Docks at Mormugao Port with over 2,078 passengers
VASCO
Goa’s international cruise tourism season opened on a vibrant and promising note on Monday as the Celebrity Millennium, carrying over 2,000 passengers and 977 crew members, sailed into the Mormugao Port in the early hours.
The vessel, which began its journey in Singapore, called at Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Kochi before reaching Goa, marked the first major international cruise arrival of the season.
The ship brought 2,078 passengers of multiple nationalities, including visitors from the USA, UK, Germany and India. The cruise liner continued to Mumbai later in the day and is scheduled to return to Goa on November 27.
Tourism stakeholders said the strong turnout on the season’s opening day signalled a positive start for the state’s cruise-linked economy.
Passengers were welcomed with traditional Goan hospitality, featuring a brass band performance and a grand reception put together by various government departments.
Local tour operators positioned counters at the terminal to guide tourists towards pre-booked excursions. Heritage walks, city tours, beach outings and spice plantation visits were among the most popular packages selected by travellers. Officials noted that the smooth disembarkation and coordination highlighted the port’s readiness to handle high passenger volumes.
MPA Traffic Manager Jerome Clement said the port was entering a significant phase of tourism-oriented development.
He informed that construction of the international cruise terminal was progressing rapidly and nearing completion. Once operational, the state-of-the-art facility will expand MPA’s capacity to host larger vessels while enhancing the overall experience for visiting tourists. Clement added that complementary tourism-linked projects, including the marina project and the long-discussed ropeway, were being actively explored to elevate Goa’s cruise tourism ecosystem.
Tourist taxi operators at the port reported brisk business through the day.
Umesh Mandrekar of the Murgaoncha Raja Tourist Taxi Union said operators had anticipated the crowd and ensured adequate vehicles, better coordination and regulated fares.
He shared that the arrival of the season’s first cruise liner brought a welcome surge in bookings, and the union hoped that frequent cruise calls over the coming months would further support livelihoods in Mormugao.
Officials from tourism departments, private operators and ground-handling agencies described the day’s response as “encouraging” and “business-friendly,” noting that the arrival of a vessel of this scale early in the season sets a strong tone for upcoming months.
With over 2,000 passengers exploring Goa for the day, many local businesses — from taxi operators and tour guides to restaurants and retail outlets — benefited from the footfall.
As the Celebrity Millennium departed for Mumbai on Monday afternoon, port authorities expressed optimism that Goa’s cruise arrivals will see significant growth through the season. With the international cruise terminal nearing completion and infrastructure upgrades in motion, officials said Goa is positioned to emerge as a premier global cruise destination, delivering fresh opportunities for the state’s tourism and maritime sectors.
