Vasco: India’s first cruise liner Angriya sailed its way to Goa and reached Mormugao on Oct 21. On its maiden journey Angriya ferried at least 220 passengers who were overwhelmed with the luxury and experience of India’s first cruise liner.
The Angriya was welcomed at the port by music played by brass band and also with traditional Goan dance and music. The promoter of Angriya Captain. Nitin Dhond in his welcome remarks said that there are several other cruise liners that are going to start operating on the Indian coasts. “The Sagarmala project has boosted possibilities and many more domestic cruises are bound to come up soon as there are many facilities the project is providing” said Dhond.
He also said that there is a vast coastline and cruise tourism is going to increase. G. P. Rai, MPT Vice Chairman said “It is a great moment for Goa port as the much awaited Indias first domestic cruise liner has begun” he said.
“We will extend all facilities and relaxations to cruises as per the rules as the Government of India has also told that the Mumbai, Goa, Cochin ports have to give more emphasis on cruise tourism” added Rai.
He told that they have information that two or three more liners are going to start coming to Goa and it is going to further boost tourism in the state. The new cruise liner can take up to 400 passengers and will be making 4 trips of Mumbai Goa every week.
The domestic cruise sector is poised to grow at a steady pace in the coming months, and the state of Goa stands to benefit from domestic cruise tourism. Being a tourism state, Goa has a great potential for the growth of this luxury cruise sector in the country.
This sector is poised for growth in the near future. More stakeholders in the domestic cruise lines have expressed their willingness to start luxury domestic cruises on this circuit in the coming months. Goa may see few more domestic cruise liners making regular visits to Mormugao in the future.
