The newly-built cruise terminal in Cochin Port received the first batch of tourists on 22nd September as the luxury liner M V Empress from Mumbai called at the port city, marking a promising start to the revival of post-pandemic domestic tourism in Kerala.

The Lakshadweep-bound luxury cruise carrying 1200 travellers had a stop-over here with 300 travellers de-boarding the ship for a day-long on-shore sightseeing.

Kerala Tourism Department accorded a warm welcome to the guests with martial Velakali dancers and women in traditional off-white dress greeting them.