Star Libra to set sail on October 2

Star Cruises will commence operations of its liner Super Star Libra from October 2.

The ship, slated to be home-ported in Mumbai, is the country's first cruise liner. It will cater to the increasing number of Indians who have been taking to the seas as holiday option.

The vessel will arrive on September 25 from Singapore and begin a series of one-night introductory cruises out of Mumbai before commencing regular four-night destination cruises, said Chee-Tut Chong, chief operating officer.

The liner would start its regular four-night cruises from October 2, between Kadmat (Lakshadweep) and Goa. It is also planning two-night cruises to Goa and one-night weekend getaway to other destinations till April 2006.

SuperStar Libra would also operate four special cruises to Kochi and Goa on December 25, 2005, and on January 29, February 12 and February 26 2006.

According to Chong Chee-Tut, the potential of developing cruise tourism in India is significant due to a growing awareness and demand for cruise holidays, the long coastline and numerous cultural and historical attractions.

Moreover, the government's decision to waive cabotage requirement for cruise ships for five years has also provided the impetus for cruise tourism, he said.

On the selection of Mumbai as the homeport for the liner, he said it was due to the 'gateway' status of the port. Mumbai provides onward accessibility to other ports along the west coast, and is offers connectivity to air, land and sea arrivals.

Travel industry sources said the move was timely as Indians were increasingly taking to cruise tourism. About 30,000 Indians went on cruises last year, registering a 20 per cent growth over the previous year.

This year the number is expected to increase by over 60 per cent to 50,000. The demand in the country is primarily driven by families, while demands from corporates also exist throughout the year.

SuperStar Libra, formerly known as Norwegian Sea under the NCL brand, is a 42,000 gross-tonne ship with 740 cabins and a passenger capacity of 1,480 in its lower berths. Measuring 216 metre long and 28 metre wide, the vessel is equipped with eight restaurants and bars, seven entertainment outlets, meeting facilities and a host of sports, health and recreational facilities.

Star Cruises, the third largest cruise line in the world, has a fleet of 21 ships and cruises to destinations and islands in Asia-Pacific, North and South America, Hawaii, Caribbean, Alaska and Europe.