In a departure from the global norm where cruising is often associated with the elderly, India’s younger generations, including Gen Z and millennials, have developed a penchant for cruise vacations. This surge in interest is often seen within multigenerational travel groups, as highlighted in the 2023 India Holiday Report by prominent travel enterprises, Thomas Cook India and SOTC India.
Rajeev Kale, who heads leisure travel for Thomas Cook India, points out the allure of cruises for Indians: the promise of a holistic vacation experience without the constant shifts between accommodations and locations. Coupled with competitive pricing, adventurous onboard activities, and easy financing options, cruises have seen a whopping 70% increase in interest since before the pandemic.
Reacting to this skyrocketing demand, the Indian government and private sector are investing heavily in infrastructure. Recent highlights include the inauguration of a massive cruise terminal at Visakhapatnam Port and another terminal at Chennai Port. Notably, the latter marked the maiden voyage of India’s first international cruise ship, MV Empress, to Sri Lanka, operated by Mumbai’s Cordelia Cruises.
India, with its vast 7,500km coastline and thousands of kilometers of navigable waterways, had already witnessed a steady growth in cruise traffic, reaching 468,000 passengers in the 2019-20 season. This momentum, momentarily halted by the pandemic, is now back on track. Ambitious future plans include opening three more international cruise ports by 2024, significantly increasing the number of operational cruise ships by 2047, and bolstering facilities around regions like Puducherry and the Andaman, Nicobar, and Lakshadweep islands.
However, the rapid expansion of the cruise industry in India is not without its critics. Globally, this segment of travel has faced backlash for its environmental impact. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the maritime sector accounts for nearly 2.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. To combat this, cruise lines globally are pivoting towards more eco-friendly vessels, aligning with directives from the International Maritime Organisation.
Varun Chadha, CEO of Tirun Travel Marketing, representing Royal Caribbean Cruises, emphasizes the cruise industry’s recognition of climate change challenges. Steps being taken include adopting sustainable fuels, minimizing plastic usage, and more.
However, environmental experts argue there’s more to the issue. Dr. Sumanta Bagchi, specializing in ecology, cautions about the gap between regulations and their actual implementation. Additionally, marine biologists like Prachi Hatkar underscore the importance of safeguarding India’s rich marine biodiversity from the potential adverse impacts of cruise tourism.
Kerala Tourism director, P.B. Nooh, acknowledges the limited benefit of cruise tourism to local communities due to its transient nature. Still, he’s optimistic about leaving a lasting positive impression on travelers, tempting them for a return visit.
In conclusion, while the booming cruise industry paints a promising economic picture, it’s imperative for stakeholders to address and balance the environmental and local community concerns that accompany it.
READ MORE: