The fifth cruise ship calls at the port of New Mangalore

The 180.5 m long ship with 550 passengers and 400 crew members has a gross tonnage of 30,277 and a draft of 6 m, according to a statement from the NMP authority.

On the way to Male (Maldives), the ship came from Muscat to India and used to call at the ports of Mumbai and Mormugao.

The NMPA provided a traditional reception and organized its medical examinations, immigration and customs counters, 15 tour buses including two shuttle buses for tourists visiting local markets around Mangaluru, taxis and tourist vans.

Cruise passengers also took advantage of the meditation center set up by the Department of AYUSH in the cruise lounge. Clothing and handicraft shops were also kept open for them.

The tourists later visited places of tourist interest in and around Mangaluru while the NMPA presented them with souvenirs as they boarded the 4 p.m. ship from NMP to Kochi, a press release said.