Surat: A new cruise service connecting Hazira port in Surat (Essar Port) and Diu island will be launched by union Ports, Shipping and Waterways (Independent charge) minister Mansukh Mandaviya on 31st of March at 4.30 pm from Hazira (Surat) virtually.

A cruise ship will leave Hazira every Monday and Wednesday and reach Diu next day in the morning. Return journey will take place on the same day in the evening from Diu and end at Hazira next day in the morning. One side journey will take 13 to 14 hours time.

A 300-passenger capacity cruise ship will have 16 cabins. It will make two round trips in a week. It will take passengers to high-sea on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

A cruise ship has gaming lounge, VIP lounge, entertainment on deck etc latest facilities.

Around four months ago, ro-pax ferry service connecting Hazira (Surat) and Ghogha (Bhavnagar) was launched. It has so far carried over one lakh passengers in addition to thousands of vehicles.

According to Essar Ports, per head ticket cost for Diu-Hazira or Hazira-Diu one side journey will be Rs. 900 plus taxes. A return ticket for one person will cost Rs. 17,00. Those who seek cabin or VIP lounge wil be charged extra. DeshGujarat