VASCO
As many as 42 domestic and international cruise ships have confirmed a visit to the State this season, with 10 more international cruise ships expected to arrive as well.
According to the schedule released by Mormugao Port Authority (MPA), a total of 42 cruise ships are expected to call at the port between September 2025 and June 2026.
These include repeat visits by the MV Empress, which is operating as a short-haul cruise option between Mumbai, Agatti, and Goa, as well as calls from internationally acclaimed luxury liners such as Celebrity Millennium, Crystal Symphony, Crystal Serenity, Seven Seas Navigator, Seven Seas Mariner, Island Sky, and Sirena.
Speaking to The Goan, MPA Traffic Manager in-charge Jerome Clement said the cruise tourism season at Mormugao Port officially set sail with the arrival of the first vessel, Cordelia's MV Empress, from Mumbai on September 10, on its maiden call for the 2025–26 season.
“The first domestic cruise ship of the season, MV Cordelia Empress, had 1,600 passengers and 500 crew. In Goa, around 1,050 passengers went on shore excursions to different parts of the State,” said Clement.
“Around 985 passengers boarded the ship on its maiden voyage from Goa as it sailed for Agatti in Lakshadweep. The domestic cruise has turned out to be a hit, and the first ship arrival was a great start to our cruise tourism season.”
“The vessel will make several return visits throughout the season, boosting short-duration tourism traffic.”
“In addition, we have around 13 international cruise liners who have confirmed their sailing to Goa, and we are expecting an addition of 10 more cruise liners this season. If this happens, MPA will see a 34 per cent rise in international cruise tourism.”
The next major highlight will be the arrival of the ‘Celebrity Millennium’ in November, a vessel with a capacity of nearly 2,000 passengers, scheduled to arrive from Cochin before continuing onwards to Mumbai.
Cruise tourism vital to State
Cruise tourism is increasingly becoming a vital component of Goa’s economy.
Each vessel brings hundreds of international travellers to local shores, creating opportunities for taxi operators, hotels, tour companies, beach shack owners, and artisans who cater to the influx of guests.
Local markets, heritage sites, and beaches often see a surge in activity during cruise calls, contributing significantly to the state’s tourism revenue.
With the arrival of the first vessel already complete, Mormugao Port is bracing itself for a steady stream of visitors, ensuring that Goa’s beaches, markets, and cultural sites remain buzzing with activity throughout the coming months.
Goa as a regional hub
Officials from the MPA noted that the cruise itineraries for this season reflect Goa’s importance as a regional hub on the Arabian Sea circuit.
Ships are not only connecting Mumbai and Goa but also extending routes to Colombo, Male, Agatti, and New Mangalore, positioning the State as a key stopover for both regional and global cruise operators.
Luxury liners such as the ‘Crystal Symphony’ and ‘Crystal Serenity’ are expected to draw particular attention, given their reputation for high-end travel experiences.
These vessels, carrying between 500 and 1,000 passengers each, are scheduled to arrive in the early part of 2026, offering travellers the chance to explore Goa’s unique blend of Portuguese heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant culture.
Growing capacity of Port
Beyond the immediate tourism benefits, cruise calls also highlight the growing capacity of Mormugao Port to handle large-scale passenger traffic alongside its traditional cargo operations.
Authorities have in recent years upgraded facilities, streamlined passenger clearance procedures, and improved connectivity to ensure a smoother experience for visitors.
Local stakeholders believe that this season will set new benchmarks, both in terms of the number of ships arriving and the overall passenger count. The current schedule extends until June 26, 2026, when the ‘MV Empress’ is set to make her final call, officially concluding the season. By then, thousands of international and domestic tourists would have passed through Mormugao, reinforcing its reputation as one of India’s premier cruise tourism gateways.
