Naina NathMumbai: Jalesh Cruises, India’s first multi-destination cruise line catering to the domestic and international cruise business, christened its first ship as ‘Karnika’ in an official naming ceremony held in Mumbai in April. Shreyasi Punit Goenka took on the mantle of the ‘Godmother’ of the ship and showered blessings of good luck, success and safety on the magnificent liner.
With a multitude of on-board offerings, the first ship of Jalesh Cruises boasts of new experiences that have been customised for the Indian traveller
It completed 15 sailings on the Mumbai-Goa-Mumbai and Mumbai-deep sea-Mumbai routes in April and May. Karnika undertook its first international sailing from Mumbai to Dubai on May 24, where it will now port until mid-September completing Middle East itineraries (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, Muscat, Manama) before returning to Mumbai.
Jurgen Bailom, President & CEO, Jalesh Cruises, said, “Jalesh Cruises is immensely proud to give India its first premium ship Karnika, which has been curated to indulge and entertain you in the true Indian style. She is a beautiful ship designed to enthral both domestic and international guests with the famed Indian hospitality. Our ship will make it possible for Indians to experience cruise vacations closer home with high level of customisation that touches the sensibilities of people here.”
For the naming ceremony and maiden sailing, there were over 1400 guests. “Karnika is changing the way people holiday in India. Cruise is addictive and India is going to love it,’’ said Rajeev Duggal, Advisor, Jalesh Cruises.Some of the guests found the entry into the port for embarkation a bit challenging. Bailom has informed that his team is working closely with Mumbai Port Trust (MBT) to make the experience seamless.
Currently Jalesh Cruises has seven Preferred Business Partners (PBP). Since the vessel is spending considerable time in the Middle East region, too, it has appointed dnata as international representative. “Direct sales is also important,” reminds Bailom. “We are looking at tapping all the sales channels available as we need 2,50,000 guests to cruise a year to make the business viable,” he adds.
Apart from helping democratise cruise travel in India and making it accessible to more and more Indians exploring new holiday experiences, Karnika will attempt to tap the MICE and wedding & honeymoon markets. Jalesh Cruises has obtained statutory permissions to hold Indian weddings with proper ‘havan’ (fire place) on-board the vessel specially to lure the lucrative Indian wedding market.When one evaluates rate per person per night, cruise is a very cost effective option considering it is an all inclusive rate that covers accommodation, food & beverage as well as entertainment. Karnika has wi-fi on board ($20 for 24 hours) and fully stocked bar (alcoholic beverages have to be paid for).
Pradeep Saboo, Chairman & Managing Director, Guideline Travels, a PBP of Jalesh Cruises, is bullish about the new product and the experience it promises. “The last two months we have had ‘real’ feedback from our Indian customers on Jalesh’s cruise offering and I must say the response has been excellent be it on-board entertainment or F&B service.”
Bailom says they have to figure out how to encourage guests to check out other F&B outlets as well. According to him, Indian guests only dined at the food court offering multi-cuisine buffet and did not check out even the dining hall (Waterfront) serving the same buffet or the other specialty restaurants. Unfortunately, Indian laws did not permit opening the retail outlets during the India leg of the cruise but the licences have been secured and the shops will be open when Karnika returns in September. When the Middle East itineraries kick off, duty-free retail will also commence.
In the Middle East, Jalesh Cruises hopes to target the four million-strong Indian expat community residing there. That apart, to attract Indians residing in their home country, multiple re-entry visa charges have been included in the fare. “The primary source market is India for Jalesh Cruises, whichever the itinerary,” confirms Bailom. “It’s a cruise and stay proposition – three day cruise, four days in Dubai or four day cruise and three days in Dubai. During the rainy season in India, we feel Middle East is a feasible strategy for us and their port infrastructure and logistics are state-of-the-art for short excursions, too.”
Karnika will undertake 30 cruises in the Middle East – 15 three-night cruises and 15 four-night cruises with Dubai as home port. Now Indians have the choice of Singapore and Dubai for a cruise and stay holiday. Dubai is a nearer destination, the air fare is cheaper, and great options to shop and dine. This should work in Karnika’s favour. Even for the local nationals, since halal food is available on-board and a casino (gambling is illegal on land) as well, it should not be a hard sell.
Karnika has 837 cabins and can carry 2000 passengers. Family rooms which interconnect are also available. On-board entertainment includes stand-up comedy shows, live music and The Dome, Karnika’s very own night club.For those wishing to relax their mind, body and soul, try the exotic spa therapies performed by professional therapists at the Spa on Deck 14 overlooking the ocean. A fully equipped gym with trainers is also available for the fitness freaks. And get a trim at the chic salon.
Karnika has many dining options but the one we recommend is Chopstix – the most amazing candle-lit dinner with a good view and lavishly presented Asian food (Thai, Malay, Chinese, Korean, Mangolian, Taiwanese & Japanese). Among watering holes that keep spirits high, The Chairman’s Club on Deck 7 stands apart. This is an exclusive place to enjoy the best of signature beverages from around the world.
Children can have a ball of a time on-board Karnika. So do parents travelling with them. There are four zones for kids aged between 2 to 7; 7 to 12; 12 to 15 and 15 to 18 across three different locations. There is also a dedicated kids’ pool, zones for kids’ activities, kids’ care and a video arcade.
Located on Deck 8, the Player’s Casino is the perfect setting to indulge in table games like Baccarat, Mini Flush, Indian Flush (Teen Patti), Roulette, Sports Betting, Casino War, Black Jack and Texas Poker. There are many video slot machines too. Karnika has a dedicated team to create and execute events, be they traditional or business. The ship offers many excellent settings, both outdoor and indoor, for any kind of event.
(The writer was hosted by Jalesh Cruises)
