Saxena believes their products offering is so rich that we’re able to cater to cruisers having various tastes and price points.
Nishith Saxena, Founder & Director Cruise Professionals talks about the growing holiday trend of cruising in India.
Q.How promising is India as a source market and how well you have been able to cater to various passenger segments?
A.India as a source market is very intriguing and challenging, but, for us as Cruise Professionals, we have the home advantage. We have been promoting some of the most popular and iconic cruise brands in the Indian market for close to a decade. We have also been able to find the specific niche for each of the cruise brands, whether in the premium or luxury segment. Our product offering is so rich that we’re able to cater to cruisers having various tastes and price points. The most interesting factor in promoting cruises to Indian passengers is that they seek valid value proposition and we are happy to provide this on a consistent basis.
Q.What do you think would drive an evolved Indian passenger to consider cruise as a holiday option?
A.The choices made by an evolved Indian passenger are different. He not only looks for a comfortable way of exploring the world and ability to remain connected with the family back home, he also wants his taste-buds tantalised with familiar Indian spices and would want his holiday time packed with numerous activities to keep him engaged. Onboard our cruise ships, an Indian passenger gets all of this and much more.
Q.Unlike other vacation options, why would passengers like to cruise repeatedly?
A.Some of our ships, like Queen Mary2, are a destination unto themselves and some other offer the best way to explore the destination like Alaska, Japan, Greek Isles, Norwegian Fjords, Panama Canal etc. Combined together, the fleets of the three cruise brands, namely - Cunard, Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises-UK constitute a very interesting mix of mega cruise ships, boutique ships and small ships. Through these we offer over 250 different itinerary options to choose from throughout the year.
Image: Nishith Saxena
Q.Cruises are perceived as an expensive holiday option. Would you agree with this?
A.That is a misconception. Even on a premium cruise liner, the per person cost for a cruise starts for as less as $80-100 per day, which includes accommodation, meals, entertainment and activities and ocean transportation. Not only a cruise is more affordable, but it is more enjoyable as it takes the pain out of the vacation.
Image: Cruise Professionals (Twitter)
Q.What are your plans to promote the three cruise brands to Indian passengers?
A.Our various marketing campaigns for Cunard, Princess Cruises and Cunard have yielded desired results. Cruises are not only popular among families & honeymooners, it is also gaining grounds in the MICE segment. Our current promotion Monsoon Mania is already a rage in the distribution channels and we’re 100 per cent sure that consumers shall make the best use of the deals.
