Cruise Port Mumbai, India

The Port of Call of Mumbai, India

Mumbai International Airport officially is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), formerly known as Sahar International Airport. It is the second busiest airport in India in terms of passenger traffic.

The first thing you’ll need to understand when visiting India is you’re going to be engaging with the Indian bureaucracy a lot. First you need a visa and after that you’ll deal with immigration and that is probably not just once. Indian officials will check your passport and on several occasions they will give you additional papers (passes, landing cards etc.). Don’t question it just add these to your papers – someone will probably ask for them later.

Transportation From The Airport – Taxis are a convenient and reasonably inexpensive way to travel to and from Mumbai International Airport. In planning your trip you will probably be quoted on a number of options for getting to your hotel or the cruise pier by hotels, tour companies and transfer services and they can run well over US$100. On a recent trip our prepaid* taxi ride from the airport to Marine Drive cost under US$20. *Prepaid taxis are available at a stand outside baggage claim near the taxi exit at the airport, and you can also use ride-hailing services like Uber that are waiting right in the taxi stand area. (Most Uber cars are identified by whole car graphics)

Visas, Immigration, Landing Passes – Most visitors to India will need a visa (available HERE). It’s important to understand that official government employees in India take their jobs very seriously and the country runs on red tape. You should expect to have documents checked at numerous locations and be given any number of forms and papers that allow you to proceed through a surprising number of checkpoints.

Where your Ship Docks

Cruise ships dock near the commercial piers at the International Cruise Terminal (Green Gate) located in the harbor area north of Gateway of India. Getting into the port may require using a port licensed taxi and even then you may have to do some walking (official security).

Wheelchair Accessibility

Disembarking – This port has a developing cruise ship pier but you can expect broken pavement and potholes. The ease of disembarking varies by the individual ships gangway designs. The cruise pier disembarks right into downtown but there may be a walk to get out of the port along with security check points. For passengers using wheelchairs there can be moderate inclines to deal with in several locations.

Port City Characteristics – This port area has a reasonably flat geography but there are typically difficult streets and sidewalks to navigate. Wheelchair infrastructure is below average for large cities. The waterfront and near port area has few inclines in sidewalks but intersection crosswalks may have curbs or other wheelchair obstacles.

About Mumbai

The Mumbai population as of 2023 is estimated to be around 20.9 million, making it the most populous city in India and the seventh most populous city in the world. Mumbai is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, averaging over 20,000 people per square kilometer. This high density has led to challenges such as crowding on public transport, traffic congestion and pollution.

Transportation

Mumbai has a number of public bus routes and commuter trains and it’s common practice for locals, during rush hours, to line up to share taxis. City traffic is heavy and chaotic and caution should be taken when crossing streets even with the lights. Taxis and Uber are not expensive and your best option, especially around the major visitor areas. Be sure and negotiate and agree on a fare before getting in the vehicle.

Local Currency

The local currency is the Rupee and it is the preferred payment method. Credit cards are usually accepted at hotels and some restaurants but use caution. There are numerous international ATMs and many hotels will change currency but at a higher rate. The US Dollar to Indian Rupee is about 1.00 USD = 83.5 INR but download a currency app for current rates.

Tours

Because of the city’s large size, to see the highlights, it is advisable to look into packaged tours either through the ship or with recognized tour companies. Through a personnel referral we booked several private tours with a local licensed guide (Highlights, Dharavi Slums and Elephanta Island) which we felt were well worth the cost. You can contact him directly:

Our Mumbai Guide

Ahed Syed – Email: sayedahad02@gmail.com – Phone: +919867722048 and mention The Intentional Traveler (We do not get any commission or credit)

Mumbai’s Major Markets Mumbai is home to a diverse range of markets, each offering unique shopping experiences. From traditional bazaars to modern malls, here are some of the most popular markets in the city:

• Crawford Market (Above): Known for its fresh produce, spices, and dry fruits.
• Chor Bazaar: A flea market where you can find antiques, vintage clothing, and other unique items.
• Zaveri Bazaar: The largest gold market in India, offering a wide variety of jewelry. 

Attractions

Elephanta Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Mumbai Harbour, India. It is home to several ancient caves and rock-cut sculptures, including the famous Trimurti statue of Lord Shiva. Read more HERE.

To get to the island, you can take a ferry from the Gateway of India in Mumbai. The ferry ride takes about an hour and costs around 200 rupees.

The Gateway of India is a large basalt-made triumphal arch in Mumbai. It was erected to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary in India in 1911.

Marine Drive is a 3.6-kilometer-long boulevard in South Mumbai. It is a popular tourist destination and is often referred to as the “Queen’s Necklace” due to its shape.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum, originally named Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, is a museum in Mumbai which documents the history of India from prehistoric to modern times. It was founded during the British rule of India in the early years of the 20th century when the city was still called Bombay. Prominent citizens with the help of the government financed the building to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales.

Juhu Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Mumbai, known for its’ vibrant atmosphere and delicious street food stalls. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing evening by the beach, indulge in local snacks or take a camel ride along the shore.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), formerly known as Victoria Terminus, is a historic railway station in Mumbai. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and showcases a blend of Victorian Gothic and traditional Indian architecture. The station is a bustling hub of activity and a symbol of Mumbai’s rich heritage.

Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya Museum is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and his life and work. It was once the Mumbai residence of Gandhi and now houses a library, photo exhibition, and artifacts related to the Indian independence movement.

Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, formerly known as the Victoria and Albert Museum, is the oldest museum in Mumbai. It showcases the cultural heritage and history of the city through its’ collection of artifacts, sculptures and exhibits. The museum’s architecture and displays offer a glimpse into Mumbai’s cultural past.

Our Hotel

InterContinental Marine Drive Mumbai is a 5-star luxury hotel located on Marine Drive in Mumbai. It offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and is close to many of the city’s attractions. By international standards, rates were reasonable and the location is near attractions and restaurants. The sunsets from the roof bar are almost worth the stay.

Tipping And Restaurants

As a general rule of thumb, tipping in restaurants and for services should range from 5-10% of the total amount for most service providers. If you have been provided exceptional service, top it up by an extra 3 to 5%. You should tip a taxi driver by rounding up the fare to the nearest ten. If you book a driver/guide or taxi for the day, you should tip 50-100 rupees depending on service. Airport shuttle drivers should be tipped 50 rupees.

There are GST (General Service Taxes) in most restaurants with rates of 5%, 12%, or 18%. For nice restaurants and ones in tourist areas, don’t be surprised if the check comes with some creative add-on charges as well.