NewzVille Desk
Puducherry took a significant step forward on India’s cruise tourism map as the luxury cruise liner M/V Empress, operated by Cordelia Cruises, anchored off the Union Territory’s coast today morning. The 210.8-metre-long ship, carrying around 1,231 passengers and 574 crew members remained anchored offshore during the day while tourists were ferried to land in smaller boats.
They were welcomed in traditional Tamil style by Tourism Secretary Manikandan, who greeted them with flower bouquets and draped them in white silk shawls.
As part of the day-long itinerary, the Tourism Department arranged luxury buses to take visitors to Puducherry’s key attractions, including the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Manakula Vinayagar Temple, and Auroville. The tourists returned to the port by evening and later reboarded the cruise ship, which is set to sail for Chennai tonight.
Speaking to Akashvani, Mr. Manikandan said that the arrival of the luxury cruise ship is a boost for Puducherry’s tourism sector. He informed that the M/V Empress will dock at Puducherry every Friday, offering regular opportunities for tourism development.
He also assured that adequate facilities will be put in place for the convenience of cruise tourists and clarified that the initiative will not adversely impact the livelihoods of local fishermen.The cruise liner had attempted to anchor off the Puducherry coast two years ago, but the plan was not approved due to administrative reasons.
