The MV World Odyssey, recognized as one of the largest floating campuses in the world arrived at the Port of Mombasa with 609 students from different countries and 183 crew members on board, according to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
“The MV World Odyssey, one of the world’s largest floating campuses, docked in Mombasa!” read a statement by KWS.
In a statement released on February 19, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) announced that both passengers and crew are set to explore some of Kenya’s most celebrated attractions during their visit.
These include the turquoise waters of the Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park & Reserve, the wildlife-rich savannahs of Tsavo East National Park, and the verdant scenery of Shimba Hills National Reserve.
“We are proud to showcase the incredible wildlife, rich culture, and diverse experiences that make Kenya a truly magical destination,” read part of the KWS statement.
The MV World Odyssey’s visit forms part of Semester at Sea, an international study-abroad programme managed by the Institute for Shipboard Education in collaboration with Colorado State University.
This unique initiative enables students to complete academic coursework while voyaging across different continents. Over the course of their six-day stay in Mombasa, students and faculty members are also expected to engage in academic collaborations with Kenyan institutions, including the Technical University of Mombasa and Kenyatta University’s Mombasa Campus.
A floating university is essentially a cruise ship transformed into a travelling academic institution. Students live and learn on board, attending classes just as they would on a traditional campus setting.The most renowned programme of this type is Semester at Sea, where participants reside and study on a ship equipped with lecture halls, a library, study areas, and recreational facilities, including sports amenities.
“Passengers and crew will explore some of Kenya’s most iconic destinations, from the turquoise waters of Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park & Reserve, to the wildlife-rich plains of Tsavo East National Park, and the scenic landscapes of Shimba Hills National Reserve,” mentioned KWS.
Such programmes typically cover multiple countries within a single academic term. While at sea, students attend lectures, and once the vessel docks, they participate in field studies and experiential learning activities.
The concept of floating universities dates back to the early 1900s, with the modern framework emerging in the 1960s alongside the growth of ship-based study-abroad initiatives.
Today, the MV World Odyssey operates as a fully functional university at sea, complete with lecturers, administrative staff, classrooms, student accommodation, and a range of academic and co-curricular programmes. It remains a cornerstone of global maritime education, blending classroom instruction with practical exposure through port visits, excursions, and cultural engagement across continents including Europe, Asia, and Africa.
