Cruise Tourism to Get a Massive Shot in the Arm

As India successfully launches the world&rsquos largest vaccination drive, the travel industry gets ready for a major rebound this summer. 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 &lsquoBlue Route&rsquo. Cordelia Cruises, a Mumbai-based company, will begin its cruise operations in India from May 2021. The company plans to target the west and east coasts of India, catering to domestic destinations like Goa, Diu, and Lakshadweep and international destinations like Colombo, Galle, Trincomalee, Jaffna, and the Maldives.

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Waterways Leisure Tourism Private Limited 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 Sant Singh Chatwal states &ldquoSuccess 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 7,500 km of coastline and recent initiatives by the Indian government for coastal development, India is ready for cruising. Incredible India will soon be an incredible cruise destination as well for travelers around the world.&rdquo

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.

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A Cruise Liner by Indians for Indians Global Vision, Local Thinking
&ldquoUntil 2021, Indians were traveling to destinations like Europe and southeast Asia to experience cruise holidays. Echoing honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modiji&rsquos &lsquoAtmanirbhar Bharat&rsquo ideology, we are extremely delighted to launch Cordelia Cruises&mdasha cruise liner by Indians, for Indians. It&rsquos time to lead by example and tell the world that India is ready for a post-pandemic comeback with its very own cruise brand,&rdquo believes Jurgen Bailom, CEO and President for Waterways Leisure Tourism Private Limited.

Waterways Leisure has already signed an MoU with the Mumbai Port Trust during the launch of Maritime India Summit 2021 with the intention to cooperate, develop and promote the cruise industry in India. Jurgen Bailom, who has more than 30 years of experience in the global cruise industry, is confident about the growth of cruise tourism in India and its potential to create 2 million job opportunities by 2022.

The brand has plans to add more cruises in the coming years and cover as many routes as possible on the east and west coasts of India. &ldquoInvesting in a potential sector like cruising is the need of the hour. Experiential holidays will be the highlight of the travel rebound trend. Less than half a million people have experienced cruising in India. The opportunity is unquestionable. Opening the cruise market in India will increase cruise tourists from 1.8 lakhs to 40 lakhs by 2022," says&nbspVijay Kesavan,&nbspSales and Marketing Director for the brand.

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World-Class and Tailor-Made Amenities
With facilities and services at par with international holiday standards on board, Cordelia Cruises is launching 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- & 7-night itineraries from May 2021. The amenities include luxurious, state-of-the-art suites, private balcony cabins, ocean views and plush interiors. When it comes to dining, it is key to note that the fare is specially curated to suit the needs of Indians and the Indian palate. There are innumerable options including a m&eacutelange of global, local and hyperlocal flavors. It is key to note that the food can be customized to suit special preferences, for instance, in the case of community-specific diets or for individuals with special dietary needs.

Update Cordelia Cruises has postponed its inaugural cruise scheduled on 7th May 2021. The company is working very closely with the Government of India, shipping authorities, port authority, and travel industry to create a future when travel can safely start again after the  pandemic passes away, and Indians can cruise and enjoy the proud Indian offering of global standards and quality.  

The article was first published in March, 2021.