Mangaluru: New Mangalore Port welcomed fourth cruise vessel of the current season and first cruise ship of the New Year, “The World” on Jan 13, 2023, at 13:30 hours. The vessel carrying 123 passengers and 280 crew members, berthed alongside berth no. 04, which will stay in the Port for three days and will sail on Jan 15, 2023, at 23: 00 hrs.

Various arrangements were done such as; medical screening for passengers, multiple immigration and customs counters for swift movement, free wi-fi, cloth and handicraft outlets were kept open. Buses, cars and vans were arranged for local tours including two shuttle buses for passengers visiting the local market and shops in Mangalore city. Department of AYUSH has set-up meditation centre inside the cruise lounge for the benefit of cruise passengers.

The passengers were given a warm welcome in traditional way while disembarking from the ship. Ministry of Tourism (GOI) and Department of Tourism (Govt. of Karnataka) have arranged various activities and cultural events for the entertainment of cruise passengers during their three-day stay.

“The World”, is a private residential cruise ship operated like a condominium complex, with large apartments that can be purchased. Residents, from many countries, can live on board as the ship travels. Some residents choose to live on board full-time while others visit periodically throughout the year. The overall length of the ship is 196.35 meters with a draft of 7.05 meters and its carrying capacity is 43,188 Gross Tonnage. The vessel en route to Cochin Port came from Dubai to India and had berthed at Mumbai and Mormugao Port, previously.

The passengers will be visiting various tourist destinations, temples and churches in and around Mangalore City and also will be visiting local market areas. As this is the first cruise vessel to stay for a long duration in the Port after many years, various cultural programmes like Bharatanatyam, Dollu Kunita, Yakshagana and local folk dance depicting rich Indian culture and heritage are organized for the entertainment of the cruise tourists on all the three days in association with Ministry of Tourism (GOI) and Department of Tourism (Govt. of Karnataka). Souvenirs will be given to the cruise passengers while they are embarking back to their ship as reminiscent memories of their visit to Mangalore.