First Cruise Vessel of the 2025–26 Season Arrives at New Mangalore Port Authority
MANGALURU: New Mangalore Port Authority marked the commencement of the 2025–26 cruise season with the arrival of the first cruise vessel, M.S. Seven Seas Navigator, on Monday (22 December 2025). The luxury cruise ship arrived at NMPA at 06:15 hrs, berthed at Berth No. 4 at 07:15 hrs.
Flying the Bahamas flag, M.S. Seven Seas Navigator has a Length Overall (LOA) of 172.50 metres, draft of 7.50 metres, and Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 28,803. The vessel arrived from its last port of call from Mormugao Port. The cruise carried 450 passengers along with 360 crew members.
NMPA extended a warm and vibrant traditional welcome to the international cruise tourists, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. Extensive preparations were made by NMPA and all stakeholder
to ensure a seamless and delightful experience for the visiting tourists.
Smt. Vinitha Sekhar, IRS, Commissioner Customs, Mangalore welcomed the master of the ship along with Traffic Manager, officers and employees of the Port.
In addition, a Meditation Centre set up by the Ministry of AYUSH, free Wi-Fi connectivity provided by NMPA, and a Selfie Stand depicting Mangaluru’s Yakshagana art form installed by the Ministry of Tourism
added unique experiential value for the cruise passengers.
To ensure a smooth immigration process for the large number of arriving passengers, NMPA undertook advanced planning and coordination, significantly reducing waiting times and enhancing the overall passenger experience.
During their stay, passengers visited prominent tourist destinations in and around Mangaluru, including Karkala Gomateshwara Temple, the 1000 Pillar Temple at Moodabidri, Soans Farm, Pilikula Nisargadhama,
Artisan Village, Gokarnanatha Temple, St. Aloysius Chapel, local markets, and Trinity House at Valencia. These visits offered tourists a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural, spiritual, and natural heritage.
After a successful port call, the cruise vessel departed at 16:30 hrs, with passengers carrying fond memories and enriching experiences of their visit to Mangaluru.
The arrival of M.S. Seven Seas Navigator reaffirms NMPA’s growing stature as a preferred cruise destination on India’s west coast, supported by modern infrastructure, efficient port operations, and strong coordination with multiple agencies. With several cruise calls lined up for the season, NMPA continues to play a pivotal role in promoting cruise tourism, regional economy, and cultural exchange.
The ship sailed on its onward to Cochin as its next destination.