Calls by international cruise vessels to Sri Lanka are on the rise in the post-war era with an increasing number of cruise liners including Sri Lanka as a port of call in their itineraries according to the Middle East Office of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.

Several cruise lines had changed their itineraries in the past but the cruise line business is now picking up with the latest operator to launch visits to Sri Lanka being Louis Cruises India.

“Colombo used to be a regular port of call for cruise ships sailing in the Indian Ocean and the destination is now gearing up for increased business from this sector,” quoting Middle East Director of SLTPB Heba Al Ghais Al Mansoori reported EoD.

Aquamarine, a luxury cruise ship, belonging to Louis Cruise Line of Cyprus, the fifth largest cruise operator in the world, on its maiden voyage, with 500 passengers, berthed in Colombo recently.

The ‘Aquamarine’ which sails between Cochin, Male and Colombo will make a weekly berth at the Colombo port. The 405 cabin vessel, with a carrying capacity of 1,200 passengers is the first regular fixed day cruise operation to Sri Lanka, and is scheduled to arrive in Colombo every Monday at 2 PM and depart the next day (Tuesday) at 3 PM.

Tourists from around the world visit Sri Lanka every year in search of a perfect holiday ranging from nature, culture, adventure, education, healing and spiritual discovery to a relaxing spa holiday.