City’s first cruise liner

Blue Ocean Cruises has launched Mumbai’s first cruise ship to conduct short trips to places like Goa and the Lakshadweep islands for as little as Rs 3,150 per night.

This Christmas, you might be able to gift your family a unique experience. Blue Ocean Cruises, a city-based company, has launched Mumbai’s first cruise ship, slated to sail in the first week of December.

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The cruise will have three schedules – Mumbai to Goa, Mumbai to the high seas and Mumbai to Lakshadweep. The company also plans to launch a special schedule to Gujarat during the Rann Utsav celebrations.

“Since the cruise ship is based in India, it can go anywhere within the country, that is geographically suitable,” explains Raju Moza, head of business development. “We have already been chartered for a wedding where the family wants to take the cruise ship to Kandla in Bhuj, Gujarat,” reveals Moza. Another costumer request to Moza came from a religious leader recently, who requested to anchor the ship off the coast for six hours for a birthday celebration.

The cost of renting the entire ship out for a day hovers at a whopping Rs 30 lakh. But for those with more modest wallets, you can book yourself onto the cruises for as little as Rs 3,150 per night. Built to accommodate 574 passengers, the cruise offers you use of the pool, Jacuzzi, spa (run by the O2 franchise), poolside bar, conference room and a choice from 234 cabins.

“We have additional facilities like a doctor on board and an entertainment area for kids. The meals will be catered by Taj hotels,” mentions Roza. And as far as public response goes, Roza couldn’t be happier. He adds, “We opened bookings for our May 14 Lakshadweep tour and we are already 40 per cent booked.”