Goa Gears Up as a Cruise Destination: Essential Booking Tips for Your Dream Vacation

By March 2025, Goa is set to emerge as a key global player in cruise tourism, with the launch of an eco-friendly, state-of-the-art cruise terminal at Mormugao Port. Spanning 9,960 square meters, this new facility is designed to cater to both international and domestic cruise liners, marking a significant milestone in Goa’s tourism development.

Features of the New Cruise Terminal

The new cruise terminal at Mormugao Port will offer a wide range of modern facilities:

International Cruise Terminal:

24 immigration counters

10 check-in desks

Spacious waiting lounge

Baggage carousels

Domestic Cruise Terminal:

12 check-in counters

Waiting lounge

Baggage handling facilities

Additionally, the terminal will boast duty-free shops, lounges, a food court, ferry terminal services, parking, landscaped gardens, and an internal road network. These features are expected to enhance the overall experience for both international and domestic travelers.

Boosting Goa’s Global Cruise Appeal

The construction of the new terminal aligns with India’s 2023 National Strategy for Cruise Tourism, which aims to position the country as a top destination for a variety of cruises, including deep-sea, coastal, river, and yacht cruises. India plans to handle 1,000 world-class cruise vessels in the near future, with Goa at the forefront of this initiative.

Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte highlighted the state’s growing potential, stating, “Cruise tourism is taking its baby steps in Goa, and we are poised to be a major hub for international cruise liners.” The Mormugao Port Authority’s records show a steady increase in cruise vessels docking at Goa over the years. In 2013-2014, the port handled 18 vessels with 17,397 passengers, which increased to 35 vessels and 47,778 passengers by 2018-2019.

Growing demand for cruise tourism

Goa witnessed a significant 40% increase in cruise passengers during the 2024 fiscal year, alongside a 15% rise in cruise vessel calls. The upcoming months promise even more growth, with seven international cruise liners scheduled to dock at Mormugao by December 2024, bringing in over 12,500 passengers. By 2025, the port is expected to welcome 20 cruise liners, with a total passenger count exceeding 23,000. Bookings are already in place for the first half of 2026.

Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com, remarked, “Goa, with its strategic location and infrastructure advancements like the International and Domestic Cruise Terminal, presents great opportunities for cruise tourism for travellers around the world.” He also noted that “83% of Indian travellers agree that being close to water instantly makes them feel more relaxed,” with 38% showing interest in water-centric vacations.

The Rising Trend of Cruise Travel

Cruise travel is gaining popularity among Indian travelers, with Booking.com’s Travel Trends data revealing that 30% of Indian travelers are keen on taking a cruise trip in 2024. Preferences vary, with 63% favoring family-friendly cruises, 61% interested in luxury cruises, 43% leaning toward river cruises, and 29% opting for adult-only cruises.

Tips for Booking the Perfect Cruise

As interest in cruises grows, travelers are advised to consider the following tips when booking a cruise holiday:

Duration Matters: Decide how long you want to be at sea before booking.

Medical Considerations: Consult your physician if you have any medical concerns.

Off-Peak Deals: Travel during off-peak seasons to secure better deals.

Hidden Costs: Watch out for additional costs like specialty dining and shore excursions.

All-Inclusive Deals: Ensure that “all-inclusive” packages cover room, food, and entertainment.

Kids Free Deals: Ask about the cut-off age for children to travel for free.

Cabin Selection: Book an inside cabin to save money, and pick midship cabins to avoid seasickness.

Goa’s new terminal will also compete with other Indian ports like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kochi, which currently serve as starting points for international cruises to destinations like Dubai, Sri Lanka, and Greece. As Goa gears up to join this league, it is expected to attract a broader range of cruise tourists and establish itself as a prominent global cruise destination.