Cruise Port in Mumbai: Everything You Need to Know in 2025-26
Mumbai now has India’s largest and most modern cruise terminal — and it’s completely changing the way Indians experience sea travel.
If you’ve been wondering where the cruise port in Mumbai is, how to reach it, which cruises sail from there, or whether a cruise holiday from Mumbai is actually worth it — you’re in the right place. This guide answers all of that, and more.
Whether you’re planning your first cruise ever or you’re a seasoned traveller looking to understand what the new Mumbai cruise terminal has to offer, read on.
Quick Answer: Where Is the Cruise Port in Mumbai?
Mumbai’s cruise port — officially called the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) — is located at Ballard Pier, Indira Dock, in South Mumbai.
It is less than 10–15 minutes by car from iconic landmarks like the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. It is the same area that has historically been Mumbai’s maritime heart — and now, it is home to India’s biggest, most modern cruise terminal.
What Is the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT)?
The Mumbai International Cruise Terminal, or MICT, is India’s largest dedicated cruise terminal. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 20, 2025, under the government’s flagship Cruise Bharat Mission — a national initiative to position India as a major global cruise tourism destination.
But technically, the terminal had already started operations from April 21, 2025, when Cordelia Cruises began sailing from the port.
Key Facts About MICT at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) |
| Location | Ballard Pier, Indira Dock, South Mumbai |
| Inaugurated by | PM Narendra Modi (September 20, 2025) |
| Total Area | 4,15,000 sq ft (approx. 38,500 sq metres) |
| Investment | ₹556 crore (~$60 million USD) |
| Annual Capacity | ~10 lakh (1 million) passengers per year |
| Daily Capacity | 10,000–15,000 passengers per day |
| Simultaneous Ships | Up to 5 large cruise ships |
| Ship Size Supported | Up to 300 metres long, 11-metre draft |
| Check-in Counters | 72 immigration and check-in counters |
| Parking | 300+ vehicles |
| Managed by | Ballard Pier Port Pvt Ltd & JM Baxi and Co |
This is not a small upgrade. MICT is a 4-storey world-class facility with wave-shaped ceilings, blue bench seating, sea-facing glass panels, 22 elevators, 10 escalators, selfie points, retail zones, and sea-view cafes on the upper floors. It feels like an international airport — but for cruise ships.
How to Reach the Mumbai Cruise Terminal (MICT)?
The terminal is in South Mumbai — which is actually one of the best things about it. It’s centrally located and easy to access.
From Key Mumbai Locations
| From | Distance | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| Gateway of India | ~1.5 km | 5–10 minutes |
| Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST) | ~3 km | 10–15 minutes |
| Bandra | ~16 km | 30–45 minutes |
| Mumbai Airport (CSIA) | ~26 km | 40–60 minutes |
| Pune | ~150 km | 3–3.5 hours by road |
Transport Options
- Ola / Uber – Easiest option. Comfortable, affordable, and you can track your ride. Book a day in advance if you have an early morning departure.
- Prepaid Taxi from Station – Available from CST, Mumbai Central, and Bandra stations.
- BEST Bus – Affordable but not ideal for cruise travel with heavy luggage.
- Private Car / Self-Drive – 300+ vehicle parking available at the terminal.
💡 Pro Tip for Mumbaikars: Traffic in South Mumbai can be brutal during peak hours (8–11 AM and 5–9 PM). Even if the terminal looks close on the map, always leave at least 1 hour extra buffer on your departure day.
Which Cruises Operate from Mumbai Cruise Port?
Mumbai is India’s primary home port for cruises. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Cordelia Cruises — India’s Only Premium Domestic Cruise Line
Cordelia Cruises is the biggest name in Indian cruise tourism right now. They homeport in Mumbai and run regular sailings throughout the year. Their flagship ship, Cordelia Empress, sails from the MICT.
Popular Cordelia Routes from Mumbai
| Route | Duration | Starts From (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai → High Seas → Mumbai | 3 days / 2 nights | ₹20,000 per person |
| Mumbai → Goa → Mumbai | 3 days / 2 nights | ₹25,000–₹30,000 per person |
| Mumbai → Diu → Mumbai | 3 days / 2 nights | ₹22,000–₹28,000 per person |
| Mumbai → Kochi → Mumbai | 4–5 days | ₹35,000–₹55,000 per person |
| Mumbai → Lakshadweep → Mumbai | 5 days / 4 nights | ₹51,500–₹65,000 per person |
| Mumbai → Colombo → Galle (Sri Lanka) | 7 days | ₹75,000–₹1,20,000 per person |
| Mumbai → Male (Maldives) | 7+ days | ₹85,000–₹1,50,000 per person |
Note: Prices are per person, twin-sharing, base cabin. Prices vary by season, cabin type, and booking time. Always check the official Cordelia website for current rates.
