Goa Cruise Stop Shock! Mormugao Port Reality Check

Today on Travels With the Russells, we arrive in Goa on our Celebrity Millennium Asia cruise — a destination famous for idyllic beaches, blue seas, and laid-back vibes. Or so we thought… Instead of palm-fringed sands, we dock at Mormugao Port (pronounced Mar-ma-goa), Goa’s main industrial harbour, located on a narrow peninsula jutting into the Arabian Sea. This is a working port, not a tourist one — and that makes a huge difference to your cruise day experience. With the exception of the historic St Francis Xavier Church, there is very little to see or do directly in the port area. There are no shuttle buses, the main town is around 25 miles away, and taxis are the only option — often at eye-watering prices aimed squarely at cruise passengers. In this vlog, Julie and I share an honest, boots-on-the-ground look at what cruise visitors can really expect when arriving in Goa by ship. We explain why this is one port where an organised shore excursion is strongly recommended, especially if you want to see Goa’s famous churches, old Portuguese architecture, markets, or countryside. As senior travellers, we’re not here to lie on beaches — we prefer to see them, photograph them, and understand the places we visit. That’s why we focus on practical advice, real costs, walkability (or lack of it), and whether a port stop is worth exploring independently. If you’re planning a cruise to India or Goa, this video could save you time, money, and a lot of frustration. 👉 Join our Facebook community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/372710791279047/ If you enjoy honest cruise port reviews, real travel experiences, and friendly, down-to-earth advice, please like, subscribe, and comment — it really helps the channel.