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Purvita Chatterjee

Plans to sell the concept of cruising in smaller towns, cities

Mumbai , Aug. 22

Beginning the second season for the cruise liner Super Star Libra in the Indian market, Star Cruises India Pvt Ltd is planning to grow at 50 per cent in the domestic market.

Registering its first year of profits in the country, the cruise liner had 70,000 passengers last season. "We expect to double the number of passengers this year and are expecting to grow at 50 per cent in the domestic market," says Mr Sarosh Khatib, General Manager - India, Star Cruises.

Targeting tier-II cities with its offering, the cruise major is setting up roadshows to sell the concept of cruising in smaller towns and cities.

Nascent stage

"Cruising as a concept is at its nascent stage in India. However it is getting evolved and now we have decided to approach the tier-II cities," says Mr Khatib. Star Cruises expects to explore new ports in the eastern parts of the country.

After exploring destinations such as Lakshadweep and Goa , the company now intends to tap destinations in the eastern coast as well. "In the future, we are planning to explore more destinations on the eastern coast from places such as Chennai and Vizag."

Having started domestic operations last year, Star Cruises is also promoting its `Fly Cruises' for international destinations. With its network of `preferred' sales agents, Star Cruises has been operating through the B2B network. Having acquired a Norwegian cruise line recently, it has been attempting to promote cruising in India and has been introducing its tours through travel agents.

Fly Cruise

`Fly Cruise' are trips in which cruises are being added from the destinations abroad.

"In spite of the Indian cruising market being at a nascent stage, we expect the Fly Cruise market to grow between 15-20 per cent," says Mr Khatib. With 40,000 travellers availing themselves of its cruises last year, this year the Fly Cruise market from India is estimated at nearly 60,000 travellers. Star Cruises has been operating its subsidiary company in India for the past eight years.

Tariff

With 22 branded ships under its fold, Star Cruises has not been subsidising its prices for the Indian market. "Our tariffs are on par with the international market," says Mr Khatib. With an average pricing of $100 per night, Star Cruises expects its second season of Super Star Libra to grow the cruise market in the country.

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