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Floating Cities

11 mins. read

Published in the Sunday Indian Express Magazine - Eye on 20 July 2025

Imagine unpacking just once and still waking up to a new part of the world every day!

A few days ago, I found myself thinking about cruises. ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ introduced an entire generation to cruises in India.

But still, despite all the glamour and intrigue, most Indian travellers don’t really know what a cruise holiday truly entails. It’s often wrapped in myths about high costs, formal dress codes, or limited food options. The reality, of course, is far more accessible and diverse.

When I started researching cruises recently, it struck me that we have only scratched the surface of this incredible way of travelling. And while Veena World has always focused more on land-based tours, in fact, every year, we take travellers to the Arctic and Antarctica. Yes, even to the ends of the Earth.

I still remember my own journey to Antarctica back in 2013. It was nothing short of life-changing. And that’s why this week’s article had to be about cruises. To explore what they are, why they matter, and why they might be the perfect holiday for Indian travellers. Here’s everything I have learned, and everything I think you should know, too.

Why Cruises?

For many years, cruises were seen as something reserved for travellers in the West, popular in places like the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, but distant and unfamiliar to Indian holidaymakers. That perception, however, is changing fast. Today, cruising is one of the most convenient, comfortable, and immersive ways to explore the world, and it’s catching on among Indian travellers for all the right reasons. What makes cruises truly special is their simplicity. You unpack once, settle into your cabin, and every day brings you to a new city, coastline, or country. There’s no hassle of constant hotel check-ins, no stress about transportation or meal planning. Everything, from gourmet dining and live entertainment to kids’ activities and curated shore excursions, is seamlessly taken care of.

Cruises also cater beautifully to different kinds of travellers. Families appreciate how there’s something for every age group, from water parks to live shows. Couples find the mix of romance and discovery perfect for honeymoons or anniversaries. Retired travellers enjoy the slower pace and effortless logistics, while corporate and incentive groups value the novelty and ease of planning events at sea.

And now, with cruise departures increasing closer to home, from ports like Mumbai, Kochi, Dubai, and Singapore, it’s clear that this form of travel is no longer just a Western experience. It’s global. And more importantly, it’s ready for the Indian traveller.

Let’s Break the Myths

For many Indian travellers, the idea of taking a cruise is often met with a raised eyebrow or a cautious smile. There’s a perception that cruising is either too expensive, too foreign, or simply not for ‘people like us.’

One common myth is that you will get bored on the ship. This couldn’t be further from reality. From roller coasters and spas to cooking classes and themed dining, modern ships are floating cities of entertainment. Some even have ice rinks and go-kart tracks!

Another misconception is that cruises are only for the ultra-rich. While that’s certainly not true across the board, the world of ultra-luxury cruising is a fascinating niche in itself. Take the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Luminara, for example, set to launch this month with just 226 suites, it’s less a ship and more a floating boutique hotel.

Next year, the Orient Express’ Corinthian will set sail, reviving a legendary name with a new level of maritime opulence. The Four Seasons Yacht 1, with only 95 all-suite accommodations, promises an experience that blurs the line between sea and sky.

And then there’s Aman, long known for its minimalist elegance, launching Amangiri at Sea in 2027, a ship designed to feel like a private coastal retreat. Their existing Amandira, a handcrafted two-masted Phinisi, already offers bespoke diving expeditions in Indonesia, staffed by a crew of 14 for just five cabins. These experiences are rare, refined, and very much at the top of the cruising pyramid. But that’s a deep dive for another article…

While luxury cruise lines certainly exist, the spectrum is wide. There are so many more options that are affordable and even budget-friendly. Remember, cruises include your stay, meals, entertainment, and travel between destinations, all in one seamless experience. In many cases, they can actually save you money when compared to booking everything separately.

There’s also the worry of motion sickness. But thanks to stabilisers and advanced ship design, You will likely forget you’re even at sea.

And finally, some people think cruises are rigid, that you are stuck to a strict schedule with little freedom. But many cruise lines now offer flexible dining, offbeat excursions, and the ability to choose your pace. Whether you want to explore every port or simply read a book by the pool, it’s your holiday, your way.

In short, cruising today is not what it used to be, and that’s a good thing.

The Big Names

Once I began exploring the world of cruises, I realised just how vast and varied it truly is. Different cruise lines offer different experiences, atmospheres, and destinations. And much like choosing a hotel or a tour, picking the right cruise line can make all the difference.

