Good news for those who love sea voyages! India’s first international cruise was flagged off from Chennai to Sri Lanka on Monday. The MV Empress, with 750 passengers on a 5-day sea cruise, will cross three ports.With our rich heritage & culture around our coastal region, the potential of cruise tourism in India is immense," said Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush. The Minister also said that the launch of the cruise is affordable and offers best-in-class services. Taking to his Twitter account, the minister tweeted:
"Historic Beginning! Flagged off the first regular international cruise service from @PortofChennai , the MV Empress to Sri Lanka. Cruise tourism holds huge opportunity for our maritime sector, and this cruise will further boost tourism, generate employment and strengthen the economy." Here are some interesting facts about MV Express:1) Ports: The cruise will visit three ports in Sri Lanka, namely Hambantota, Trincomalee and Kankesanturai.
2) Package: The cruise packages are available for two nights, three nights, four nights, and five nights.
3) Price: The price of tour packages begins at INR 86,383 (for two people for three nights). 4) Launch: The cruise was launched from Chennai's International Cruise Terminal built at a cost of INR 17.21 crores.
5) Guests can play casino games onboard but only in international waters.
The main aim of the government is to develop Chennai as a cruise tourism hub. By 2024, the government plans to build three new international cruise ports with additional ferry routes through India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar. MV Gemini vessel has 400 cabins and room for 1,074 passengers. It will set sail from Istanbul on November 1, with in Barcelona and Miami. According to a CNN report, the cruise will cover 13 out of 14 Wonders of the World including India. Destinations to be covered under the voyage are Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue, Taj Mahal in India, Mexico’s Chichen Itza and the Great Wall of China, among others. The company has made arrangements for office duties on MV Gemini and added tax benefits when working as an international resident aboard the ship.
As per its website, "We have developed a first of its kind Business Center at Sea with 2 Meeting Rooms, 14 Offices, a Business Library, Relaxing Lounge and a Café. Loaded with Screens, Conference Equipment, WIFI, Printers and staff ready to assist. Making money at Sea has never been easier, and with the Tax Benefits of an International Residence, you may keep more of what you earn." The price of the cruise includes permanent office space, shore excursions, spa services, medical procedures and medicine and some seasonal premium services onboard. A cruise company has come our with special offers for travellers who want to tour around the world. Life at Sea Cruises announced bookings for a three-year ship voyage, covering over 375 ports, visiting 135 countries in 7 continents by cruising on MV Gemini.The destinations include 13 out of 14 wonders of the world.
You must be logged in to post a comment.