India, because of its historic and beautiful destinations, can contribute much to travel and tourism industry. In these days, more foreign tourists are showing their interest to visit India.
Indian government has taken initiative to promote cruise tourism, which mutually help other sectors and the whole tourism industry. India’s long costal lines and cultural diversity can attract international cruise lines.
Cruise tourism, one of the fastest growing sectors in leisure market, once completely in the hands of rich, nowadays is reaching to common people. Both foreign and domestic tourists are showing their interest in cruise tourism.
Cruise tourism not only benefits that sector alone, but the entire tourism market.
Luxury cruise liners need better cruise terminals to call. Major ports selected for luxury cruise liners are Chennai Kerala and Goa. These states have already proved their part in tourism market. Kerala with its own unique backwaters have already proved their part in backwater tourism. Houseboat tourism is a real hit in Kerala.
According to CRUISE TOURISM - POTENTIAL & STRATEGY STUDY
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
For foreign tourists the most preferred cruise circuit is: Mumbai- Cochin - Kerala Backwaters and for domestic tourists: Cochin - Goa - Lakshadweep - Male
Proposed Cruise Circuits
Rejuvenation Cruise
Goa- Mangalore-Cochin (Kerala Backwaters)-Male
Goa -Magalore-9hrs
Mangalore-Cochin- 10 hrs -Kerala (Backwaters)
Cochin - Male- 10.5 hrs (approx)
Discover India’ Cruise
Mumbai-Goa-Cochin-Tuticorin
Cochin -Goa-Mumbai-Porbander
‘Shopper’s Bonanza’ Cruise
Mumbai-Porbander-Dubai
Cochin-Mumbai-Dubai
Heritage Cruise
Mumbai-Goa-Cochin-Colombo
Mumbai-Mangalore-Cochin-Columbo
Sunshine Cruise to Beaches
Cochin-Goa-Lakshadweep-Male
Chennai-Colombo-Andaman-Chennai
Chennai-Colombo -Male -Cochin-Dubai
Cochin-Lakshadweep-Mangalore
Chennai-Andamans-Vishakapatnam
Vishakapatnam-Calcutta- Andamans
Nature Lovers Cruise
Mumbai -Goa- Mangalore- Lakshadweep-Mumbai
Mumbai-Vizag-Paradeep-Kolkatta
Party Cruise
Goa (Sea and river Cruises) -Cochin (Kerala Backwaters)-Goa
Vishakapatnam-Kolkatta-Sundarba
High seas cruise or ‘Cruise to Nowhere’
Chennai -Andaman- High Seas
Cochin-Lakshadweep-High Seas
Vishakapatnam-Paradeep-Andamans
Not any major players (luxury cruise ship operators) have shown their interest for luxury cruise operation in India yet. Two operators now started are Star Cruise and Indian Ocean Cruise. However it is a good sign for cruise tourism that major player in cruise tourism industry like Royal Caribbean has already opened its outposts in India. Royal Caribbean is one of the three major players in luxury cruise line industry, which include Royal Caribbean Princess cruises and Carnival Corporation.
After what all we do to improve cruise tourism, the main and the first priority we have to give is to develop the most modern and international cruise terminals. From the government survey also, it is clear that both foreign and Indian tourists are of the opinion to develop cruise terminals to international levels.
Since cruise terminals are the entry and exit point for luxury cruise liners, it can be consider as another destination for cruise tourists. There must be initiation from government of India to develop major cruise terminals to international standards.
