New Delhi: Starting this December, travellers will for the first time ever, be able to embark on a cruise from right here in India. One of Europe's leading cruising company is launching a cruise in India, which will be home porting in Mumbai from December 2016. It will perform a series of weekly sailings from December 16, 2016 to March 18, 2017.


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On this brand new, 7-night itinerary, you can cruise from Mumbai to Maldives over 7 nights, or begin the cruise in Maldives and cruise from Male to Mumbai, also 7 nights. The ship will sail along India's South-Western coast, with stops at Cochin and Mangalore on the way to Maldives, and will sail via Colombo and Goa on the way to Mumbai.


Since announcement of the launch of the Mumbai-Maldives, they have seen a surge of bookings for December, especially for the Christmas and New Years Eve sailings. There has also been a lot of interest from corporates who are looking to book large groups in the first quarter of 2017.


Theme-based bookings seem to be a trend, with large groups who are keen to experience a special kind of holiday. For example, there is a health-themed/yoga sailing on this route which is gaining a lot of interest. There have also been large group bookings from senior citizens.


This will be the very first large cruise ship that cruises between Mumbai and the Maldives. This classic cruise ship has a total of 654 cabins (with a capacity for 1700 passengers), including ocean view cabins and suites with private balconies. Fully-equipped with a Casino, Theatre, Disco, Ballroom, Grand Bar, it aims to provide plenty in entertainment. The wellness centre is spread across 1,300 sq. m with a gym, treatment rooms, sauna and steam room. It also has an outdoor jogging track, 4 Jacuzzis and 2 swimming pools.


For those who would like to go shopping, the cruise ship has a huge duty free shopping centre, and also offers a wide selection of books in the library for those who love to unwind with a book. Enhancing the cruising experience further is the gastronomy: the food & wine on offer is based on Italian regional menus with a choice of dishes representing different regions of Italy and proudly reflecting the country's rich and unrivalled culinary heritage.


In addition, cruisers will be able to enjoy a variety of Indian cuisine and the restaurants on board are fully equipped to cater to special diet requirements of Indians, which includes Jain food.