Mayotte Welcomes Two Prestigious Cruise Ships to Kick Off 2026

Mayotte is starting 2026 with two cruise ship calls that promise to boost local tourism. On January 8 and 9, the port of Mamoudzou will welcome two prestigious ships: the Azamara Journey and the Europa. These successive visits are attracting the attention of visitors and industry professionals.

On Thursday, January 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Azamara Journey will make its first stop on the island. On board will be 663 passengers, primarily British (34%), American (31%), and Canadian (15%), according to the official press release. This first visit by the American company marks the island’s inclusion in its regional itineraries departing from Mauritius.

The following day, Friday, January 9, the German cruise ship Europa will dock, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The ship will carry 290 cruise passengers, 73% of whom are German, accompanied by Swiss (9%) and Austrians (8%). This port call marks Hapag-Lloyd’s return to Mayotte, where it has been absent for two years.

These two visits are part of itineraries that are entirely within the Indian Ocean, reinforcing this destination’s position on the luxury cruise map in the region. Local teams are working hard to provide a warm welcome and a variety of activities for visitors. The program includes cultural discoveries, visits to natural sites, and meetings with the island’s artisans.

For the local economy, these port calls represent a significant boost. Businesses, transportation companies, restaurants, and artisans all benefit from the influx of passengers. Each ship brings an opportunity for growth for local businesses and helps promote Mayotte’s heritage internationally.