Crystal Maldive: 10 nights from Mumbai with Crystal Symphony
18 Mar 2025

Mumbai

Mumbai, located on the west coast of India, is the commercial and entertainment capital of India as well as the third most densely populated city in the world. Thanks to its strategic port, the city handles nearly half of the entire country's cargo traffic. The name of the city, whose origin dates back to the 16th century, derives from the Hindu goddess, Mumbadevi, and from Aai, which means mother in the Marathi language.

The term was first coined by the Portuguese. Once they reached the country's shores, they decided to keep part of the old name. This pronunciation is still used by the Portoguese today. When the British first arrived in India in the 17th century, they decided to adapt it. As a consequence of this fact, on the one hand, the Marathi- and Gujarati-speaking populations retained the pronunciation 'Mumbai' or 'Mambai'. On the other hand, the form “Bambai” was chosen in Hindustani and Persian. The official choice of the city's name has long been the object of tension and political pressure on the government. In 1995, the government chose 'Mumbai' as the official name of the city. The old name has not been completely abandoned. Nowadays, it is still possible to use it informally and it still appears in the names of some official institutions and private bodies. If you think of lavish scenes rich in songs and dances, love stories full of drama and sets full of color and luxury, what is the first thing that comes to mind? I have no doubt, the right answer is only one: BOLLYWOOD.

Mumbay is undoubtedly reknown worldwide as the capital of Indian cinema. Known worldwide as Bollywood, the name is the perfect combination of the name Bombay and Hollywood. It is the world's largest film industry whose origins date back to the 19th century. If you are a movie lover and you want to immerse yourself in this culture there are a number of not to be missed attractions such as the SJ Studios, Regal Cinema, and the Bandstand Promenade. The city is full of not to be missed attractions. Colada is definitely one of the most distinctive and authentic areas of the city. It offers a wide range of attractions so you can immerse yourself in the local culture. There you have the opportunity to do a lot of things.

First of all, you have the opportunity to go shopping in local stores and enjoy a great coffee inside the well-known Leopold Cafe. Then, you can take a closer look at buildings and monuments from the English colonial period and one of the city's most iconic symbols, the Gateway to India. There are also many religious temples and places in the city. The most visited religious place by tourists each year is Shree Siddhivinayak.

It stands out for its beauty, majesty and the atmosphere full of chanting, incense that you can breath when visiting this place. Anyone who has visited this place describes themselves as a different person once they leave there, do you want to know more about your inner self and get more in touch with your spirituality, what are you waiting for? A visit to this magical place is the best choice for you! In a city rich in luxury and color, nightlife is guaranteed fun for all genres: from discos to cocktail bars and lounge bars with breathtaking views. In the city any time is good for partying! One of the best ways to reach the city is aboard a cruise ship. In addition to the beauty of the city, choosing a cruise ship that has Mumbai as a stop is the best choice for all those who want to discover the natural treasures and attractions of the Indian Ocean!