Mangaluru, Dec 22: New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) marked the commencement of the 2025–26 cruise season with the arrival of the first cruise vessel, M S Seven Seas Navigator, here on Saturday. The luxury cruise ship arrived at NMPA at 6.15 am and berthed at Berth No 4 at 7.15 am.
Flying the Bahamas flag, M S Seven Seas Navigator has a length overall of 172.50 metres, a draft of 7.50 metres and a gross registered tonnage of 28,803. The vessel arrived from its last port of call at Mormugao Port, carrying 450 passengers along with 360 crew members.
NMPA extended a warm traditional welcome to the international cruise tourists, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage. Extensive preparations were made by NMPA and all stakeholders to ensure a seamless and pleasant experience for the visitors. Vinitha Sekhar, IRS, commissioner of customs, Mangaluru, welcomed the master of the ship along with the traffic manager, officers and employees of the port.
A meditation centre set up by the Ministry of AYUSH, free Wi-Fi connectivity provided by NMPA and a selfie stand depicting Mangaluru’s Yakshagana art form installed by the Ministry of Tourism added unique experiential value for the cruise passengers.
To ensure a smooth immigration process for the large number of arrivals, NMPA undertook advance planning and coordination, significantly reducing waiting time and enhancing the overall passenger experience.
During their stay, passengers visited prominent tourist destinations in and around Mangaluru, including the Gomateshwara temple at Karkala, the 1,000 Pillar Temple at Moodbidri, Soans Farm, Pilikula Nisargadhama, the artisan village, Gokarnanatha Temple, St Aloysius Chapel, local markets and Trinity House at Valencia. These visits offered tourists a glimpse into the region’s cultural, spiritual and natural heritage.
After a successful port call, the cruise vessel departed at 4.30 pm, with passengers carrying fond memories of their visit to Mangaluru. The ship sailed onward to Kochi as its next destination.
The arrival of M S Seven Seas Navigator reaffirms NMPA’s growing stature as a preferred cruise destination on India’s west coast, supported by modern infrastructure, efficient port operations and strong inter-agency coordination. With several cruise calls lined up for the season, NMPA continues to play a key role in promoting cruise tourism, the regional economy and cultural exchange.