An intimate Mumbai showcase underlined how slow, design-led ocean travel is beginning to resonate with India’s evolving luxury traveller, signalling fresh opportunity for the cruise trade.
ClickMyCruise, representative of Explora Journeys in India, hosted an exclusive showcase in Mumbai on October 30, 2025, bringing together around 25 select travel partners and media to present the positioning of the new-generation luxury cruise brand by the MSC Group. The evening was held at The Oberoi, Nariman Point and focused on how curated, immersive cruising is emerging as a serious luxury proposition for Indian travellers.
Addressing the gathering, Norbert Stiekema, Executive Director, MSC Cruises, said, “Explora Journeys is built around our philosophy of the ‘Ocean State of Mind’, which is about slowing down, immersing oneself in the journey and forming a deeper connection with the sea. We are seeing the Indian market evolve rapidly towards bespoke, experiential luxury, and this is where Explora Journeys fits in naturally.” He highlighted that all-suite accommodation, extended port stays and refined onboard experiences align closely with the expectations of today’s discerning Indian traveller.
The presentation offered trade partners a detailed look at the brand’s design ethos, onboard lifestyle and destination-led itineraries, positioning Explora Journeys as distinct from traditional luxury cruising. For Indian agents, the emphasis was firmly on quality over volume, personalisation and longer, more meaningful voyages.
Sharing her perspective on the market, Nalini Gupta, Managing Director, ClickMyCruise, said, “Having witnessed the evolution of the cruise industry over the decades, I truly believe India stands on the brink of a new wave of luxury travel. With Explora Journeys, we’re introducing a product that reflects the modern traveller’s desire for authenticity, space, and personal connection, an ocean experience redefined for today’s world.”
The evening concluded with informal discussions between trade partners and the Explora Journeys team, reinforcing a shared view that luxury ocean travel for India is entering a new phase. For the cruise trade, the Mumbai showcase marked an early but important step in building awareness and confidence around a brand positioned for India’s next generation of high-end travellers.
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.
