Special Feature: By Anita Jain Shah | January 3, 2024

Manoj Singh, Country Head – India, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), unveils a compelling vision for 2024, foreseeing a surge in Indians discovering the magic of freestyle cruising. Singh anticipates this transformative experience becoming an annual holiday tradition for many, driven by factors such as a stronger economy, increased globalisation, and larger disposable incomes.

“In 2024, I hope that more and more Indians discover the magic of freestyle cruising aboard NCL’s fleet of ships and make it an annual holiday tradition!” expresses Singh. He said, “A stronger economy, more globalisation and larger disposable incomes leading partners and groups of friends and families investing their time and money bonding over travel and sharing their love for cruises. Not just urban Indians but the middle-class and upper middle-class aspiring to go on a cruise holiday at least once a year and saving up, if need be, for this life-changing vacation at sea.” 

Singh emphasises that this shift is not limited to urban Indians but extends to the middle-class and upper middle-class as well. He envisions a growing aspiration among these demographics to embark on a cruise holiday at least once a year, with individuals saving up, if necessary, for what he describes as a “life-changing vacation at sea.”

These manifestations, as outlined by Singh, paint a picture of a dynamic cruise industry in India, where freestyle cruising becomes synonymous with rejuvenation, celebration, and exploration. As the head of Norwegian Cruise Line in India, Singh’s insights reflect the cruise industry’s readiness to cater to the evolving aspirations of Indian travelers, offering them not just a vacation but a transformative and unforgettable experience at sea.