February 14, 2025 | By Anita Jain Shah

The first meeting of the Cruise Bharat Mission was held in Mumbai today, marking a significant milestone in India’s cruise industry. This exclusive gathering brought together key stakeholders, including cruise liners, General Sales Agents (GSAs), port authorities, the Department of Tourism, and top industry experts. Unlike broader maritime conferences, this was the first-ever forum in India dedicated solely to cruise tourism—a step towards positioning India as a major global player in the sector.

Launched on September 30, 2024, the Cruise Bharat Mission is designed to elevate India’s cruise industry through policy reforms, infrastructure development, and strategic marketing. The meeting provided an open platform for experts to exchange insights, address challenges, and chart a roadmap for the industry’s growth.

Building a Cruise Culture: More Than Just Ports
One of the biggest takeaways from the discussion was that cruise tourism in India needs more than just infrastructure—it requires a complete ecosystem, including destination development, marketing, and tourism sector involvement.

Jurgen Bailom, President & CEO of Cordelia Cruises, set the tone for the discussion by stating, “Getting a cruise ship to India is easy. Operating one is a task.” He emphasised that India’s cruise sector needs a shift in mindset—from simply building ports to creating destinations and experiences. “Cruising is a vacation, not just transportation,” Bailom explained. “We need to build closer cruise itineraries because Indian travellers prefer shorter vacations, typically five days or less. Without exciting, well-developed ports of call, the demand for domestic cruising will remain limited.”

Marketing & Destination Development: The Real Game-Changer
Naresh Rawal, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Resorts World Cruises, echoed this sentiment, stressing that the cruise industry is not just about selling cabins. “We are floating cities,” Rawal said. “Shore excursions and destination development are critical because cruises are sold based on the appeal of their destinations. The industry must move beyond port infrastructure and focus on developing vibrant, cruise-friendly cities to attract travellers.”

This need for an integrated approach was further reinforced by Rajiv Jalota, Expert Advisor for the Cruise Bharat Mission. He pointed out that states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Orissa, and Kerala are already making efforts to develop their cruise tourism sectors. However, Jalota highlighted that marketing efforts need to scale up to create awareness and drive demand.

Learning from Global Case Studies & Removing Operational Barriers
Manoj Singh, Country Head – India, Norwegian Cruise Lines, emphasised the importance of learning from international cruise markets. “The ease of doing business is crucial,” he stated. “With more ships being built and cruise lines expanding their fleets, they are actively seeking new homeports. India has massive potential to become a cruising hub, but streamlining regulations and simplifying tax structures is key to attracting international cruise liners.”

Bringing an international perspective, Jasem Zaiton, Subject Matter Expert for the Cruise Bharat Mission, underlined that the initiative must adapt global expertise to Indian conditions. “I am passionate about the Indian cruise market,” Zaiton said. “There is immense opportunity, but we need to work together—be candid about challenges, align on solutions, and put in the effort to build a thriving industry.”

Government’s Commitment: Cruise Tourism as an Economic Driver
The Ministry of Tourism also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Cruise Bharat Mission. Arun Srivastava, Joint Director General, Ministry of Tourism, shared an optimistic outlook on India’s progress. “Having worked in cruise sales in India since the mid-90s, I’ve seen firsthand how far this industry has come,” Srivastava noted. “The Ministry of Tourism is actively investing in cruise infrastructure and excursion development. Over the last two years, we have completed 14 projects that directly benefit cruise tourism, and 15 of the 38 identified inland cruise circuits are already operational. Our goal is to provide all necessary support alongside state tourism boards to ensure the Cruise Bharat Mission’s success.”

A New Era for Cruise Tourism in India
This landmark meeting was more than just an industry discussion—it was the first step towards a fundamental shift in how India approaches cruise tourism. The key message from all stakeholders was clear:

– Develop destinations, not just ports.

– Invest in marketing to build a cruise culture and hype.

– Ensure ease of doing business for cruise lines.

– Learn from global best practices while adapting to the Indian market.

– Integrate tourism efforts to create immersive cruise experiences.

As the only dedicated cruise journalist in India present at this milestone event, I can confidently say that the Cruise Bharat Mission is headed in the right direction. With industry leaders, government bodies, and tourism stakeholders aligned, the foundation for a booming cruise tourism industry in India has been laid. This is just the beginning—the real journey starts now.