Mumbai’s Ballard Pier delivered a striking display of hospitality on Tuesday as Royal Caribbean’s Celebrity Millennium—one of the flagship vessels of the world’s second-largest cruise operator—glided into the city with 2,062 passengers on board.
What greeted them was more than a routine arrival. The terminal came alive with cultural rhythms, curated performances, and a warmth that felt unmistakably Mumbai. The pier’s guiding philosophy was evident at every touchpoint: an arrival should feel like a welcome, not a checkpoint.
For hundreds of travellers taking their first steps into India, the experience was smooth, intuitive, and inviting. As the day continued, preparations for the ship’s next departure with 2,096 embarking guests unfolded seamlessly. Check-in teams, ground handlers, and hospitality staff worked with quiet precision — offering assistance with smiles, guiding guests through the terminal, and ensuring a stress-free transition from city to ship.
Captain Pierre Caruana of the Celebrity Millennium noted the transformation since the vessel’s previous call.
“The change is extraordinary. The hospitality has been outstanding. We look forward to returning to Ballard Pier. It’s impressive to see how rapidly the cruising experience in Mumbai — and across India — is advancing,” he said.
