The Port of Colombo hit another milestone by receiving the massive passenger vessel Artania on 13 February and on her way to Pulau We, Indonesia on 16 February, carrying mostly German passengers who were keen to have an experience of a lifetime.
This vessel operates under the German Shipping Company, Phoenix Reisen, and the Sri Lankan representative was Ceyline Maritime Services Ltd. Ground handling was done by Walkers Tours Ltd., and they covered tourist attractions such as Galle Fort, Unawatuna, Kandy, Kelaniya temple, Mount Lavinia beach, Colombo City Tour and finally shopping in Colombo. 
A Tourist Information Counter was established in the vessel by Sri Lanka Tourism, to provide useful information and guidance regarding Sri Lanka and its unique characteristics, and the visitors were seen as highly concerned to know more about this beautiful destination.
The vessel has the ability to carry a total occupancy of 1,200 and it carried 900 passengers this time and 420 crew members. Carrying the Bermudan Flag, the vessel is 755 ft in length, and the dining facilities include five restaurants.
In terms of health and fitness, nothing has been missed as there are five pools, five whirlpools, a gym, Canyon Ranch spa, beauty salon, basketball court, golf practice nets, and a shuffle board, etc., while the other facilities include modes of entertainment such as a Royal Court theatre, Queens Room ballroom, Illuminations planetarium, cinema, and classical music, G32 nightclub, library, Connexions internet centre, The Play Zone children’s club, and a Baby Zone.
Other facilities include shops, a bookshop, boardroom and a meeting room, photo studio, art gallery, photo gallery and a medical centre.
This gigantic cruise vessel embarked at the Colombo Port as a courtesy call, and also to explore the uniqueness of Sri Lanka as a travel destination and the scenic locations.
Cruise tourism plays an important role in boosting the tourism sector in Sri Lanka, thereby enabling more tourists to visit the destination. Sri Lanka receives several passenger ships a year, and this cruise arrival can be highlighted as one such moment where Sri Lanka will be known all around the world as an iconic travel destination, with so much to explore.
Sri Lanka Travel Feneteko