From hotels on land to hospitality at sea, here is the remarkable journey of a dynamic leader whose inspiring odyssey of twenty-two years in the travel industry stands out. His efforts have pioneered a new wave in the arena of cruising, marking a noteworthy legacy at sea. Anchored in experience and driven by vision, Naresh Rawal, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, StarDream Cruises, speaks about his memories, milestones, and his vision for India on the global cruising map in an exclusive chat with BOTT.
By Shreya Shimpi
What inspired you to enter the travel industry and how has it shaped you as a travel professional?
I have always been a hotelier. After completing my hotel management, my entire professional journey has been rooted in the hospitality industry—whether with the Taj Group or with McDonald’s. It was during this phase that an opportunity with Star Cruises came my way, to join as Senior Manager – Marketing. I decided to take the leap, largely because cruising felt like ‘Hotels at Sea’. That connection to hospitality drew me in, and as luck would have it, I joined Star Cruises in 2003—marking the beginning of what has now been over 21 years in the cruising industry.
Interestingly, this was my first role in the travel industry, and since then, my entire career has been dedicated to cruising. I joined the company on 15th January 2003, with my very first day spent onboard the SuperStar Virgo. We all grew up with her, and we used to call her the ‘Mother Ship’.
What is your long-term vision with StarDream Cruises?
The company is gearing up for major expansion, with plans to explore multiple new ports. As the industry matures, this is the right time to be part of cruising—the most rapidly evolving segment of travel. Over the years, the market has come to appreciate the advantages of cruising over land-based holidays, and the industry is now poised for its next big growth phase.
Talking about travel memories, sometimes there are great memories and sometimes they are not so great. Can you tell us one of those memories?
We are in the business of creating memories. I don’t believe we are in the business of selling cabins—we create experiences that stay with guests long after they leave the ship. You see it all around you onboard: smiling faces, families walking together, guests constantly taking photographs. For me, that’s the clearest indicator of happiness.
As for not-so-great memories, I honestly don’t think there are any specific ones. Every day is different, and every guest is different.
Tell us something about your family and a cherished memory, probably from childhood or with your family.
I am an Army kid and have grown up across the country due to my father’s service in the Army. It instilled a deep sense of discipline in me. He retired as a Colonel. My mom was a teacher. I’m blessed with two kids. My elder daughter, Mehak, is a home-based chef specializing in bakery and patisserie. My son, Jai, is currently in the US, studying film at the New York Film Academy, with aspirations to build a career in advertising.
Quick Shots
Mountains or Beaches: Mountains
Window seat or Aisle seat: Aisle
Favourite cuisine: Japanese
Favourite travel hack: Travel light
Favourite quote: ‘I am the Michelangelo of my life’. You carve your own destiny.
Advice for the first-time traveller: Enjoy your holiday. Make the best of it. Always create memories which you will cherish forever. Share those memories so that others can also create those beautiful memories.
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