Category Archives: Cruises

Norwegian Star, one of the flagship vessels of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), made her triumphant arrival to the Indian region as part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s voyages in Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Manoj Singh, Country Head, India – Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, says, “The return of the newly-refurbished Norwegian Star to India reinforces our commitment to the Asian region, following the opening of our India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and China offices last year. We have always viewed this region as a hot bed for growth and have planned to roll out some incredible offerings for the region in the coming months. One of those offerings include Norwegian Cruise Line’s most innovative ship to date, the Norwegian Joy which had been developed especially with the Chinese market in mind. We plan on introducing this new ship in July 2017.” Other key initiatives include the coming of Norwegian Jewel to the Asia Pacific region starting from November 2017, home porting in Australia with an exciting array of domestic and Trans-Tasman sailings. Norwegian Jewel’s sensational 2018/19 Asia itineraries will be announced in the coming months and seek to provide travelers a diverse selection of experiences in line with the brands signature Freestyle Cruising concept. NCLH’s premium cruise brands, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas are also operating Asian itineraries this year. Meanwhile, Seven Seas Voyager, one of the most luxurious ships in NCLH’s ultra-premium all-inclusive Regent Seven Seas brand is also based in Asia until April this year, fresh from an extensive 25-day refurbishment in November as part of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ $125 million fleet-wide refurbishment program.

Australian Pacific Touring (APT), represented by InterGlobe AirTransport (IGAT) as its exclusive sales agency in India for luxury cruise and tours, introduced its premium products for river cruising in Vietnam, Cambodia and Europe. The product education through roadshows for the travel agents began in New Delhi and will be followed by Bengaluru and Mumbai on March 22 and March 23 respectively. IGAT is responsible to market and promote these products in the India market to their vast network of travel partners through roadshows, educational workshops and product presentations. Sunil Talreja, Vice President-International Passenger Sales, InterGlobe Air Transport, said, “This is a new venture for us and we are very excited about it. I feel the reach that we can provide to APT with our pan-India network is unmatched. Initially we will focus on large markets of the metro cities namely Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. It is not a run of the mill product and we intend to spread awareness and identify our uniqueness in te market as the first step.” According to Craig James, Strategic Parterships Manager, APT Global Head Office, India is a multi generational market and there is a lot of scope to educate the segments on river cruising which is very different from an ocean cruise. “The Magnificent Europe is one the most popular products which is from Amsterdam to Budapest for 14 nights and 15 days. We are unique as we offer three royal experiences that money can’t buy, once in a lifetime opportunity which includes an exclusive invitation to the Namady Castle, day trip on Majestic Imperator and a cocktail reception and concert at Vienna’s High Baroque-style City Palace,” said James.

A new cruise tourism policy is underway to position India on the global map for cruising and efforts are on to identify such circuits, besides a slew of steps, to boost infrastructure, informed Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping, Government of India. “A high-level task force has been appointed and top global consultants are drawing up blueprint for it,” said Gadkari. Five circuits each are being identified for international and domestic cruise services and a report is likely by May this year. Steps to promote cruise tour include relaxation of policies and developing infrastructure. “The government is very keen to promote cruise tourism as India has vast opportunities,” added Gadkari. India saw 1.76 lakh cruise passengers in 2016-17, a merely 0.5 per cent of the global pie. Domestic cruise passengers are estimated to grow to 1.5 million by 2031-32. Of the 12 major ports, only five namely Mumbai, Goa, Cochin, New Mangalore and Chennai have facilities to berth international cruise ships. One of the circuits identified so far is coastal circuit for development of coastal tourism infrastructure. A decision has also been taken to have passenger terminals at all major ports to cater to cruise tourists. The government is developing a modern 2 lakh square feet terminal in Mumbai at an estimated cost of Rs 225 crore to make it a landmark destination, which will have infrastructure to accommodate cruise ships with size for 4,000 passengers. The project includes hospitality, retail, shopping, restaurants and will allow general visitors during non-cruise seasons.   Source: The New Indian Express/ PTI

