A guest entertainer aboard Crystal Symphony was robbed by a gang of youths during the ship’s first port call on a 15-night cruise from Mahe, Seychelles, to Cape Town, South Africa.

The man was robbed of valuables by the youths in Pembe za Ndovu on Moi Avenue, a popular tourist area of the island, according to local media reports.

Local media reported that the rest of the cruise call was cancelled as a result, but Crystal Cruises confirmed in a statement to Cruise Fever that the port visit was not canceled. 

Local media also reported that no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

“During Crystal Symphony’s call in Mombasa earlier this week, there was an incident in which one of our guest entertainers was robbed of his cell phone by a small group of local youths,” the cruise line said.

“We worked with local authorities and can confirm we did not cancel our stay in Mombasa as previously reported,” it added.

Officers from the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and the National Police Service (NPS) boarded the ship to apologise for the attack prior to the ship’s departure.

The robbery occured on what was the final cruise ship call for the season at the Port of Mombasa, but the first port of call on Crystal Symphony’s 15-night cruise to Cape Town. 

Further ports of call on the voyage include Zanzibar in Tanzania, and Richard’s Bay, Port Elizabeth, and Mossel Bay in South Africa.

“We have made arrests and are rounding up other suspects. Security measures are being strengthened across the Kenyan coast to ensure the safety of both visitors and residents,” said Mohamed Noor, Mombasa County Commissioner.

While Kenya is a safe destination compared to some surrounding African countries, there are issues with crime in major cities and terror threats and attacks. Nairobi in particular has a very high crime rate compared to Mombasa, which is considered safer.

The Organised Crime Index lists Kenya as the 4th highest country in Africa for criminality, while South Africa, where Crystal Symphony will be making four port calls, is rated 3rd.

Cruise tourists in Kenya, South Africa, and other ports of call on the continent generally do not encounter criminality as organised shore excursions by the cruise lines provide a safe and convenient way to see the destination.