Shreya Shimpi
USP of your cruise line and importance of the India market
Resorts World Cruises is the only international cruise line that is homegrown in Asia with multiple homeports and footprints across the region. Since our inception 2 years ago, we have grown with two ships presently, sailing to over 16 destinations and counting with the Genting Dream and Resorts World One cruise ships. India remains a key important source market for us, and we continue to observe a year on year growth for the Indian Fly-Cruise market.
Marketing Strategies / Evolving Customer Preferences
There is still an enormous potential and growth opportunity for the cruise tourism and fly cruise sector in India as penetration is minimal and a large part remains untapped. To drive this growth further, we will continue strengthening our relationship with existing travel partners, providing support with more training and marketing tools to educate and create consumer awareness.
Demand for Experiential Travel
The demographics for cruising are fast evolving as these days we have a good mix of young and old cruisers, which is a healthy sign. A cruise vacation offers experiential travel that caters to a wide age group in a single sailing.
Using Technology
Striking the right balance of ‘hardware’ and ‘software’ is important for us. We can’t have one more than the other as both are equally important. With the aid of the latest technology, we strive to enhance our guests’ experiences from the start of checking-in to embarking, while on ship as well, payment and checking-out from your cabin; and disembarking, creating that seamless experience altogether. Also, we are working towards enhancing our connectivity experience at sea for our guests.
The big trends in Cruise Tourism
I think the next 5 years will see a higher percentage of new and repeat cruisers as cruising will become more of an in-trend. Remember globally, especially in Asia penetration is low and so, there is a huge potential with many still not knowing about cruising. With the right resources and partners, we can further elevate cruising as a trend and open up new markets.
Currently, repeat cruises are encouraging and that number is growing. Interestingly with cruising, once you have given cruising a try, there is a high chance you would want to cruise again and recommend it to friends and families
Sustainability in Cruise Tourism
At Resorts World Cruises, we remain committed to sound environmental practices in which a high standard of responsibility has been established. These include increasing energy efficiency, conservation of fuel and water, reducing solid waste generation, increasing recycling, protecting marine life and preventing oil pollution. For instance, the Genting Dream is equipped with Eniram trim optimization; and the exterior hull coating system incorporates the most advanced silicone-based paint to decrease drag in the water and increase fuel efficiency. Also, our ship uses Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS) to minimize emissions. In addition, we follow the highest marine industry standard and our Bio Waste Treatment system is equipped with dryers with the ability to incinerate or bag waste materials for offloading and disposal.
Upcoming Cruises
We are also chartering new waters with our upcoming homeport deployment in the Arabian Gulf with a 6-month homeport deployment in Dubai (UAE) and Doha (Qatar) from 18 October 2024 to 13 April 2025 with the Resorts World One. With easy access and regular flight connectivity from India to Dubai or Doha, Indian travellers will also have more travel and vacation options to explore multiple destinations with a cruise vacation, including to Sir Bani Yas, Khasab and Muscat.
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