Chennai Port Authority welcomed the luxury cruise vessel MV Empress, marking the start of a new cruise season and recording its highest-ever single-day passenger handling operation.
The port handled 3,600 passengers in a single day, comprising 1,800 disembarking passengers and 1,800 embarking passengers, during the vessel’s turnaround call at Chennai. The operation marked the launch of a three-month cruise season that will see the vessel undertake 21 voyages between June and August 2026.
Passengers arriving at the port were greeted with a traditional reception organised in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC). The welcome included floral greetings, ceremonial tilak and a live classical music performance showcasing Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage.
The cruise operations were supported by Chennai Port’s recently modernised international cruise terminal at West Quay. Spread across 4,103 square metres, the facility has been designed to handle up to 800 passengers per hour and includes integrated customs and immigration facilities, baggage screening systems, passenger lounges, cafeteria services and escalator access for embarkation and disembarkation.
Chennai continues to serve as a key homeport for cruise tourism in southern India. During the current season, the MV Empress will operate voyages connecting Chennai with domestic destinations such as Visakhapatnam and Puducherry, while also offering international itineraries covering Hambantota, Trincomalee and Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka.
The record passenger movement reflects the growing demand for cruise tourism and reinforces Chennai Port’s position as one of India’s emerging cruise gateways. The expanded cruise schedule is expected to further strengthen maritime tourism links between South India and destinations across the Bay of Bengal region.