Chennai, June 20 -- In a major boost to India's cruise tourism sector and maritime infrastructure, the luxury cruise vessel MV Empress arrived at Chennai Port, marking the formal launch of an extensive cruise season that will see 21 voyages scheduled over the next three months.

According to officials, the Chennai Port handled a record-breaking 3,600 passengers in a single-day operation, efficiently managing the simultaneous movement of 1,800 disembarking and 1,800 embarking travellers. The development further strengthens Chennai's position as a key maritime gateway to Southeast Asia.

A senior official of the Chennai Port Authority said the port successfully executed the large-scale passenger transition with "precision planning and seaml...