Choose To Cruise With Indian Tourism

Insync

oi-Staff

Monday, December 7, 2009, 13:30

Indian travellers will soon be able to enjoy the joys of international class cruising on the Indian Ocean. , was officially launched at a ceremony to celebrate its inaugural sailing by Kumari Selja, Union Minister, Tourism in Kochi.

is the first cruise liner to offer cruises targeted at the Indian tourism market.Speaking on the occasion, Kumari Selja said that said there was tremendous scope for cruise tourism in the country. Director of Kerala Tourism, M Sivasankar, was also present at the occasion.

has a capacity to carry 1,200 passengers and will offer itineraries on the
Kochi-Maldives-Kochi and the Kochi-Colombo-Kochi routes. It will also offer addition to a one night high sea sailing itinerary.

The 2 nights and 3 days itineraries to Maldives and Sri Lanka will be in great demand as Indians are not inclined towards long sailing. The packages will start from Rs 5,000 per person a day for a three night tour package. Cruises will be available thrice a week.

Around 60,000 Indian tourists are expected to cruise on this season. The vessel made her debut voyage from Kochi to Maldives.

Besides 525 spacious state rooms and suites, which are all above sea level, passengers will also get to enjoy world class facilities including several restaurants, a swimming pool, fitness center, massage/sauna facilities, a casino and duty free shopping.

The vessel has also been modified to include a cricket pitch, giving the Indian travellers a new experience of playing cricket on the high sea. Food and entertainment on board will have an Indo- European touch.

The 7 deck ship is 531 ft in length, 83 ft in breadth and has 4 elevators. is owned by Louis Cruises India, a subsidiary of Louis Cruises, the 5th largest cruise operator in the world.