Mangalore : Two large cruise ships call in at NMP

Mangalore : Two large cruise ships call in at NMP

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Nov 27, 2012 : M. V. Aida Diva, a cruise ship with 1810 passengers and a crew of 617 on board, and M. V. Clipper Odyssey, another cruise ship with 60 passengers and a crew of 70 on board, called at New Mangalore Port on Saturday, marking the beginning of the cruise season.

M. V. Aida Diva, one of the biggest luxury cruise vessels to call at the port, called at the port for the third time. About 1,439 of her passengers went on a ground tour and visited historic hotspots such as 1000 Pillar Basadi, Gomateshwara Status, Soans Pineapple Farm, and others.

M/s Globe Travels arranged the ground tour.

V. Clipper Odyssey also called in at the port for the third time, and the cruise vessel’s 60 passengers were taken on a ground tour by M/s Lia Travels.

The tour operators M/s Royal Caribbean International, among the world’s leading cruise operators, visited the port twice last year and were very much impressed with the facilities at the port. They now plan to bring 9 more cruise vessels this fiscal.

According to Dr. P. Tamilvanan, chairman of NMPT, the captain of M. V. Aida Diva was happy about the facilities at the port, especially the neatness and cleanliness, excellent security arrangements, and world class cruise lounge.

The port expects two more cruise vessels to call on Dec 3, 2012.