Topic: Sri Lanka set for cruise holiday boom as Arcadia arrives

The arrival of the P&O Cruises vessel the Arcadia in Sri Lanka could be the first of many in the region, according to tourism officials.



The Southern Asian nation is the latest region to be hit by the cruise holiday bug, following the emergence of the industry in regions like the United Arab Emirates.

Arcadia’s arrival represents a major coup for Sri Lankan tourist officials too, with an estimated 2,100 visitors on board, according to news360lk.

This influx of holidaymakers is likely to provide a major boost to the Sri Lankan economy, with passengers set to disembark at the Colombo Port.

The Arcadia is arguably one of the most luxurious cruise ships of its type, with a total of 11 decks offering restaurants, a gym, an auditorium and a state-of-the-art swimming pool.

According to a statement from the Sri Lanka Tourism:“Having set sail from the UK on the 3rd of January this year, the vessel was berthed at Cochin, India, just before resuming its journey to Colombo.”

The arrival could be the first of many to the country though, with 20 luxury ships already confirmed for the coming year and a record figure of 950,000 tourists expected.

Would you ever consider a cruise in Sri Lanka?