DRMumbai: Jalesh Cruises, the first premiere cruise line catering to the Indian domestic and international cruise business, received its first ship, Karnika, the erstwhile Pacific Jewel from P&O Australia, recently in Singapore. The vessel, which is the first in the fleet of the multi-destination cruise line Jalesh Cruises, will reach Mumbai on April 17.
Keeping with tradition, the 2000-passenger ship, which weighs 70,285 tons, will go through its naming ceremony at a gala event in Mumbai on April 19.
Jurgen Bailom, President & CEO, Zen Cruises, said, “We are going to offer a memorable vacation to passengers on board with exotic culinary experiences, international hospitality and best of entertainment shows at high seas. With Karnika, we mark the beginning of memorable cruise holidays that will bring joy and delight to the Indian and global community.”
Karnika will dry dock in Singapore at Sembcorp Marine Admiralty Yard over the next few weeks for an extensive refurbishment exercise to customise the ship to suit Indians travellers. It will then proceed from Singapore to Colombo via Kochi, New Mangalore, Goa and finally arrive in Mumbai on April 17.
The cruise liner will be sailing initially between Mumbai and Goa for first few weeks till May, 2019 before proceeding to the Middle East where it will remain till mid-September. The cruise liner will be exploring the huge coastal length of India, allowing the customer to enjoy the same. Between May, 2019 and September, 2019, cruise passengers will have a choice of itineraries from among Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Muscat and Sir Bani Yas Island.
Following the refurbishment, Karnika will offer a multitude of facilities including spas, salons, fitness, fine dining, leisure activities for kids and teenagers alike.
To give a wholesome experience of vacation to cruise passengers, Jalesh Cruises will also offer on shore excursions across Indian port cities including Kochi, Mormugao, Mumbai, and international locations including Abu Dhabi, Colombo, Dubai and Muscat among others.
