TravTalk India Online Magazine
As India emerges as one of the fastest-growing cruise markets, global operators intensify focus on trade partnerships and distribution strength. With demand rising across leisure and MICE segments, the appointment of Travstarz as WCA’s exclusive India partner signals expanding opportunities for agents and charter specialists.
Rahul Bhadana
India’s growing appetite for cruise travel is driving new partnerships and product expansion opportunities for the travel trade. In a move designed to strengthen cruise access and support market development, Worldwide Cruise Associates (WCA), Florida, appoints Travstarz Global Group as its exclusive sales and marketing partner for India, effective 25 November 2025. The collaboration aims to scale cruise distribution among travel agents, tour operators and MICE specialists, reflecting rising demand for sea, river and charter cruise itineraries among Indian outbound travellers.
The partnership brings WCA’s global cruise expertise into the Indian market through Travstarz, which now assumes responsibility for trade engagement, contracting support and product representation. Founded in 1989, WCA brings over 36 years of operational and commercial experience across cruise programmes, including shore excursions and transfers. The agreement focuses on building group travel, incentive and full-ship charter business from India by combining WCA’s specialist capabilities with Travstarz’s established B2B network.
Strengthening India’s cruise opportunity
Steve Bloss and Diana Bloss, Co-founders, Worldwide Cruise Associates (WCA), say the timing reflects India’s emergence as a priority market for global cruise growth.
“We are thrilled to form a partnership with Travstarz Global Group, given their well-established expertise in the Indian B2B market. India is rapidly growing into one of the most significant cruise markets in the world, and this collaboration comes at an opportune time. Our specialisation in cruise charters for groups and MICE events, alongside our commitment to providing comprehensive service from planning to execution, allows us to cater effectively to the needs of Indian clients seeking unique travel experiences.”
WCA maintains partnerships with leading international cruise lines, including Avalon Waterways, Carnival Cruises and Celebrity Cruises. For the trade, this offers a single access point for itinerary planning, operational coordination and cost-efficient contract negotiation for corporate incentives, conferences, themed sailings and special interest groups.
Trade-led market expansion
According to Pankaj Nagpal, Managing Director, Travstarz Global Group, the alliance strengthens opportunities for Indian travel businesses.
“Partnering with WCA, a pioneer in the cruise sector with over three decades of experience, is an exciting development for Travstarz Global Group. Through this collaboration, we aim to tap into the burgeoning segments of luxury and leisure cruise bookings in India, as well as cater to MICE operators seeking bespoke cruise and charter options worldwide. Our goal is to become the preferred partner for agents and operators in India by bridging their clients with exceptional cruise offerings.”
He notes that travel agents gain access to expanded product choice, international charter expertise and operational efficiencies that support itinerary design and contracting.
Path forward
Both organisations plan targeted outreach across key agency clusters, trade training and joint promotional initiatives in the coming months. With cruises increasingly selected for incentives, celebrations and experiential travel, WCA and Travstarz expect sustained growth from India and a stronger pipeline for group and charter movements.
