M.S Riviera arrives at New Mangalore Port
Mangaluru, Jan 10, 2025: In a splendid start to the New Year, the illustrious M.S Riviera sailed into the New Mangalore port today at 7 am, becoming the first cruise ship of 2024 and also the fourth of the ongoing cruise season.
The Marshall Islands flagged ship docked at berth No. 04, bringing with it 980 passengers and 752 crew members. Having traveled en route from the Ports of Dubai, Mumbai, and Mormugao, the vessel spans an overall length of 239 meters, boasts a carrying capacity of 66,172 Gross tonnage, and maintains a draft of 7.60 meters.
A warm welcome awaited cruise passengers as they disembarked, serenaded by the city’s brass band and entertained by captivating Yakshagana artists. The cruise lounge offered a diverse range of cultural attractions, leaving tourists delighted with their experiences.
To ensure a splendid visit, meticulous preparations were made, including medical screenings, efficient immigration and customs procedures, dedicated transportation options like buses and special taxis for exploring Mangalore city, a meditation center by the Ministry of AYUSH, a Virtual Reality Experience Zone, complimentary WIFI by NMPA, and a Mangalore Yakshagana Art-themed Selfie stand by the Ministry of Tourism.
K. G. Nath, Deputy Chairman of NMPA, extended a warm welcome to the vessel’s Master in a gesture of hospitality. The felicitation ceremony also included Capt. S. R. Pattanayak, Dy. Conservator, Shri Jijo Thomas, Secretary, NMPA, and other senior port officers. In a reciprocal gesture, the vessel’s Master presented the Deputy Chairman with a memorable token.
Tourists were further entertained with a local Yakshagana performance before embarking on their exploration of various tourist destinations. Highlights of their visit included the Karkala Gomateshwara Temple, the 1000 Pillar Temple at Moodabidri, Soans Farm, Achal Cashew Factory, Gokarnanatha Temple, St. Alloysius Chapel, the Local Market, and traditional homes in the city.
As the ship set sail for its next destination, the Cochin port, departing at 5 pm, passengers were bestowed with colorful souvenirs capturing Mangalore’s rich cultural heritage.
