In a landmark moment for Andhra Pradesh's tourism sector, the first cruise ship from Chennai arrived at the Visakhapatnam International Cruise Terminal (VICT) today, marking the official launch of cruise tourism in the region. Operated by Cordelia Cruises, the luxury liner is part of a new coastal circuit connecting Chennai, Puducherry, and Visakhapatnam.

This initiative, a collaborative effort between the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department and the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), aims to boost regional tourism and position Vizag as a key maritime destination on India’s eastern coast. The cruise service offers travelers a unique experience of sailing along scenic coastal routes while exploring the cultural and natural heritage of these cities.

As the cruise docked, it was welcomed with traditional fanfare and local performances, celebrating the beginning of a new chapter in Vizag’s tourism journey. Local vendors, artists, and stakeholders are hopeful that this development will generate employment, improve tourism infrastructure, and attract both domestic and international visitors.

Officials revealed that future cruise itineraries could expand to include international destinations like Colombo, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, provided promotional efforts and tourism facilities are scaled up accordingly.

With this maiden voyage, Vizag is now set to transform into a major cruise tourism hub in South India, opening the gateway to both luxury travel and economic growth.