Why Indians Should Experience A Cruise Holiday: With Cruise Professionals.

Last Updated on June 29, 2017 by

THE MAJESTIC PRINCESS IS THE NEW CRUISE by the popular Princess Cruise. Though I have been traveling close to 10 years now, but cruise has still not fallen on my radar until I decided to board my maiden cruise voyage aboard Majestic Princess facilitated by Cruise Professionals.

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View of rooms with balcony. Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises

Post the Bollywood blockbuster ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ by maverick director Zoya Akhtar, Indians have taken a fancy for cruise. I had seen it before in movies like Mann and Humraaz but it didn’t really caught my fancy then.

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Indians love the cruise experience aboard Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises. My ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ experience (Pic courtesy: Pendown)

That was the first time my curiosity was piqued and it peaked when my friend Neha Dwivedi regaled me with her stories from a cruise she did in Singapore. I have studied hotel management. Some of my friends and one of my cousins have also worked in many departments of a cruise such as Food and beverage service, kitchen etc. They had also enticed me with interesting cruise stories.

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Me at atrium. Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises (Pic by: Pendown)

No wonder when an opportunity to board a cruise from Dubai to Kochi came my way, I was excited and couldn’t wait for it to begin. Having experienced it now, I have been recommending a cruise vacation to all and sundry, including my family.

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The casino at Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises

It is a new trend amongst Indian to spend time on cruise and why not. Here are some of the reasons why more Indians should experience a cruise vacation.

  1. A Cruise vacation is much cheaper than a regular Holiday:

Yes, you read it right. Even I was surprised to discover this. One week long vacation on a cruise or more will be always cheaper than a week long vacation via other means. If you board from Dubai like I did from India, you will save flight cost on one side. You will only have to bear the cost from say, India to Dubai as you can disembark or board from your country. I started at Dubai and disembarked in Kochi, India which is my country.  Thus you save one way cost.

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The deck at Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises. I spent most of my time here.

The cruise prices start at US$ 100 per person per day for base cabin category. This includes cost of the cabin, ocean transportation in the itinerary, all meals and entertainment on board the ship. Imagine walking into select restaurants of your choice and order anything or pick any cake or full meal 24 hours without having to pay again and again. The Majestic Princess had certain restaurants and bars where you had to pay as per order, while there were many restaurants and even ice cream parlours where you can eat all day, no questions asked.

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Acrobatic performances at atrium. Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises

There are also many entertainment shows going on all day. Passengers can participate in dance classes, violin and saxophone concerts, art auctions, grand musicals, lessons on how to manage weight, LGBT meets, solo traveler meets, acrobats, DJ nights and even Bollywood nights. All of these activities are inclusive. Our group demanded popular Marathi song, ’Zingat’ and voila, they had it!

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The grand interiors of the atrium. Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises

However items of personal nature – liquor, shopping, dining in specialty restaurant, spa services, casino etc. are not included in the cost. When compared to the cost for a room in a decent hotel in a metro city, the inclusions in a cruise far outshine the over-all benefits and facilities provided. The prices are dynamic and vary on different sail dates and cabin type.  Also, the passengers must consult a travel agent such as the  Cruise Professionals specifying their needs for the correct quote.

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The shopping area at Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises. You get duty free luxury products here.

  2. A Cruise is a perfect place to bond with family and friends:

 

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Grand Interiors of Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises.

Indians love to travel with family. No matter how much your social media feed is inundated with cool posts from solo travelers, the truth is that most Indians prefer traveling in groups, mostly with family and friends. It is not a co-incidence that the movie Dil Dhadakne Do was a family drama set in the cruise. A cruise is a perfect place for group vacation. Owing to the overwhelming logistics aspects, group travel is always the most difficult form of travel when compared to other styles. Since everything is taken care of in the cruise, the family can relax and enjoy rather than running from pillar to post trying to get things done. It is like commissioning a wedding planner to take care of the family wedding.

 

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Indians can easily get vegetarian food on Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises. At this Chinese restaurant, the chef rustled up a delicious aubergine dish on my request. Pic courtesy: Pendown

Also, since you can’t escape the ship sometimes for days at a stretch, you end up spending quality time with each other. Thanks to the many activities on board, it is the perfect place to strengthen bonds, forge new one or even do some soul searching in lonely spots. Cruises are a cheerful place. The moment you enter one it uplifts the mood with its positive vibes. Indians never miss an opportunity to celebrate life.

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View of the rooms with balcony. Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises

The cruise just gives them more excuses to feel good and cheery. Think of your family, extended family or friends having a whale of a time in the cruise. I met some families from India on Majestic Princess and abroad who have been cruising for more than 20 years now. It sure is an addictive passion. As awareness is growing, more and more Indians are showing an inclination towards cruises. And in case it is your birthday or anniversary, be ready for surprises!

