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The Indian travel landscape is witnessing a rapid evolution. Cruise companies and operators intend to target their diverse range of segments – across leisure, corporate, b-leisure and MICE while booking channels are launching new and extensive itineraries and holiday options.
To capitalise on this significant potential, Thomas Cook India, and its group company, SOTC Travel, have launched an extensive range of Cruise Holidays: from short cruise getaways/weekenders, river cruises, Polar cruises (Arctic/Antarctica), round-the-world cruises and more.
The company’s India Holiday Report 2023 highlights unique trends – including a 70 per cent surge in cruise holidays/sea cations. The Government of India aims at positioning India as a global cruise hub with state-of-art infrastructure for both ocean and river cruises. This is expected to fuel the growth of the segment further.
For Indians, cruises offer a comprehensive holiday experience with a variety of dining options and entertainment activities, all without the hassle of multiple check-ins, check-outs, and transfers. Travellers can enjoy a range of onboard entertainment, dining options, and shore excursions.
Contrast to global trend
According to consumer data from Thomas Cook and SOTC, younger generations in India, including Gen Z, millennials, and young professionals, are showing a strong interest in cruises, with over 80 per cent expressing a desire to go on one. This is in contrast to the global trend, where cruises are mostly popular among senior citizens. Factors such as an expanded portfolio of sailings in South/Southeast Asia – Middle East, a range of high adrenaline activities onboard, and affordable prices with easy access to financial models have contributed to the appeal of cruises among this younger demographic.
Post-pandemic, domestic sailings have seen a rapid revival, with Thomas Cook and SOTC reporting over 8,000 customers booked for India cruises such as Cordelia, since travel restarted, making it a top seller. Unique river cruise + land products have been curated for Indian travellers, including Antara cruises from Kolkata, Ganga river cruises like MV Ganga Vilas from Varanasi to the North East, and Kerala’s backwater cruises that offer a relaxing and leisurely experience amidst nature.
Demand for international cruises
International cruises have also seen an increase in demand from the Indian market. The companies offer a range of international cruises, including short-haul options like Costa Toscana voyages to the UAE, Oman, and Doha, Resorts World Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises in Singapore and Hong Kong, and mid to long-haul destinations onboard Royal Caribbean Cruises and Norwegian cruises in Europe, such as Greece, Italy, Croatia, Spain, Portugal, The Canary Islands, and Scandinavia’s fjords. Cruises in the Americas include Alaskan and Mexican Riviera sailings of the Norwegian Cruise Line.
In an effort to tap the potential of backwater cruise tourism, Kerala State Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) would start a new cruise boat service from Marine Drive to Kottayam connecting backwaters of Alappuzha. The weekly service to the Palaikari aqua tourism centre at Vaikom, Kottayam, would begin on Sunday. The service of single deck cruise boat Michelle would cover Thevara, Aroor, Arookkutti, Perumbalam, Poothotta and Palaikari fish farms.
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook India, said, “At Thomas Cook India, we are bullish on the cruise opportunity and are witnessing a strong 60 per cent YoY surge in demand. What is noteworthy is that we are seeing appetite across consumer segments from young India’s Gen Z /millennials, couples, multigenerational families, and Corporate MICE. There is an increased preference for luxury experiences and higher categories like ocean-view cabins and suites.”
Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head – Holidays, SOTC Travel, said, “We are witnessing strong growth emerging from Regional India’s tier II and III markets; this is in addition to metros and mini-metros. Our forward pipeline highlights the strong potential for Cruise Holidays, and with our extensive partnerships, we look to introduce exciting new sailings in the coming months.”
Cruising MICE movements
The India Corporate MICE market is a significant demand driver for cruises, including reward/recognition incentive programs, CXO meetings, milestone celebratory events, and networking engagements. Thomas Cook and SOTC have successfully managed a range of MICE movements, from 50 to over 600 corporates each, with a robust pipeline for the year ahead.
Nalini Gupta, Managing Director Lotus Aero Enterprises, GSA Costa Cruise India, said, “We are excited to launch the Costa Serena India domestic sailings programme for Indian travellers in November & December 2023, bringing international cruising at the very doorstep of an Indian guest. The cruise market in India is poised to experience significant growth over the next 5 years, and we are very happy to be partnering with Thomas Cook Group for our repertoire of sailings within India, the Middle East & Europe.”
Varun Chadha, CEO, TIRUN said, “We are very excited as newer ships and newer experiences in private islands are coming into our fleet across all our brands, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, SilverSeas and Azamara too, and to present these to Thomas Cook and SOTC’s customers. We are also excited about like-minded travel groups and the MICE segment, along with continuing to grow repeat cruisers as we open up the world.”
Julie Roger, Director of Sales, Asia Pacific, PONANT said, “As global leaders in Luxury Polar Expedition, this partnership has enabled excellent business outcomes for PONANT in India and an exceptional customer experience. The impact is evident in this ongoing and ever-growing collaboration for journeys across the Arctic, Antarctica, Japan, Africa, and so much more between the two poles.”
Jurgen Bailom, President and CEO of Waterways Leisure Tourism, which operates the Cordelia Cruises in India, said, “We are thrilled to witness the growing enthusiasm for cruising among travellers across segments. With the collective expertise and commitment of Cordelia Cruises, Thomas Cook India, and SOTC Travel, we look forward to elevating the cruising experience and inviting travellers to embark on an extraordinary journey at sea.”
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