Vizag International Cruise Terminal Set to Boost Global Tourism by March 2025

The Vizag International Cruise Terminal (ICT), a project aimed at putting Visakhapatnam on the global tourism map, is nearing completion and is expected to be operational by March. The terminal, costing Rs 96.05 crore, is a collaboration between the Union Tourism Ministry and the Visakhapatnam Port Trust, with the former contributing Rs 38.50 crore and the latter spending Rs 57.55 crore. Designed in the shape of a ship, the terminal can accommodate cruises with up to 2,000 passengers and is equipped with various facilities such as customs and immigration counters, retail outlets, duty-free shops, food courts, and lounges.

Officially inaugurated in September 2023, the terminal is gearing up for full operations by March 2025. The upcoming arrival of the world’s largest luxury cruise ship, the World War II, in April 2024 will be a significant milestone for the terminal. Discussions are also underway with major cruise lines like Cordelia, Royal Caribbean, and MSC to operate cruises from Visakhapatnam to international destinations including Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka, as well as domestic destinations like Chennai and the Sundarbans.

Additionally, the Vizag Port recently completed the construction of the Vizag International Cruise Terminal (VICT) at the canal berth in the outer harbor of the port. Costing Rs 100 million, the VICT is the first cruise terminal on the east coast from West Bengal to Andhra Pradesh, capable of accommodating large ships like Panama ships with a deadweight capacity of 50,000 to 100,000 tons. Cruise ships carrying 2,000 to 2,500 passengers can dock at the terminal’s 330-meter long cruise berth, which features a terminal building with various amenities such as a passenger lounge, customs, immigration, recreation area, and duty-free shops.

As the Visakhapatnam cruise terminals prepare for full operations, they are set to boost tourism in the region and establish Visakhapatnam as a prominent cruise destination. With their strategic locations and state-of-the-art facilities, these terminals have the potential to attract a wide range of cruise ships and travelers, contributing to the growth of the tourism industry in the area.

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