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Louis Cruises India launched with Kochi as its homeport

Louis Cruises India, a subsidiary of the Louis Cruises, the world’s fifth largest cruise operator has launched its operations in India with Kochi as its homeport. Louis Cruises is the cruise arm of Louis Group, a leading European tourism organization based in the Mediterranean with a 74-year-old history. The group has 20 luxury hotels in Greece and Cyprus and a fleet of 12 cruise ships.

The launch of Louis Cruises India forms part of Louis Cruise’s strategy to further expand its international operations by entering and developing new markets. With cruising being a fairly new form of holidaying in the Indian market, Louis Cruises India aims to further introduce the benefits and beauties of cruising in comfort and style to some of the region’s most enticing destinations and at an excellent value for money.

Louis Cruises India will operate three-day and one-day cruises out of Kochi from December 2009 to May 2010 on board the MV Aquamarine. This luxury cruise ship has a carrying capacity of 1,200 passengers and comes with all the comforts and amenities to cater for the needs and hospitality of her Indian passengers. MV Aquamarine will offer itineraries on the Kochi - Maldives - Kochi route and the Kochi - Colombo - Kochi route, in addition to a one-night high sea sailing itinerary.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the company and Kerala Tourism with the common goal to market and promote cruise tourism out of Kochi. The official signing by Mr. M. Sivasankar, Director, Kerala Tourism and Mr. Oneil Khosa, Managing Director, Louis Cruises India took place in the presence of Mr. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Minister for Tourism and the Chairman of Cochin Port Trust, Mr. N. Ramachandran in Trivandrum recently.

In his address during the ceremony, Minister for Tourism, Mr. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said that the increasing number of international cruise lines calling at Kochi is an indication that the port is emerging as a major destination for cruise tourism in the region. Kochi was a natural choice for Louis Cruises India, not just because it has all the characteristics and potential of an emerging cruise hub but also because of the positive approach of the State government towards tourism. “Nearly 60,000 travelers could be expected to embark on their voyage from Kochi. This would bring real economic benefit to the state in addition to generating new jobs for the local community,” he added.

“Exotic voyages from Kochi, is an exciting product to offer the Indian market, which is craving for new experiences. Louis Cruises India is the only company that will be offering cruises from Kochi targeted at the Indian market,” said Dr. Venu V., Secretary, Kerala Tourism. Speaking at the same ceremony, Mr. M. Sivasankar, Director, Kerala Tourism underlined that “This new initiative will add on to the Kerala experience in a big way. It will help tour operators to offer even more attractive holiday options by clubbing the cruises with their existing packages.”