Most cruise ships will dock at the New Mangalore port. You will find a great cruise terminal here with souvenir shops.
The city center of Mangalore is about 10 km away from the cruise dock. Therefore most cruise lines will offer a shuttle service into town.
If you chose not to go with a shore excursion you can always grab a taxi or tuk tuk to the city. Visit our full Mangalore cruise port guide for more information about this.