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Multi level dining space at the grand atrium. Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises
  1. A CRUISE VACATION IS HASSLE FREE:
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My room and balcony. Aboard the Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises. Pic: Buoyant Feet

There is no denying that cruise is the most comfortable way of vacationing. Once you are aboard a ship most of the logistics are taken care of. One big relief is that you don’t have to pack and unpack the luggage as you move from one destination to other. For example, when Majestic Princess made a day stop at Abu Dhabi, all I did was wake up, have a bath followed by a breakfast and take a taxi ride to the Grand Mosque. I returned in few hours to a made up room, sumptuous lunch and good cheer. The cruise moved in the night towards Oman and then India. Of course, it is possible via road and air transport as well, but it comes with inconveniences and time wasted in formalities.

 

 

The thrill to be embarking on a journey on the cruise alone carries great aspirational value among Indian travelers thus counting for a huge rise in the percentage of travelers opting for cruises. Nearly 70% have been generated for the last 10 years and 40% of the total pax number have been generated in last 5 years alone. Cruise industry is the sole industry that exceeds its expectations every year.

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Hollywood Pool Club. Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises
  1. Facilities on board cruises are top notch:
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Grand multi level dining space at Atrium in Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises

The cruises are designed in a fashion that it caters to people across class, gender, age etc. It is spacious and big enough for easy movement. No wonder I saw many passengers on cruise who were wheelchair bound. The egalitarian nature of the cruise makes it appealing to a diverse range of travelers. It has facilities for all kinds of need. Despite a varied demographic aboard Majestic princess, it catered to the needs of people from different cultures.

 

I was delighted, for example to find samosa, aaloo bonda , dal, rice, aaloo-gobhi and other vegetarian Indian dishes on the menu. Thanks to the heavy presence of Indian chefs (along with chefs from other European and Asian nations), the food tasted homely. That said, a huge variety of authentic continental and Asian dishes were also available for the adventurous souls.

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Kids room at Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises

Presence of housekeeping attendant on each floor is a big help. The huge range of Food and beverage outlets, duty free shops and entertainment options are world class.

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Casino at Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises
  1. The vibes and the camaraderie on a cruise are unparalleled:

The Majestic Princess was populated with passengers and staff from nations as varied as Australia, China, India, Philippines, U.S.A, U.K. and many more nations. The person next to my room was an  Australian. I along with my friend Swati Jain met another Australian John from Australia. Few minutes of conversation later he gifted us a kangaroo pendant made up of pure gold. He must have had a heart of gold!

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John gifting a pure gold kangaroo pendant to Swati. People aboard Majestic Princess (Princess Cruises) sure have a heart of gold!

It was amazing to see citizens of so many countries following the instruction of the dance teacher in the grand atrium area flawlessly. Their bodies moved in rhythm and they danced as one belying the cultural or language barriers. I had so many small talk sessions inside the lift as I navigated 17 floors of the ship. The fact that you end up seeing the same set of people every day helps you forge bonds with people from cultures you knew nothing about.

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The riveting violin performance at the atrium of Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises

My friend Neha Dwivedi, who loves cruises sums up a quintessential cruise experience perfectly, “A good cruise offers you the best of nature and also gives you an opportunity to engage with some of the finest man-made experiences. The time stops at the cruise, mobiles don’t work and internet is patchy and expensive. The serene sunrises and sunsets from the decks at dawn and dusk, coupled with soft breezes slapping the cheeks, taste of sea salt flirting with the tongue, the sound of waves etc didn’t make me miss the land.

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The grand interiors of Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises

The indoors of a cruise is a different world altogether- the magnanimous structures and the grandeur enticed me. The plethora of endless activities, a pool in between a vast stretch of sea is an unthinkable of an experience in itself. The gigantic ship sailing without a wobble or shake is something to be experienced personally. All this coupled with some exquisite cuisines, and unmatched entertainment of all ages, makes up for a wholesome family vacation. “

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The fountain show at the deck. Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises

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A session on Art Appreciation. Aboard Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises

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Performances galore at Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises. Joker gig is back!

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Kids zone at Majestic Princess, Princess Cruises

37 thoughts on “Why Indians Should Experience A Cruise Holiday: With Cruise Professionals.”

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  10. Sandy N Vyjay

    A cruise is a complete vacation in itself and combines so many unique experiences. Have never been on a long cruise before. The Majestic Princess looks like a grand world in itself. it must have indeed been a great experience traveling on the high seas in the elegant comfort of this luxurious ship.

  11. Oh this looks like an epic cruise! I’ve never cruised before but looking at this level of luxury I’m willing to give it a go. Wonder if these photos will convince my other half to join me and give up his camping lifestyle….

