The Indian cruise ship, RV KindatPandaw, arrived in Barishal on a two-day visit carrying 31 tourists from Australia, US, UK, Canada, Switzerland, and Ireland.
The 187 feet long by 29 feet wide vessel anchored at the Steamer Ghat adjacent to Barishal Naval Port at 1 pm on Wednesday afternoon, said BIWTA Barishal Joint Director MdSelim.
The shallow draft vessel, built in Mynamar in 2014, is carrying twelve tourists from Australia, four from the US, eight from the UK, four from Canada, two from Switzerland, and one from Ireland, he said.
There are also 21 crew members onboard the vessel. The tourists were set to leave the Steamer Ghat after visiting the floating market and guava garden at Swarupkathi in PirojpurThursday morning, Selim also said.
Earlier on Wednesday afternoon, the tourists visited the 100-year-old Oxford Mission Church in Barishal city.
According to Father John SPD of Oxford Mission Church, the 31 elderly tourists were excited to visit the church. Their next destination is Chandpur.
The double-deck vessel has all modern safety amenities in case of any emergency while there are excellent open spaces for anyone to watch and enjoy the scenic beauty as the vessel cruises along the rivers.
The services on board include bistro style dining room with outside seating and air-conditioning inside.
Experienced international culinary team cooks the semi-buffet breakfast, semi-buffet lunch, and seated theme dinners.