the goan I network
VASCO
The much-awaited Mumbai-Goa passenger cruise ferry “Angriya” with 40 passengers and crew arrived at the MPT cruise berth on Thursday, on first trial run from Mumbai.
The ship had left from Mazgaon Dock in Mumbai on Wednesday evening and arrived at the MPT cruise terminal on Thursday at about 10 am.
The passengers and crew were greeted by MPT Dy Chairman G P Rai, Dy Conservator Capt Manoj Joshi and other officials.
According to information, the cruise ferry which was set to begin operations in March, will start operating after monsoons from October till May and the price per passenger for a cruise will be about Rs 7,000, with different categories and classes of bookings.
The price will include all meals and availing of all infinity swimming pools, spas, restaurants and other amenities on board.
The duration of the Mumbai-Goa journey will be approximately 15 hours and the cruise ferry will depart on alternate days at around 5 pm from both destinations and arrive by 9.30 am the
following day.
The ship is a 20-year-old Japanese cruise vessel, previously named “Ogasa” and now renamed “Angriya”
after Kanoji Angrey, the first admiral of the Maratha
Navy.
The cruise ferry will be
operated by Sea Eagle Cruises and the local shipping agent for the vessel will be Benline Agencies (India)
Pvt Ltd.
Speaking to media persons, MPT Dy Conservator Capt Manoj Joshi said the ferry was to begin operations in March, but since it was a second-hand ship from Japan, necessary changes and works had taken time.
“We are starting a new ferry vessel with a capacity of 350 passengers and today it has come on a trial run and this cruise will commence operations after the monsoons.”
Mormugao Port Trust Deputy Chairman G P Rai said the cruise ferry, which would boost local tourism, had received support from the State and Central tourism departments.
