MS Crystal Symphony’ Docks in Maldives with Over 300 Passengers
Photo: Maldives Immigration
The Sri Lankan cruise liner ‘MS Crystal Symphony’ arrived in the Maldives for the second time this calendar year on 23 March, bringing over 300 passengers and 477 crew members to the archipelago.
This marks the second visit of the ship to the Maldives in 2025, as confirmed by the Immigration Department. The vessel first arrived in January, with more than 200 passengers and 300 crew members onboard.
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Additionally, on 9 March, the ‘MS Zuiderdam’, another cruise ship from Colombo, Sri Lanka, arrived in the Maldives carrying 1,274 tourists and 751 crew members.
Recognising the significance of cruise tourism to the economy, the government has taken steps to bolster the sector. Efforts include the development of three specialised harbours in different regions to better accommodate cruise ships.
As a result of these initiatives, overall tourist arrivals to the Maldives have continued to rise. The Ministry of Tourism and Environment reported that the country has welcomed over 588,484 visitors so far this year, reflecting a positive trend in the growth of tourism.
