The world Odyssey, recognized as the largest floating university globally, made its third visit to the port of Mombasa.
The ship popularly known as “the sea semester” docked in Mombasa on Friday 9th February 2024 and will be in the country for six days until Valentines’ Day.
Notably, the world odyssey comes with a premium price tag, charging Ksh 6million per semester, arrived with 763 passengers on board, 585 being students. The price only reflects the unique educational experience and state of the art facilities provided on board.
This marks the third visit of the World Odyssey to the coastal city in 15 months with the last one being on 28th November 2023.
Students will visit institutions of higher learning for educational tours, conduct outings around the city and visit various wildlife parks during their stay, Kenya Ports Authority said while announcing its arrival.
Addressing the media after receiving the vessel, Captain Ali Abdille, the KPA harbour master and general manager of marine operations, said that they have continued to receive cruise vessels owing to the operationalization of the multi-million-shilling cruise terminal at the port.
“As a port authority, we have done what it takes to welcome these cruise vessels, and we would be happy for them to stay longer,” said Abdille.
KPA on the other hand revealed that the ship has one Kenyan on board.
“Semester at Sea carries students around the world learning the histories of the countries they visit. The students are of mixed nationalities with one Kenyan student aboard. She sailed from India and will be visiting Mauritius as the next port of call.
“The floating campus had an extensive visit to the country calling the port last year and in 2022. Port of Mombasa has recorded an increase in cruise vessel calls pointing to improved connectivity of the port and a hub for cruise tourism in Africa,” KPA said.
Cruise vessel World Odyssey makes her third visit to the port of Mombasa docking at the port early Friday morning.
Popularly known as “Semester at Sea” the World’s biggest floating campus, which operates academic voyage for students will be in Mombasa for six days to February… pic.twitter.com/YNamUKxdG5
— Kenya Ports Authority (@Kenya_Ports) February 9, 2024