A worrying incident unfolded on a cruise around Africa this week, when a group of youths attacked cruise guests.
The incident occurred when Crystal Symphony made a visit to Mombasa in Kenya on 31st March 2025.
It had been reported in the media that the ship cancelled the remainder of its stay in the port and left early, to avoid further risk to guests. However, Crystal Cruises has confirmed that this is not the case. The cruise line worked with local authorities but did not cancel the stay.
Further updates since the news was first broken suggest that only one cruise entertainer was a victim of being robbed. Original reports suggested that several cruise guests had valuables stolen.
The attack occurred at the Pembe za Ndovu monument on Moi Avenue, a well-known Mombasa landmark made up of four large aluminum elephant tusks forming the letter “M.”
The site is popular with tourists and cruise passengers looking for a cultural photo opportunity or brief excursion into the city.
According to The Standard, the group of young assailants swarmed the area and began snatching valuables including mobile phones, handbags, and jewellery.
The updated reports indicate that just one mobile phone was taken. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Kenyan authorities respond
In response, Kenyan officials boarded Crystal Symphony shortly after the incident to personally apologise to the passengers and crew, and to reassure the cruise line of their commitment to tourist safety.
Police presence was also increased in the area around the attack in case of further disturbances.
While Mombasa isn’t generally flagged as a high-risk area in travel advisories, the US Department of State currently lists Kenya at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, citing incidents of mugging, pickpocketing, and street theft, particularly involving motorcycles.
The advisory warns that local police response may be limited, especially in busy or tourist-heavy zones, and that travellers should take personal safety precautions, such as staying in groups and avoiding the public display of valuables.
Crystal Symphony is currently in the midst of a 25-night voyage from Mumbai, India to Cape Town, South Africa, which began on 18th March.
The ship had already visited India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and the Seychelles without issue prior to arriving in Kenya.
The ship will also visit Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town, where the cruise ends on 12th April.
This incident adds to a string of port-related safety concerns that have cropped up in recent months. While isolated, these events can raise alarm among travellers.
In response to various threats over the past year, cruise lines have not hesitated to alter itineraries to avoid dangerous conditions. For example:
- Royal Caribbean cancelled multiple visits to Labadee, Haiti in 2024 due to political unrest.
- New Caledonia has seen itinerary changes amid local riots.
- Cunard’s Queen Anne even dimmed lights and closed decks overnight in pirate-prone waters near the Philippines.
Still, experts and cruise lines emphasise that cruise travel remains one of the safest ways to see the world, thanks to active monitoring of geopolitical situations and emergency protocols.
Crystal Symphony is the only cruise ship scheduled to visit Mombasa for the remainder of 2025. Its next visit is set for January 2026, with an overnight stop on the itinerary.
Other lines with occasional calls in Kenya include Azamara, Viking, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas, all of which cater to luxury or expedition-style cruising.
For cruise travellers, this serves as a reminder to stay alert in port, leave valuables onboard, and travel in groups when exploring unfamiliar destinations.
TODAY’S BEST CRUISE DEALS!
Don’t miss these offers…
Related posts
- The World’s Most Dangerous Cruise Ports: Revealed
- Ships Attacked – Unrest Causes Several Cruise Lines To Alter Plans And Issue Guest Warnings
- These Cruise Ship Ports of Call Are Most Likely To Be Cancelled
Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
The Cruise Of Your Dreams? New Grand Voyages Revealed
Holland America Line has officially announced two epic itineraries for 2027: the Grand World Voyage and the Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage, both setting sail from Fort Lauderdale’s Port…
Oversold Cruise – Would You Take Any Of These Three Offers?
Passengers booked on the Allure of the Seas for its 24th April sailing out of Civitavecchia (Rome) are being offered a surprising opportunity to rethink their plans – and walk…
Cruise Line Cancels Voyage With Just 24 Hours’ Notice, Leaving Passengers Reeling
A three-night cruise to Zeebrugge was abruptly cancelled just one day before departure, leaving dozens of would-be passengers scrambling. P&O Cruises called off the sailing of its 25-year-old ship Aurora…
Guests Complain Over Pullman Bed Issue (I Had The Opposite Problem!)
A recent guest on a Princess Cruises ship was left frustrated by a policy surrounding the use of Pullman beds in their cabin. The guest took to social media to…
