The two-level floatel has an open sky deck and will be anchored at the Bandra jetty near Bandra-Worli Sea Link from where it will sail deep into the waters towards south Mumbai
With a cruise-like floating hotel — floatel — kick-starting its sailing operations for the public this weekend, one can now enjoy views of the sunset while sailing off the Arabian Sea and a view of Gateway of India in the backdrop.
The two-level floatel has an open sky deck and will be anchored at the Bandra jetty near Bandra-Worli Sea Link from where it will sail deep into the waters towards south Mumbai.
The mini-cruise has a capacity of around 285 passengers on-board with features like a banquet hall and restaurants on-board. While the mini-cruise will sail during the morning and evening hours on weekends, it will remain stationary on the other days and act as a floating restaurant while anchored at the Bandra jetty.
Sanjeev Agarwal of SSR Marine Services, who owns the cruise, said, "The cruise will sail from under the iconic Bandra-Worli Sea Link along the Mumbai coastline, giving a glimpse of the city's bustling landscape and architectural marvels from the sea. There is no specific direction towards which we will sail, and it will be on demand. We can also go towards Gateway of India on the southern end and vice-versa towards the north."
For those who sail on weekends will also have the extra option of entertainment and shows on display. The cruise had to take several approvals in the form of no objection certificates (NOC) from various agencies like the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) and Indian Navy considering the issues of security involved for the same.
Agarwal added, "We have taken all safety measures and approvals for the safety of those who visit the cruise. It is our first initiative to promote marine tourism, we aspire to work closely with the state and central government to start various water transport and tourism projects."
Meanwhile, a similar floatel was inaugurated in early 2017 by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and is a joint venture (JV) between the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, AB Hospitality and WB International Consultants.
FLOATEL FEATURES
- Starting price per person: Rs 1,600
- Capacity: 285 clients
- Journey time: 2 hours
- Banquet hall, restaurants, open sky deck
- Getting there: Boat from Bandra jetty near Bandra-Worli Sea Link toll plaza will ferry patrons to the floatel
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