Mumbai-Goa cruise ferry to be operational after monsoon

The Mumbai-Goa cruise ferry service, which is set to start after the monsoon, will also have its halts in towns like Ratnagiri, Malvan, Vijaydurg and Raigad.

The Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT), the executing authority of the project has already appointed an operator who will run the cruise services. Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) is currently working on the feasibility of having additional jetties for the cruise service.

“The jetties can be used by all the vessels, and are being constructed as part of coastal tourism plan which means it will also boost tourist activities in the Konkan region. The jetties are expected to be completed by 2019” said an MMB official.

The cruise ferries can carry around 400 passengers at a time. The minimum fare for sailing on the cruise ferry is going to be around Rs 7,500.  It is also decided that the ferry service will not operate during monsoon seasons. Officials are optimistic that the cruise ferry services between Mumbai and Goa will boost tourism in both the states.

Once developed adequately, Mumbai port will have a potential to host 700 ships and 32 lakh passengers.  Currently the port has the capacity to host 80 ships.

During the first sea trial, cruise ship ‘Angriya’ reached Panjim in Goa on May 24. It had set sail from Mumbai on May 23.

Earlier it was decided that the cruise will depart on every alternate day at 5 pm from Mumbai or Goa and reach the destination at 9 am and during the journey the ship would not halt at any place.