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Shailesh Menon

Announces series of one-night international water, destination cruises

Mr Chong Chee Tut, Chief Operating Officer, Star Cruises

Onboard the SuperStar Libra , Oct. 23

Unfurling its sails for the second time in the uncharted waters of cruise tourism in India, Star Cruises is hoping to pep Indian tourists by offering a slice of life and luxury on the sea.

An array of shortcomings like modest port infrastructure, unfriendly tax structure and lack of proper awareness about cruise tourism is not stopping the company from seeing huge potential for business in India.

"Cruise tourism has huge potential in India because of the rising disposable income of people. It may be an expensive branch of tourism entertainment but cruises are becoming more and more affordable to vacationers and tourists in India," Mr Chong Chee Tut, CEO, Star Cruises, told Business Line during the homecoming of the SuperStar Libra to Mumbai for another season in India.

Star Cruises has announced a series of one-night international water cruises and destination cruises to Goa and Lakshadweep this season.

"For the season ahead, we are introducing more one-night cruises to enable first timers to come aboard and experience vacationing in cruises. From our experience last year, we have learnt that Indians are still not game for longer cruises. Short cruises will help people to overcome fear and apprehensions of travelling in a cruise ship."

Star Cruises will tie up with major State Tourism Departments and travel agencies to market its cruise packages.

The SuperStar Libra is targeting occupancy rate of 80 per cent this season. The ship had low turnout (about 50 per cent of its total passenger capacity) of tourists last year.

"We are bringing back a product that is well adapted to the tastes of Indian passengers. Food is the most important aspect of cruise liner operations. Our restaurants dish out a delectable choice of Indian, Asian and continental cuisines. We even provide Jain cuisine aboard the SuperStar Libra," said Mr Chong.

The company plans to tap corporate business travel, meetings, conventions and exhibitions in India.

About 30 per cent of total occupancy falls under this segment. The company is also eyeing other opportunities such as full-ship charters and partial hires in India.

Star Cruises has no immediate plans to call on other ports along the Indian coastline. The reason for this is inadequate infrastructure at major ports.

"Passenger terminals and exclusive cruise jetties are necessary to promote cruise tourism. On a scale of five marks, with five being the lowest, I would give a four to cruise infrastructure in India," said Mr Chong.

The company has appealed the Government to waive excise duties imposed on cruise tour operators, as is done in other countries.

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