Mangaluru: The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) formally marked the commencement of the 2025–26 cruise season with the arrival of the international luxury cruise vessel MS Seven Seas Navigator on Monday, signalling a renewed push to position Mangaluru as a preferred cruise tourism destination on India’s western coast.
Flying the Bahamas flag, MS Seven Seas Navigator berthed at New Mangalore Port after arriving from its last port of call at Mormugao Port in Goa. The vessel has a Length Overall (LOA) of 172.50 metres, a draft of 7.50 metres, and a Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 28,803. Onboard were 450 passengers and 360 crew members, representing a significant early-season footfall for the port and the region’s tourism ecosystem.
Traditional welcome for international tourists
To commemorate the first cruise call of the new season, NMPA organised a warm and vibrant traditional reception for the international tourists, highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage. Passengers were welcomed with local art forms and cultural displays, creating an immersive first impression of coastal Karnataka’s traditions.
Vinitha Sekhar, Commissioner of Customs, Mangaluru, formally welcomed the Master of the ship along with the Port’s Traffic Manager, officers, and employees of NMPA. Senior port officials were present at the berth to ensure smooth coordination between port operations, immigration, customs, and tourism stakeholders.
The welcome ceremony underscored NMPA’s efforts to enhance passenger experience while maintaining efficient port operations, a key requirement for attracting more international cruise liners in the coming years.
Enhanced passenger facilities at the port
Several passenger-centric initiatives were showcased at the port to add experiential value to the cruise call. A meditation centre established by the Ministry of AYUSH was made available for visitors, offering tourists a glimpse into India’s wellness traditions. Free Wi-Fi connectivity provided by NMPA enabled passengers to stay connected and share their travel experiences in real time.
Adding to the visual appeal was a selfie stand depicting the vibrant Yakshagana art form, installed by the Ministry of Tourism. The installation proved popular among cruise passengers, many of whom used it as a backdrop to capture memories of their visit to Mangaluru.
Port officials noted that such initiatives are part of a broader strategy to improve onshore amenities and align the port with global cruise tourism standards.
Tourist circuits showcase regional heritage
During their stopover, cruise passengers visited a range of prominent tourist destinations in and around Mangaluru, offering them a comprehensive view of the region’s cultural, religious, and ecological diversity.
The itinerary included visits to the Gomateshwara statue at Karkala, the historic Thousand Pillar Basadi at Moodabidri, and the Gokarnanatha Temple, all of which highlight the area’s deep-rooted spiritual and architectural heritage. Tourists also explored St Aloysius Chapel, renowned for its frescoes, and Trinity House at Valencia, a colonial-era landmark.
Nature and rural tourism experiences were also part of the programme, with passengers visiting Pilikula Nisargadhama, the Artisan Village, and Soans Farm. Local markets in Mangaluru provided visitors an opportunity to experience regional produce, crafts, and cuisine, contributing directly to the local economy.
Boost to cruise tourism and local economy
Officials from NMPA stated that the arrival of MS Seven Seas Navigator as the first cruise vessel of the season is an encouraging sign for cruise tourism prospects in the region. Each cruise call generates employment and income across multiple sectors, including transport, hospitality, handicrafts, and local guiding services.
With hundreds of passengers disembarking for day excursions, the economic impact extends beyond the port area into nearby towns and heritage sites. Industry stakeholders believe that consistent cruise traffic could significantly enhance tourism revenues over the season.
NMPA has been working closely with central ministries, state tourism authorities, and local administration to streamline processes and improve infrastructure to handle increasing cruise calls in the future.
Departure to Kochi
After a day of sightseeing and cultural engagement, MS Seven Seas Navigator departed New Mangalore Port later in the evening for its next destination, Kochi, continuing its cruise itinerary along India’s western coastline.
The successful handling of the vessel’s arrival and departure has set a positive tone for the 2025–26 cruise season. Port authorities expressed confidence that Mangaluru will witness more cruise vessel calls in the coming months, further strengthening its position on the international cruise tourism map.