Latest news with #Int2Cruises
News18
4 days ago
- News18
Set Sail, Stress-Free: Debunking Cruise Myths For The Modern Indian Traveller
Indian travellers, today, are seeking experiences rather than following the done and overdone itineraries. Amidst this, cruising is one of the most sought after experiences. Imagine this: You're sipping your morning coffee on a private balcony, the horizon unfolding before you, sometimes a glittering new city, sometimes just miles of endless blue. No hotel checkouts. No daily packing. Just the thrill of waking up somewhere new, every single day. One morning, you're off to explore ancient temples in Thailand. Just the night before, you dined under a canopy of stars, ending the evening with a scoop of gelato and the sound of waves lapping the ship. This is what cruise travel is all about. Cruising is quickly becoming one of the most exciting, comfortable, and value-packed ways to explore the world, especially for Indian travellers. But for all its charm, cruising still sails through a sea of misconceptions. Akansha Agarwal, CMO at Int2Cruises, debunks some of the most common myths around cruising. Myth 1: 'Cruising Is Only for the Wealthy" This is one of the biggest misconceptions around. While cruises are immersive and experience-rich, they don't have to be expensive. Agarwal says, 'Entry-level international cruise packages start at just Rs 6,500 per person per night. Seasonal promos, like kids sail free, second guest discounts, or complimentary upgrades, add even more value. Many platforms also offer extra coupons or bundled perks like Wi-Fi and excursions." Agarwal explains, 'Yes, cruises are great for multigenerational travel, but they're far from exclusive to it. Over 60% of Indian cruise travellers now fall in the 35–55 age range. Today's cruises cater to all: couples seeking romance, friends chasing sunsets and nightlife, solo travellers craving adventure with structure, and groups celebrating milestones". Think silent discos, rooftop jacuzzis, wine tastings, spas, fitness zones, rock-climbing walls, and more. Myth 4: 'You Won't Be Able to Explore the Destinations Properly" Many first-timers worry they'll miss out on real exploration, but the opposite is true. Agarwal explains, 'Cruises let you visit multiple cities without the exhaustion of airport transfers or constant unpacking. Ships dock early, giving you full-day access to explore. Some itineraries even offer overnight stays at major ports. Whether you opt for curated excursions or go off on your own to sample local eats and hidden gems, the flexibility is yours." Myth 5: 'Will There Be Enough Indian Food?" Agarwal notes, 'It's natural to crave a comforting bowl of dal or a hot cup of chai while travelling. Good news: most cruises catering to Indian guests (especially from Dubai or Singapore) feature Indian meals, including rotis, rice, curries, and even Jain or vegetarian options." Where Are Indian Cruisers Headed? Top picks among Indian travellers include: view comments First Published: July 25, 2025, 14:02 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
12-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Going on a cruise for the first time? Know 10 beginner-friendly travel hacks and mistakes to avoid on board
There's a first time for everything, from catching your first flight to planning that epic road trip. But cruising is a completely unique adventure. So much of the cinematic fantasy expectations rest on your maiden voyage; sipping mimosas with the sea breeze in your hair, watching the golden horizon at sunset, gourmet meals by the balcony, or stargazing from the deck. Media, especially movies and Instagram reels, spare no expense in making cruises look dreamy and romantic. While it's natural to feel giddy about your first cruise, being well-informed is the first step to avoiding rookie missteps. But we have got you covered, so that you set sail smoothly. Akansha Agarwal, co-founder and CMO of Int2Cruises, Asia's cruise-first OTA, shared with HT Lifestyle what it takes to ensure your first cruise becomes a core memory, listing out the essential hacks and mistakes to avoid. Elaborating on how cruise travel is growing in India, she said, 'Cruise travel from India is still emerging but growing fast. Outbound travel is booming, and cruising is finally being seen as a viable, even desirable, vacation style. With the Cruise Bharat Mission aiming for 2.5 million passengers annually by 2029, cruising is no longer niche; it's booming. With newer ships, better itineraries, and growing accessibility, Indian travellers are discovering the ease and excitement of cruise holidays.' Akansha shared a detailed guide, covering 5 beginner hacks and 5 mistakes to avoid when planning your first cruise, so you can sail stress-free: First, decide who you are travelling with and what kind of holiday you want. Because in many ways, the ship is the destination. Modern cruise lines offer ships tailored to different travel moods and styles. Cruising has a reputation for being expensive, but that's not true. It is actually more cost-effective than many land-based holidays. Base fares can start as low as Rs. 6,500 per person per night, including accommodation, meals, shows, entertainment, and activities. ALSO READ: Trip finally out of group chat? 6 smart hacks and 4 mistakes every Gen Z planning gateway with friends should know
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Int2Cruises Launches in India: Revolutionizing Cruise Booking for Indian Travellers, ET TravelWorld
Cruise 1 min read Asia's cruise-first OTA Int2Cruises officially launched in India Int2Cruises, Asia's first cruise-focused OTA, has launched in India with a digital-first platform offering live inventory, personalised cruise planning, and full-service travel support. As Indian interest in cruise vacations rises, the platform aims to make planning more seamless by integrating bookings across global cruise lines with AI-driven recommendations and expert assistance.
