As luxury cruise ship Cordelia sailed into the beautiful shores of Kochi, for a stopover, hundreds of people who depend on the tourism sector for their livelihood rejoiced. The port wore a festive look and Cordelia sailed to a welcome organized by tour operators and enthusiastic people of the locality. After two years of pandemic induced lull, the tourism sector is showing signs of recovery. Besides, the government has eased the restrictions to give a boost to one of the most lucrative sectors of the state. From small scale businesses to popular tour operators who lure tourists with attractive packages, everyone was brimming with hope as Cordelia anchored in Kochi. Auto and taxi drivers have been waiting since morning after learning that the Cordelia will dock at the Kochi port. Meanwhile, sellers of antique objects and agents of resorts and hotels too were busy trying to woo the passengers of the cruise ship, promising a wonderful experience at Kochi.
The luxury liner had on board over 1200 travellers from across the country. 800 travelers de -boarded the ship for a day long on – shore sightseeing in Kochi. Cordelia had started from Mumbai on 20 September and reached Kochi on 22 September. Travellers were taken to the various spots that boast of the rich cultural heritage of the city. The passengers were divided into three groups, following the pandemic protocol and they visited Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. Boat rides in the backwaters too were arranged for those who wished to enjoy the lakes of Kerala.
Luxurious experience
Nazia, a native of Kozhikode, is thrilled about the cruise journey that she had enjoyed with her parents and sister. Before leaving, she didn’t even forget to advice that everyone should try travelling in a luxury cruise liner at least once in their life time. Nazia’s father, meanwhile, is happy that this trip had helped him unwind and throw away the stress of the lockdown and the pandemic restrictions. Most travellers vouch for the incredible experience of a cruise journey. They say that the ship doesn’t offer ultra luxurious five star facilities, but decent three star amenities that would surely make a traveller comfortable and happy.
Malappuram Kottakal native Yasser Arafat thinks that Cordelia offers all the amazing facilities that are usually offered in a foreign luxury liner. A tour operator by profession, Yasser says he had utilized the special offers that were provided for tour operators. He added that around half of the passengers were tour agents who had taken the trip to try the facilities of the cruise liner. The majestic Cordelia has 796 cabins in 11 decks. Besides 1200 passengers, there are 692 staff in the Lakshadweep bound ship.
Swimming pool, three restaurants, fitness centres, spa, theatres, casino, night club, DJ parties, five bars, live bands and shopping facilities have been arranged in this cruise liner. The restaurants boast of vivid menus that includes more than one hundred varieties of dishes. Travelers are impressed by the spectacular dining experience and rave about the quality of the food that is served in the ship’s restaurants.
Affordable rates
The most amazing fact about Cordelia cruises is that you can enjoy luxury cruise ship experience without burning a hole in your pocket. Even though the prices would vary depending up on the packages that one choose, an average Indian can easily afford a trip onboard Cordelia. The tour company charges between Rs 22,000 – Rs 30,000 for journeys that last for three nights and four days. In case you are traveling with family, more than two persons would be accommodated in a single room. This would significantly decrease the expenses. An unforgettable journey on Cordelia is an easily achievable dream for someone who wishes to enjoy the luxurious facilities of a cruise liner, the mesmerizing high seas and the beautiful port cities. The spectacular packages offered by the cruise company is really affordable compared to the expenses of a domestic trip on land.
The cruise ships have been brought to India to offer the domestic tourists an international experience of a luxury cruise liner. Tickets could be booked through the tourism portal of IRTCT’s official website.
