Republic of Mauritius- Cruise ship is an important segment of the tourism industry of Mauritius, states Tourism Minister

In a statement, the Minister indicated that the cruise business segment contributes effectively to boosting activities in the tourism sector. Accordingly, he said, the Mauritius Ports Authority has embarked on the construction project of a cruise terminal so as to position the Port Louis Harbour as an attractive homeport for cruise vessels. He underlined that the project will be completed by the beginning of next year and it will provide necessary facilities so as to accommodate cruise vessels.

For his part, the Captain of the passenger vessel, Mr Tönnies Kohrs, highlighted that the AIDAblu, is the seventh ship operated by the cruise line, AIDA cruises. The vessel, he added, has a passenger capacity of up to 2600 persons, with some 630 crew members of 20 nationalities including Filipinos and Indians. The cruise itinerary comprises Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Reunion Island.

The characteristics and dimensions of the passenger vessel are as follows: overall length of 251,89 m, length between perpendiculars of 225,84 m, breadth moulded of 32,20m, design draught of 7,20m and height bulkhead deck of 9,60m. It comprises eight restaurants, four saunas and 14 decks.