What’s Included in Cordelia Packages?
- ✅ Accommodation (cabin)
- ✅ All main meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner — Indian + international options)
- ✅ Live entertainment shows, Bollywood nights, DJ nights
- ✅ Access to swimming pools, fitness centre, spa (limited)
- ✅ Kids’ activities at Cordelia Academy
- ❌ Wi-Fi (paid extra)
- ❌ Alcoholic beverages (paid extra)
- ❌ Casino credits (paid extra)
- ❌ Shore excursions (paid extra)
One important thing to note: No beef or pork is served on board Cordelia. Only halal meat and seafood are available. Dedicated Jain cuisine menus are also offered.
2. International Cruise Lines Calling at Mumbai
With MICT now fully operational, international cruise giants have started scheduling visits to Mumbai. Here are some confirmed ships that are/were scheduled to call at Mumbai:
| Cruise Line | Ship | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Millennium | International Luxury |
| Regent Seven Seas | Seven Seas Navigator | Ultra-Luxury |
| Crystal Cruises | Crystal Symphony | Ultra-Luxury |
| Oceania Cruises | Oceania Sirena | Premium |
| Silversea Cruises | (various) | Ultra-Luxury |
These international ships typically visit Mumbai as a port of call (a stop on a larger Asia voyage) — not as a homeport. If you are a foreign tourist or an Indian traveller booked on an international itinerary, your ship will dock at MICT.
Cabin Types and Price Guide (Cordelia)
If you’re new to cruising, understanding cabin types can be confusing. Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Cabin Type | What You Get | Price Range (per person, twin sharing) |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Stateroom | No window, basic amenities, twin beds | ₹15,000–₹25,000 |
| Ocean View | Window with sea view | ₹22,000–₹35,000 |
| Balcony Cabin | Private balcony, fresh sea air | ₹35,000–₹60,000 |
| Suite | Spacious room, premium service | ₹60,000–₹1,20,000 |
| Chairman’s Suite | Top of the line — in-room dining, chef’s table | On request |
🎯 Best Value Pick: For first-timers, the Ocean View cabin is the sweet spot. You get natural light, a window to watch the sea from your room, and it doesn’t cost as much as a balcony. The interior cabin is fine too if you’re mostly going to be out on deck — which, honestly, is where most of the fun is.
Best Time to Take a Cruise from Mumbai
Mumbai’s cruise season largely follows the Arabian Sea’s weather:
| Season | Months | Is It Good? |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Season | November – February | ✅ Best time. Calm seas, cool weather (24°C–32°C). |
| Shoulder Season | March – April, October | ✅ Good. Slightly warmer, fewer crowds. |
| Off Season | May – September | ⚠️ Monsoon. Seas get rough. Some routes suspended. |
Best months overall: November to February. The Arabian Sea is at its calmest, the weather on deck is pleasant, and sunsets from the ship are genuinely spectacular. Many people don’t realize how good a December cruise from Mumbai feels.
What to Do If You Have a Day in Mumbai Before / After Your Cruise
The MICT’s location is a gift for sightseers. You are literally within 10–15 minutes of some of Mumbai’s most iconic spots.
Must-See Places Near the Mumbai Cruise Port
1. Gateway of India (~1.5 km) The most iconic monument in Mumbai. A magnificent archway built in 1924 on the waterfront. You can see it from the cruise terminal area. Spend 30 minutes here, click photos, and watch the bustling harbour.
2. Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (~1.5 km) Walk across to the Taj for a coffee or high tea. Built in 1903, this grand hotel has hosted the Beatles, Barack Obama, and countless royals. Even if you’re not staying here, the lobby and Sea Lounge café are worth experiencing.
3. Elephanta Island (Boat from Gateway of India) Take a 1-hour ferry from the Gateway to Elephanta Island — home to ancient rock-cut caves and magnificent sculptures of Lord Shiva, dating back to the 5th–8th century CE. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss it if you have a full day.
4. Colaba Causeway (~2 km) Mumbai’s most famous street market. Shop for clothes, shoes, jewellery, and souvenirs. The street food here is excellent — try the vada pav and bhel puri before you board your ship.
5. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) Museum (~2.5 km) One of India’s finest museums, housed in a gorgeous colonial building. Exhibits range from ancient Indian art to armour to natural history. Great for a couple of hours.
6. Marine Drive (~4 km) Mumbai’s famous seaside promenade, the “Queen’s Necklace.” Walk along the curve of the Arabian Sea, grab a sugarcane juice, and breathe in the sea air before your voyage.
7. Leopold Café (~2 km) One of Mumbai’s oldest and most famous restaurants, established in 1871. A Colaba institution loved by locals, expats, and travellers alike. Good for a pre-cruise meal.
Is Cruising from Mumbai Worth It?
This is the question everyone asks. Here’s an honest answer.
