In a grand testament to the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu and the growing prominence of Chennai Port as the premium gateway to South East India, the luxury cruise passenger vessel M V Empress arrived at Chennai Port on June 20, 2026.
In a monumental single-day operation, Chennai Port handled a record-breaking 3,600 passengers at full capacity, seamlessly managing 1,800 disembarking travelers and 1,800 newly embarking passengers for the M.V. Empress. This milestone event officially launches an extensive cruise season during which the vessel will set sail for the high seas to complete 21 voyages over a three-month period from June to August 2026, firmly anchoring Chennai Port as the premier gateway to South East India.
A Grand Traditional Welcome
Under the direction of the Chairperson of the Chennai Port Authority, a grand, hearty, and traditional welcome has been organized at the West Quay 4 Wharf area near the gangway of Cordelia Cruise. Showcasing the region's famous hospitality, the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) hosted a traditional reception to offer international and domestic travelers an unforgettable experience of Indian hospitality.
The traditional welcome including:
The application of the auspicious Tilak and presentation of fresh flower bouquets.
A vibrant live music performance by Veena Vidushi Nithyasree Srinivasan supported by an acclaimed lineup of eminent maestros including Dr. A. Saravanan, (mridangam), P. Giridaraprasad (kanjira), G. Ganapathy (gatam), and Kudanthai S. Balaji SaiRam (morsing).
World-Class Infrastructure: Premium Cruise Passenger Terminal:
Passengers from the M.V.Empress experienced the exceptional comforts of Chennai Port’s newly modernized premium international cruise passenger terminal located at West Quay (WQIV). Sprawling over 4,103 sq.m, this premium facility is built to international standards with an emphasis on a seamless passenger flow of 800 passengers per hour.
Key features of the terminal include:
Full heat ventilation and central air-conditioning (HVAC).
Integrated customs and multi-counter immigration zones for rapid single-window clearances.
Advanced high-end security systems, including high-tech baggage scanners.
Modern passenger lounges, cafeteria, and escalators on both eastern and western sides for convenient embarkation and disembarkation.
Expanding International and Coastal Horizons
Chennai Port continues to serve as a crucial homeport, connecting South India with prominent international and domestic coastal wonders. In its upcoming schedules, the Cordelia vessel expands maritime horizons into elite international destinations, featuring exclusive international stations such as:
- Hambantota (Galle), Sri Lanka
- Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
- Kankasanturei, Sri Lanka
In addition to these magnificent international ports of call, the cruise itinerary links key domestic coastal treasures, highlighting vital coastal stations including Visakhapatnam and Puducherry.
By combining world-class logistics infrastructure with the warmth of Tamil Nadu's tourism, Chennai Port continues to reinforce its historic maritime legacy, firmly positioning the city on the global cruise map.