India is going places—literally. We’re a nation of adventurers, explorers, and memory-makers. As one of the fastest-growing outbound travel markets in the world, Indians are travelling further, staying longer, and spending more than ever before. By 2030, we’re poised to become the 4th largest global travel spender, with projections estimating USD 55+ billion spent on international travel by 2034.
But here’s the paradox.
While Indians are chasing cherry blossoms in Japan, chasing auroras in Iceland, and ticking off bucket-list cities from Paris to Perth—cruising, one of the most experiential and hassle-free ways to explore the world, accounts for just one per cent of our outbound travel.
That’s about to change.
With the Cruise Bharat Mission now gaining momentum—backed by the Indian government’s vision, major port infrastructure upgrades, relaxed visa and coastal regulations, and a growing cruise-curious middle class—India is preparing to sail into a bold new era. From just 4.7 lakh cruise passengers in FY 2023–24, the goal is to reach 25 lakh passengers annually by 2029.
If you’ve ever believed that cruising is too expensive, too complicated, or just not for “travellers like us,” it’s time to think again. A cruise isn’t just a vacation. It’s a smarter, more immersive, and more joyful way to experience the world.
Let’s tackle the most common myths holding Indian travellers back—one wave at a time.
Reality: Cruising is Smart, All-inclusive Travel
A cruise holiday is at least 30 per cent more cost-effective than a land-based vacation. With traditional travel, everything is add-on—hotel, meals, transfers, entertainment, and activities.
Whereas, in cruising you pay once, and you’re set. Fares start at as low as INR 10,000 per person per day, and that’s all-inclusive—your stay, meals, world-class entertainment, kids’ clubs, live shows, and most onboard activities are bundled into one transparent price.
Cruises also offer multiple cabin categories to match every budget and no compromise on ship-wide amenities. Everyone enjoys the same world-class experiences.
Add in flexible payment options, including part-payments and the ability to hold cabins without upfront commitment, and you’ve got yourself a stress-free, budget-friendly holiday.
Reality: Booking a Cruise is as Easy as Shopping Online
Cruise planning used to feel like entering a maze—deck plans, cabin types, itineraries, ports. But not anymore.
With new-age tech-enabled digital platforms, Indian travellers can search, compare, and book sailings with the same ease as booking a flight or hotel online.
Today’s cruise-first online travel agents allow you to view live inventory from top global cruise lines, compare itineraries, prices, and ships, and even filter for your preferences—whether it’s a balcony cabin, a Mediterranean itinerary, or family-friendly amenities. End-to-end assistance for shore excursions, visas, insurance, and flexible payment plans make the process smooth and stress-free.
Reality: Today’s ships are floating resorts
Forget tuxedos and rigid dress codes. Modern cruise ships are built for flexibility, fun, and freedom.
Whether it’s go-karting on deck, ziplining across the top deck, trying out a skydiving simulator at sea, sliding through water slides, or just chilling on a rooftop pool with a cocktail, today’s ships cater to all moods and ages.
Dress codes are relaxed and dining is freestyle: grab street-style global eats, enjoy Indian favourites, or opt for specialty cuisine. Entertainment spans Broadway-style shows, silent discos, rooftop movie nights, and more. Do what you love, and skip what you don’t. It’s your holiday, your pace.
Reality: You See More, With Less Hassle
Imagine waking up in a new city every morning—no airports, no hotel check-ins, no packing and unpacking. In just one seven-night sailing, you get to explore three to five different destinations. Cruises today are curated for immersive exploration, with longer port stays, overnights in select cities, and shore excursions that let you experience each place like a local.
Take Europe for example—a Western Europe sailing might include Southampton (UK), Paris via Le Havre (France), Bruges (Belgium), and Amsterdam (Netherlands). In the Mediterranean, you could dock in Barcelona, Marseille, Rome, Naples, Santorini, and Athens all in one trip, blending beach time with ancient ruins, tapas with history walks, and high fashion with hidden gems.
And it doesn’t stop at the shore. Onboard, the experience continues with destination-inspired menus, regional wines, cultural entertainment, and even language-themed trivia or cooking demos. Whether it’s Greek meze at sea or Flamenco shows en route to Spain, every moment is designed to deepen your connection to the places you visit.
Cruising is no longer just a way to travel—it’s how you experience the world, one port at a time.
Reality: Cruises Are Immersive and Enriching
Cruising isn’t just about travel; it’s about discovery—they deliver experiences that are deeply connected to the destinations. Whether it’s gliding through the Norway’s majestic fjords, where every turn reveals snow-draped cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Or standing on deck in Antarctica, surrounded by surreal icebergs and colonies of penguins going about their day; watching glaciers calve into the sea in Alaska; or chasing the Northern Lights around Iceland—cruising offers front-row seats to nature’s wonders.
Onshore excursions takes travellers closer to each region’s soul—whether it’s hiking along Icelandic lava fields, strolling through Alaskan fishing villages, or sipping local wines in Mediterranean coastal towns. Even from the ship, panoramic views and storytelling sessions enrich the journey. Onboard menus, entertainment, and cultural activities reflect the destinations you visit—so the immersion never stops, even while at sea.
The modern Indian traveller is digitally savvy, experience-driven, and always seeking novelty. Whether it’s a multigenerational family trip, a couple’s romantic escape, or an adventure with friends—there’s a cruise for every group and every mood.
What makes cruising even more appealing is its rare combination of comfort and freedom. You get to relax, be pampered, explore new cultures—and still carve out space for yourself. It’s a holiday that lets you be together and free at the same time.
Here’s the truth—70 per cent of the Earth is covered in water. If you haven’t cruised, you haven’t seen enough.
Cruising blends adventure with ease, exploration with luxury, and cultural depth with playful fun. Once you’ve cruised, it becomes a way of travel. And for many, a way of life.
So, next time you're planning a holiday, don’t just fly to a destination. Cruise through a journey.
India’s cruising moment is here—and it’s only just beginning.
About the author: Akansha Aggarwal is the Co-founder and Chief Of Marketing at Int2Cruises.