Mangaluru, 23 Dec

The 2025–26 cruise season at New Mangalore Port began with the arrival of the luxury cruise vessel MS Seven Seas Navigator, port authority officials said. The Bahamas-flagged ship arrived from Mormugao Port at 6.15 am on December 22 and was berthed at Berth No. 4 by 7.15am.

The vessel measures 172.5m in length, has a draft of 7.5m, and a gross registered tonnage of 28,803. It carried 450 international passengers and 360 crew members, according to a press statement.

The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) extended a grand welcome to the tourists, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of coastal Karnataka. Arrangements were made in coordination with Customs, Immigration, tourism agencies and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth and pleasant experience for visitors.

During their stay, tourists visited key destinations in and around Mangaluru, such as the Gomateshwara statue at Karkala, Thousand Pillar Temple at Moodabidri, Pilikula Nisargadhama, Soans Farm, the Artisan Village, Gokarnanatha Temple, St Aloysius Chapel, local markets and Trinity House at Valencia, gaining insights into the region’s cultural, spiritual and natural heritage, officials said.