Cruise Liner Celebrity Millennium Docks at Mormugao Port, Kicks Off Goa’s Cruise Tourism Season in Style
Vasco:
Port Wings News Network:
The international cruise tourism season in Goa opened on a vibrant note on 24 November 2025 as MV Celebrity Millennium, carrying 2,078 passengers of diverse nationalities including the USA, UK, Germany, and India, docked at the Mormugao Port early morning.
Originating from Singapore, the vessel sailed via Cochin before arriving in Goa, and will continue its onward journey to Mumbai, with a scheduled return to Goa on 27 November.
Passengers were greeted with traditional Goan hospitality featuring a brass band and a grand reception coordinated by officials from the Government of Goa. With 977 crew members and hundreds of passengers disembarking, the port showcased its readiness to handle large-scale cruise operations.
The arrival of Celebrity Millennium marks a strong start to Goa’s cruise season and underscores the strategic importance of Mormugao Port as a hub for international cruise tourism. With the upcoming International Cruise Terminal, Goa is on course to become a leading global cruise destination, driving economic growth and enriching local communities.
The International Cruise Terminal at Mormugao Port, now in its final stages of completion, is set to redefine Goa’s tourism landscape. The state-of-the-art facility will feature 24 immigration counters, 10 check-in counters, a spacious waiting lounge, baggage carousels, duty-free shops, and themed commercial areas designed to cater to both international and domestic cruise liners.
An Ancillary Commercial Building will further enhance the experience with an experiential shopping zone aimed at cruise tourists, complemented by duty-free retail shops, lounges, a food court, ferry terminal facilities, ample parking space, landscaping and beautification, and a well-planned internal road network with utilities. Once operational, the terminal will significantly elevate passenger convenience and efficiency, offering a seamless travel experience while positioning Goa as a premier cruise destination in South Asia.
The terminal is expected to generate substantial economic benefits by creating opportunities for local tour operators, taxi drivers, and allied service providers. With cruise passenger traffic already witnessing a steep rise, the new infrastructure will further accelerate growth, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for thousands in Goa’s tourism ecosystem.
The development at Mormugao Port aligns seamlessly with the Government of India’s recently launched Cruise Bharat Mission, spearheaded by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways. The mission aims to double cruise calls and passenger traffic within five years, create thousands of jobs, and establish integrated cruise circuits celebrating India’s cultural and natural heritage.
About The Author
