Mangaluru’s Cruise Tourism Hit by Red Sea Crisis, Fewer Arrivals Expected

Mangaluru: The recovery of luxury cruise tourism in Mangaluru post-pandemic is facing a setback, with fewer cruise ships scheduled to dock this season due to the ongoing Red Sea crisis. The 2023-2024 cruise season, which began in November, will see only seven luxury vessels visiting Mangaluru Port, down from more than 20 expected earlier. Four cruise ships originally planned to visit have canceled their trips. Local operators are concerned about the potential revenue losses for the tourism sector, which relies heavily on cruise passenger spending.

A cruise tour operator, with over a decade of experience, noted that last season saw nine ships and nearly 5,000 passengers, but this year’s reduced number of arrivals is alarming. The first luxury cruise, Silver Whisper, is expected on December 10, traveling from Mumbai, with the last scheduled for May 9, 2025. However, all seven vessels will only dock for a single day, falling short of the long-desired goal of overnight stays.

Pre-pandemic, Mangaluru Port saw an average of 25 ships annually, bringing over 25,000 passengers. Despite some recovery post-pandemic, the ongoing Red Sea crisis has led to a decline in bookings. The Houthi attacks on cargo vessels in October 2023 have prompted many shipping companies to avoid the Red Sea, opting for longer alternative routes. This situation has diminished job opportunities for local guides, vehicle operators, and the hospitality industry, impacting the regional economy.

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