Indians Cruise Along In Style

Luxury cruises catch on with experimental Indians craving offbeat and customised experiences.

- NEETA LAL

FLOATING OVER shimmering water bodies, gourmet meals, world-class entertainment and immersive offshore excursions. All this and more is now possible on luxury cruises that Indians have taken to like, well, fish to water. According to a tourism ministry forecast, the Indian cruise market will surge from ₹20,000 crore at present to ₹35,500 crore by 2041, with passenger count doubling from two million to four million. Cordelia Cruises and Antara River Cruises are among the biggest, catering to a burgeoning clientele looking for everything from onboard shopping to facilities for corporate events and even Big Fat weddings. “The craze for cruising can be attributed to a blend of factors that cater specifically to the evolving preferences of modern travelers, especially Gen X and millennials,” says Jurgen Bailom, president and CEO of Waterways Leisure Tourism, which runs Cordelia Cruises. “This demographic seeks vacations with convenience, variety and opportunity for unique experiences which luxury cruises provide in abundance.” Bailom adds cruises serve as an “all-inclusive solution,” eliminating the hassle of planning every aspect of a vacation such as accommodation, transport and meals. In addition, cruises offer a plethora of onboard activities, ensuring there is something for every type of traveler from adrenaline seekers to those looking to unwind. “This comprehensive approach to vacationing, which combines convenience, diversity, exploration and eco-friendliness, as well as a strong emphasis on personalised service, is driving the segment’s growth,” says the cruise operator.