The world’s largest private residential cruise ship arrived in Mombasa on Tuesday, adding to the number of luxury ships docking at the city as its profile rises as a tour destination.
Known as The World, the yacht, with 165 luxury apartments – from studios to three-bedroom units – allows residents to tour the globe without ever leaving their homes.
The yacht, which made its maiden journey in 2002, is operated like a condominium complex, with large apartments that can be purchased. Vacancies are rare, with only 10 to 12 units changing hands annually, for prices ranging from $2 million to $15 million.
The World, sailing under the Bahamian flag, has a diverse group of more than 150 residents from 20 countries, including South Africa.
While in Mombasa, residents will have the opportunity to explore the various attractions of the Kenyan coastal city.
“After almost two weeks in South Africa, The World will go on to traverse the turquoise seas of Africa’s east coast, stopping along the way in Mozambique, Zanzibar and Kenya, before a week spent on the white sands of the Seychelles,” reads its website.
Operated by ROW Management, Ltd., based in Florida, USA, The World sails a continuous itinerary across the world, visiting every ocean and providing the height of luxury travel in 120 ports each year.
The vessel is registered in The Bahamas with a gross tonnage of 43,188.
It measures 196.35 metres in length, 29.8 metres in width, and has a draft of 6.7 metres.
With 12 decks and a maximum speed of 34.3 km/h, The World operates with a crew of about 280.
Its arrival in Kenya comes barely a week after Mombasa welcomed cruise vessel Ms Ambience on its maiden voyage to the city.
Carrying 1,700 passengers, the cruise ship docked at the port of Mombasa last Wednesday from Victoria port in the Seychelles.
Passengers from different nationalities spent two days on the Kenyan coast.
“It has been a good cruise season for KPA, as we have received a fleet of vessels since the circuit began sometime in September last year,” the Kenya Ports Authority said on Twitter.
“This has been supported by the now operational ultra-modern Cruise Terminal, which was developed by the Authority to enhance passenger experience at the Port of Mombasa and solidify Kenya’s position as a hub for cruise tourism in Africa.”
The inauguration of the modern Sh1 billion cruise ship terminal has elevated Mombasa Port’s global standing, drawing opulent vessels and affluent tourists.
This terminal stands as one of the multibillion-shilling endeavors at the port, aimed at enhancing tourism and investment to bolster the nation’s economic growth.
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