Docked serenely at the Kenya Ports Authority’s (KPA) Mbaraki wharf, the world’s largest floating bookshop and library — Logos Hope — is making history in her maiden call at the Port City of Mombasa, where her sister MV Doulos berthed on a similar mission 18 years ago.
After sailing through the Kilindini channel to dock at the Mbaraki wharf within the port last Tuesday shortly after 9am, Logos Hope opened her doors to the Public on Wednesday, allowing book enthusiasts to sample contents of the celebrated book fair for the next 45 days.
Loaded with a thicket of a variety of books, the vessel that was constructed in 1973 and first named Gustav Vasa, harbours a wealth of rich and timeless knowledge, neatly displayed on modern bookshelves, a true booklover’s dream.
From the entrance at the book section, visitors boarding the vessel are ushered in by an assortment of books for children of all ages. Parents who have been boarding the vessel with their children have jokingly been complaining of ending up buying more books than planned.
“I guess it’s a trap… they place children’s books at the entrance and you know once you board with children, you will have no option but to buy books for them…but generally it is such a nice experience. I am loving this. I am sure I will make several visits here before the ship leaves,” Cathrine Ndighila, a mother of two said.
Passenger car
Under well lit Logos Hope’s sealing, your eyes interact with eye-catching glossy book cover designs carrying titles of array of genres, an irresistible experience that will blow away any avid reader.
And the choice is vast. It ranges from science, sports, hobbies, language, faith, cookery arts, medicine, leadership and more.
Originally built as a passenger car ferry, the vessel operated North Atlantic routes. In 1983, the ship changed hands to Smyril Line, was renamed Norrona and shuttled between the Faroe Islands and Denmark.
In 2004, Good Books for All (GBA) Ships e.V was able to raise the funds to buy Norrona as a replacement vessel for Logos II.
The ship was completely renovated for her role as the new “book ship” and renamed Logos Hope, where Logos is a Greek word traditionally translated as “word, thought, principle or speech.”
For Tourism Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza, Logos Hope is a floating repository of knowledge, help, and hope. The CS at the same time hailed its theme “Knowledge, Help, and Hope,” as a mirror to Kenya’s aspirations on the global stage.
“The book fair on this vessel is a living testament to the universal language of literature. And uniquely for us, these floating shelves offer our community over 5,000 titles—ranging from science to arts, all at affordable prices.
Beyond books, the ship’s amphitheater will host enlightening talks aimed at enriching maritime careers,” Malonza said during the vessel’s call at the Port.
Lucrative market
While acknowledging the impact of the ship’s arrival to tourism, she took the opportunity to welcome the 375 passengers and crew from over 70 countries “to the wonder that is Magical Kenya.”
“The increasing arrival of cruise ships like MV Logos Hope showcases Kenya’s magnetic appeal. Our land boasts a diverse tableau of experiences—wildlife safaris, water sports, cultural richness, and tranquil beaches.
These unique offerings have already led to return visits, like last year’s encore from the MV World Odyssey, signaling our rising status as a prime tourist hub,” the CS said.
She added: “The global impact of the cruise industry is awe-inspiring. Before the pandemic, it generated over $154 billion and catered to nearly 30 million passengers. Today’s cruise-goers are digitally savvy, and we’re ready to meet them. The inauguration of Mombasa’s cruise terminal is our bold step into this lucrative market.”
Malonza said the Ministry of Tourism is collaborating with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Transport, to maximize the benefits of coastal assets.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir reiterated his call to the national government to provide a visa-free offer to all visiting crew ships to give a chance to visitors and tourists to enjoy their stay and encourage more such visits.
The Governor said most of the books on board Logos Hope will be bought for schools in the county.
According to Kenya Port Authority (KPA) Managing Director Willam Ruto, for the next 45 days, visitors will explore other amenities like the international café, visitors deck, welcome area among others.
World-class
At the same time, he said the 370 crew members on board the vessel drawn from 70 nationalities, will have an opportunity to sample Mombasa’s rich Swahili culture and the cultural diversity of Kenya.
“They will visit some of the best sun and sand beaches in the world and interesting historical attractions like the Fort Jesus built in the 16th Century by the Portuguese. I am positive that the visitors will have a great time in Mombasa,” said Ruto.
He said Kenya is known to be one of the best cruise tourist destinations and tourism facilities should be commensurate “with the world-class service standards we have always had.”
“This is why Kenya Ports Authority in its capacity expansion strategy developed a modern cruise terminal at the Port of Mombasa to support tourism. The state-of-the -art cruise terminal is built to modern standards complete with various amenities including duty free shops, restaurants, conference facilities, passenger baggage areas, and offices for key stakeholders in the industry.”
The KPA boss said the terminal had boosted Kenya’s capacity and competitiveness for cruise tourism in the continent.
“In the recent cruise tourism circuit season that ended in April, the Port of Mombasa received four vessel calls carrying over 4,000 passengers.
“The famous Cruise Liner World Odyssey, also known as semester at sea, which operates the world’s floating campus, was among the cruise liners that docked at the Port of Mombasa,” he noted.
