Kerala has given the nod to a Beypore-Kochi-Dubai cruise service, signaling a new era for Malayalis venturing into the world of luxury sea travel. In addition to giving a boost to tourism, the cruise will make travel to the UAE cost effective, costing passengers just half or one-third of any airplane ticket, while at the same time allowing them to carry three times more luggage than any airplane, equaling to about 200kg per person. The 4000-km route will be affordable and at the same time offer breathtaking sea-views.

The green signal was given after witnessing a huge demand from NRI passengers and an announcement to this effect was made by Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

The ship will take roughly three days to reach Kerala, according to YA Rahim, President of the Indian Association Sharjah. “The idea is to get the service up and running before school break in December,” he added. “We want to make sure that Indian expats in the UAE can travel to their hometown without paying exorbitant airline charges.”

The decision to initiate the cruise service followed discussions at forums, including the Shipping Corporation of India, NoRKA-Roots, and the Kerala Maritime Board. The service is anticipated to accommodate up to 1,250 passengers and will utilise a fully equipped vessel specifically designated for the Kochi-Dubai route. The vessel, originally constructed in Kochi for another state, has been repurposed for the Kerala Gulf service.

With the commencement of the cruise, travelers will be able to purchase a one-way ticket for as low as ₹10,000. Collaboration with cargo companies further enhances the feasibility and affordability of the service.

The service which initially targets Kochi and Beypore has plans to extend to Vizhinjam. The development, in fact aligns with India’s goal of establishing the country as a preferred destination for cruise tourism.