The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) celebrated the arrival of the MS Norwegian Sky, the fifth cruise ship of the season, on Saturday. This magnificent vessel, operated by Norwegian Cruise Lines, marked its inaugural journey to the port. Flying the Bahamas flag, the luxurious ship brought aboard 1,876 passengers and 861 crew members, setting a new record for passenger arrivals at the port since the resumption of the cruise season post-pandemic.
Docking at Berth 4, the 258.6-meter-long ship is part of an international voyage that includes stops at Galle, Kochi, Mangaluru, Goa, Mumbai, and Abu Dhabi. Prior to arriving at NMPA, the ship made its way from Cochin Port. In celebration of the ship’s maiden call, a plaque exchange ceremony was held, fostering goodwill and international relations. S Shanthi, Deputy Chairperson of NMPA, greeted the ship’s captain with a memento, while M Shyamprasad Kamath, Managing Director of MRPL, presented a similar gift to the ship’s General Manager. Both the captain and GM reciprocated with mementos, marking the beginning of stronger maritime connections.
To offer a warm reception to the passengers, NMPA arranged a spectacular traditional welcome, featuring Yakshagana and Bharatanatyam performances in the cruise lounge. A meditation center and tourist assistance booths were set up to enhance the overall experience. A total of 977 passengers disembarked to explore the beauty and culture of Dakshina Kannada, visiting iconic sites like Karkala Gomateshwara, Moodabidri’s 1,000 Pillar Basadi, and Kadri and Gokarnanatha Temples. Over 40 coaches, multiple Tempo Travellers, shuttle buses, and cars facilitated smooth transportation.
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