“With our rich heritage & culture around our coastal region, the potential of cruise tourism in India is immense,” said Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush. The Minister also said that the launch of the cruise is affordable and offers best-in-class services.

Taking to his Twitter account, the minister tweeted:

“Historic Beginning! Flagged off the first regular international cruise service from @PortofChennai , the MV Empress to Sri Lanka. Cruise tourism holds huge opportunity for our maritime sector, and this cruise will further boost tourism, generate employment and strengthen the economy.”

Here are some interesting facts about MV Express:

1) Ports: The cruise will visit three ports in Sri Lanka, namely Hambantota, Trincomalee and Kankesanturai.

2) Package: The cruise packages are available for two nights, three nights, four nights, and five nights.

3) Price: The price of tour packages begins at INR 86,383 (for two people for three nights).

4) Launch: The cruise was launched from Chennai’s International Cruise Terminal built at a cost of INR 17.21 crores.

5) Guests can play casino games onboard but only in international waters.

The main aim of the government is to develop Chennai as a cruise tourism hub. By 2024, the government plans to build three new international cruise ports with additional ferry routes through India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar.