Over 1,200 tourists from different states sailed the luxurious ship MV Empress, owned by Cordelia Cruises.
India's first indigenous cruise liner, started by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) in partnership with private company Cordelia Cruises, has begun operations amid much fanfare.
Cordelia cruise ship vessel arrived from Mumbai and anchored at the shores of Kochi this week, announcing the restart of the tourism business as the COVID-19 condition recovers in the coastal region.
Cordelia cruises, the first cruise vessel to call at Cochin Port since the onset of pandemic, was given a traditional welcome by @KeralaTourism at Sagarika, the new International Cruise Terminal at Cochin Port. @shipmin_india @PIB_ShipMin @tourismgoi @CordeliaCruises pic.twitter.com/m9T9QOXd00
— Cochin Port Trust (@cochin_port) September 22, 2021
Check out the first glimpses from the luxury cruise lines debut voyage!
1. India's first indigenous cruise
Over 1,200 tourists from different states sailed the luxurious ship MV Empress, owned by Cordelia Cruises, for an on-shore journey after the COVID-19 protocols to learn about the rich cultural identity and heritage of the coastal city.
2. Grand welcome at Kochi
The luxury cruise liner MV Empress anchored at Cochin Port, Willingdon Island around 5 am and received a grand welcome from the locals with folk music and cultural performance. After that, the visitors were taken to Mattancherry and Fort Kochi.
3. Facilities onboard
The amenities that tourists onboard the Cordelia MV Empress include different dining options, swimming pool, bar, theatre, open DJ, open cinema, luxury cabins, kids’ area, gym and other recreational activities.
4. Gamechanger for Indian marine tourism
The luxury liner was the first cruise to arrive at Kochi’s new International Cruise Terminal. The cruise adds to the luxury travel options offered by the Indian Railway’s PSU IRCTC’s under its range of tourism services.
Pics courtesy: Twitter