Monday, November 11, 2024 Luxury cruise tourism in Mangaluru, which had shown signs of recovery after the pandemic, now faces fresh obstacles due to the Red Sea crisis. The ongoing regional instability has directly impacted this season’s cruise schedules. Although the season began in November, only seven luxury cruise vessels are currently slated to dock at Mangaluru Port—a noticeable drop from earlier projections.
Industry sources reveal that four vessels, initially scheduled for Mangaluru, have now withdrawn their plans for this season. Local cruise operators are concerned about the potential revenue losses due to the reduced arrivals. This year’s expectations were high, with more than 20 cruise ships anticipated to arrive in Mangaluru.
However, with only seven confirmed, the tourism industry is feeling the strain. Last season saw nine ships, bringing close to 5,000 passengers, a figure that contributed substantially to the local economy. This decline in cruise visits could mean a significant setback in the district’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a luxury travel destination.
The season’s schedule notes that Silver Whisper will be the first luxury cruise to arrive, expected on December 10 from Mumbai. The season will conclude with the last ship docking on May 9, 2025. Unfortunately, all seven vessels plan to stay only for a day, once again falling short of the long-held aspiration to host overnight stays—key to boosting local businesses and promoting lon.
