MV Seven Seas Mariner pulls into Thilawa Port in Yangon on October 29 carrying 506 passengers.

THE luxury cruise ship MV Seven Seas Mariner pulled into Thilawa Port in Yangon on October 29 carrying 506 international passengers and 463 crew members, said a spokesperson from travel company Myanmar Voyages International Tourism.

The vessel, run by US-based Regent Seven Seas Cruises, had travelled to Yangon from Penang Port in Malaysia.

The passengers, hailing from a range of countries including Spain, Canada and Russia, were treated to a traditional Myanmar dance performance on the cruise ship on their first night before being given the choice of a trip to Bagan, a trip to Mandalay, or sightseeing in Yangon, the spokesperson said.

The cruise ship departed Thilawa Port on October 31, heading for Phuket Port in Thailand, the spokesperson said.

She said the 218-metre MV Seven Seas Mariner was the second-biggest cruise ship to dock at Thilawa this year. In May the 238-metre Crystal Symphony had brought 793 passengers to the port.