Take Disney Cruise Line, for instance. Designed for families, especially those with younger kids, it’s a world of magic on water. Think Disney character meet-and-greets, themed dining, musical shows, and even fireworks at sea.

Then there’s Royal Caribbean International, which is all about scale and entertainment. Their newest ship, the Icon of the Seas, is the world’s largest cruise ship that can carry about 7600 passengers. These ships are like mini-cities with surf simulators, water parks, broadway shows, fine dining, and more, all floating from one exciting destination to the next. It’s ideal for multigenerational families and groups who want variety and activity on board.

Norwegian Cruise Line is another standout, especially for travellers who like flexibility. There are no fixed dinner slots, no strict dress codes, just the freedom to explore and enjoy on your own terms. Their ships are sleek, modern, and perfect for couples or younger travellers who like a good mix of relaxation and adventure.

And for those who want something closer to home, there’s Cordelia Cruises, India’s very own cruise line. Sailing from ports like Mumbai and Chennai, it’s a great introduction to cruising for domestic travellers. Think weekend getaways with everything sorted.

Other big players like MSC, Costa, Celebrity, and Silversea bring their own style, from European flair and family-friendliness to quiet luxury and expedition-style adventures to places like the Arctic and the Galapagos.

What Kind of Cruise Fits You?

Cruising isn’t one-size-fits-all. In fact, that’s what makes it so exciting.

If you are travelling with family, especially kids or seniors, consider a Mediterranean or Caribbean cruise. These routes include Rome, Barcelona, Santorini, or in the Caribbean, places like the Bahamas and St. Lucia. There’s plenty to do both on the ship and off it, and the rhythm is balanced: sea days for rest, port days for adventure. Most major cruise lines operate here, offering a mix of comfort and excitement.

For couples or honeymooners, a Danube or Rhine river cruise in Europe might be the perfect match. These ships are smaller, the pace is slower, and every day brings a new postcard-perfect town. Think Vienna, Budapest, Strasbourg - each one brimming with charm, music, and cobbled streets.

And then there’s the truly bucket-list level cruising: Antarctica and the Arctic. To this day, it remains one of the most awe-inspiring experiences of my life. These expedition cruises take you to the edges of the earth. Penguins waddle past you, icebergs float beside the ship, and the silence is humbling.

If you’re more into celebrations and group fun, cruises through Southeast Asia, say, from Singapore to Thailand and Malaysia, offer short, vibrant itineraries filled with nightlife, shows, shopping, and food, all without needing to pack and unpack.

The truth is, there’s a cruise for every kind of traveller. You just need to know where to start looking.

Where to Start

If you have never considered a cruise holiday before, the good news is: starting is easier than you think. You don’t need to commit to a month at sea or sail halfway across the world to dip your toes into this style of travel.

For first-timers, it helps to begin with a short cruise, maybe a 3 to 5-day sailing. Think of it as a weekend getaway, except it’s on the sea. Next, pick the kind of experience you want. Are you travelling with family? Planning a romantic escape? Want to splurge? All these factors play a key role in deciding the type of cruise ship you want to be on.

Choosing the destination also plays a big role. Mediterranean cruises offer cultural ports like Rome, Barcelona, and Athens. Northern Europe brings fjords, castles, and endless daylight in summer. The Caribbean is all about beachy bliss, and Southeast Asia, especially with Disney Cruise Line arriving soon, is an exciting new frontier for Indian families.

Most importantly, work with someone who understands the ecosystem. Cruises have their own language: port fees, cabin types, tipping system, embarkation times, and having a knowledgeable planner makes the experience seamless.

Let me end with this, then. Cruising may not be the most obvious choice for Indian travellers, but once you experience it, it’s easy to see the magic. Watching Dil Dhadakne Do gave many of us a glimpse into this floating world of possibility. But what stays with you is the simplicity of that setting. That, in essence, is what a cruise does: it gives you the space to connect, explore, and reflect.

Before I sign off, a heartfelt thank you to each one of you who writes in week after week. The messages I receive at neil@veenaworld.com genuinely help shape these articles. Your feedback guides what I explore next and how I can make each piece more meaningful. So, thank you, truly. See you next week!

July 18, 2025

Author

Neil Patil
Neil Patil

Founder & Director, Veena World

More Blogs by Neil Patil

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