Kenya’s Shimoni Port welcomes first cruise call
Kenya’s new Shimoni Port in Kwale County received its first-ever cruise call on 27 October 2025, as luxury expedition vessel SH Diana docked with 240 tourists on board. The Kenya Ports Authority said the ship arrived from Victoria, Seychelles, marking the official start of the 2025/26 cruise season and signalling fresh momentum for coastal cruise tourism following the port’s completion in June 2025.
The Sh2.6 billion facility, developed by KPA between March 2023 and June 2025, hosted passengers on excursions to Kisite–Mpunguti Marine National Park and the Wasini Island boardwalk, with local leaders highlighting anticipated benefits for tours, hospitality and retail. Officials including Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani and KPA’s Dave Buchere welcomed the call, while industry voices noted rising interest in Kenyan ports – with further cruise visits expected across Mombasa, Kwale and Lamu this season.
Source: Kenya News
