Wed, Dec 09 2009 10:50 PM

The world is getting smaller and smaller. Countries get closer more than ever. But the oceans remain big, unexplored and mysterious. The old sailor’s tales have never lost its baffling beauty.

Seems the old days are back. The sails are set and a new tribe of sailors are afloat on the world’s seas. Larger vessels and big luxury are the new vogue and media go crazy every time a new ‘Titanic’ is set out to explore the oceans.

The travel enthusiasts of India can now boast of a high-time over the high seas with the MV Aquamarine starting off its cruise from the beautiful historic port town of Kochi, known as the Queen of the Arabian Ocean. The luxury liner is the first to offer cruises targeted at the Indian tourism market. The luxury vessel can carry 1,200 passengers with all the luxury onboard. You can choose from three exciting itineraries; Kochi-Maldives-Kochi and the Kochi-Colombo-Kochi routes, in addition to a one-night high sea-sailing.

MV Aquamarine, owned by Louis Cruises India, a subsidiary of Louis Cruises, the fifth largest cruise company in the world, will operate cruise itineraries 3 times a week from Kochi. Around 60,000 Indian tourists are expected to cruise on MV Aquamarine this season starting from this December to April, 2010. Kerala Tourism has tied up with the company to market and promote cruise tourism from Kochi. Besides 525 spacious state rooms and suites, all above sea level, passengers will get to enjoy her world class facilities including several restaurants, a swimming pool, fitness centre, massage/sauna facilities, a casino and duty free shopping. The vessel has also been modified to include a cricket pitch - giving Indian travellers a new experience of playing cricket on the high seas. Food and entertainment on board will also take in Indian taste and has been modified to include both Indian and European themes. The 7 deck ship spans 531 ft in length, 83 ft in breadth and has 4 elevators.

The coming of Luis cruises to the Indian shores marks a focal shift in the world tourism industry priorities. The industry is looking for the Asian hotspots and emerging economies as the world economies try to weigh and balance with the global recession in mind. This in part is also due to the emergence of new high middle class in the third world who have imbibed the culture of going places. The bludgeoning tourist spots all over the Asiatic coastlines are also a big lure for the cruisers.

Anyway, Kochi is hopeful of welcoming a new tribe of tourists from around the world. The port expects more liners to anchor in its waters.

© travelbird

Sun, Sep 13 2009 11:43 PM

Austerity Work Book: Indian politicians go the 'cattle class'

The Big players are keeping low. The USD and the British Sovereign have gone down as never before. Tightening your belly belts has become a routine. Many have chosen not to listen to tighten-your-seat-belts announcements since they have cut down on air travel expenditure. A heated national debate in India recently was about cutting air travel provisions of the ministers. Austerity is the name of the game in the ministry and every one in the national ministry was told to reduce flying and was directed by the finance ministry to strictly avoid executive and business class luxury... Read this editorial

Fri, June 12 2009 10:15 AM

What about pink?

The question sent shock waves in the desk. My teammates fell silent for a moment. We were just discussing what colour we should use for our ‘Women's Special’ edition. The very suggestion of Pink was received with dreaded response. Our designer also gave a wry smile.

Pink slips have been haunting us for the past few months and the colour carries a dreaded stigma now. The stress gurus and career counsellors are doing brisk business as people are increasingly coming to the realisation why the pink slip is so deadly... Read this editorial

Sun, Feb 15 2009 08:25 AM
The Wall Street tremors would take it longer to subside. The Dow Jones seems to be down forever. They are cutting on personnel… the markets are doomed…then why should you go to the US NOW?

‘…to be there in time when capitalism collapses!’ my scientist friend was quick to answer. ‘I missed Berlin in November 1989. I don’t want to miss out this time,’ he chuckled.

I know it’s no time for funny takes. But laughing your heart out helps! (Especially in trying times.)

Back home, I was trying to figure out the historic events I had witnessed. But sadly, there’s none!

In an increasingly televised world where things would wait for the news crew to arrive... Read this editorial

Tuesday Jan 15 2008 07:10 AM
It is a real challenge; a really really tough job to remove some pet words from travel writing. We found it demeaning to dive in the thesaurus to find some fresh new words to replace some of the hackneyed adjectives we usually come across: fantastic, verdant, wonderful, beautiful…and you know the best of the rest.

The question is not just about the language, and how good you are at it. It is more plain, simple and straight and hence more challenging. Because, it is about honesty! And that’s exactly what you will see missing in most of the travel writings you would generally come across. Honesty is the first casualty when you try to exchange your treks with cheques... Read this editorial