India’s Cruise Sector Charts a New Course from Chennai

In a major boost for India’s maritime tourism ambitions, the luxury cruise vessel MV Empress arrived at Chennai Port on June 20, marking the launch of an extensive 21-voyage cruise season over the next three months. In a single-day operation, the port handled a record-breaking 3,600 passengers, efficiently managing the simultaneous movement of 1,800 disembarking and 1,800 embarking travellers . The event was marked by a culturally immersive welcome ceremony, including Carnatic music performances, underscoring the strategic importance of showcasing India’s heritage to international visitors. The cruise itinerary connects Chennai with Sri Lankan ports such as Hambantota and Trincomalee, alongside domestic stops like Visakhapatnam and Puducherry, reinforcing Chennai’s expanding maritime footprint in the region . The modernised terminal, spanning over 4,103 square metres and capable of handling 800 passengers per hour, positions India’s port infrastructure on the global cruise map.