Kochi: By rendering new hope for domestic cruise tourism, a luxury cruise ship docked at Kochi port. In view of the third wave of Covid, the central ministry of shipping had introduced restrictions for cruise ships in January.

The cruise ship had arrived at the port on Wednesday after the ministry relaxed the restrictions. The luxury cruise MV Empress reached the port with 579 passengers.

The ship connects the coasts of Mumbai, Kochi and Lakshadweep and the travellers returned only after visiting major tourist sites in Kochi.

Monthly two trips have been scheduled to Kochi in the cruise and apart from rejuvenating the tourism sector of the state, it provides an opportunity for the local entrepreneurs to thrive.

The journeys were conducted abiding to Covid protocols. 100 per cent travellers will be allowed after the Covid spread recedes.

Though the ships can permit only 50 per cent travellers, the concessions granted in tariffs by the ministry of shipping has turned out to be a relaxation for the ship owners.

Meanwhile, talks to launch more ships are proceeding as it will boost the tourism sector in the state.