Luxury cruise ship MS Norwegian Sky calls at New Mangalore Port

Mangaluru: The luxurious Norwegian cruise liner—MS Norwegian Sky—called at New Mangalore Port on Saturday. This is the fifth cruise of the season.

Sailing under the Bahamas flag, the luxury vessel arrived with 1,876 passengers and 861 crew members—the highest passenger footfall at the port since the resumption of the cruise season after the pandemic.

Berthing at berth 4, the 258.6-metre-long cruise ship is part of an international itinerary that includes ports of Galle, Cochin, Mangalore, Goa, Mumbai, and Abu Dhabi. The cruise arrived from Cochin Port.

Deputy Chairperson of NMPA S Shanthi welcomed the ship master with a memento. M Shyamprasad Kamath, Managing Director of MRPL, extended a similar token of appreciation to the General Manager of the vessel.

NMPA accorded a grand traditional welcome to the cruise passengers with Yakshagana and Bharatanatyam performances at the cruise lounge. A dedicated meditation centre and tourist assistance booths were set up to enhance the visitor experience.

A total of 977 passengers disembarked to explore the coastal and cultural charm of Dakshina Kannada, including visits to Karkala Gomateshwara, 1000 Pillar Basadi, Soans Farm, Kadri and Gokarnanatha Temples, and local markets. Over 40 coaches, multiple tempo travellers, shuttle buses, and cars were arranged for their transportation.