Team Goemkarponn
MORMUGAO: The cruise tourism season at the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) has officially set sail with the arrival of the first vessel, Empress, on September 10. The liner, carrying 1,600 passengers and 500 crew members, berthed in Goa on its maiden call for the 2025–26 season, marking the beginning of what promises to be one of the busiest cruise schedules in recent years.
According to the schedule released by MPA, a total of 42 cruise ships are expected to call at the port between September 2025 and June 2026. These include repeat visits by the Empress, which is operating as a short-haul cruise option between Mumbai, Agatti, and Goa, as well as calls from internationally acclaimed luxury liners such as Celebrity Millennium, Crystal Symphony, Crystal Serenity, Seven Seas Navigator, Seven Seas Mariner, Island Sky, and Sirena.
“The first domestic cruise ship of the season, MV Cordelia Empress, arrived at the port on the 10th of September and brought around 1,050 people to Goa, who went on shore excursions to different parts of the state. Around 985 passengers boarded the ship on its maiden voyage from Goa as it sailed to Agatti in Lakshadweep. The domestic cruise has turned out to be a hit and the first ship arrival was a great start to our cruise tourism season,” said Jerome Clement, Traffic Manager in-charge at MPA.
He added, “We have around 13 international cruise liners who have confirmed their sailing to Goa and we are expecting an addition of 10 more cruise liners this season. If this happens, MPA will see a 34 percent rise in international cruise tourism.”
The season began with the Empress sailing from Mumbai before docking at Mormugao, and officials confirmed that the vessel will make several return visits throughout the season, boosting short-duration tourism traffic. The next major highlight will be the arrival of the Celebrity Millennium in November, a vessel with a capacity of nearly 2,000 passengers, scheduled to arrive from Cochin before continuing onward to Mumbai.
Cruise tourism is increasingly becoming a vital component of Goa’s economy. Each vessel brings hundreds of international travelers to local shores, creating opportunities for taxi operators, hotels, tour companies, beach shack owners, and artisans who cater to the influx of guests. Local markets, heritage sites, and beaches often see a surge in activity during cruise calls, contributing significantly to the state’s tourism revenue.
Officials from the MPA noted that the cruise itineraries for this season reflect Goa’s importance as a regional hub on the Arabian Sea circuit. Ships are not only connecting Mumbai and Goa but also extending routes to Colombo, Male, Agatti, and New Mangalore, positioning the state as a key stopover for both regional and global cruise operators.
Luxury liners such as the Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity are expected to draw particular attention, given their reputation for high-end travel experiences. These vessels, carrying between 500 to 1,000 passengers each, are scheduled to arrive in the early part of 2026, offering travelers the chance to explore Goa’s unique blend of Portuguese heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant culture.
Beyond the immediate tourism benefits, cruise calls also highlight the growing capacity of Mormugao Port to handle large-scale passenger traffic alongside its traditional cargo operations. Authorities have in recent years upgraded facilities, streamlined passenger clearance procedures, and improved connectivity to ensure a smoother experience for visitors.
Local stakeholders believe that this season will set new benchmarks, both in terms of the number of ships arriving and the overall passenger count. The current schedule extends until June 26, 2026, when the Empress is set to make her final call, officially concluding the season. By then, thousands of international and domestic tourists will have passed through Mormugao, reinforcing its reputation as one of India’s premier cruise tourism gateways.
With the arrival of the first vessel already complete, Mormugao is bracing itself for a steady stream of visitors, ensuring that Goa’s beaches, markets, and cultural sites remain buzzing with activity throughout the coming months.
