MUMBAI: International Cruise Ships are returning to India after a span of two years. M.V. Viking Mars is the first International cruise ship docked at Mumbai Port in this cruise season on 13th November 2022 carrying 834 passengers.
In all 28 International Cruise Ships will visit Mumbai Port in the cruise season 2022-2023.
In 2019-2020 five Indian Ports handled 149 International Ship movements with 2,26,329 passengers. The maximum number of International Cruise Ships were handled by Mumbai and Cochin Ports i.e. 44 each, followed by Mormugao (38), New Mangalore (21) and Chennai Port (2).
Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways have taken various steps to attract Cruise Ships such as Guaranteed berths to Cruise Ships, Ousting Charges removed, e-Visa implemented, Rationalization of Cruise Tariff, Standard Operation Procedure (SOP-2) for uniform, pre-defined processes in Ports. Further the e-visa facility available at five Major Cruise Ports is proposed to be extended for three other ports viz. Vizag, Porbandar and Port Blair. For the purpose of segregation of domestic and international cruise passengers in Mumbai Port, Shamiyana has been erected dedicated for domestic cruise passengers.
Development, modernization and upgradation of Cruise Terminals is being carried out at existing 6 Cruise Ports of India. (Mumbai, Mormugao, Cochin, New Mangalore, Vishakapatnam and Chennai).
A new Mumbai International Cruise Terminal of 4,15,000 Sq. Ft. area having state of the art facilities is being constructed at Mumbai Port at a cost of Rs. 495 Crores, which is expected to be commissioned by July 2024.
A Task Force co-chaired by Secretary (Shipping) and Secretary (Tourism) is set up to steer the promotional measures for cruise tourism at highest level jointly with all stakeholders. First Incredible India International Cruise Conference was organized in May 2022 at Mumbai with the theme as “Develop India as a Cruise Hub”. During the conference, a High Level Advisory Committee comprising various Indian Government Officials and Foreign Industry was constituted to advise the Task Force on measures considered necessary for fast growth of Cruise Tourism in India.
International Cruise Companies are optimistic about the Indian market. Both cruise passengers and operators will enjoy the experience and it is expected that Indian Ports can expect many more ships to visit India and also designate local ports as home port in the near future. India has an opportunity to grow cruise tourism and attract international cruise operators. Indian Ports are focusing on this segment targeting to receive around 955 Ships and 4 million passengers by 2041, out of which Mumbai Port is expected to handle around 700 ships and 3.2 million passengers.
