Kochi: Giving a fillip to the tourism industry that has been hit by the ongoing pandemic, Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation has decided to restart the service of Egyptian-themed luxury vessel 'Nefertiti' in Kochi.
Only 100 passengers will be allowed to enter the ship. The ticket rate for an adult is Rs 1999 and for children is Rs 499. Lounge bar, 3D Theatre, meeting hall, auditorium and many more facilities have been arranged on the cruise ship. The ship can also be booked for business meets, wedding functions, and other celebrations.
For more details, contact 9744601234 and book at www.nefertiticruise.com
A regal ship
Named after an Egyptian queen, Nefertiti, the ship offers you an ethereal abode as you skim through the surface of the Arabian Sea. An illustration of Queen Nefertiti greets you as you enter the ship. The beautiful Nefertiti was the wife of Akhenaten, an Egyptian Pharaoh, who ruled the country during 1300 BC. Even the male-dominated court bowed to the orders of Nefertiti, who at times even wore the Pharaoh's crown.
Built by the Kerala government, Nefertiti lets tourists discover the beauty of Kochi shores and the sea. Nefertiti starts its journey at 2.30 pm from the Ernakulam wharf at Willingdon Island in Kochi. The ship returns by 8pm.
Nefertiti has two floors – Sistra, an Egyptian musical instrument, and Horus, a mythical protector of Egypt. The interiors have been decked up to match that of a star hotel.
Once seated in the regal Sistra hall, the assistant captain would list out the safety instructions. Once the formalities and a round of refreshments are done, the in-house singers take over the stage and the tourists get to listen to their choice of music.
The restaurant too lets you take in the beauty of the sea, even while sitting within the comforts of a cosy air-conditioned room. However, if you really want to breathe in the sea, you need to step out into the 'Open Terrace' (or bridge deck which is located behind the captain's cabin) to get a 360-degree view.