Yes, if you:
- Are looking for a unique, all-inclusive holiday experience
- Want to travel with family, including kids and elderly parents (cruises are extremely family-friendly)
- Love the idea of waking up in a different place without the hassle of packing and unpacking
- Are curious about Goa, Lakshadweep, Sri Lanka, or Maldives but want a different way to experience them
- Want a memorable anniversary, honeymoon, or birthday celebration
Think twice if you:
- Get seasick easily (the Arabian Sea can be choppy — carry medication like Avomine)
- Want deep cultural immersion at destinations (cruise port stops are typically just 8–12 hours)
- Are on a very tight budget (cruise packages look affordable, but add-ons like Wi-Fi, alcohol, and shore excursions add up quickly)
Our honest take: Cordelia Cruises is not a luxury cruise line in the international sense — it’s a fun, vibrant, Indian-style cruise experience that’s genuinely good value for the price. The food is excellent (especially the Indian buffets), the entertainment is lively and desi, and the sense of community on board is lovely. Think of it less like a quiet luxury retreat and more like a floating resort with your kind of people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mumbai Cruise Port
Q: What is the name of the cruise port in Mumbai? The cruise port in Mumbai is officially called the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT). It is located at Ballard Pier, Indira Dock, in South Mumbai.
Q: Where exactly is the Mumbai cruise terminal located? MICT is at Ballard Pier, Indira Dock, South Mumbai. It is very close to the Gateway of India, approximately 1.5 km away.
Q: When did the new Mumbai cruise terminal open? The MICT started operations on April 21, 2025, and was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 20, 2025.
Q: Which cruise ships sail from Mumbai? Cordelia Cruises (Cordelia Empress) is the primary domestic cruise line operating from Mumbai year-round. International cruise lines including Celebrity Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Crystal Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and Silversea also visit Mumbai as a port of call.
Q: How many ships can dock at the Mumbai cruise port at one time? The MICT can accommodate up to 5 large cruise ships simultaneously, each up to 300 metres in length.
Q: How many passengers can the Mumbai cruise terminal handle per day? The terminal can handle 10,000 to 15,000 passengers per day, with an annual capacity of around 1 million passengers.
Q: What is the Cruise Bharat Mission? The Cruise Bharat Mission is a Government of India initiative to grow India’s cruise tourism industry. It focuses on harbour cruises, river and inland cruises, and island-lighthouse cruises. MICT is a flagship project under this mission.
Q: Is there parking at the Mumbai cruise terminal? Yes. MICT has parking for 300+ vehicles.
Q: How do I get from Mumbai Airport to the cruise terminal? Take an Ola or Uber from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSIA) to Ballard Pier, Indira Dock. The journey is approximately 40–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Q: What documents do I need to board a cruise from Mumbai? For Cordelia Cruises (domestic), you need a valid Aadhaar card or Passport. For international cruise ships, a valid Passport (and possibly visa, depending on the itinerary) is required. Always check with your specific cruise line before travelling.
Q: Is there a cruise from Mumbai to Goa? Yes! Cordelia Cruises operates a Mumbai to Goa cruise, which typically takes 2 nights / 3 days. It is one of the most popular routes and a great alternative to flying if you want a more experiential journey.
Q: Is there a cruise from Mumbai to Andaman? Currently, there is no direct regular cruise service from Mumbai to Andaman. Government passenger ships to Andaman operate from Kolkata, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam (Vizag).
Q: How much does a cruise from Mumbai cost? Prices vary widely. A basic 2-night Mumbai round trip on Cordelia starts from around ₹20,000 per person. A Lakshadweep cruise starts at ₹51,500 per person. International cruise packages from Mumbai can go upwards of ₹1,50,000–₹3,00,000 per person depending on the line and cabin type.
Q: Can senior citizens travel on Cordelia Cruises? Yes, Cordelia Cruises is senior-friendly. The terminal has elevators and escalators for easy movement. The ship also has accessible facilities. That said, guests with mobility issues should inform the cruise line in advance.
Final Thoughts: Mumbai’s Cruise Future Is Now
Something real is happening at Ballard Pier.
For decades, Mumbai had this incredible natural harbour — and a cruise terminal that didn’t quite do it justice. Ships came and went, but nothing stuck. International cruise lines found Indian ports less attractive due to high taxes and poor infrastructure. Cruise tourism in India remained a niche thing.
That’s changing. The ₹556 crore MICT is a world-class facility by any measure. International cruise lines are scheduling Mumbai calls again. Cordelia has consistently high occupancy. Indian families are waking up to the idea that a cruise is not just something you do on a Europe or Caribbean trip — you can do it right here, from the city you live in, without a visa.
Whether you take a quick 2-night high seas cruise just to experience it, or book a 7-night voyage to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, the cruise port in Mumbai is ready for you.
Set sail. The Arabian Sea is waiting.
