Chennai Port to Get a Cruise Terminal by Next Month

Chennai port is all set to get a cruise terminal within a month. An American cruise liner will be the first to use the terminal when it arrives here in April.

Union Shipping Ministry is offering special rates for cruise calls to attract tourist operators. This is expected to bring dividends and elevate Chennai’s status as a holiday destination for cruise ships in two years as cruise operators prepare their schedule two years ahead of time.

Cruise terminals are preferred over regular docks as they are cleaner and offer passenger transportation arrangements to nearby tourist spots.

The cruise terminal to be open in Chennai will be the first of its kind in East coast of India. In the West coast of India, there are 4 terminals , in Mumbai, Mormugao, Mangalore and Kochi.

The shipping ministry is working towards increasing the cruise liner traffic to India and Chennai, Mumbai, Mangalore, Kochi and Goa are being developed as cruise hubs.