One-third the price of a flight ticket: Kerala launches Beypore-Kochi-Dubai cruise service

In a bid to boost tourism and facilitate affordable and hassle-free overseas travel, the Kerala government has approved the Beypore-Kochi-Dubai cruise route, slated to open soon. The surge in demand from Indian residents residing abroad played a pivotal role in obtaining clearance, as reported by Manorama.

According to Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the initial steps toward implementing the service are underway. Once operational, non-resident Keralites abroad stand to benefit significantly. With costs estimated at half or a third of airfare, the cruise offers a substantial cost advantage. Passengers will also enjoy three times the luggage capacity compared to air travel.

Introduction to the Cruise Service:

YA Rahim, the president of the Indian Association Sharjah, stated to Mint Report that the cruise would reach its destination in under three days, aiming for a launch before the December school holidays. The initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burden on Indian expats in the UAE associated with expensive flights.

Reasons for Sailing from Beypore to Kochi and Dubai:

YA Rahim anticipates a three-day journey from Dubai to Kerala, with the Kerala government planning to introduce the service before winter vaccinations commence in schools. The objective is to enable Indians in the UAE to visit their homeland without the steep costs of airfare.

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Advantages of the Beypore–Kochi–Dubai Cruise:

The debut of the cruise line is poised to be a boon for Malayalis abroad, offering a more affordable alternative amidst rising flight costs. Passengers can expect to pay approximately 50% to 1/3 of plane ticket prices. Additionally, the cruise provides three times the luggage capacity at the same fare, with the ship accommodating up to 1,250 passengers in a sleek, modern design featuring luxurious facilities.

The ship, initially permitted to sail only between Kochi and Dubai, now serves the Gulf of Kerala after construction in Kochi for use by other states.

Future plans for the cruise company involve halving luggage fees while tripling capacity, allowing customers to carry three times the baggage for the same price (around Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 for a one-way trip). This stands in stark contrast to the exorbitant Rs 55,000 cost of a flight from Kochi to Dubai reported in January.

Insiders reveal that the ship’s schedule between Kochi and Dubai, initially designed for another state, is now fixed, with the Kochi-based company expanding its services to the Gulf of Kerala.

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