First Cruise Vessel of the season calls at NMPT

 Source: NMPT

M.V. SEABOURN ODYSSEY with 438 passengers and 344 crew called at New Mangalore Port on Nov 7, thus marking the beginning of the cruise season.

According to NMPT sources, this is the first cruise vessel of the season and the 7th vessel calling at the port during the current financial year 2013-14. It may be noted that the cruise season is from November to April in the region.

The vessel, which is on her third voyage to New Mangalore Port,  with passengers representing 23 nations including from US, Australia and UK.

Around 400 passengers and crew opted for ground tour arranged by the local tour operators and they have visited various locations in and around Mangalore like Gokarnanatha Temple,  Kadri temple, St. Aloysius Chappel, Cashew processing units, Monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali at Karkala, 1000 pillar Jain Basadi at Moodabidri besides city shopping.

After enjoying the scenic beauty of Mangalore, the passengers returned to the vessel and sailed out to Cochin in the evening. Dr. P. Tamilvanan, Chairman, New Mangalore Port Trust, welcomed the first cruise vessel of the season.

“The captain of the vessel was very much impressed upon the world class facilities available at the Cruise Lounge, neat and tidy berth area, concretised roads, security arrangements, emigration facility, greenery in and around the port and availability of local ground tour operators,” a statement from the port has said.

During the interaction the passengers have expressed their satisfaction over their short stay at Mangalore. The next two cruise vessels are expected to call on Nov 14 at the Port.