditional holidaymakers.

Officials say such high-profile visits also enhance Kenya’s global visibility, as hundreds of students and international travelers document and share their experiences across digital platforms — effectively marketing the country to new audiences worldwide.

As the floating campus remains docked in Mombasa, stakeholders are optimistic that continued collaboration between government agencies, the Kenya Ports Authority and private sector players will strengthen cruise tourism infrastructure and cement Kenya’s position as a leading maritime tourism destination in Africa.