– International Cruise Terminal expands the scope of cruise tourism; a 300-meter berth and modern amenities offer tourists a fresh experience.
Visakhapatnam. For the coastal city of Visakhapatnam, a new avenue for tourism is now opening up via the sea. Efforts are underway to establish the city as a key destination for domestic and international cruise tourism through the newly developed International Cruise Terminal. Operational since September 2023, this terminal has broadened the horizons for cruise tourism along the East Coast. The influx of tourists via cruise ships is expected to create new opportunities for the city’s tourism, hospitality, transport, and local business sectors.
Modern Cruise Terminal Spanning 4,580 Square Meters
An International Cruise Terminal has been developed at the Visakhapatnam Port, covering an area of approximately 4,580 square meters. To ensure passenger convenience, the facility offers amenities such as lounges, customs, immigration and quarantine counters, baggage handling, scanning, security checks, a concourse, restaurants, entertainment areas, and shopping outlets. Facilities such as medical services, currency exchange, CCTV surveillance, and parking are also integral parts of the terminal.
300-Meter-Long Cruise Berth
A key feature of the cruise terminal is its approximately 300-meter-long cruise berth. This facility accommodates cruise ships and enables the smooth embarkation and disembarkation of passengers. Arrangements to transport passengers from the port to the city and nearby tourist attractions form a crucial component of the cruise tourism ecosystem.
Tourism Journey Begins Upon Disembarkation
Visakhapatnam’s geographical location makes it uniquely suited for cruise tourism. The city offers a diverse range of attractions, combining coastal beauty with opportunities for hill-station and religious tourism. Tourist attractions such as RK Beach, Kailasagiri, Yarada Beach, Simhachalam, and Araku Valley can become major draws for cruise passengers. Tailored tour packages could be developed to take passengers on sightseeing tours of local attractions during the cruise ship’s stopover.
Benefits for Local Businesses
The impact of cruise tourism extends beyond just the port and terminal. Increased tourist footfall creates business opportunities across sectors such as hotels, restaurants, taxis and local transport, tour operators, local guides, handicrafts, and retail. Developing local tourism packages for cruise passengers is likely to benefit businesses of all sizes within the city.
Expanded Prospects through the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’
The Central Government launched the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ in September 2024 to boost cruise tourism in India. The mission focuses on increasing the number of cruise passengers, developing new cruise routes, and enhancing passenger amenities at ports. According to the government, the country recorded 272 cruise calls and 4.92 lakh cruise passengers in the 2024-25 fiscal year. The mission aims to increase the number of sea cruise passengers to 10 lakh by 2029.
A Key Stopover on the East Coast
Visakhapatnam is among the country’s major ports equipped with a cruise terminal facility. Its location on the East Coast, combined with nearby beaches, mountains, religious sites, and natural tourist attractions, makes it an appealing stopover for cruise passengers. Connecting the cruise terminal to these tourist spots would offer passengers the opportunity to experience Visakhapatnam’s diversity within a short timeframe.
A New Gateway for Sea-Based Tourists
Visakhapatnam has long been associated with the sea, natural beauty, and tourism. The international cruise terminal is now emerging as a new gateway for tourists arriving in the city by sea. Prospects for the expansion of cruise tourism have improved thanks to modern passenger amenities, a 300-meter cruise berth, and connectivity to nearby tourist attractions. If the movement of cruise ships and tourists increases in the future, its impact could also be seen on local tourism, the service sector, and employment opportunities.
