New Mangalore Port welcomes MS Norwegian Sky on maiden visit with record passenger footfall

New Mangalore Port welcomes MS Norwegian Sky on maiden visit with record passenger footfall

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, April 6, 2025: The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) on Saturday received its fifth cruise vessel of the season - MS Norwegian Sky - marking the ship’s maiden call at the port and registering the highest passenger turnout since the resumption of cruise tourism post-pandemic.

Operated by Norwegian Cruise Lines and sailing under the Bahamas flag, the 258.6-metre-long liner berthed at Berth No. 4 with 1,876 passengers and 861 crew members on board, a release from NMPA stated.

The vessel is on an international itinerary that includes port calls at Galle, Cochin, Mangaluru, Goa, Mumbai, and Abu Dhabi.

As part of the welcome, NMPA organised a plaque exchange ceremony symbolising goodwill and maritime friendship. Deputy Chairperson S. Shanthi presented a memento to the ship’s master, while Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) Managing Director M. Shyamprasad Kamath offered a token of appreciation to the vessel’s general manager. The ship’s officials reciprocated with mementos of their own.

Passengers were greeted with traditional flair as cultural performances of Yakshagana and Bharatanatyam were held at the cruise lounge. To further enrich the visitor experience, NMPA had arranged a meditation centre and tourist assistance booths.

A total of 977 passengers disembarked to explore the scenic and cultural landmarks of Dakshina Kannada, including Karkala’s Gomateshwara statue, Moodabidri’s 1000 Pillar Basadi, Soan’s Farm, and temples such as Kadri and Gokarnanatha. They were transported via over 40 coaches, tempo travellers, shuttle buses, and cars.

Immigration and customs procedures were executed efficiently with multiple counters, CISF deployment, and a dedicated ambulance available during the ship’s stay.