Shoma Patnaik
Panaji
Goa’s cruise tourism season is on track for the new season of 2025-26 with the arrival of a cruise liner of Cordelia Cruises at Mormugao Port, Vasco. The Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) expects a 34 per cent increase in the docking of cruise vessels during the season with the pickup occurring mainly from international cruises.
MPA traffic manager (in-charge) Jerome Clemens on Saturday said the state will host total 59 cruise vessels this season, of which 37 are domestic and 22 international cruise liners. In the previous season of 2024-25, the state received 12 international and 32 domestic cruise ships.
“During the first voyage by MV Empress of cruise liner company Cordelia Cruises on September 10, around 1,097 passengers disembarked for exploring the state and around 845 passengers embarked for the onward journey to Agatti Lakshadweep. The vessel sailed away at 1530 hrs,” disclosed Clemens.
“The cruise tourism season in the state usually starts with domestic cruises in September every year, viz. in line with the withdrawal of the monsoon. Foreign liners arrive later from October onwards,” explained the MPA traffic manager.
Cruise tourism is the fastest growing segment of the tourism industry. Cruise companies are interested in berthing at the Vasco port with the state being on the itinerary of the international liners.
Port officials hope for the arrival of larger vessels during this season, foreseeing new route connectivity from Goa to Kochi, Mumbai and Lakshadweep. The domestic cruise market is equally strong with growth in the traffic occurring from newer cruise segments such as adventure cruises, excursion boats, etc.
Even as cruise vessels are sailing into the state, the MPA is gearing for the commissioning of its new and modern cruise terminal, work on which is about 83 per cent complete. The new terminal will have facilities for shopping, arrival lounge terminal with restaurants, etc, as well as docking facilities for vessels to stay overnight. Presently cruise vessels that arrive at the port have to leave the same day.
The new terminal is expected to be ready for operations after January 2026. It is being built at a cost of Rs 122 crore, and is part of the Cruise Bharat Mission of the central government.
The Mormugao Port Authority together with the director general of lighthouses & lightships (DGLL) and the PHDCCI (industry partner) organised the India Maritime Week 2025 on September 12.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the cruise tourism industry supports the hospitality sector, the Goan handicraft and transport industries and promotes local culture. “Cruise tourism multiplies the benefits across the state by creating opportunities beyond the port,” Sawant said.
