Dear Readers,
Summer is at its peak, but the usual excitement around travel appears a little subdued this year. With travellers becoming more cautious, conscious and selective, the industry is witnessing a clear shift towards holidays that offer safety, comfort, value, and memorable experiences in one seamless package. High on the chart of responsible and experiential travel is cruise tourism, which is fast gaining momentum in India.
For our BOTT June Cruise Special Issue, we reached out to around 10 leading cruise companies and cruise representation companies in India to understand how the segment is evolving, what Indian travellers are seeking, and how the trade can better tap into this growing opportunity. The insights we received point to a strong and encouraging trend — cruising is no longer seen as a niche or luxury-only holiday. It is becoming a preferred choice for families, honeymooners, senior travellers, MICE groups, wedding planners and experience-seeking Indians.
From fly-cruise holidays in Singapore and Asia to expedition cruising, river journeys, luxury voyages, multi-generational vacations and culturally immersive itineraries, the cruise product has expanded significantly. Companies such as StarDream Cruises, Pandaw Cruises and several leading cruise representatives are focusing on India-friendly offerings, trade education, flexible itineraries, vegetarian and Jain meal options, celebration-led travel, and deeper partnerships with agents.
This issue also captures how cruise brands are reimagining onboard entertainment, shore excursions, sustainability, guest comfort and destination discovery. For India, the opportunity is immense — but it needs stronger awareness, better selling skills, and greater confidence among both agents and travellers.
As we present this special issue, our objective is simple: to bring cruise tourism closer to the Indian travel trade and highlight its potential as one of the most exciting growth verticals in outbound and experiential travel.
Happy reading!
Priyanka Saxena Ray
Editor, BOTT India
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