TravTalk India Online Magazine
Named after the ancient goddess Eurybia who harnessed the winds, weather and constellations to master the seas, MSC Euribia will set sail from November 2024 until March 2025. The cruise ship, empowered with striking new features, will be homeporting in Dubai, but passengers will have a choice to board on Sundays from Doha and Wednesdays from Abu Dhabi.
TT Bureau
UAE, Qatar and Bahrain are the fastest growing cruise destinations in the world with an array of cruise liners sailing in the regions, says Rashmi Ahuja, Division Manager, MSC Cruises India. “These countries have always been popular with the India market due to the proximity, budget options of airlines, and ease of visa. Furthermore, we all are aware cruises are an affordable luxury, and has a great appeal with families, honeymooners, MICE, spiritual and wedding groups. Increased surge in cruisers from India and the ever-increasing demand is proof enough for the potential cruise holidays have in India,” she adds.
MSC Cruises India plans to cash in on the opportunity the India market offers. Ahuja says that their MSC Euribia will be homeporting in Dubai from November 2024 until March 2025, departing every Saturday, though passengers will have a choice of boarding on Sundays from Doha and Wednesdays from Abu Dhabi too, thereby offering them a variety of airfare options to choose from, depending on their feasibilities. Bookings for the winter season from customers, including a combination of MICE groups, spiritual groups and FITs, have already started, she shares.
MICE and weddings
The concept of MICE and destination weddings is growing at a steady speed in India, as the corporates are interested to explore various locations to host meetings and conferences. “Cruise lines are becoming favourite MICE destinations. Over the last few years, not only has the cruise product been identified as a strong travel option but become popular with corporate groups. Cruise liners are promoting ships as a venue for different purposes like MICE, wedding, celebrations, and holiday. It has been observed that in addition to the elite families, travel enthusiasts across various sectors in Indian corporates are looking at cruises as MICE destinations for a memorable experience,” Ahuja shares.
The reasons behind the growing MICE numbers on a cruise are many. “Handling groups on board a cruise ship is easy vis-a-vis land, as cruise ships offer an all-inclusive destination. Most of the groups coming for MICE activities combine work and leisure activities on the cruise ship. Everything is available on the ship, from meeting venues and award ceremonies on ship theatre to the leisure activities in the various lounges, pool decks and bars. The ease of having everything at one place enhances not only the attendance in terms of the meetings onboard but gives travellers the flexibility to do whatever they choose to do in the evening,” Ahuja says.
Tier markets
Cruise holidays have gained a lot more traction in the tier III cities and smaller towns of India that have remained untapped until recently. “Thanks to our trade partners who have increased their network educating these markets which have all the potential and urge to travel to international destinations and cruises are an attractive option that are being chosen,” she says.
