Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Mar 9: The third cruise ship of the year, MS Sirena, arrived at the New Mangalore Port on Sunday.

Foreign passengers aboard MS Sirena were accorded a traditional welcome as part of efforts to promote cruise tourism in the region.

The ship, flying the flag of the Marshall Islands and operated by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, arrived at 9 am on the Colombo–Kochi–Goa–Mumbai route.

There are 619 passengers and 390 crew members on board the vessel. Passengers were given a traditional welcome at the cruise terminal, reflecting the vibrant culture and hospitality of coastal Karnataka.

The tourists were later given the opportunity to visit several prominent tourist attractions in and around Mangaluru, including the famous Gokarnanatheshwara Temple, the historic St Aloysius Chapel, the Thousand Pillar Jain Temple, and local markets.

Traditional performances, meditation sessions, and cultural programmes were also organised to introduce tourists to India’s cultural and spiritual traditions.

The ship will next proceed to its next destination, Mormugao Port.