Kerala, the land of coconuts and backwaters, is all set to launch a new cruise service that will offer a cheaper and more convenient way of travelling between the state and Dubai. The cruise service, which is expected to start soon, will run from Beypore (Kozhikode) to Kochi, and then to Dubai, covering a distance of 4,000 km in about three and a half days. The service will cater to the needs of expatriates, NRIs, and tourists who want to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Arabian Sea without spending a fortune on air tickets.
The cruise service will be launched in collaboration with cargo companies, which will provide the necessary infrastructure and facilities for the vessel. The vessel will be able to accommodate up to 1,250 passengers and carry three times more luggage than an airplane. The ticket price for a one-way journey will be around INR 10,000 – 15,000, which is much lower than the average airfare for a Kochi-Dubai flight. For example, in January this year, an Air India flight from Kochi to Dubai cost INR 55,000.
The cruise service will also offer various amenities and entertainment options for the passengers on board. There will be restaurants, bars, lounges, swimming pools, spas, gyms, casinos, theatres, cinemas, libraries, and more. The passengers can also enjoy activities such as fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing, and sightseeing along the way. The cruise service will also provide assistance in visa processing and travel insurance for the passengers.
The cruise service is expected to boost the tourism sector in Kerala and generate employment opportunities for local people. It will also promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Kerala and Dubai. The cruise service is part of the government’s initiative to make Kerala a global hub for maritime tourism and trade.
The cruise service is currently under tender process by the Union Shipping Ministry. Companies interested in providing or running the vessel can participate in the tender. The government has also assigned NORKA (Department of Non-Resident Keralite’s Affairs) to conduct feasibility studies on potential passenger cruise ships for the service.
The launch of the cruise service is expected to happen soon after receiving approval from various authorities. It will be a game-changer for Kerala’s tourism industry and a boon for its people.
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