the goan I network
VASCO
The luxury cruise liner season 2019-2020 began on a high note at the Mormugao Port Trust with the arrival of MV Aidavita on Sunday morning.
The ship arrived at the MPT cruise berth from Muscat. It brought around 1200 foreign guests and 400 crew members to the state. Sources said that port officials, along with the heads of departments and CISF deputy commandant, visited the ship and extended a warm welcome to the master and crew on board.
“The MPT officials in an interaction impressed upon the master that the State was a much-favoured tourist destination for cruise passengers on the west coast of India due to its rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, heritage monuments and world-famous cuisine. They also updated the master on the cruise ships that are scheduled to arrive at MPT during the current season,” the source said.
The master of the visiting cruise liner was all praise for the marine officers of the port for smoothly piloting and bringing the ship to the terminal berth on schedule.
He was impressed with the infrastructural facilities for handling big cruise ships and complimented the MPT officers for the clean and imposing pier, the source added.
The passengers were given a traditional welcome by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) which had organised a traditional band and music serenaders.
The visiting guests and crew availed the facilities provided by local tour operators to explore the beaches and other tourists spots in the State.
They were taken on sight-seeing tours in luxury coaches and taxis by travel agents. The vessel sailed on its onward voyage later in the evening.
Speaking to the media, an official at MPT said that though the domestic cruises like Angriya and Karnika had begun operation in September-October, this was the first international cruise ship to arrive bringing in high-end international guests.
“The economy will get a boost once cruise tourism season picks up pace. The visiting guests will use taxis and visit places besides shopping in local markets. We request the government to support us for cruise tourism since it is beneficial for the state,” said the official.
