Published in the Sunday Mumbai Samachar on 27 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. For many of us, Dil Dhadakne Do was the first real glimpse into this fascinating way of travelling. But despite the glamour and growing curiosity, cruise holidays are still largely misunderstood in India.
Many people assume they’re expensive, overly formal, or limited in food choices. But when I recently revisited the idea of cruising, I realised how much more accessible and diverse this form of travel actually is.
Veena World has traditionally focused on land-based tours—but even then, we’ve taken our travellers to the ends of the Earth. Yes, to both the Arctic and Antarctica.
I still vividly remember my 2013 journey to Antarctica. It was nothing short of life-changing. That’s why this article had to be about cruises—what they are, why they matter, and why they might be just right for Indian travellers.
Why Cruises?
Cruises were once thought to be the domain of Western travellers, especially in regions like the Caribbean or Mediterranean. For Indian travellers, they felt distant—both culturally and geographically. But today, cruising is emerging as one of the most convenient and comfortable ways to explore the world.
What makes cruises special is their ease. You unpack just once. Your floating hotel takes you from one destination to another, with meals, entertainment, and even guided excursions included. There’s no scrambling to catch flights or checking into new hotels each night.
Cruises are wonderfully versatile too. Families love the water parks, kids’ clubs, and round-the-clock entertainment. Couples find romance and discovery in equal measure—perfect for honeymoons or anniversaries. Seniors appreciate the ease and comfort, while corporate groups enjoy the novelty and planning convenience.
What’s even more exciting is how cruises are becoming more accessible for Indians. With ships departing from ports like Mumbai, Kochi, Dubai, and Singapore, this way of travel is now global—and tailor-made for Indian preferences.
Let’s Break the Myths
For many Indian travellers, the word “cruise” still feels unfamiliar—wrapped in misconceptions that often discourage people from trying it.
“I’ll get bored on the ship.”
In reality, modern cruise ships are like floating cities. Think roller coasters, zip lines, ice rinks, go-kart tracks, live shows, spas, cooking classes—the list is endless. You could easily spend days just exploring what the ship offers, without even stepping ashore.
“Cruises are for the rich.”
That’s another common myth. While ultra-luxury cruises do exist (and they are truly fascinating), the majority of cruises are affordable and packed with value. Your accommodation, food, entertainment, and travel are all included—making it a smart, cost-effective choice.
That said, the world of luxury cruising is a niche worth mentioning. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Luminara, launching this month, features just 226 suites and resembles a boutique hotel at sea. Next year, the Orient Express Corinthian revives a legendary brand with an opulent new ship. And in 2027, Aman’s Amangiri at Sea will set sail—designed like a private retreat, minimalist and elegant, in true Aman style. Their existing Amandira, with just five cabins and 14 crew members, offers bespoke dive expeditions in Indonesia.
But that’s a world for another article. For most people, cruises are far more affordable than assumed—and often cheaper than booking flights, hotels, meals, and sightseeing separately.
“What if I get seasick?”
Thanks to advanced ship design and stabilisers, most passengers barely feel movement. Unless you're sailing in extremely rough seas, motion sickness is rarely an issue.
“Cruises are too rigid.”
Modern cruise lines now offer flexible dining times, excursion choices, and varied experiences. Whether you want to explore every port, or relax with a book by the pool, it’s entirely your choice.
In short, cruising isn’t what it used to be—and that’s a good thing.
The Big Names
Once I dove deeper into the world of cruises, I was amazed at how broad and varied it is. Just like choosing a hotel or resort, choosing the right cruise line can shape your experience.
- Disney Cruise Line is a magical experience for families. Think Disney character meet-and-greets, themed dining, Broadway-style musicals, and even fireworks at sea. It’s immersive and unforgettable for kids and adults alike.
- Royal Caribbean International is famous for its mega-ships—complete with surf simulators, water parks, laser tag, and live shows. Their newest ship, Icon of the Seas, is the world’s largest cruise ship, accommodating over 7,000 passengers. Great for multigenerational families or large groups.
- Norwegian Cruise Line stands out for its “freestyle” cruising. No fixed meal timings, no strict dress codes—just freedom and flexibility. Their modern ships are ideal for couples or young travellers looking for a blend of relaxation and fun.
- Cordelia Cruises, India’s own cruise line, operates from ports like Mumbai and Chennai. It’s a great first step into cruising for domestic travellers, offering weekend getaways packed with entertainment.
Other noteworthy cruise lines include MSC and Costa with their European flair, Celebrity Cruises with refined service, and Silversea, which focuses on smaller luxury ships and expedition routes to places like the Arctic and Galápagos.
What Kind of Cruise Fits You?
Cruising isn’t a one-size-fits-all vacation. That’s what makes it so exciting.
- Travelling with family?
Mediterranean or Caribbean cruises are ideal. These itineraries cover vibrant ports like Rome, Barcelona, Santorini, or in the Caribbean, destinations like the Bahamas and St. Lucia. Sea days are restful, while port days are action-packed. - Couples or honeymooners?
Consider a Danube or Rhine river cruise through Europe. These smaller ships move at a gentle pace and stop in picturesque towns like Vienna, Budapest, and Strasbourg. Ideal for those who want history, music, and romance. - For the truly adventurous, expedition cruises to Antarctica or the Arctic are life-changing. Penguins, icebergs, and glacial landscapes—these are journeys to the edge of the world. I can say from experience, it’s unlike anything else on Earth.
- Celebrating with friends or planning a reunion?
Cruises through Southeast Asia—from Singapore to Thailand or Malaysia—offer short, vibrant itineraries filled with shopping, shows, nightlife, and delicious food. All without the need to repack every day.
There’s truly a cruise for everyone—you just need to match the journey to your travel style.
Where to Start
If cruising is new to you, don’t worry—getting started is easy.
A great entry point is a short cruise, around 3 to 5 days. It’s like a long weekend, only floating. These cruises offer a taste of life at sea, and they’re a low-risk way to try something new.
From there, tailor your cruise to your interests. Travelling with kids? Look for family-focused lines. Want luxury and privacy? Opt for smaller ships with curated experiences. Keen on nature? Choose a cruise that focuses on wildlife and exploration.
Choosing your destination matters too:
- Mediterranean: Full of history, culture, and iconic cities.
- Northern Europe: Think fjords, castles, and long summer days.
- Caribbean: Laid-back, tropical, and relaxing.
- Southeast Asia: Colourful markets, spicy cuisine, and upcoming Disney sailings for families.
It helps to work with someone who understands the cruise ecosystem. Terms like “port fees,” “cabin categories,” and “shore excursions” can be overwhelming at first. But a knowledgeable travel advisor can make it seamless.
Let me end with this: cruising may not yet be the go-to option for Indian travellers—but it should be. Once you experience it, you’ll understand why so many travellers swear by it. It indeed invites you to slow down, reconnect, and explore in comfort.
And to all of you who write in every week—thank you. Your emails to neil@veenaworld.com help shape every article. Please keep them coming. Until next week!
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