The Maldives has marked its first cruise ship arrival of 2026 with the docking of MS Crystal Symphony, bringing nearly 1,000 passengers and crew to the country.

According to Maldives Immigration, the vessel arrived on 12 January from Mahé, Seychelles.

Officers from the Immigration Seaport Division successfully carried out en-route immigration clearance for 479 passengers and 491 crew members onboard the cruise ship.

The arrival comes as the Maldives prepares for the peak tourism season, during which the country is expected to see a steady increase in visitor arrivals through air and sea routes.

Tourism figures indicate a positive start to the year, with approximately 93,000 tourists having arrived in the Maldives so far in 2026, reflecting continued momentum in the sector.