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The Chennai Port Authority handled a record 3,600 cruise passengers in a single day on Saturday, June 20th, as the arrival of the cruise ship MV Empress marked the start of a 3-month cruise season aimed at strengthening the city's position as a homeport for maritime tourism on India's eastern seaboard.
Operated by Cordelia Cruises, the 210-metre vessel, with a beam of 30 metres, is among the largest passenger cruise ships serving the region. During the call, ~1,800 passengers disembarked while a similar number embarked, creating the largest turnaround operation recorded at Chennai Port to date, according to port authorities.
The operation reflects ongoing efforts by Indian ports to expand their presence in the developing cruise sector. To welcome arriving guests, the Chennai Port Authority and the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation jointly organised a reception programme at the West Quay berth featuring traditional tilak ceremonies, garland presentations, and a performance of classical Indian music.
MV Empress is scheduled to operate 21 voyages from Chennai between June and August, reinforcing the port's role as a gateway for cruise tourism in southeastern India. The vessel's itineraries include calls at Sri Lankan destinations such as Hambantota, as well as Indian ports including Visakhapatnam and Puducherry.
The launch of the season coincides with the opening of a refurbished international cruise terminal at West Quay IV. Covering 4,103 square metres, the facility has been designed to process up to 800 passengers per hour and incorporates customs and immigration facilities alongside modern baggage-screening systems, supporting the port's growing cruise operations and homeport ambitions.
Fuente: Cruise Mapper
