Kenyan authorities and tourism leaders are pushing back against earlier reports that a gang robbed cruise passengers during a stop in Mombasa.
Officials now say the March 31 incident involved the theft of a single phone by two street boys—not a mass mugging by 50 individuals, as initially claimed.
Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Noor confirmed that suspects have been arrested and stressed that additional security measures are in place.
“We have arrested suspects and are continuing our investigation,” he said.
“As we approach the Easter holidays, I would like to reassure all visitors to the Kenyan coast of their safety and security.”
Industry stakeholders also criticized the media’s handling of the story. In a joint statement, the Kenya Coast Tourism Association (KCTA), Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers (KAHC), and Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) called the original reports “alarmist” and harmful to the country’s $4.33 billion tourism industry.
KCTA Chairman Victor Shitakha added, “Sensationalized coverage like this can deeply impact our tourism sector.
We urge the media to prioritize factual reporting, especially on issues involving visitor safety.”
Crystal Symphony had 1,169 guests and crew members during the incident. It is cruising from March 18 to April 12, visiting ports in India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, the Seychelles, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa.
Contrary to reports that the vessel cut its Mombasa visit short, it followed its original itinerary, leaving Mombasa on April 1 as scheduled and proceeding to Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Crystal Symphony will also visit Richards Bay, Port Elizabeth, and Mossel Bay in South Africa before concluding its voyage in Cape Town.
The Crystal Symphony is the only cruise vessel scheduled to call on Mombasa in 2025. Its next visit is set for January 2026.
The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 2 travel advisory for Kenya, warning tourists of risks such as mugging, kidnapping, and carjacking.
Mobile phones, handbags, and other easy-to-grab items are frequently targeted, particularly by thieves on motorcycles.
Cruisers heading to Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas should also be cautious.
The U.S. recently updated its advisory to highlight swimming risks, unsafe boating practices, and criminal activity on beaches and in local neighborhoods.
