Trade Bytes

Star Cruises stops its India operations

Anupama Sushil - New Delhi

In a major setback to the growing Indian cruise industry, Star Cruises pulled back its India operations for the season. According to industry sources, drawing back of services is a result of the poor infrastructure available here in India. Issues like passengers to pass through cargo docks and no slots at the dedicated cruise dock remain the major reasons for suspending the service.

The cruise liner previously sailing on Mumbai-Goa-Lakshwadeep route, a major attraction on the western coast line has now been dedicated for its newly developed sector of Taiwan-Japan-China. While they are finding newer profitable markets with world standard infrastructure facilities they really do not think of coming back to India until infrastructure improves. Keeping up to its existing standards of service worldwide and high end customer base the company does not wish harm its reputation by the poor infrastructure facilities available in India.

This comes will also significantly affect the tourist numbers to Goa and Lakshwadeep that are two major attractions on the western coast.