Dream Cruises, a luxury cruise ship operated by Genting Cruise Lines which has gained popularity over the years in the Indian market, is now witnessing growth from the smaller cities. Indian travellers are now looking at alternate holiday segments.
Speaking about the Indian market, Naresh Rawal, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Genting Cruise lines said, “Up until June, the year has been very positive for Genting Cruise Lines across all our segments of cruises. Through the years, we have noticed that India as a cruising market has really matured and is now welcoming the idea of cruising as an alternate holiday destination. We have seen a steady growth of passengers from across Tier I & II cities patronising our services. While, Tier I markets always had a matured travel audience, it’s really motivating to see the acceptance we have received from Tier II markets.”
Cruises from Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai, where Dream Cruises is home ported, are popular cruising destinations for India market due to its proximity. With lucrative visa offerings, enhanced connectivity from smaller markets, Hong Kong and Singapore attracts a significant chunk of these cruise travellers.
“The air connectivity to these cities from even Tier 2 markets have improved spells and bounds over the last couple of years. Hong Kong and Singapore are really hotbeds when it comes to Indian tourists due to their economical airfares, simplified visa process and amazing last mile connectivity from the airport to the cruising terminal. We have seen amazing response to our Singapore – Surabaya – North Bali itinerary on board Genting Dream and also have seen a rise in the number of travellers patronizing the Hong Kong – Miyakojima – Naha itinerary on board World Dream. This is not taking from the fact that all our itineraries due our unmatched hospitality and Indian centric service are very popular amongst the Indian audience,” Rawal revealed.
Genting is also witnessing a growth in demand for luxury products from India market. Travellers are now looking for premium cabins and exclusive experiences while cruising. Dream Cruises offers Dream Palace, which is a ‘Ship within a Ship’ concept. The world class butler service, access to exclusive dine in restaurants, priority booking at entertainment has witnessed many Indian takers.
Speaking about the demand, he further said, “The steep rise in the number of bookings we have seen in our Dream Palace offerings over the past couple of years, shows there is a demand for luxury. Indians have now understood the definition of luxury and are already aligned with the expectations when we say luxurious offerings. Indians are now the leading travellers across the world and have matured enough due to their travels to understand and appreciate our quality of services. With every travel of theirs to an international destination, Indians grow as travellers and are now asking highly informed questions when it comes to luxury cruising.”
Recently, Genting Cruise Line announced the launch of Explorer Dream. The new itineraries are now picking up in India market. “The recent launch of Explorer Dream is the introduction of our Australia and New Zealand itineraries. As a part of the winter sailings, Explorer Dream would be positioned in Sydney and Auckland while sailing to the picturesque ports of Dunedin, Wellington, Gisborne, Sunshine Coast and New Castle in these countries. Through Explorer Dream, we are looking at hosting the thrill seeking, adventurous and mature travellers from India to sail on an expedition of a lifetime with us. These destinations are now upcoming locations for the new age Indian traveller and this is what we would like to tap. Australia and New Zealand have always been on the to-do lists of DINKs (Double Income No Kids) travellers. Many of these travellers have been to these two countries; however what we would like to sell to them is the truly mesmerizing experience of witnessing these countries through a cruise ship sailing,” Rawal added.
