Floating hotels, silk trails and jungle safaris: India's cruise story
Years later, Dil Dhadakne Do (2015) set cruise goals for Indian families (minus the family drama, of course). Nearly a decade since we watched the ultra-rich dance to Gallan Goodiyan aboard a luxurious 10-day Mediterranean cruise, such holidays are no longer a rarity or the domain of just the ultra-elite in India.India's growing cruise cultureIn fact, cruises are emerging as the next big travel trend in India. A travel trend report by SOTC and Thomas Cook recently noted that Indians are increasingly opting for new and unique travel formats, with cruises topping the list.Cruises across domestic and international (both ocean and river options) are now popular among Indian travellers. Industry experts believe that this shift reflects the growing appeal of immersive and slow travel over rushed itineraries. There is an increased demand from first-time cruisers as well as repeat travellers alike.When Anish Sharma, a 54-year-old businessman based in Delhi, took his family on a Cordelia cruise (Chennai - Sri Lanka - Chennai) for the first time two years ago, it was an unforgettable experience for his entire family. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deepak Saran // The Cravings Mania (@the.cravings.mania)'Whenever we plan a long trip, it usually means hopping between hotels, catching multiple flights, or enduring long road journeys. But the cruise took all that hassle away. There was no constant packing and unpacking - the ship was like a floating hotel. We disembarked at various stops and explored Sri Lankan cities like Hambantota and Trincomalee, without the stress of wondering whether the next hotel would meet our expectations,' he tells India Today.Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore are among the international destinations you can set sail to from India. Cordelia Cruises, an Indian cruise line that launched operations in 2021, is at the forefront of this trend. A 5-night, 6-day cruise trip originating from Chennai can cost around Rs 50,000 per person. If you're based in Mumbai, this does not include your travel to and from Chennai.advertisementAside from this affordable luxury segment, premium and ultra-luxe options like the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Greek Islands and Scandinavia cruises have always existed. These require flying to international departure cities. India's growing cruise interest is significant for players like Disney Cruise Line that recently entered the Asia market, with the cruise set to sail from Singapore this December.Domestic cruises jet offWhile the vast oceans and endless sea escapades come with hefty prices, domestic river cruises are emerging as budget-friendly alternatives for many first-time cruisers in India.Domestic sailings start at Rs 20,000 per person and international sailings from Rs 45,000 onwards.From the Brahmaputra and Ganga to the Hooghly, domestic river cruises in India offer a range of experiences - from short 2 to 3 day getaways to extended journeys lasting up to 20 days.
Growth in river cruises in India (Source: PIB)
advertisementWhile Mumbai-Goa has been one of the most sought-after routes, many are now also opting for other options, like Kolkata to Varanasi by Antara Cruises, which lets you witness the untouched beauty of the stops in between on the way. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Antara Cruises (@antara.cruises)Assam Bengal Navigation offers cruises on the Brahmaputra and Ganga rivers. The Assam Despatch, named after an old mail route from Kolkata to Dibrugarh, operates on the Brahmaputra. These voyages, lasting 4 to 10 nights, provide a relaxed way to explore Assam. Many destinations along the river are difficult to access by road, making the cruise a unique and convenient way to experience this slice of paradise in the Northeast.Kochi - Lakshadweep - Mumbai is another popular domestic route.'The arrival of cruise lines like Costa and Cordelia in India has sparked strong interest on domestic waters offering sailings from Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Goa and to scenic destinations like Lakshadweep and Sri Lanka, driving demand among first-time cruisers and repeat travellers alike,' says SD Nandakumar, president and country head, holidays and corporate tours, SOTC Travel.advertisement'Meanwhile, international sailings with MSC Cruises, Star Dream Cruise and Norwegian Cruise Line continue to gain traction,' he adds.
Angriya Cruises, with a capacity of 400, operates between Mumbai and Goa. (Photo: Arun Sharma/Unsplash)
Theme-based cruises are also gaining popularity. Artisans of Bengal by Antara Cruises lets you explore various textile weaving traditions and indigenous crafts, along with insights into erstwhile colonies like French Chandernagore and Danish Serampore.Similarly, the Brahmaputra River Cruise offers Silk & Rhinos – a 4-day expedition from Guwahati to Silghat. It includes a stop at Sualkuchi, the hub of Assamese silk production, where visitors can tour weaving workshops and witness the entire silk-making process - from cocoon and spinning to dyeing and hand-weaving exquisite mekhela chadars. The journey also features a stop in Silghat for a jeep safari in Kaziranga National Park, offering a chance to spot the majestic Bengal tigers and one-horned rhinos.
Themed cruise options by Antara Cruises
advertisementNot just an old-gen activityDriving the cruise culture in India are youngsters. Unlike the perception, retirees are not the only ones keen on cruising.'While cruising has traditionally been popular with senior citizens globally, it's Young India — Gen Z, millennials and young working professionals — that's showing strong interest, thanks to high-adrenaline onboard activities and value pricing,' says Rajeev Kale, president and country head, holidays, MICE, visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd.Travel, especially for the younger generation, is no longer about taking trains or flights and following itineraries. Thrill, seclusion, slow travel and unique experiences top their list of travel goals.For them, the number of fridge magnets collected from their travel escapades is worth more than a new affordable SUV or a 2BHK in a semi-posh society. Experiences are considered superior to material purchases, and affordable luxury is what appeals to them. Unlike buying houses and cars, travel does not involve a massive financial commitment.Industry experts believe that it is also the all-inclusive nature of cruises that resonates with families, couples and young professionals who look for stress-free vacations. Nandakumar of SOTC Travels also admits to a growing interest from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.'To meet this demand, we've curated regional cruise tours aligning with regional festivals (regional tour managers speaking the local language and the comfort of local home food), bringing both comfort and cultural connection onboard,' he tells India Today.Birthdays, anniversaries and family reunions are moving to cruises too.As India's cruise story unfolds, the government is also obviously pushing for it with the Cruise Bharat Mission (announced in September 2024) and Maritime India Vision 2030.The vision is to make India a significant player in the global cruise market, both for ocean and river cruises.'Indian cruise market has the potential to grow by 8X over the next decade, driven by rising demand and disposable incomes,' says a PIB report.In FY 2023-24, the number of cruise passengers was 4.71 lakhs. The government aims to double cruise passenger traffic to over 1 million by 2029.The Indian middle class is no longer watching cruises from afar - it's on board, and the journey has just begun.- EndsTune InMust Watch
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