An Italian cruise liner, MS AIDA Stella, arrived in Malé on 14 May 2025, bringing with it over 2,000 international tourists and reinforcing the Maldives’ position as a highly desirable destination for cruise travelers. This marks the second passenger liner to call at Maldivian shores this month, reflecting a growing trend in the country’s cruise tourism sector.
The vessel, which departed from Colombo, Sri Lanka, docked at the Malé port with 2,022 passengers and 628 crew members on board. Operated by AIDA Cruises, the ship primarily caters to holidaymakers from Switzerland, Austria, and Germany—three key markets with a strong affinity for the Maldives’ pristine beaches and vibrant marine ecosystems.
The Maldives Customs Service confirmed that inward clearance was officially granted upon the ship’s arrival. With this visit, MS AIDA Stella becomes the 10th cruise liner to call at the Maldives in 2025.
Earlier this month, the Indian cruise liner MS Nautica docked in the Maldives on 4 May, bringing 610 passengers and 397 crew members from the Indian port of Mormugao. In March, the luxury cruise ship MS Insignia, operated by Oceania Cruises, also visited the country, contributing further to the year’s increase in cruise ship traffic.
Recognising the potential of cruise tourism as a vital contributor to the national economy, the Government of Maldives has launched a series of initiatives to enhance the sector. This includes the development of three cruise-dedicated harbours across key regions of the country, aimed at improving accessibility and operational capacity for international cruise liners.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, the Maldives has already welcomed more than 897,000 visitors in 2025. The government remains focused on reaching its ambitious target of 2.3 million tourist arrivals this year, with cruise ship visits playing an increasingly important role in achieving this milestone.
With its strategic location in the Indian Ocean and year-round appeal, the Maldives continues to attract a growing number of cruise lines seeking to offer their passengers an unforgettable tropical experience. The arrival of AIDA Stella underscores the nation’s expanding appeal among European travelers and signals continued momentum for the Maldivian tourism sector.
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