  12. I have been following the updates of your big trip and it is actually a lifetime experience. Everything seems so luxurious; in fact, I should a perfect holiday without any tension and distraction.I haven’t taken any cruise trip till day but it is high on the list.

  13. I haven’t been on a cruise yet. Your details make it sound so appealing, especially the not having to worry about travel such as boarding flights or running for trains. And getting a gift like that pendant from someone you’ve just met shows that there are still so many kind hearted people in the world.

  14. It looks like you had a fantastic time! I didn’t realise that cruising can be cheaper than a regular holiday – $100 a day seems like a bargain when you consider that it includes food, drink, accommodation AND you are saving the cost of a flight! It seems like a really relaxing way to travel! I love that there is a sense of comrade between passengers too (like you with and John from Australia) but I suppose there has to be if you are on a boat together for such a long time!

  15. It looks like you had a fantastic time! I didn’t realise that cruising can be cheaper than a regular holiday – $100 a day seems like a bargain when you consider that it includes food, drink, accommodation AND you are saving the cost of a flight! It seems like a really relaxing way to travel! I love that there is a sense of comrade between passengers too (like you with and John from Australia) but I suppose there has to be if you are on a boat together for such a long time!

  16. Yes! I agree with all of this! We took our first cruise 2 years ago when our oldest was almost 2 years old and it was the best vacation! We could truly relax because the service is outstanding! And the childcare options meant we could do date night dinners, which was much appreciated. I think everyone gets sticker shock at the price because they see the cost upfront, rather than seeing it at the end of the trip (airfare, hotel, rentals, activities, restaurants, etc).

  17. You brought back the whole excitement and hangover of the trip. I think I will do a follow-up post as to why cruising with friends can be a great idea. And I must add one point that one should not rush into visiting and ticking off all the ports that the ship covers rather there should be days when one should sit back, indulge and enjoy the onboard experiences. Remember how we had great fun when Majestic Princess sailed for 3 consecutive days. There were no ports for distractions.

  18. Good to see that you guys had fun on the cruise. The cruise looks pretty swanky and the ports were good too. Having taken multiple cruises around the world, I am personally not a fan of a cruise as you don’t get to experience a place at a slow pace. It’s touch-n-go. But definitely good VFM for people with limited time and budget.

  19. I have never been on a cruise before but have been seeing that cruise vacation is getting more and more popular. With so many things you can do/eat onboard, I can see why! If I were on the Princess Cruise, I would probably lie by the poolside all day long or eat ice cream all day!!

  20. With a cruise holiday high on my bucket list, I was closely following your journey. And it was so fabulous and luxurious. Like Indrani called it out, the luxury does require some money 🙂 Wish they become more affordable with time

  21. The caption should be titled ” Why RICH Indians… ” I cannot afford such a luxurious trip and I hope FAM Gods are kind to me so that I can experience this. Each a every pic seems like a setting in dream! Lucky to have such rich co passengers too! 🙂 Great experience… saying that with a tinge of envy 😉 🙂

  22. thesecretlifeofanactress

    I’ve never been on a cruise. But I’m not sure I would like this kind of travel. Although I would love to just visit one of those enormous boats, they’re so impressive, like a whole floating city!

  23. I haven’t ever been on a cruise! Always felt its a very costly affair! The cruise looks so sophisticated filled with so many activities! I’d love to go on one! Good to know you had a decent option of vegetarian dishes in the menu!

  24. It’s good how you can organize a one way ticket to your port, then find a one way cruise back to your hometown. The Princess Cruise offers so many good services, learning to dance on board must be a wonderful experience. The prices starting at 100$ per day are very reasonable too, especially with all the buffets.

  25. I’ve never been on a cruise vacation before, but this company sounds reputable! I can’t even imagine the scale and size of that cruise ship, it seems to have everything. Your photos also give a good idea of what to expect!

  26. It is certainly true that cruising is getting more and more popular. I have been lucky enough to have completed 4 cruises on various holidays so far, namely Alaska/Canada, New Zealand, South East Asia and Australia to South America. It definitely is a relaxing way to unwind and recharge and it is always nice to meet new people from different places as well. Great post.

    1. Thank you Sakshi. Part 2 of this blog is coming up where I will write about what all I experienced in the Majestic Princess. Stay tuned! And hope you indulge in a cruise vacation soon.

  27. A world of it’s own……. Luring too 😁 The essence of a cruise is beautifully penned and showcased in your post. A cruise is on my bucket list —- when, where, how remains to be seen. Looking forward to more posts on the cruise Abhinav…….. Tweeting 👍

  28. Vishu & Saumya

    Whao! You guys had lot of fun! Cruise is still a dream, hope it will be true soon. Loved the pictures and your story. One should definitely experience this once in a lifetime.

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