Kwale: Kenya received a tourism boost Sunday when a luxury expedition cruise ship christened SH Diana docked at the new Shimoni Port in Kwale County with 240 tourists on board. There was excitement as the cruise ship made its inaugural call at the new Shimoni port marking it the first cruise ship to do so since the completion of the port construction in June this year.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) said the vessel arrived from Victoria Port in Seychelles with tourists from various countries who would spend one day in Shimoni fishing village and its surrounding tourist sites. The construction of the Sh2.6 billion Shimoni port project spearheaded by KPA began in March 2023 and was completed in June 2025. The cruise ship called at Shimoni port from Port Victoria, Seychelles marking the official start of the 2025/26 cruise ship season, having previously visited Seychelles, Madagascar, and South Africa.
The docking event was marked with an elaborate welcoming ceremony, local entertainment, and hopes for future tourism growth. The Ship's Captain Jaanus Hannes said it's the third time that the SH Diana, a luxury expedition cruise ship, was coming to Kenya, having docked in Mombasa in 2023 and in Lamu in 2024. 'This momentous occasion marks the ship's third visit to Kenya with new and repeat visitors since 2023 with stunning destinations and excursions,' he said.
Hannes mentioned that the tourists would go snorkeling at Shimoni as part of tours to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, where they could experience vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Some passengers took the opportunity to explore new adventures, while others enjoyed a more relaxed atmosphere on the ship, taking advantage of fewer crowds for the ship's amenities. The SH Diana, operated by Swan Hellenic and Nisomar Shipping Lines, measures 124 metres in length with a draft of 5.7 metres and features state-of-the-art hospitality facilities.
The tourists were received by KPA officials led by Corporate Communication Manager Dave Buchere, Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani, and Lunga Lunga MP Mangale Chiforomodo. Buchere stated that the arrival of the passenger cruise ship marks the start of a cruise ship season that would welcome numerous other cruise ships to Mombasa, Kwale, and Lamu seaports.
Governor Achani expressed her gratitude following the arrival of the cruise ship, describing it as a significant step towards establishing Shimoni port as a premier cruise destination in the region and also marked the port's inauguration. Achani highlighted that Kwale hosts Diani and Tiwi beaches lined with white sand and tall palm trees, attracting hundreds of domestic and foreign tourists every year. Diani beach is the preferred holiday destination for many tourists and has been awarded the best beach destination in the continent for seven years in a row by the World Travel Awards.
She mentioned that the coastal county is out to promote its rich marine, cultural, heritage, and historical sites. 'Diani beach with its stunning blue waters has now evolved into a much sought-after tourism destination in Kenya and we are proud of that,' she said. Kwale also provides excitement to tourists through diverse experiences like vibrant cultural exploration and wildlife viewing in Shimba Hills National Reserve.
Achani noted that global cruise liners were increasingly expanding their destinations and extending their time in Kenyan waters with profound benefits for local economies reliant on tourism. The arrival of cruise ships provides a significant boost to the country's tourism industry, particularly in Mombasa, which is becoming a premier cruise destination. The tourists visited the Wasini island Boardwalk and Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve, famed for its magnificent coral reefs and colorful marine life, with Governor Achani saying the tourists will be spending on local attractions, which supports job creation and the economy.
Kenya Tourism Federation Chairman Mohamed Hersi welcomed the development, saying cruise ship tourism was the way to go and that tourism was on an upward trajectory. 'Mombasa, Lamu, and Shimoni seaports should tap into cruise ship tourism by upgrading infrastructure and creating new attractions to capitalize on the economic benefits of the industry,' he said.
Ksenia Smirnova and Elena Karmanova from Russia expressed their excitement at visiting Kenya for the first time. Dr. Michael Frey and his wife Sarika Frey from Canada also shared their happiness at having a chance to mix with Kenyans and were enthralled by the country's beauty. Dr. Frey said as a couple they have previously been to South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, and they were now excited to have added Kenya onto their itinerary. 'Exploring the islands of Kenya with a cruise liner is quite simply a magical experience for us,' he said during an interview.