The Norway-based Star Cruises, the fourth largest cruise liner in the world, may soon start services from Mumbai.
The cruise liner, which has been offered a shed by the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT), is designing specifics for the Indian market. This assumes significance as cruising has emerged as the latest trend among outbound tourists. While only 1,000 Indians cruised in 1996-97, around 10,800 opted to cruise in 1999 which increased to 21,000 in 2001.
Moreover, by the end of 2002, Star Cruises is expecting around 30,000 Indians to opt for this outbound leisure product. Currently, Indian tourists have to fly to Singapore or some other country from where the cruise line operates.
Vijay Puthran, the country head of Star Cruise India, said,