TIRUN, the exclusive India representative for Royal Caribbean International announces the news of the global cruise line’s newest addition, Symphony of the Seas, the world largest cruise ship. PortMiami’s Terminal A, will herald the arrival of what will be the most astounding cruise ship in size and luxury that the world has ever seen. She and Oasis-class sister ship Allure of the Seas, each with a bold and unexpected lineup of thrilling experiences that have revolutionised the cruise industry, will unite in November 2018 to offer island-hopping adventures through the Caribbean from the Magic City and add Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis to other marquee Oasis-class ports of call. Symphony’s inaugural year of Europe and Caribbean itineraries are now available to book; Allure of the Seas’ 2018-2019 itineraries will open for sale later in the month. Ratna Chadha, Chief Executive, TIRUN Travel Marketing said, “We are delighted and absolutely thrilled to share the news about Symphony of the Seas with Indian cruise enthusiasts, the fourth in the widely-celebrated category of Oasis-class cruise ships led by Royal Caribbean. Symphony of the Seas will claim the title of the world’s largest and most adventure-filled cruise ship, offering more and latest amenities, innovations and thrilling experiences even than her newest sister ship Harmony of the Seas. It’s the absolute, unparalleled best that the line has to offer and no other ship in the world comes close. With best-in-line services, impeccable amenities on board and sheer grandeur for visual appeal, Symphony will really make for the ultimate holiday experience as far as discerning Indian guests are concerned and will enhance their propensity to opt for cruise vacations like never before.” The 26th ship in …

Crystal Cruises offering luxury ocean cruises, river yacht cruises and yacht expeditions showcased its offering to the Indian travel trade in Mumbai. Speaking on the occasion Edie Rodriguez, President and CEO, Crystal Cruises, said, “Crystal Cruises touches all seven seas and all seven continents. In the year 2018 our ship will be docking Mumbai for 3 nights. We look for Indians who want to fly away and sail in our cruises around the world.  We are an all inclusive brand so we offer tremendous value and experience for the price to our guests.  Crystal cruises consists of two vessels Symphony and Serenity each hosts about 1,000 guests and do itinerary of around the world from 5 nights to 128 nights.” One of its four world cruises which will be leaving in January 2018 from Cape Town, South Africa will make its way across India touching several ports in India in the first quarter of 2018. As fly away vacations in the month of august Crystal Cruises will be launching crystal air cruises around the world by private jet as well as crystal luxury which is the bombardier global express having a 12 seat capacity. Crystal Air Cruises which will be launched in August 31 this year which will consist of a 777 aircraft which usually has a seating capacity of 350 guests has been configured for only 84 guests offering flatbed crystal exclusive class seating. Air cruises will take guests around the world for 2, 3 and 4 weeks. This year in summer Crystal Cruises will be taking delivery of two new river vessels which will be doing Rhine-Main in Danube. In the mid 2019 it will take delivery of …

Continuing with its agenda to promote cruising from Singapore, the Singapore Tourism Board in India will conduct a second edition of its ‘India Cruise Forum’ on March 30, 2017 in Mumbai. Revealing this is G.B. Srithar, Regional Director (SAMEA), International Group, Singapore Tourism Board (STB), who says, “The format will remain more or less the same as last year. We will get the main cruise lines operating out of Singapore together with cruise industry veterans. The day-long forum will also have panel discussions that will talk about cruising in general, trends, insights into the workings of the Indian cruise industry and opportunities with key players across the value chain. India is Singapore’s number one international source market for cruising.” Dream Cruises has announced that its inaugural vessel, Genting Dream, will be home ported year-round in Singapore starting from December 3, 2017. This marks a first for Singapore to host a brand-new and large-scale 151,300-tonne cruise ship year-round.

Hurtigruten has appointed Cruise Professionals as its exclusive GSA for India and Sri Lanka. The Norwegian cruise company aims to grow revenue opportunities and establish wider distribution in these two markets. By enhancing their commitment in India and Sri Lanka, the management of both companies aims to make Hurtigruten a major exploration cruise brand in India with significant growth in the years ahead. Recognising the need for a concentrated brand and product development strategy to service India and Sri Lanka, William Harber, Hurtigruten’s President for China & Asia-Pacific, says, “Our partnership with Cruise Professionals will enable the rapid expansion of our exploration cruising and coastal Norway products. This association leverages Cruise Professionals’ expertise in managing distribution.  Their operating model and strengths in sales and marketing will deepen current relationships and create future trade arrangements across India and Sri Lanka.” Nishith Saxena, Founder & Director of Cruise Professionals says, “Hurtigruten and Cruise Professionals association has come at a time when a large section of Indian travellers are seeking a different experience that goes beyond the normal cruising options. We shall make Hurtigruten easy for the travel agent to sell and deliver a complete solution for adventurous travellers by educating the trade about these unique voyages offered to some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.”

