Kenya's cruise tourism sector reached a major milestone with the arrival of the luxury expedition ship SH Diana at the newly built Shimoni Port in Kwale County. This marks the first-ever cruise ship to dock at the South Coast facility, bringing 500 passengers and crew. The visitors are set to engage in activities such as snorkelling, excursions, and tours of Kwale's national parks.
On Sunday, October 26, 2025, Kenya welcomed the SH Diana, a luxury expedition liner operated by Swan Hellenic Expeditions and flying the Panamanian flag, at the newly constructed Shimoni Port in Kwale County. According to the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), the 125-metre-long vessel, built at Helsinki Shipyard in Finland and launched in 2023, can accommodate up to 192 guests in 96 staterooms and suites, supported by a crew of around 140.
The ship features a Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened hull, a hybrid-ready diesel-electric propulsion system designed to reduce emissions and minimize environmental impact, and advanced environmental technology. Onboard amenities include a spa, sauna, gym, heated outdoor pool, observation lounge, and expedition laboratory, allowing safe navigation through polar and tropical waters.
Previously, the SH Diana had called at the ports of Mombasa and Lamu, but this first visit to Shimoni positions Kenya's southern coastline as a new destination for luxury and expedition cruises. The KPA states that sustained visits could establish Kenya as the premier cruise tourism hub in the Western Indian Ocean, connecting itineraries spanning Zanzibar, Pemba, Madagascar, and beyond.