Indians across all demographics are showing an increased hunger for cruises as the market for cruise vacations has experienced an unparalleled boom. In order to take advantage of this tremendous potential, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, the nation’s top omnichannel travel services provider, and SOTC Travel, a member of the Thomas Cook Group, have introduced a wide selection of cruise holidays to both domestic and international locations.
Starting early to coincide with travel re-start, post-pandemic, Thomas Cook & SOTC were quick to seize on the domestic cruise potential. The Companies have emerged as top sellers of India cruises (Cordelia), with over 4000 customers booked in this short span. With the rapid easing of international health protocols/restrictions, the Companies data reflects a significant 35-40% month-on-month uptick for cruise holidays; key demand drivers being families: 41%; young professionals/millennials: 29%; couples/honeymooners: 24%. Thomas Cook and SOTCs new Cruise Holidays aims to maximise this strong and growing potential with its seacations, river cruises and sustainable blue tourism programs.
Cruises represent a unique value proposition: an all-inclusive holiday without the hassle of multiple check-in/ check-out and transfers. A cruise is packed with exciting onboard entertainment/activities like broadway shows, stand-up comedy, casino/ night clubs; a dedicated play area for children; a diversity of gastronomical experiences, indoor and outdoor games, adventure activities like rock climbing, zip lining and water sports; a variety of shopping experiences too. Additionally, on-shore excursions enable travellers to avail of destination sightseeing at various ports of call.
In addition to Cordelia Cruises in India waters, Thomas Cook & SOTC offer a range of short-haul cruises: Singapore roundtrip via Malaysia on Genting Dream Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises; also Arabia and Dubai voyages covering Dubai-Oman-Abu Dhabi-Qatar on Azamara Quest and Middle East Costa Cruises sailings covering Dubai-Abu Dhabi-Muscat-Bahrain. European cruises continue to be in high demand and the Cruise Holiday portfolio offers Mediterranean cruises like Norwegian Cruise Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Princess and Azamara covering Spain-France-Italy; an intensive voyage from Greece covering ports in Turkiye on the Azamara Pursuit; Scandinavian sailings of Norwegian Fjords and Cunard; also Celebrity Cruises to the exotic Canary and Azores islands. The USA is featured extensively via Hawaii and Alaskan sailings of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Carnival Cruises and the family favourite – Disney Cruise Line. Additionally, Antarcticas ice-breaker luxury cruise sailings on Ponant create an exceptional polar expedition experience. Besides sea/ocean cruises, luxury river cruises like Avalon Waterways, Uniworld River Cruises and Viking Cruises are now witnessing noteworthy demand.
Indians are quintessential value seekers and hence to accelerate cruise bookings, the Companies have announced a range of special deals like Buy One Get One Free and Early Bird Discounts on certain cruises. Select cruise lines are also offering special benefits such as discounted prices and free travel for children under 18 years of age.
Additionally, leveraging the Companies technology-first approach, Thomas Cook and SOTC offer customers the option to select their preferred travel dates and book Cruise holidays through their websites on real time availability basis this includes cabins, offers, etc.
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said Cruise holidays offer the perfect combination of entertainment and relaxation, be it for multi-generational families, young professionals/millennials and couples. What is noteworthy is that Indians are opting for sea-cations to celebrate a special occasion or a milestone be it a cruise to nowhere for 2 nights to a luxurious sailing of 30 days! We are seeing a growing preference for higher categories like ocean-view cabins and suites, reflecting a clear appetite for higher spending. Our extensive portfolio of Cruise Holidays offers a delightful array of cruise experiences from favourites to new and exotic locales. And to accelerate demand, we have launched a range of unbeatable offers like Buy One-Get One Free and early bird specials on select cruise lines.
Mr. Daniel DSouza, President & Country Head – Holidays, SOTC Travel, said Cruise Holidays offer the perfect opportunity to our customers to have a diversity of fascinating experiences onboard a luxurious floating hotel. Our customers look forward to having a memorable journey by indulging themselves on the cruise with out of- the-world gastronomic experiences, rejuvenating wellness and spa options, duty-free shopping, entertainment and adventure activities for all age groups.
To inspire our customers across segments, we have announced a range of special deals that are sure to give them the best value for money on their cruise holiday. Additionally, cruises are payable in Indian Rupees making it an added advantage for our customers.