Enthusiasm to Work on Cruise Ships

Due to growing demand, the MMTA is forced to organize training courses for a group of 25 students per month in the area of safety and first aid. The courses are for a period of about six weeks. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Transportation insists that the MMTA is the only institution authorized to provide training in order to work on cruise ships and other vessels.

The public is advised that only the institution is authorized to issue 'Safety Certificates'. Other institutions, which are not approved by the ministry and that issue these certificates, shall be punished by law.

On the other hand, according to forecasts by the Mauritius Ports Authority (MPA), about a dozen cruise ships are expected by the end of the year 'Cruise Terminal' Les Salines. This is especially towards the end of 2013 these ships come in Mauritian waters. In total, they will carry on board between 15 000 and 17 000 tourists from Europe.

According to forecasts by the MPA, the year 2013 will be better than 2012. Last year, it was about ten ships that had indicated their intention to land at 'Cruise Terminal' Les Salines. These pleasure craft had carried about 11,318 passengers. According to a senior official of the MPA, the demands made by these ships to dock in Les Salines are very encouraging, especially in a difficult economic environment in Europe.

It was in 2008 that the MPA had initiated actions to grant the contract to build the 'Cruise Terminal' to Afcons Infrastructure Ltd.. The project at a cost of Rs 450 million, was completed in 2009. The 'Cruise Terminal' has a jetty 124 meters long and 14 wide. It can accommodate cruise ships 300 meters long. Equipped with cameras, the pier has two entrances, one for passengers and one for vehicles.

The first cruise ship to have used the Cruise Terminal is the Costa Romantica, January 30, 2010. Several facilities are offered to tourists near the Cruise Terminal, including customs, tour operators, shipping agents, taxis and rest rooms.