First cruiseliner of the year docks in Maldives with 479 tourists

The first cruiseliner of the year has arrived in the Maldives with 479 tourists.

Maldives Immigration said ‘MS Crystal Symphony’ arrived in the Maldives from Mahé, Seychelles, on Monday. The vessel carried 479 passengers and 491 crew members, all of whom were provided immigration clearance services.

Maldives typically sees cruiseliners arrivals at the beginning and end of each year, coinciding with the peak tourism season. However, despite marking 50 years in the tourism industry, the country still lacks sufficient infrastructure and resources to adequately serve cruiseliners.

The Seaport Division officers successfully provided en-route immigration clearance services for 479 passengers and 491 crew members aboard MS Crystal Symphony, which arrived in the Maldives on 12th January 2026 from Mahé, Seychelles. The vessel marks the first cruise ship arrival… pic.twitter.com/CV6fffOLPd

— Maldives Immigration (@ImmigrationMV) January 14, 2026

Tourism industry stakeholders have been expressing concern for years regarding lack of adequate facilities to improve the convenience of tourists who arrive in Male’ on cruise ships, including a dedicated yacht marina.

Mohamed Nasheed, president of the Maldives Association of Yacht Agents (MAYA), has expressed concern over the lack of a dedicated harbor for cruiseliners in the Maldivian capital.

Nasheed noted that there are only two locations in Male’ where the disembarkation of passengers from cruise ships is currently permitted – the No. 1 Jetty near the Republic Square and the one at the Fishermen’s Park – both of which are currently inaccessible.