Celebrity Millennium, Spice Route Cruise. Fort Cochin, Backwaters, February 2026

Cochin, India. 

4th February 14:00 - 5th February 14:45 = Overnight Stay

4th February 2026 

We had received a lot of information about the Indian Immigration process at the port of Cochin. Mostly advising that it may take a long time and be prepared for slow moving ques. 

Because of this I did not pre book an activity for today. 

As the ship approached the port, the helicopter pad was opened up, and despite the water looking very dirty we saw Dolphins. 

The ship docked at 14:00, we were allowed off at 14:30. At the Immigration / customs counters, there were a lot of staff, and it took about 10 to 15 minutes to get through. It all went very smoothly.

Greeting at Willingdon Island, Cochin, India

Willingdon Island, Cochin, India

The ship had docked at Willingdon Island, Cochin. 

Once again at the port gates there were lots of taxis and Tuk Tuks offering tours. 

To get to Fort Cochin or Mattancherry Palace; located across the water from the Cruise Port,  we walked 10 minutes to the Willingdon Island Metro Station and got an electric ferry to Mattancherry Metro Station. 

The Metro Station and E-Ferry were brand new, very easy to use and cost about 50p !

Ferry, Cochin

Ferry, Cochin

Ferry, Cochin

Ferry, Cochin

Ferry, Cochin

At Mattancherry we got a Tuk Tuk with a very amusing driver calling him self 'Che Guevara', despite the instructions to take us directly to Vasco Da Gama Square we got a quick tour of Manttancherry - but it was too late to visit the palace. 

Fort Kochi  has been influenced by the Dutch,

the Portuguese, and British, and there many  

colonial buildings reflecting this history.

Once dropped of at Vasco Da Gama Square, we walked to the Chinese bamboo fishing nets at Fort Kochi Beach. 

Then along the beachfront passed the Dutch Cemetery.  St. Francis Church. Santa Cruz Basilica

as well as exploring the many heritage / boutique style hotels and chic art cafes. 

No hassling from anyone, no problems, just a lovely afternoon. 

We made our way back to the ferry and were back on the ship to enjoy an amazing local dance group, showing off many Indian dance styles. 

5th February 2026

Using TripAdvisor, I had booked a 'Backwater Village Eco Boat Cruise', with a pick up from the port.  Pick up time was 08.30, so we were off the ship and through immigration - easy again- for 08:15. 

As instructed a gentleman was holding a blue umbrella and he showed us to an airconditioned mini bus where the other 6 people doing the tour were already on the bus. 

As it was 'rush hour' took about and hour and a half to drive inland to start the tour. 

We boarded the boat and had glided through the calming backwaters just enjoying local life, birds and surprisingly crystal clean waters. 

Lunch was served and was delicious.

The drive back to the Ship was faster as there was less traffic. 

We had planned to get the ferry over to Mattancherry place and the Pepper Exchange, but as it was already 13.30, there was no time. So I was glad our Tuk Tuk driver,  Che had given us the quick tour yesterday.

All aboard was 14:45. As we sailed we went up on deck and watched Cochin and Fort Cochin slip away. 

I had really enjoyed it, and would visit again. The experience was better than Colombo, and I never expected that. 

As tomorrow was a sea day, we enjoyed the music trivia, Abba party and then Disco Never Dies.