Planning a beach holiday to beat the scorching heat of the summer monthsIJ Or just traveling to get away from the hustle bustle of a fixed routineIJ Cruise holidays are slowly but steadily making their presence felt in the Indian holidaying circuit. Such is the craze that the top deck for a November sail in almost all cruise lines are booked 2 years in advance!
“The Indian market has shown a lot of promise. Our aim is to woo people with all the special activities we have on board within the cruise itself. There is something in it for everyone to enjoy,” Gavin Smith, regional VP, Asia Pacific, Royal Caribbean cruises, says.
So, gone are the days of indoor and outdoor swimming pools, it is time for some simulated surfing and other beach activities that you previously felt was impossible on board a ship. “You can indulge in in-line skating, basketball courts, rock climbing walls, miniature golf courses, gaming facilities etc,” Smith explains, stressing on the fact that nowadays it is essential to do the unimaginable on the ship to woo travellers.
The company owns six brands, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur and others and together operate a total of 41 ships globally with approximately 455 destinations worldwide.
With an average yearly increase of around 7 per cent in the number of cruise travellers, one can safely conclude that Indian traveller still needs to work on their mindblock when it comes to sailing on a holiday.
“The future, though, is looking bright. People are beginning to understand that it is not necessary to go back packing around the city and then check into a hotel for a stay. We are giving you all of that without the headache of making a number of arrangements. A cruise also brings down expenses by a considerable margin,” Ratna Chadha, chief executive, TIRUN travel marketing, which represents Royal Caribbean Cruises ltd in India, says.
If you are the exploring types, then go for a cruise that will anchor at a destination for a couple of days. It gives you time to go around the city and at night you have a place to come back to.