A cruise vessel with 438 passengers and 344 crew members called at New Mangalore Port on Thursday.

A statement by New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) said here that the cruise vessel – m.v. Seabourn Odyssey – was the first cruise vessel to call at New Mangalore Port during the current cruise season and the seventh during the current financial year. (The cruise season is from November to April).

This cruise vessel was on the third voyage to New Mangalore Port with passengers from 23 nations. A majority of the passengers were from the US, Australia and the UK.

Around 400 passengers and crew members opted for ground tour arranged by the local tour operators.

P. Tamilvanan, Chairman of NMPT, welcomed the vessel. The statement said that the captain of the vessel was happy with the facilities available at the cruise lounge, berth area, and security arrangements and emigration facility at the port.

Two more cruise vessels are expected in New Mangalore next week, it said.

>vinayak.aj@thehindu.co.in

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