Category Archives: Cruises

Essar Bulk Terminal Ltd (EBTL), part of ports business of Essar, today said that it a new cruise route from Hazira to Diu was launched from its passenger ferry terminal at Hazira Port, thus revolutionizing coastal transportation across the western coast of India and giving a boost to coastal tourism for the people of Gujarat. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ports, Shipping and Waterways & Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India flagged off the Ferry service at passenger terminal in Hazira through virtual presence. Under the Maritime Vision 2030, we are aiming for more than 350 cruise ships, 3000 plus cruise calls per annum, more than 3 cruise training academies and 5 million cruise passengers by 2030.  We are taking all-round steps to create perfect ecosystem for cruise industry.  The passenger ferry service has seen a giant leap with the development Hazira as a cruise tourism hub. This will also open up many opportunities for the tourism sector of Gujarat.” Jai Sofia, a cruise cum passenger ferry vessel with a capacity of 300 passengers will now sail in the inaugural route from Hazira to Diu. The vessel has all the facilities on board and provides a bouquet of services on board. The ferry services are being operated by SSR Marine Services Private Ltd Rajiv Agarwal, Managing Director – Essar Ports said, “This is a big milestone for us.  The Ferry Terminal was commissioned in record time and the ferry services through it are a significant addition to air, road, and rail-based connectivity along Indian coastline. It is part of our strategic plan to reduce congestion on roads, cut fuel consumption and limit air pollution. …

After a year-long hiatus, the Indian travel industry which was one of the hardest-hit sectors due to the pandemic is preparing for a big comeback as it takes the ‘Blue Route’. Cordelia Cruises by Waterways Leisure Tourism, a Dream Hotel Group venture will begin its cruise operations in India from May 2021. Cordelia Cruises will be India’s premium cruise liner cruising along the west and east coast of India to domestic destinations like Goa, Diu, and Lakshadweep and international destinations like Colombo, Galle, Trincomalee, Jaffna, and the Maldives. The group plans to invest approx. USD 300 million in the next 3 to 5 years for the development of the cruise sector in India. Waterways Leisure Tourism has forayed into the Indian cruise industry under the maiden brand, Cordelia Cruises, and is affiliated with the Dream Hotel Group which is a hotel and brand management company with more than 30 years of experience in managing properties around the world.  Asserting his belief in the potential of the Indian cruise market, Founder and Chairman of the Dream Hotel Group, Padma Bhushan Shri Sant Singh Chatwal, says, “Success through innovation has been the foundation for all our brands over the last three decades. We have seen the growth and evolution of cruise tourism around the world. With 7500 km of coastline and recent initiatives by the Indian government for coastal development, India is ready for cruising. There’s tremendous potential in the cruise market and we are confident that Cordelia Cruises will lead this new era of travel through experience and innovation. Incredible India will soon be an Incredible cruise destination as well for travellers around the world.”  

Antara Luxury River Cruises announces an exclusive sailing departure along the stunning riverscapes of the Ganges to celebrate the Festival of Colours, Holi. Europe on the Ganges, Holi Special, a 3-day itinerary will sail from and to Kolkata starting 27 March. Celebrating the festival in the traditional Radha-Krishna style with Organic gulals, pichkaaris with scented water, petals of Marigold, the cruise will sail to the island of Mangaldweep for a memorable Holi party. From there, a stop at Serampore, a pre-colonial city on the banks of the river will include a heritage walk through the Danish taverns and other historic sites. The intimate, ALL-SUITE, state-of-the-art, and environmentally-friendly luxury ship GangesVoyager II will lead the exclusive Holi departure. With only 28 luxury suites on the vessel and stringent health & safety protocols, the cruise is a perfect setting for a safe and immersive travel experience. The Holi Special was announced at the heels of Antara Cruises’ much-coveted sailing to the largest mangrove forest of the world, the UNESCO World Heritage region of the Sunderbans. Hailedrevolutionary for conscious and transformational tourism in the region, the never-done-before, one-of-a-kind journey included awareness sessions about Sundarbans’ unique eco-system, local experiences, wildlife sightings, along with ALL-INCLUSIVE and UNMATCHED hospitality, Anantara Cruises’ signature. Known to craft unforgettable experiences with its lavish onboard facilities, French balconies and expansive spaces, Michelin-inspired dining, expert-led on-board, and off-board activities, butler services, and impeccable hospitality, Antara Cruises are redefining travel experiences, event celebrations, and experiential journeys for the Indian and overseas audiences. Speaking on leading the luxury river cruising concept in India, Co-founder and COO of AntaraCruises, Hemant Mediratta says, “We are excited at the overwhelming response that our cruise has received in such a short span …

