European cruises continue to be in high demand and the two firms offer Mediterranean cruises
With the revival of domestic and international tourism across India, there has been an unprecedented surge in demand for cruise holidays in the country. To capitalise on this large and rapidly growing appetite for cruise travel, India’s largest travel firm Thomas Cook and its subsidiary SOTC Travel have launched an extensive range of cruise holiday programmes, both in the domestic and international segment, covering a vast variety of destinations across the globe. The two travel companies are looking at tapping various segments of tourism – from leisure and special occasions to MICE and weddings.
According to a press release, with rapid easing of international health protocols/restrictions, the two companies’ data reflects a significant 35-40 pc growth in demand for cruise holidays. It adds that the key demand drivers are families that account for 41 pc of all travellers, young professionals and millennials who constitute 29 pc and couples and honeymooners make 24 pc of the total demand. The press statement says that Thomas Cook and SOTC’s new Cruise Holidays aims to maximise on this strong and growing potential – with its seacations, river cruises and sustainable blue tourism programmes.
“Cruise holidays offer the perfect combination of entertainment and relaxation, be it for multi-generational families, young professionals/millennials and couples. What is noteworthy is that Indians are opting for sea-cations to celebrate a special occasion or a milestone – be it a cruise to nowhere for 2 nights to a luxurious sailing of 30 days! We are seeing growing preference for higher categories like ocean-view cabins and suites, reflecting clear appetite for higher spend. Our extensive portfolio of Cruise Holidays offers a delightful array of cruise experiences from favourites to new and exotic locales,” says Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India).
The communique says that cruises represent a unique value proposition: an all-inclusive holiday without the hassle of multiple check-in/check-out and transfers. A cruise is packed with exciting on-board entertainment/activities like broadway shows, stand-up comedy, casino/ night clubs; dedicated play area for children; diversity of gastronomical experiences, indoor and outdoor games, adventure activities like rock climbing, zip lining and water sports; variety of shopping experiences too. Additionally, on-shore excursions enable travellers to avail of destination sightseeing at various ports of call.
At international level, Thomas Cook and SOTC offer a range of short haul cruises like Singapore roundtrip via Malaysia on Genting Dream Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises. It also has cruises covering Dubai-Oman-Abu Dhabi-Qatar on Azamara Quest and Middle East Costa Cruises sailings covering Dubai-Abu Dhabi-Muscat-Bahrain. European cruises continue to be in high demand and the two firms offer Mediterranean cruises like Norwegian Cruise Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Princess and Azamara covering Spain-France-Italy; an intensive voyage from Greece covering ports in Turkiye on the Azamara Pursuit; Scandinavian sailings of Norwegian Fjords and Cunard; also Celebrity Cruises to the exotic Canary and Azores islands.
To those travellers seeking destinations further afar, USA is featured extensively via Hawaii and Alaskan sailings of Royal Caribbean Cruises, the Carnival Cruises and Disney Cruise Line. Additionally, Antarctica’s ice-breaker luxury cruise sailings on Ponant creates an exceptional polar expedition experience. Besides sea/ocean cruises, luxury river cruising like Avalon Waterways, Uniworld River Cruises and Viking Cruises are now witnessing noteworthy demand.
Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel have also announced a range of special deals like Buy One Get One Free and Early Bird Discounts on certain cruises. Select cruise lines are also offering special benefits such as discounted prices and free travel for children under 18 years of age.
“Cruise Holidays offer the perfect opportunity to our customers to have a diversity of fascinating experiences onboard a luxurious floating hotel. Our customers look forward to having a memorable journey by indulging themselves on the cruise with out-of-the-world gastronomic experiences, rejuvenating wellness and spa options, duty-free shopping, entertainment and adventure activities for all age groups. To inspire our customers across segments, we have announced a range of special deals that are sure to give them the best value for money on their cruise holiday. Additionally, cruises are payable in Indian Rupees making it an added advantage for our customers,” says Daniel D’Souza, President & Country Head – Holidays, SOTC Travel.
