MV Norwegian Dawn, operated by the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), docked at the Port of Mombasa on Sunday with more than 2,200 passengers from 54 nationalities on board; the largest cruise ship to ever dock at the facility in the recent years.

Receiving the visitors on Sunday at the Kenya Ports Authority Cruise Terminal, county tourism executive Mohamed Osman said the vessel’s arrival marks a significant milestone for tourism in Mombasa County as it showcases its emergence as a premier destination in East Africa.

The MV Norwegian Dawn is the longest cruise liner of this season.

It boasts the largest suites at sea, spanning up to 6,693 square feet, the Garden Villas feature king or queen-size beds, separate living and dining areas, luxury baths and private balconies, all complemented by certified butler and concierge services.

Measuring 294 meters in length, it accommodates 2,340 guests and operates with a crew of 1,032 members.

The vessel was skillfully guided to berth number one by Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Captain William Ruto.

The over 2,000 passengers who disembarked Sunday morning will enjoy a series of captivating excursions along the Kenyan coast, exploring pristine white sandy beaches and national parks.

Captain Ruto highlighted KPA’s commitment to fostering cruise tourism through strategic infrastructure investments, aimed at establishing the Port of Mombasa as a pivotal hub for cruise enthusiasts. He also confirmed that the anticipation is already building for the arrival of yet another cruise ship next month, solidifying Mombasa’s growing importance in the global cruise tourism landscape.