With his extensive knowledge and expertise, Nishith Saxena, Founder and Director, Cruise Professionals, provides valuable insights into various aspects of cruising. With us, he shares his perspectives on the evolving demands of Indian travellers, the dynamics of luxury cruising, and the strategic responses to industry challenges, offering a broader view of the cruise landscape.
Cruise Professionals is a prominent cruise representation, consultation, and marketing company in India, specialising in unique experiences with premium cruise lines. They aim to deliver exceptional value and unforgettable vacations through top brands like Aurora Expeditions, Hurtigruten, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises-UK, and Seabourn.
Insights on the Fly-Cruise Segment
With India’s growing middle class and increasing appetite for luxury travel experiences, there is a notable surge in demand for high-end cruises. Current trends indicate that Indian consumers are eager to embrace luxury and dynamic lifestyle cruise brands once again, especially in the fly-cruise segment.
Nishith explains, “The demand for fly-cruise options from India is relatively limited for the regions where we operate. Fly-Cruise caters to a specific segment of travellers who prefer to fly directly from their home city or country to the port of embarkation and return the same way, eliminating the need for pre- or post-stay arrangements. In India, fly-cruise options generally focus on short-haul and short-duration cruises within Asia and the Middle East. In contrast, fly-cruise options in larger markets often involve long-haul travel, charter services, and longer-duration cruises. For instance, P&O Cruises offers Back-to-Back Fly-Cruise packages from the UK to Malta, where cruises regularly embark for 7-14 nights. Fly-cruise options also work better where flight operations and connectivity are limited.”
Evolving Onboard Experiences
Today, cruise lines enhance their onboard experiences to meet passengers’ diverse needs and expectations, both for leisure and MICE. Onboard experiences are constantly evolving and can vary significantly for different individuals and age groups. Nishith notes, “Over the last three decades, we have noticed that vast food choices, wholesome entertainment, and exciting onboard activities combined together and supported with exceptional service are the cornerstone of any good cruise line. It is important to note that cruise lines have consistently catered to the needs of guests of various ages, backgrounds, and nationalities, which is a crucial reason for their widespread popularity and high demand. When it comes to MICE, most cruise lines are capable of accommodating a wide range of requests and requirements. The key is communicating all needs well in advance, allowing the cruise line sufficient time to evaluate and address these requests effectively.”
Ensuring Value and Excellence for Indian Cruisers
At Cruise Professionals, they have noticed that Indian travellers’ buying behaviour is evolving rapidly compared to other nationalities. Therefore, it is crucial for them to continually upgrade their services, provide accurate information, and guide clients through best practices. This approach ensures that Indian guests remain engaged with cruising and continue to seek these experiences. Nishith comments, “In terms of closing deals, Indian guests are similar to those in more evolved markets—they seek value for money, efficient service, control over their experience, and an excellent time on their chosen cruise. We ensure these needs are met to maintain strong client relationships.”
Neutrality with Strong Partnerships
While Cruise Professionals do not work through a PSA model, they work closely with each of these agencies and enjoy excellent relations with all cruise specialists across India. “Our guiding philosophy hinges on the fact that all travel fraternities should be provided equal opportunity to promote cruises. We use a tiered approach to commercials, enabling each agency to manage its own clients and fulfil its cruise needs. This strategy has allowed us to maintain a neutral position, and we see no reason to alter our approach,” asserts Nishith.
Navigating Over-Tourism
One of the unique challenges faced by cruise lines is over-tourism. Some ports have imposed limits on the number of cruise visits or even restricted access to large ships due to the environmental impact of accommodating 3,000-4,000 passengers simultaneously. Nishith adds, “While this harms potential revenue for these cities and ports, local governments prioritise environmental concerns. Cruise lines are accustomed to adjusting itineraries on short notice, but it is unfortunate for passengers if specific ports are omitted.”
As demand for luxury and personalised cruise experiences rises, Nishith envisions a future where cruise lines must innovate to enrich passenger experiences while prioritising sustainability.
