The international cruise tourism season began on Monday with the arrival of the MV Celebrity Millennium, a cruise vessel carrying 2,078 passengers of diverse nationalities, including the USA, UK, Germany, and India. Originating from Singapore, the 91,011-tonne vessel docked at the Mormugao port early morning on its journey to Mumbai, with a scheduled return to Goa on Nov 27.
Passengers were greeted with traditional Goan hospitality featuring a brass band and a grand reception by tourism department officials. According to the officials of the Mormugao port Authority, hundreds of passengers disembarked from the vessel to take in Goa’s sights. The port showcased its readiness to handle large-scale cruise operations, said port officials.
The arrival of Celebrity Millennium marks a strong start to Goa’s cruise season and underscores the strategic importance of Mormugao port as a hub for international cruise tourism.
Port officials said that the international cruise terminal at Mormugao port is in its final stages of completion. The facility will feature 24 immigration counters, 10 check-in counters, a spacious waiting lounge, baggage carousels, duty-free shops, and themed commercial areas designed to cater to both international and domestic cruise liners. An ancillary commercial building will further enhance the experience with an experiential shopping zone aimed at cruise tourists, complemented by duty-free retail shops, lounges, a food court, ferry terminal facilities, ample parking space, landscaping and beautification, and a well-planned internal road network with utilities.
The terminal is expected to generate substantial economic benefits by creating opportunities for local tour operators, taxi drivers, and allied service providers.