The country’s cruise tourism sector continues to post impressive gains, marked by the arrival of the World Odyssey, the world’s largest floating university, with 609 students and 183 crew members, including faculty.
The vessel’s six-day stay at the Port of Mombasa underscores Kenya’s growing charm as a global tourism and education destination.
The 175-metre Bahamas-flagged vessel arrived from Kochi, India, and will dock at the Mombasa quayside for six days before proceeding to Cape Town, South Africa.
The ship operates the ‘Semester at Sea’ education programme, administered by the Institute of Shipboard Education in partnership with Colorado State University.
The students, drawn from various countries, study aboard the vessel, which has been converted into a floating campus.
They spend between 100 and 105 days at sea, with 50 per cent of the time dedicated to classes on board and the remainder exploring different countries.
During their stay, the students will participate in exchange programmes with the Technical University of Mombasa and Kenyatta University, Mombasa Campus.
Mombasa County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Climate Resilience, Emily Achieng, joined officials from the Kenya Tourism Board and the Kenya Ports Authority to receive the vessel, which is making its fifth visit to the country in four years.
“We are delighted to host them because, as you know, Mombasa has scenic sites, rich cultural heritage, vibrant Swahili traditions, spice markets, thriving trade, and a history we want to share with the rest of the world,” said the CECM.
She noted that the visit would be an eye-opener for the foreign students, allowing them to explore not only the Port City but also other beautiful parts of the country.
The CECM affirmed that Kenya is on course to achieve its target of five million tourists annually by 2027.
“As a county, we welcome them and hope this will not be their last visit. We look forward to receiving more cruise ships again and again,” she stated, adding that the six-day stay will boost Mombasa’s economy.
Jasmine Janet, a fourth-year law student at the University of Nairobi, Mombasa Campus, secured a rare opportunity to serve as an InterPort Lecturer (IPL).
She taught students about Kenya’s culture, language, cuisine, Muslim traditions as the holy month of Ramadhan begins, dress, and heritage. She boarded the vessel in India and travelled with it to Mombasa.
“Our country is more than safaris. We have technology hubs, innovation and diversity, as well as warm and welcoming people,” said Janet, describing the voyage as memorable.
“They say home is best. We ate well and enjoyed good food, but home is still the best,” she added, urging young Kenyans to apply for opportunities aboard cruise vessels.
“In the interview, they want to know about your country and what you will share with others about your language and culture. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Talk about everything you know, where you would take them, what you would show them, our politics, your ambitions and what you hope to explore while on the ship,” she added
Rose Musero, another Kenyan IPL, taught the students about data protection, cybersecurity, policy formulation in Kenya, and how the Constitution safeguards innovation.
“My role was to teach them how we do things in Kenya and how we engage. I am also a conservationist, so I educated them about our national parks and how to conduct themselves while visiting,” said Musero.
Stella Mbugua, the only Kenyan student to spend a semester at sea, began her journey in Thailand. She is pursuing public policy and administration at Kenyatta University.
“My experience, oh my God, it has been amazing. Being on a ship, studying while at sea, and then exploring each country we dock in has been incredible,” she said.
Mary Kaialani, a student from the United States of America, praised the warm reception they received and expressed eagerness to explore Kenya’s deep cultural heritage.
“I’m very excited to be immersed in it. We are going to Tsavo East for a safari and then to Diani Beach. We also hope to go swimming with whale sharks.
Tomorrow I’m visiting a cultural centre to learn about public speaking and the culture, so I’m really excited,” she said.
“I’m excited to learn about everyone’s culture. I have never been outside the United States before, so it’s incredible to come here and experience other parts of the world with an open mind. I’m so excited for Kenya,” said Charleston Seney, also from the United States.
By Sadik Hassan
