Category Archives: Cruises

Joel Katz, MD (Australasia), CLIA, has said that cruise tourism is managed tourism. “Ships don’t just turn up. Visits are planned 2-3 years out and in coordination with local port authorities who manage the port bookings. Cruise tourism contributes to the economic vitality of ports, neighbouring communities and local residents.”

Costa Cruises recently celebrated the arrival of Costa Serena in Mumbai at an event on board the Italian flagged ship. Starting 4 November 2023 until 11 January 2023 Costa Serena is set to home port in Mumbai operating on a newly created program of 2,3,5 nights itineraries from Mumbai and Kochi, Goa and the beautiful Island of Agatti in Lakshadweep. Such a milestone on the 75-year anniversary of Costa was attended by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways along with Francesco Raffa, Director Asia Region & Growth Markets, Costa Cruises & Nalini Gupta, Lotus Aero Enterprises, GSA of Costa Cruises, and other senior Officials. On board Costa Serena guests will enjoy a wide range of international-style experiences, enriched with the Italian warm hospitality that has characterized Costa for 75 years of history. A local touch will also be featured: in particular, gastronomy and entertainment will be tailored to the tastes of Indian guests. The last itinerary celebrating the completion of its India program will also explore the spectacular Maldives. Costa Serena sailings in India are ideal for both families and couples. The cruises are also a great option for wedding ceremonies, groups, and corporate incentive travel, thanks to the ship being able to offer reserved areas and services. Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports stated, “We are offering our full support to the cruise line to home port their ships at Indian ports. We are ready to support further development of our port infrastructure to accommodate large cruise ships. It is a moment of pride for us that when the Mumbai Port completes 150 years, we have Costa coming back to offer domestic cruising options to …

A passenger ferry service provider in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Makruzz has been felicitated with the prestigious Maritime Excellence Award at the  Global Maritime Summit 2023 by Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways for their ‘ferry services-promoting urban based water transportation’. The company acknowledged the support of Andaman Administration, DG shipping, the Indian registrar of Ships and efforts of trade partners, passengers who chose Makruzz as mode of transport and team members. Makruzz, a ferry brand of Mak Logistics Pvt Ltd is a pioneering initiative by Mohamed H Jadwet, CS Ashok, and Krishnendu Kundu. They introduced India’s first private sector high speed catamaran passenger vessel in 2009.      

Addressing the audience virtually at the ongoing Global Maritime India Summit in Mumbai, PM Modi said, “We have taken many initiatives to develop maritime tourism in India. We started the world’s longest river cruise service. We are also working on various projects related to cruise tourism across ports like Mumbai’s new international cruise terminal, as well as the new and modern cruise terminals in Vizag and Chennai. We are taking major steps towards making India a major cruise hub.”

Learn more Costa Serena and its sailings ex–Mumbai & Cochin in November and December 2023 at this exclusive webinar today at 3pm. It will highlight specially curated itineraries for a truly international experience with an Indian touch. For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532. 

Learn more Costa Serena and its sailings ex–Mumbai & Cochin in November and December 2023 at this exclusive webinar today at 3pm. It will highlight specially curated itineraries for a truly international experience with an Indian touch. For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

Cordelia Cruises, India’s premium cruise line, has made a triumphant return to Mumbai this month, after a successful four-month posting in Chennai. Cordelia Cruises returned to the esteemed Mumbai port on the 23rd of September and it will homeport here till June 2024. After a series of successful sailings to Sri Lanka in June 2023, Cordelia became the first Indian cruise to set sail internationally. This represents a monumental stride in the Indian cruise operations and marks an achievement for the country. Cordelia Cruises embarked on an incredible journey, introducing a perfect blend of Indian hospitality and world-class amenities to more than 400,000 passengers since its inception. With a vision of transforming India’s vast coastline, which spans over 7,500 square kilometres, into a bustling hub for coastal tourism, Cordelia Cruises aims to propel the nation into the global cruise tourism industry spotlight.

Costa Cruises will be starting operations in India with the launch of their premier cruise Costa Serena, for India sailings. The cruise is also looking to extend the season until 10th January 2024, with one itinerary to Maldives-Mumbai-Cochin-Maldives-Mumbai. Alessandro De Masi, Consul General of Italy in Mumbai, also mentioned that the cruise will offer 100 per cent customisation for Indian guests. 

Learn more about the largest cruise ship in domestic waters – Costa Serena – and its sailings ex Mumbai and Cochin in November and December 2023 at this exclusive webinar on September 21 at 3pm. It will highlight specially curated itineraries for a truly international experience with an Indian touch. For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

Manoj Singh, Country Head India Norwegian Cruise Line shared, “Indian cruise traveller has moved away from single-island vacations towards more diverse, multi-destination experiences. There is a growing demand, and more people now want meaningful holidays.”