Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Nov 4: A new cruise season dawned at New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) and the first vessel of the season ‘AIDAvita’, a crusie ship, sailed into the port in the early hours on Monday, November 4, with 1,154 passengers and 407 crew members on board.

The port authorities and agents welcomed the passengers to the city of Mangaluru. This year NMPT has improved the existing facilities and augmented services, however the attraction was the introduction of helicopter services from the port to nearby tourist destinations and neighboring state of Kerala.

The first helicopter offered its services to the Bekal fort in Kerala. The future destinations proposed are Dharmastala, Kukke, Belur and Halebidu. The service is bound to favour with the foreign tourist, who can pack a larger itinerary into their stay at Mangaluru by availing the helicopter services. The improved services include the refurbished cruise terminal with additional facilities such as free Wi-Fi, improved shopping arcade and information KIOSK. The prospects look bright for the cruise experience which NMPT will offer this year.

Speaking to the media, A V Raman, chairman, NMPT, said, "AIDAvita, the luxurious cruise has arrived from Dubai via Goa and has reached Mangaluru on November 4. The ship will sail off to Cochin in the night of November 4. Then it will proceed to Maldives and Sri Lanka. We are introducing heli-tourism, which is first in the country. We have five-seat helicopter service by Chipsan Aviation. A 16-seater helicopter from Kairali Aviation will start its service soon.

"There is no booking for the helicopter service from AIDAvita cruise. On November 12, one more cruise will arrive and 16 passengers have booked for helicopter services. The cruise season has started from the month of November. In total 24 cruise ships are expected to arrive till March 2020. We earn revenue up to Rs 20 lac in one cruise, which we will use for social development as well to promote tourism.

“Auto rickshaw service for the tourists, to close by destinations such as cashew industry, rice mill and many more is also available,” said A V Raman.