NMPA welcomes second cruise vessel of the season

MANGALURU : New Mangalore Port Authority on Thursday 19th February, welcomed the second cruise vessel of the current cruise season, M.S. Island Sky. The vessel, sailing under the Bahamas flag and managed by Salen Shipmanagement AB, arrived at the Port at 07:30 hrs from Mormugao.

The cruise ship arrived carrying 95 passengers and 70 crew members, to the sight of a warm traditional welcome at port’s Cruise Terminal. Extensive preparations were made by NMPA and all stakeholder to ensure a seamless and delightful experience for the visiting tourists. 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.

Passengers undertook guided tours to prominent destinations in and around Mangalore, including Kudroli Gokarnath Temple, St. Alloysius Chapel, local markets, and Kalbavi Cashew Factory. 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.

After a successful port call, the cruise vessel departed at 13:00 hrs, with passengers carrying fond memories and enriching experiences of their visit to Mangaluru. The arrival of cruise vessels highlights the Port’s growing role in promoting cruise tourism and boosting the local economy. The New Mangalore Port Authority remains committed to providing world-class infrastructure and seamless passenger experience to strengthen the region’s position as an emerging cruise tourism destination.