The Maldives Association of Yacht Agency (MAYA) has announced that nine cruise liners are expected to arrive in the Maldives this year, bringing approximately 12,000 tourists.
These cruise liners will dock at Male’ City, Addu City, and Haa Alif Atoll. Tourism Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has stated that the cruise liner industry is a major focus for the Maldivian tourism and economic sectors, particularly because it can benefit businesses located in and around the capital city of Male.
Tourism Minister further stated that cruise liner passengers typically do not spend the night at resorts and hotels because they have already planned to spend money on the cruise liner. “However, if the Maldives can offer appealing ways for these passengers to spend their money while in the country, it has the potential to increase revenue.” He added.
The largest of the nine cruise liners scheduled to arrive in the Maldives is the MS Costa Deliziosa, which has a capacity of 2,826 passengers and is set to arrive next month.
Cruise liners scheduled to arrive in the Maldives this year include: