Category Archives: Cruises

Cordelia cruises have successfully completed 16 sailings with approximately 17,776 families and guests since its launch in mid-September. They have achieved 100% consumer occupancy. Jurgen Bailom, CEO and President, Waterways Leisure Tourism, says. “Indians were far from familiar with cruising especially locally. The thick of the pandemic was itself a significantly daunting time. I am overjoyed and humbled in equal measure with the response we have received since our launch. This response is pushing us to do better and offer so much more. Cordelia Cruises has put India on the global cruising map.”

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, has launched a brand-new platform — ‘Book-A-BDM’— that will allow travel agents from across the country direct access to NCL’s regional Business Development Managers (BDMs), at a time and in a way that suits them. Through this new platform, developed as part of the line’s Partners First commitment, travel agents can quickly and easily book a personal session of up to 1 hour with their local BDM, either over the phone or via Zoom. Travel partners can choose from a range of services to discuss at their Book-A-BDM appointment, including group bookings, sales event planning support, marketing and promotions with NCL, or a general NCL product, itinerary and destination update, depending on the agent’s preference. Appointments are available with Manoj Singh, NCL’s Country Head, India as well as regional Business Development Managers, Betty Abraham – Sr. Business Development Manager for East and South India; Kashish Jiandani – Business Development Manager for Western and Central India; and Bhanu Pandey – Business Development Manager for North India.

The much-anticipated 80-seater cruise boat service on Dal Lake was launched by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) as a huge boost to the valley’s tourism infrastructure. People can make reservations for family reunions, weddings, and other social occasions. The cruise boat has a maximum capacity of 80 passengers and is furnished with a number of facilities. Following the government’s announcement that tourism is a priority industry to immunisation, the tourism department immunised tourism stakeholders as part of the inoculation efforts.

With the coronavirus situation improving, Cordelia cruises are all set to resume sailing operations from September 2021.  While their maiden cruise was cancelled by the deadly second wave, the team is upbeat and cautiously optimistic that they can travel freely again. “The second wave led to the cancellation of our initial sailing plans but we were equipped to handle such exigencies. Our team is in touch with guests who have booked with us, and we are regularly checking on the status of their health and vaccination. Safety is the most crucial word in travel today” says Jurgen Bailom, CEO & President for Waterways Leisure Tourism who also added that the response from the guests to the new itineraries has been encouraging. The timeline is also in sync with that of the international cruise industry which is making a comeback in a phased manner. Most cruise liners are commencing sailings with a few ships on certain routes as per the permissions received. It is expected that most of them will start operations between July and August 2021 on specific routes and gradually become fully functional by 2021 end. Cordelia has implemented all the standard protocols for its crew members and guests.  This includes fully vaccinated crew, daily health checks for crew members, hourly sanitization of facilities, air-filtration and aocial distancing norms, limited guests as per the official mandate by the government, special services team in charge of the safety and health of senior citizens and children, and pre-requisite of tests and vaccination before boarding for guests being worked out apart from comprehensive pre travel checks. Cordelia promises sailing to some of the best Indian and international destinations like Goa, Diu, Lakshadweep, …

Close to 300 Indian travel agents tuned in to CruiseWorld India 2021 organised by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Northstar Travel.  Helmed by Genting Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International, STB and leading cruise agents, the session instilled confidence in Singapore”s cruise recovery and the steps taken by the Singapore cruise industry in the safe resumption of cruising even as Singapore has not opened for international cruise travel. Singapore has pioneered the world’s first Cruise Safe certification programme with stringent hygiene and safety measures throughout the passenger journey. The results have been very encouraging.  More than 90 sailings had taken place and 120,000 Singapore residents had experienced seacation with cruise to nowhere itinerary.

Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is set to connect virtually with Indian stakeholders through CruiseWorld India 2021 on April 6, 2021, revealed GB Srithar, Regional Director, India, Middle East and South, STB. Themed ‘Charting our Pathway to Cruise Recovery’, the event will bring together key cruise lines and cruise agents stakeholders, highlight the safe, gradual resumption of cruise operations in Singapore and provide destination updates.

CruiseWorld India 2021 is slated on 6th April 2021. “With this virtual event, STB India aims to re-engage with our partner-friends in the cruise holiday business. Themed “Charting our Pathway to Cruise Recovery”, the event will highlight the safe, gradual resumption of cruise operations in Singapore and provide destination updates,” shares GB Srithar, Regional Director, India, Middle East and South Asia, Singapore Tourism Board.

Essar Bulk Terminal Ltd (EBTL), part of ports business of Essar, today said that it a new cruise route from Hazira to Diu was launched from its passenger ferry terminal at Hazira Port, thus revolutionizing coastal transportation across the western coast of India and giving a boost to coastal tourism for the people of Gujarat. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ports, Shipping and Waterways & Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India flagged off the Ferry service at passenger terminal in Hazira through virtual presence. Under the Maritime Vision 2030, we are aiming for more than 350 cruise ships, 3000 plus cruise calls per annum, more than 3 cruise training academies and 5 million cruise passengers by 2030.  We are taking all-round steps to create perfect ecosystem for cruise industry.  The passenger ferry service has seen a giant leap with the development Hazira as a cruise tourism hub. This will also open up many opportunities for the tourism sector of Gujarat.” Jai Sofia, a cruise cum passenger ferry vessel with a capacity of 300 passengers will now sail in the inaugural route from Hazira to Diu. The vessel has all the facilities on board and provides a bouquet of services on board. The ferry services are being operated by SSR Marine Services Private Ltd Rajiv Agarwal, Managing Director – Essar Ports said, “This is a big milestone for us.  The Ferry Terminal was commissioned in record time and the ferry services through it are a significant addition to air, road, and rail-based connectivity along Indian coastline. It is part of our strategic plan to reduce congestion on roads, cut fuel consumption and limit air pollution. …

After a year-long hiatus, the Indian travel industry which was one of the hardest-hit sectors due to the pandemic is preparing for a big comeback as it takes the ‘Blue Route’. Cordelia Cruises by Waterways Leisure Tourism, a Dream Hotel Group venture will begin its cruise operations in India from May 2021. Cordelia Cruises will be India’s premium cruise liner cruising along the west and east coast of India to domestic destinations like Goa, Diu, and Lakshadweep and international destinations like Colombo, Galle, Trincomalee, Jaffna, and the Maldives. The group plans to invest approx. USD 300 million in the next 3 to 5 years for the development of the cruise sector in India. Waterways Leisure Tourism has forayed into the Indian cruise industry under the maiden brand, Cordelia Cruises, and is affiliated with the Dream Hotel Group which is a hotel and brand management company with more than 30 years of experience in managing properties around the world.  Asserting his belief in the potential of the Indian cruise market, Founder and Chairman of the Dream Hotel Group, Padma Bhushan Shri Sant Singh Chatwal, says, “Success through innovation has been the foundation for all our brands over the last three decades. We have seen the growth and evolution of cruise tourism around the world. With 7500 km of coastline and recent initiatives by the Indian government for coastal development, India is ready for cruising. There’s tremendous potential in the cruise market and we are confident that Cordelia Cruises will lead this new era of travel through experience and innovation. Incredible India will soon be an Incredible cruise destination as well for travellers around the world.”  

Antara Luxury River Cruises announces an exclusive sailing departure along the stunning riverscapes of the Ganges to celebrate the Festival of Colours, Holi. Europe on the Ganges, Holi Special, a 3-day itinerary will sail from and to Kolkata starting 27 March. Celebrating the festival in the traditional Radha-Krishna style with Organic gulals, pichkaaris with scented water, petals of Marigold, the cruise will sail to the island of Mangaldweep for a memorable Holi party. From there, a stop at Serampore, a pre-colonial city on the banks of the river will include a heritage walk through the Danish taverns and other historic sites. The intimate, ALL-SUITE, state-of-the-art, and environmentally-friendly luxury ship GangesVoyager II will lead the exclusive Holi departure. With only 28 luxury suites on the vessel and stringent health & safety protocols, the cruise is a perfect setting for a safe and immersive travel experience. The Holi Special was announced at the heels of Antara Cruises’ much-coveted sailing to the largest mangrove forest of the world, the UNESCO World Heritage region of the Sunderbans. Hailedrevolutionary for conscious and transformational tourism in the region, the never-done-before, one-of-a-kind journey included awareness sessions about Sundarbans’ unique eco-system, local experiences, wildlife sightings, along with ALL-INCLUSIVE and UNMATCHED hospitality, Anantara Cruises’ signature. Known to craft unforgettable experiences with its lavish onboard facilities, French balconies and expansive spaces, Michelin-inspired dining, expert-led on-board, and off-board activities, butler services, and impeccable hospitality, Antara Cruises are redefining travel experiences, event celebrations, and experiential journeys for the Indian and overseas audiences. Speaking on leading the luxury river cruising concept in India, Co-founder and COO of AntaraCruises, Hemant Mediratta says, “We are excited at the overwhelming response that our cruise has received in such a short span …