GhanaWeb’s Ernestina Serwaa Asante in a pose by MV World Odyssey cruise ship
The MV World Odyssey, despite being a cruise ship, also serves as a floating university, allowing students to engage in local maritime activities and cultural exchanges.
Currently carrying several students from around the world, the Bahamas-flagged, 175-meter-long vessel functions as a campus for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Captain Jan Christiansen of the World Odyssey stated that the students, who hail from different countries, are undergoing specialised training in seafaring and various professional disciplines on board the vessel.
The cruise ship arrived in Ghana on Monday, March 17, 2025, and will berth at Tema Port for three days before heading to Takoradi Port for another three days. This will make their total stay in Ghana six days before sailing off to their next destination.
Upon its arrival, the Minister of Transport and Tourism, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, welcomed the World Odyssey and pledged to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to secure visas on arrival for shipowners and seafarers at the port.
He noted that facilitating visa acquisition for seafarers would help address one of their key challenges and ensure the smooth operation of their activities.
Speaking to the media after touring the World Odyssey in Accra on Monday, March 17, 2025, Minister Nikpe stated that, “We are aware that our seafarers and some shipowners face significant difficulties in obtaining visas for those who wish to work outside this country.”
The Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie, also toured the cruise ship and emphasized Ghana’s potential to benefit from the blue economy.
She remarked that the arrival of the World Odyssey will promote tourism and encouraged all stakeholders to adopt best practices in the maritime industry.
The visit by the two ministers aimed to strengthen international relations, promote tourism, and explore opportunities for Ghana’s maritime sector.
The initiative also sought to enhance prospects in both the transport and tourism industries.
SA/MA