InterGlobe Air Transport (IGAT) has been appointed as the exclusive sales agency in India for luxury cruise and tour operator APT. IGAT shall be responsible for promoting and selling APT’s eligible products in the country, the development of  sales channels and the marketing of APT products through promotions, roadshows and product presentations. IGAT will promote three main APT products in India: APT River Cruising programs in Europe, Vietnam & Cambodia; APT Small Ships cruise program; and APT Land Touring program (various destinations). Commenting on the partnership, Ajay Bhatnagar, Business Head, InterGlobe Air Transport, said, “We at InterGlobe are delighted to be associated with APT River Cruises headquartered in Australia and operates some of the world’s leading luxury tour operations. We are confident of support from our trade partners who will find the offerings very compelling for their discerning clients. The programs will be rolled out with an aim to ensure availability of products to summer vacation travellers in India.” Damian Borg, Channel Strategy Manager, APT said, “APT is excited to have found an ideal partner in the Indian market who can introduce our products to a new group of travellers.” Award winning tour and cruise operator APT takes guests on breath-taking journeys to dream destinations on every continent. At every opportunity, APT endeavours to delight its customers by providing amazing travel experiences and excellent customer service.

TIRUN has announced the arrival of Celebrity Cruises’ millennium class ship, Celebrity Constellation, in Mumbai, for the first time. The Millennium-class cruise ship docked in the city yesterday as part of its existing Asia sailings. A plaque and key ceremony was conducted on-board, to welcome Constellation. Speaking on the arrival of Constellation, Ratna Chadha, Chief Executive, TIRUN said, “TIRUN is continually striving to make cruises accessible to Indian travellers. We are, therefore, delighted to introduce the marvels that Celebrity Constellation holds to our domestic cruise enthusiasts. The fact that the ship will dock in Mumbai also underlines India’s emerging position as an ideal cruise destination. Indian families can look forward to receiving celebrity treatment for the entire duration of the cruise, aboard the deluxe ship.” The 66 newly-furnished staterooms, including spa-inspired Aqua Class accommodations, have been designed to revitalize cruisers. The Celebrity Suites take indulgence to a new level with the addition of private verandas. Concierge Class guests can enjoy priority check-in services custom blended bath amenities, sparkling wine, fresh fruit and much more.

Mumbai based ARK Travels has strengthened its ties with Norwegian Cruise Lines Holdings (NCLH). As a Preferred Sales Agent (PSA) for Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) over the last many years, ARK Travels will now promote and sell upper premium and ultra-luxury segments in the Indian market. Kishan Biyani, Managing Director, ARK Travels, says, “We are all geared to welcome the upcoming holiday season, we anticipate a 15 per cent increase in inquiries for NCLH products as compared to last year. NCLH group’s fleet of 20 cruise ships along with our existing cruise and resort products will further cement our position in the luxury cruise and holiday segment in India.” Starting this holiday season, the 20-year old travel firm will leverage its pan-India network of 300-plus travel agents to sell NCL Holdings Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises targeting the upper premium and ultra-luxury clientele. The newly christened initiatives by both will see jointly planned roadshows and presentation, familiarisation trips for sub-agents, marketing collaterals and joint meetings to attract corporate clients from India. The announcement came on the heels of ARK Travels throwing a cocktail and networking dinner to appreciate NCL Holdings along with sub-agents of ARK Travels in Mumbai. Felix Chan, Vice President Sales, NCLH said, “ARK Travels is already our top agent for NCL in India. Put it simply, I want ARK Travels to be our top agent for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises as well. ARK Travels needs to focus on the upper premium and ultra-luxury segments in India in order to sell Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises effectively.  We need to work with ARK Travel together to reach out to a niche …