Category Archives: Cruises

Over the past decade, tourism has embraced sustainability as a strategic pillar. A WTTC report shows that 42% of leading tourism companies globally have set a climate target – either interim, long-term, or both. As sustainable business practices gain traction around the world, companies must increasingly consider the concerns of stakeholders – travellers seeking eco-friendly destinations, and communities concerned about their future.   Tour operators Emissions from tour operators vary across the sector, depending on how asset-light or asset-heavy they are. Some operators express concerns about limitations they encountered regarding infrastructure at destinations, while others are investing in sustainability initiatives. But the current infrastructure and technology at some destinations are not developed enough for those investments to yield results in the short term. For example, some tour operators want to invest in electric buses, but current EV coach battery life is inadequate for longer tours. Travel agencies and OTAs Travel agents — both brick-and-mortar and online — interact with a variety of industry players, from suppliers to destinations, and influence consumer choices. They are well-placed to help the industry achieve its sustainability goals, though these efforts are complicated by the new reporting frameworks. OTAs and travel tech companies more broadly are not easily classified, as they often fall in the software sector rather than tourism. As such, they also lack specific guidance on how to tackle sustainability issues relating to their travel operations. They will likely have to consult sector-based guides, such as for car rental and leasing, hotel and lodging, and airlines. Accommodation One complicating factor for hotel chains is the industry’s range of business models and ownership structures. Many operate under franchise agreements with multiple levels of control, …

Europamundo, a JTB Group company, introduces exciting full board river cruises in Europe for the first time ever, with a duration of 5-10 days. Find more than 100 departures, in 32 routes, distributed among more than 10 ships, to sail across rivers carrying history in their waters such as Rhine, Danube, Douro, and Moselle – flowing through 18 countries and 82 cities. Aparna Basumalik, Commercial Head, (India Subcontinent & UAE), Europamundo, says, “These cruises have the best price quality ratio in the market.” For support and login, contact to indiasalessupport@europamundo.com

Europamundo, a JTB Group company, introduces full board river cruises in Europe with a duration of 5-10 days. Find more than 100 departures, in 32 routes, distributed among more than 10 ships, to sail across rivers carrying history in their waters such as Rhine, Danube, and Moselle – the same rivers that will take us to 18 countries and 82 cities to discover. These cruises have the best price quality ratio in the market.   Grand Cruise Croatia This 8-day starts in Dubrovnik, the heart of the Dalmatian coast, with a guided tour of Dubrovnik. This is followed by an excursion to Mljet Island, one of the most beautiful islands in the Adriatic. The sailing also includes a visit to the Krka Falls National Park, and a guided tour of the Trogir city. Built on an island, Trogir is a gem of labyrinthine streets interspersed with staircases and vaulted passages. This is followed by a visit to Split, Hvar, and Vis, and then finally Kotor and back to Dubrovnik.   Landscapes of the Rhine Embarkation for this cruise starts in Frankfurt with a group transfer from Frankfurt airport to Mainz and an Overnight in Rüdesheim onboard the ship. In the morning we will enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Moselle on a scenic navigation that will take us to the charming town of Cochem. One of the most picturesque and popular towns on the Moselle River, it stands out for its spectacular “Reichsburg” castle. The city is known for its tourist interest, its beauty and for its wines, as some of the best wines in Germany are produced in this area. The cruise then sails through Bernkastel, TRIER, ZELL, KOBLENZ …

Arshdeep Anand, Chairperson, ATOAI Women’s Collective, shared, “Increased air connectivity is directly proportional to increased tourism activity in a particular destination. Govt is making efforts to develop niche tourism in the country in the form of island tourism, adventure tourism, wildlife tourism, spiritual and wellness tourism. If our domestic carriers can come up with connectivity to develop these circuits, it would boost the tourism potential within the country. There is also a great demand-supply gap from India in relation to flights to Scandinavia for Northern lights, except to Finland and Copenhagen.

As Sun Princess prepares for its February 28 maiden voyage, the newest ship from Princess Cruises is poised to raise the big ship culinary landscape by offering an unrivaled collection of culinary options from celebrated chefs and celebrity collaborators, as well as ingredients sourced from high-end purveyors, and a lineup of exciting and new experiences. Today the line revealed additional dining experiences exclusively available to guests sailing on the next level Love Boat. Spellbound by Magic Castle – the Next “Extraordinary Experience” from Princess The cruise line has announced that Spellbound by Magic Castle will be the latest in Princess Cruises’ new category of “Extraordinary Experiences,” following the wildly successful 360: An Extraordinary Experience, the remarkable, multi-sensory culinary journey that debuted last year aboard Discovery Princess and Enchanted Princess. Spellbound by Magic Castle blends the captivating world of magic with the art of culinary and mixology to create an extraordinary innovative immersive dining experience, steeped in magic and adventure. Just unveiled, the evening begins in an exclusive area of the Horizons Dining Room for a delectable, shared dinner before being escorted to the secluded Spellbound Bar, nestled behind a non-descript door where magic and mixology awaits. Talented, Magic Castle-sponsored magicians perform incredible feats of illusion in themed rooms and theatrical cocktails are delivered by sleight-of-hand servers. With three nightly offerings at 5 pm, 7 pm and 9 pm at limited capacity, advanced bookings are required with a $149 per person cover charge. Sushi Master Makoto Okuwa Comes Aboard for Kai Sushi Sun Princess guests eager to try something new will savor Kai Sushi by Makoto Okuwa – reshaping traditional sushi with a creative approach. Through this exclusive partnership, the Master …

Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary Madhya Pradesh Tourism said, “Long distance, intra-state cruises will be a new attraction for 2024. We have a buoyant plan for cruise tourism in 2024. The main attraction will be the nearly 130 km inter-state cruise on river Narmada.”

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.”