An Italian cruise liner, AIDA Stella,  carrying 2,650 tourists, has arrived in the Maldives, marking the second cruise ship visit to the country this month. 

The vessel, which caters to tourists from Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, docked in Malé on 14 May after departing from Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Maldives Customs Service confirmed clearance for 2,022 passengers and 628 crew members. This arrival makes AIDA Stella the 10th cruise liner to visit the Maldives in 2025.

Earlier this month, Indian cruise liner MS Notika brought in 610 tourists and 397 crew members. In March, MS Insignia Luxury, operated by Oceania Cruises, also made a stop in the Maldives, contributing to a growing number of cruise ship arrivals.

In response to rising demand, the Maldivian Government has announced plans to develop cruise-dedicated jetties in three regions of the country, alongside other initiatives to support cruise tourism.

Tourist arrivals in the Maldives have reached over 897,000 so far this year, with the Government targeting a total of 2.3 million visitors in 2025.