DRMumbai: Media tycoon Subhash Chandra’s Essel Group-owned cruise business Zen Cruises recently launched its first brand, Jalesh Cruises – a multi-destination cruise line to offer the best of entertainment, adventure activities and exotic authentic cuisines packed with international hospitality on the high sea. Jalesh, meaning ‘Lord of the Water’ is designed to provide a rich experience of Indian culture, hospitality and food to domestic and international travellers.
Targeting vacationers, corporate companies, wedding planners and event organisers, Jalesh Cruises also stands for inclusivity with the brand providing facilities and rooms specially designed for elderly and differently-abled passengers on its ships. The first ship ‘Karnika’ will sail from Mumbai in April 2019, following the traditional naming ceremony of the 2000-passenger vessel.
Jurgen Bailom, President and CEO, Zen Cruises said, “We are pioneering cruise holidays for Indian passengers in domestic and international waters. Our premiere brand Jalesh Cruises believes in upholding the spirit, culture and values of ‘Incredible India’ by contributing to the growth of tourism and allied businesses in India. Jalesh Cruises will be a wholesome experience for cruisers who will get the best of culinary experiences, accommodation, wellness and retail therapy, adventure and entertainment, packed in one exotic vacation.”
Jalesh Cruises will also offer onshore destinations and excursions across Indian port cities including Chennai, Kochi, Mormugao (Goa), Mumbai, Vizag and international locations including Abu Dhabi, Colombo, Dubai, Muscat, Penang, Ras Al Khaimah and Singapore.
“Zen Cruises wants to grow the cruise market as a whole in India. Our aim is to touch, delight and fulfil the lives of a million Indians and make them travel worldwide by 2025,” Bailom added. In 2019, the target is to conduct 137 short sailings and host a total of 2,50,000 passengers.
Onboard Jalesh Cruises, passengers will be delighted with Broadway shows, extravagant plays, breathtaking magic shows, live music concerts, dance performances, shopping and a host of other entertainment. Jalesh Cruises will offer a bevy of fine dining restaurants including Jain preparations to suit the culinary preferences of passengers.
The company is on course to captivate cruise passengers with a tailor-made offering par excellence.
“Over 40 per cent of the inventory has already been pre-sold,” informed Bailom. “Such is the response to the cruise product from the India market.” The media briefing was attended by Ashish Kumar Singh IAS, Principal Secretary, Transport and Ports, Home Department, Government of Maharashtra and Sanjay Bhatia IAS, Secretary, Government of India and Chairman, Mumbai Port Trust; Chairman-in-Charge, Deendayal Port Trust and Managing Director, Indian Ports Association, both of whom assured all support to Zen Cruises calling it a real game changer and agreeing to work in tandem to facilitate the growth of the cruise tourism industry in India.
