Mangalore: 662 cruise passengers on a luxury vessel “MV Nautica” called at Panambur new port in city, with 397 crew members on Thursday, Dec 1 to enter NMPT area.

It is the sixth vessel in the current financial year out of 14 booked so far on west coast.

MV Nautica came from Goa, and sailed out to Cochin the same night. Most of the passengers were from USA, Canada, UK and Germany.

They opted for ground tour, enjoyed the scenic beauty and cultural heritage of Dakshina Kannada district, such as Moodabidri, Karkala, Kudroli, SAC chapel, Kadri temple, Achal Cashew factory and city centre Mall, besides MCC and Big Bazaar areas.

They were taken round by Tour operators Lia Travels, and shipping agents J.M. Baxi and company. The captain and all they passengers were all praise for short stay in and around Mangalore, and hoped to visit again.

The NMPT chairman, Dr. Tamilvannan found that it was the fifth voyage of the vessel in the last 2 years.

Many more cruise vessels are lined up to visit historic and peaceful Mangalore coastal region.