Announcing its Bespoke Charter offering, Antara Cruises is now sailing the Ganges, crafting exclusive, intimate, and unforgettable event experiences for private group holidays, incentives, and life celebrations. Owned by pioneers of luxury river cruising in the region, Heritage River Journeys, AntaraCruises are redefining travel experiences, event celebrations, and experiential journeys for Indian and overseas audiences. Keeping with Antara Cruise’s bespoke ALL-INCLUSIVE hospitality, the ALL-SUITE, state-of-the-art, and environmentally-friendly luxury ships Ganges Voyager I and Ganges VoyagerII are leading the charter experiences starting this October. Family reunion holidays, intimate weddings, milestone celebrations, or be it a corporate retreat, the charters offer a perfect setting for private groups looking for truly unique, luxurious and experiential travel and for those who seek to connect together in more meaningful ways. Besides the lavish facilities on-board, which includes the ‘all-suite’ offering, French balconies, expansive social spaces, plush-on-board amenities, unique gastronomy experiences, wellness, sunrise yoga, butler service, expert-led on-board, and off-board activities; customization and personalization is part of the key offerings to guests. Antara’s bespoke hospitality services and a dedicated coordinator will ensure that the cruise customization is one-of-a-kind, stress-free and fun also incorporating the guests’ personal finishing touches to create an unforgettable occasion for friends and family on board. Mr Raj Singh, Chairman of the group and a pioneer in river cruising in India, has over the last 15 years collaborated with some of the leading international luxury river cruise brands to offer the Ganges cruise experiences under Heritage River Journeys and he says “The modern-day Indian luxury consumer is incredibly dynamic, undergoing radical changes, they are seeking luxuries that were never available before and we aim to introduce them to the Antara experience – Imagine an ultra-luxury ship that is all yours, …

The Goa government has granted an extension of 6 months to the off-shore casinos operating on Mandovi river in Panaji till an alternate location is recommended to them. Vessels with casinos can continue their operations for another 6 months from 31 March to 30 September.  

New luxury cruise brand, Cordelia Cruises is all set to start its maiden sailing from 7th May, 2021 from Mumbai to various destinations including Goa, Kochi and Chennai with its first ship that has a capacity of 2,000 individuals. The ship was earlier owned by Royal Caribbean. Waterways Leisure Tourism had bought over the cruise brand Jalesh Cruises.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Sagarika International Cruise Terminal at Cochin and said that Government of India is taking many efforts to improve tourism related infrastructure in Kerala. “The inauguration of this International Cruise Terminal is one example of this. It brings both comfort and convenience for tourists,” he said.

The Government of India, the Government of West Bengal and the World Bank signed a US$ 105 million project to improve the inland water transport infrastructure in Kolkata, West Bengal. In the first phase, the project will enhance the capacity and improve the safety of the Inland Water Transport system; including rehabilitating existing jetties and buying new ferries.

Sharing news about a new cruise brand, Jurgen Bailom, President & CEO, Cordelia Cruises, says, “I am excited to share news of the launch of luxury cruise brand Cordelia Cruises with its first ship The Empress that has a capacity of 2,000 individuals. It was earlier owned by Royal Caribbean. We are working on adding a second ship to the line.” Waterways Leisure Tourism had recently bought over the brand Jalesh Cruises.

Antara Luxury River Cruises recently hosted around 20 luxury travel planners for a familiarisation trip which started from Kolkata. It was the maiden voyage of Antara Cruises to explore ‘Europe on the Ganges’, and the trip lasted for two nights and three days. The luxury river cruise brand was launched in August this year.