As Indians take to cruise holidays in a big way, will there be a price to pay in damage to marine ecosystems and fragile coastlines?
- India is ideal for cruises, with tens of thousands of kilometres of waterways and coastline, and Gen Z and millennials are showing interest
- However, cruise ships are bad for the environment, polluting the air and water and affecting marine wildlife and habitats, and for coastal communities
Cruising may be considered a holiday option best suited to senior citizens worldwide but, in India, Gen Z, millennials and young working professionals are displaying a strong appetite for voyages, often as part of multigenerational groups, according to the India Holiday Report 2023, published by travel companies Thomas Cook India and SOTC India.
“Cruises represent a unique value proposition for Indians: an all-inclusive holiday without the hassle of multiple check-in/check-out and transfers,” says Rajeev Kale, president and country head, leisure travel for Thomas Cook India.
Indians, who have a reputation for seeking the best deals, seem to have found their ideal holiday, and high-adrenaline on board activities, affordability and easy access to credit are all increasing the appeal for the younger demographic, helping to fuel a 70 per cent surge since pre-pandemic times in people wanting to take cruise holidays, the report says.
Industry and government are responding to the demand.
Last month, a 4,500 square metre (48,000 sq ft) cruise terminal was inaugurated at Visakhapatnam Port, in Andhra Pradesh state, to serve domestic and international cruise tourism along India’s east coast.
That followed the completion in May of a US$2 million cruise terminal at Chennai Port. Spread over 2,880 square metres, the terminal can handle 3,000 passengers at a time, and saw off India’s first international cruise vessel, the MV Empress, as she set sail to Sri Lanka.
