Interviewed by Neeta Lal
Senior Editor and journalist NEETA LAL speaks to Mr. Jurgen Bailom, President and CEO of Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd, Cordelia Cruises
Floating over azure
rivers and seas, experiencing top-notch
hospitality, exciting shore excursions, lavish amenities and world class
gastronomy. Sounds like a dream vacation, right? All this and more can be now
be experienced on cruise holidays as big players enter the Indian market to
service a burgeoning clientele.
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India’s luxury
cruise market, currently pegged at Rs 20,000 crores, is expected to surge to Rs
35500 crore by 2041 with a passenger count of 4 million as per a tourism
ministry forecast. Major players like Cordelia Cruises will be the frontrunners
in the industry offering both options – be it a quick weekend getaway or a long
haul on the sea. From bespoke services, gourmet meals, personal butlers, Bollywood entertainment, onboard shopping, to
organizing weddings onboard, the company offers to cover the entire smorgasbord.
Apart from domestic
destinations like Goa, Mumbai, Kerala and Lakshadweep, soon Cordelia will also cover
Middle Eastern ports like Musat, Khor Fakkan, Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island,
Bahrain, Doha and Abu Dhabi.
What is the
reason for the surge in the popularity of luxury cruises in India?
This surge can be
attributed to a blend of factors that cater specifically to the evolving
preferences of modern travelers, especially Gen-X and Millennials. This
demographic seek vacations that offer convenience, variety, and the opportunity
for unique experiences, which luxury cruises provide in abundance. Cruises
serve as an all-inclusive solution, eliminating the hassle of planning every
aspect of a vacation, such as accommodations, transport, and meals. This aspect
is particularly appealing to busy individuals and families seeking hassle-free
vacations.
What are the
other advantages of a cruise vacation?
Apart from
water-based activities and shore excursions, cruises offer a plethora of
onboard activities, entertainment, and dining options, ensuring there is
something for every type of traveler, from adventure seekers to those looking
to unwind. The ability to explore multiple destinations in a single journey
appeals to the desire for new experiences and cultural immersion. This
comprehensive approach to vacationing, which combines convenience, diversity,
exploration, and eco-friendliness, positions luxury cruises as a preferred
choice for modern Indian travelers, driving the segment's growth.
What luxury
cruises does Cordelia offer and their distinguishing features from competitors?
Cordelia Cruises,
from the get-go, is all about India and Indians. We have successfully been
catering to Indian families since our launch in September 2021. We take pride
in delivering authentic Indian hospitality, cuisine, and entertainment onboard.
From traditional Indian dishes to regional specialties, guests can indulge in a
culinary journey that celebrates the diverse flavors of India.
From live
Bollywood performances to themed parties and interactive experiences, there's
always something exciting happening onboard. We place a strong emphasis on personalized
service, ensuring that each guest receives attentive care and assistance
throughout their journey. Cordelia is more than a holiday destination; it's a
home away from home. We also offer great value for money to our guests while
simultaneously offering them the flexibility to choose from a slew of itineraries
and categories. This is a conscious effort to make cruising an experience for
everyone in the spectrum.
Which is your
most popular cruise?
Our most popular
cruise itinerary is the one to Lakshadweep which offers a unique and memorable
experience as passengers embark from Mumbai, Goa, or Kochi. The pricing for
this sought-after cruise starts at INR 62,000 for two people for a 3-night
cruise from Goa or Kochi. For those looking to extend their adventure, 4 and
5-night cruises departing from Mumbai are available, priced at INR 82,000 for
the 4-night option and INR 1,02,000 for the 5-night journey, again for two
people.
What is so special about the Lakshadweep cruise?
Lakshadweep is
truly India's best kept secret boasting crystal-clear blue waters, pristine
white sandy beaches, an array of water sports activities, and much more. These
offerings cater to a diverse range of travelers, from those seeking a relaxing
and rejuvenating escape to adventurous spirits. There’s no better way to
explore this untouched paradise than aboard Cordelia Cruises, India's leading
cruise line, offering an unparalleled experience steeped in Indian hospitality.
The cruise itself
provides all the necessary infrastructure – premium accommodations, exquisite
dining options, and entertainment galore. While it caters to a range of travelers,
including those seeking premium experiences, it's not exclusively aimed at
HNWIs. Rather, it aims to provide an affordable and accessible cruise
experience that allows guests to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility
of Lakshadweep.
What are Cordelia
cruises’ expansion plans?
We have aggressive
expansion plans. We want to add more cruise vessels in the next few
years. Overall, India will do extremely well in the cruise sector. I
am confident that in the next 5-7 years India will be one of the top five
cruise destinations in the world.
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