The government’s goal is to increase cruise passenger traffic to 4 million and expand the number of cruise ships to 1,100 by 2047.
The cruise industry in India is experiencing a resurgence, with a few river cruises currently operational and exciting new routes in the planning stage. The cruise industry in India is poised for significant growth. The combination of a long coastline, cultural diversity, and a burgeoning middle class with increasing disposable income presented a unique opportunity for both domestic and international cruise lines. Pre-COVID estimates showed an annual passenger traffic of around 200,000 Indians cruising internationally. With the introduction and growth of domestic cruises like Cordelia Cruises, there are now an additional 200,000 Indians cruising within India every year. Given the trajectory, it wouldn’t be surprising if the combined number (domestic and international cruising) exceeds 1 million in the next few years.
The growing interest and enthusiasm for cruise travel among Indian travellers present a unique opportunity for the cruise industry to flourish. We can confidently say that the cruise industry in India is indeed well-positioned to capitalise on a significant surge in cruise holidays and sea-cations.
The cruise tourism industry is continually evolving, and there are several emerging trends and developments that one should be aware of. Today’s travellers seek unique experiences tailored to their preferences. The goal is to create unforgettable and meaningful experiences for our passengers.
Cordelia Cruises diversifies its offerings to attract a broader range of passengers. Multigenerational Indian cruising, with activities and amenities tailored to families, groups of friends and corporates is gaining popularity. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on wellness offerings, such as onboard fitness centres, spa facilities, and healthy dining options. Overall we tend to offer a wholesome travel experience to our guests on board wherein the hustle of finding a new hotel stay every time at a new location is cut down. Guests can party and enjoy their time onboard till late and be in their room safely in the least time possible. Cruising is becoming more of a lifestyle and it is also because of the – Everything under one roof- accessibility.
Cruises in India
- Angriya Cruise: This voyage operates between Mumbai and Goa, offering a unique experience.
- Cordelia sails: Cordelia Cruises( formerly known as Jalesh sails) offers sailings from Mumbai to destinations like Goa, Kochi &Lakshadweep.
- Secret of Sunderbans Jungle voyage by Antara Cruises
- Brahmaputra Maximum by Assam Bengal Navigation
New routes and planners are continually being explored by voyage drivers to diversify their immolations and attract further passengers. Cordelia voyage just started from Chennai to Sri Lanka as well. Four theme grounded littoral destination circuits are Gujarat Pilgrimage tours, West Coast – Cultural and scenic tours, South Seacoast – Ayurvedic heartiness tenures and East Coast – Heritage tourism.
Challenges
• Infrastructure: Developing and maintaining world-class cruise terminals and facilities at Indian ports was a significant challenge.
• Regulatory Framework: Clear and favorable regulations for the cruise industry were needed to encourage growth.
• Seasonality: The cruise season in India was limited due to monsoon and weather conditions, affecting the year-round operation of cruises.
The surge in cruise holidays indicated a growing interest among Indian travelers. Cruise operators and the government are likely to take note of this trend and make efforts to capitalize on it. The industry would need to continue investing in infrastructure, promoting cruise packages, and offering diverse itineraries to cater to this increasing demand effectively. The growth of the voyage assiduity in India would depend on a combination of factors, including structure development, favourable government programs, marketing sweats by voyage lines, and changing consumer preferences.
Read the full story that first appeared in the Nov 2023 issue of Hotelier India here:
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