Mumbai-Goa Cruise Liner Angriya Inauguration Cruise
October 22, 2018
After journeying for 16 hours, the Mumbai-Goa cruise liner 'Angriya' berthed on Sunday at the international cruise berth terminal of the Mormugao Port Trust at the Mormugao harbor, bringing in 220 passengers and 67 crewmembers.
Welcome Ceremony
Deputy MPT chairman G.P. Rai, Mormugao municipal council chairperson Kritesh Gaonkar and other MPT officials on Sunday afternoon welcomed the passengers and chairman of Angriya Sea Eagle Pvt Ltd Kiran Thakur and its managing director Capt Nitin Dhond at the MPT terminal.
First Voyage Experience
Speaking to the media, Capt. Dhond said the first trip from Mumbai to Goa was a challenging one. However, the voyage was "extremely good".
There were 220 passengers onboard the cruise liner, which arrived in Goa after journeying for 16 hours.
Passenger Amenities
Passengers can choose from seven categories of rooms, dig into two delicious meals, and a brunch, and swim in the pool on the open deck while gazing at the vast Konkan coastline. The ship's staff, and its sailor-owner, Captain Nitin Dhond, will entertain you with interesting stories about the region's history.
Flag-Off Ceremony
Union Minister for Shipping Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had flagged off the cruise liner in Mumbai on Saturday. There was a 'laser show' in Mumbai after the flag-off.
Future Prospects
Hoping for a good response to the cruise liner in the future, Capt Dhond said the passengers were seen happily disembarking from the cruise liner at the harbor.
He said that many more domestic cruise liners have planned to launch Mumbai-Goa services.
Ship History and Ownership
Named after Admiral Kanhoji Angre, who founded the Maratha navy, the cruise ship is owned by Angriya Sea Eagle Private Limited, (ASEPL), a subsidiary for Sea Eagle Cruises.
Potential Route Expansion
Asked whether the ASEPL will launch cruise line services on other routes in the country, he said that Angriya Group service on the Goa-Mumbai sector brings back memories of Konkan Shakti and Konkan Sevak that operated in the past.
Ship Facilities
The cruise vessel is equipped with a lounge, attached to one of the restaurants that can be used for occasions from wedding receptions to corporate conferences and offshore business meetings.
Schedule and Pricing
The Angriya cruise liner will visit Goa three times a week, and the fares for the trip run between Rs 6,000 to Rs 11,000 (US$81 to US$150). She is expected to complete the voyage from Mumbai to Goa in 16 hours. It will run on alternate days from Mumbai and Goa. For now, it will be a non-stop cruise, though there are plans to include stops at Dighi, Dabhol, Malvan and other places along the Konkan coast, once the jetties are ready.
The ASEPL chairman said the tourists arriving Goa by Angriya will have a pleasurable journey as they will be entertained during their 16-hour-long voyage.
Passenger Entertainment
The passengers were entertained on their arrival. A naval band enthralled the tourists by playing song tunes.
Tourism Impact
Former Panaji MLA Sidharth Kuncalienkar, who was among the passengers who travelled to Goa on the cruise liner, observed that 'Angriya' will give a touch of quality to the tourism sector of the state.
There have been three modes of transport for tourists to visit Goa – road, railway and air. And now the central government gave a push to the fourth mode of transport through the cruise line service, Kuncalienkar said.