MAIDEN SAIL: In the first year, the cruise company targets to cater to 2,50,000 passengers with shorter sailings of two to three nights
India's first premiere cruise line – Jalesh Cruises of Zen Cruises – has been launched and will commence its sailings from April 17.
"Jalesh Cruises is our first brand that will offer multi-destination cruise line. 'Jalesh' means 'Lord of Water', which is designed to offer a rich experience of Indian culture, hospitality and food to domestic and international travellers," said Jurgen Bailom, president and chief executive officer of Zen Cruises.
The bookings for this premiere liner have already begun. The first cruise will start from Mumbai on April 17 and would head to Goa. At the moment, the first ship is undergoing refurbishment in Singapore and is scheduled to sail to Mumbai via Colombo, Kochi and Goa. The ship-naming ceremony has been planned for April 19.
According to the plans, Jalesh Cruises will offer onshore destinations and excursions across Indian port cities of Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Mormugoa and Vizag. The international locations include Abu Dhabi, Colombo, Dubai, Muscat, Penang, Ras Al Khaimah and Singapore.
The plan is to operate two luxury liners. The first vessel, Karnika, will commence operations in April and the subsequent ship is likely to arrive either by the end of this year or early in 2020. At present, the cruise company is in talks to purchase the second luxury liner to grow its fleet strength.
"A year-and-a-half ago, we had prepared a road map for cruise tourism in India that mentioned that of the 900 callings, 700 would be in Mumbai alone. Last year, there were 40 port of calls in Mumbai, and then, Jalesh Cruises came to us and they alone would be doing over a 100 callings in Mumbai. What we otherwise would have achieved - reaching over 200 calls in Mumbai in five-six years - is now happening in a year's time," said Sanjay Bhatia, chairman, Indian Ports Association and Mumbai Port Trust.
In the first year itself, the cruise company targets to cater to 2,50,000 passengers. To begin with, during the initial year, the company would have shorter sailings of two to three nights.
"On board the premiere liner, passengers will experience Broadway shows designed in Las Vegas, extravaganza plays, magic shows, live music concerts, dance shows, shopping and a host of other entertaining events. Nine of the best food outlets would be available on board our ship along with Jain preparations," added Bailom.
The ticket fares will include all the activities and food available on the ship and only alcohol and purchases (shopping), if any, will be charged extra. Already, 40% of the load or capacity has been sold for the itineraries put up online.
COAST-TO-COAST
- Jalesh Cruises will offer onshore destinations and excursions across Indian port cities of Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Mormugoa and Vizag
- The international locations include Abu Dhabi, Colombo, Dubai, Muscat, Penang, Ras Al Khaimah and Singapore
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