When the elegant white silhouette of SH Diana glided into Shimoni Port last Sunday, curious villagers gathered along the shoreline — some snapping photos, others waving — as the luxury cruise ship slowly anchored in the turquoise waters of southern Kwale.
For many, it was a sight they had never seen before. And for Kenya, it marked a milestone — the first time a cruise liner had spent more than four days visiting multiple ports along the country’s coastline.
Operated by Swan Hellenic Company, SH Diana’s five-day voyage took passengers through Shimoni, Lamu and Mombasa, weaving together history, culture and seascape in one journey.
“This ship has made history for us,” said Kenya Ports Authority managing direct Captain William Ruto. “It’s the first time we have had a cruise vessel spend several days touring Kenya’s ports. We are proud to have a circuit that starts from Shimoni, goes to Lamu and ends in Mombasa.”
The stop at Shimoni, once a quiet fishing village now awakening to tourism, is already paying off after recent port investments by KPA. The authority hopes to make it a staple on regional cruise itineraries.
Further north, the travellers explored Lamu’s timeless charm — its narrow streets, carved wooden doors and centuries-old Swahili culture that earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. “Lamu remains one of the top cruise destinations in the world,” Captain Ruto said. “It’s a gem we are proud to share.”
From Lamu, SH Diana sailed to Mombasa, where its arrival added fresh energy to a city long known for its hospitality and rich maritime heritage.
The numbers tell a story of revival. In 2020, Kenya welcomed only 656 cruise passengers. Last year, the numbers jumped to 6,577, and this year, it has already surpassed 7,000 — even before the peak season begins.
“This marks the beginning of our cruise season, and we are excited to show the world that Kenya offers more than beaches and safaris,” Kenya Tourism Board acting CEO Allan Njoroge said.
KPA Board chairman Benjamin Tayari praised the collaboration between national and county governments that made the visit possible. He urged counties to promote local attractions — from Shimoni’s marine caves to Lamu’s dhow cruises — so that visitors can experience authentic Kenyan culture beyond the docks.
As the SH Diana pulled away from Mombasa’s harbour, residents watched the vessel disappear beyond the horizon — a moment that felt both symbolic and hopeful.
For Kenya’s Coast, it wasn’t just a ship leaving port; it was a promise arriving — of new visitors, new livelihoods and a fresh tide in cruise tourism.
