The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Cruise vessel reaches Kochi

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Dec 15, 2005

Kerala

Kerala - Kochi

Cruise vessel reaches Kochi

Staff Reporter

ANOTHER VISITOR: Deutschland the luxury cruise liner that reached Kochi on Wednesday with more than 400 passengers. This is the fifth cruise vessel to arrive at the port during the current tourism season and has enhanced Kochi's reputation as a globa l cruise destination. - Photo: VipinChandran

KOCHI: Cruise vessel Deutschland called at the Kochi Port on Wednesday. The vessel, sailing from Mumbai, came along side the Ernakulam wharf at about 7.30 a.m., half hour ahead of schedule with 459 passengers and 257 crew on board. The vessel will stay at Kochi for a day before it sails off at 6 a.m. on Thursday.

Deutschland sails under the German national flag and has an overall length of 175 metres and a draught of 6 metres.

With the arrival of the fifth cruise ship at Kochi this season, the port has enhanced its position as the number one cruise destination in the country. The visit of the vessel also boosts the plans of the Cochin Port Trust authorities to set up an exclusive cruise handling facility with assistance from the Union Ministry, the Tourism Department and the Government of Kerala.

The first cruise vessel, Pacific Princess was followed by Star Flyer, Seabourne Spirit and Europa. Three more luxury cruise vessels are scheduled to visit the port during this month.

They include Nautica (expected on December 16) and Superstar Libra and Astoria (both expected to arrive on December 27).

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