India Cruise Lines Association Lauds Shipping Ministry’s Initiative to Reduce 70% Berthing Charges to Boost Cruise Tourism

Close on the heels of the Indian Government permitting cruise ships to start sailing in India in October, comes yet another welcome boost to help the industry get back on its feet. The Shipping Ministry recently announced the reduction in port tariff rates ranging from 60% to 70% for cruise ships with effect from 14th August 2020. There will be an immediate reduction in port charges for the Cruise Industry in line with the Indian Government policy to support the economy post the COVID- 19 pandemic. 

Commenting on this development, Jurgen Bailom, Chairman, INCLA said, “The current upheaval caused by the pandemic has resulted in several challenges and has adversely affected tourism and the cruising sector. While we eagerly wait to begin sailing in November, the Shipping Ministry’s announcement to reduce berthing charges to promote tourism increases our optimism and confidence that our industry will get back on its feet in no time at all. We would like to express our gratitude and thank the Government and the Union Minister of State of Shipping, Mr. Mansukh Mandaviya for introducing this measure and assisting us during these trying times. This is a step in the right direction as it will help boost domestic cruise tourism”.

He further added, “The cruise industry appreciates the efforts, and is indeed grateful for this initiative, which no other country has implemented so far by such a margin. This news comes as a breath of fresh air. We are confident that the travel industry will bounce back, with a few adjustments in the post-COVID-19 world where global travel restrictions and changing consumer preference will provide the impetus to domestic tourism. As we all prepare to start cruising operations in November this year, we will rise to the occasion and create greater value for all our customers”.

Nalini Gupta, Vice President INCLA said “I think this is a great initiative taken by the Shipping Ministry, to promote tourism which is one of the industries to have been seriously impacted globally due to the recent COVID- 19 pandemic. This will not only help make cruising more affordable for Indians but also make India look a lot more attractive to International cruise companies in terms of home-porting ships in India for itineraries covering Indian ports with neighbouring countries”.

Ratna Chadha, Vice President INCLA said “The Govt has taken an initiative to boost domestic Cruises by lowering the tariffs and thereby sending the right signal to the international cruise lines as well that, India means business. However, the duration of the validity may need to be extended to create a positive impact in the long term, both for the economy and employment”. 

The Ministry of Shipping has rationalized tariff rates for cruise ships whereby which the net effect of the rate relaxation would be an immediate reduction in port charges ranging from 60% to 70%. This in turn will give substantial relief to the cruise industry in India, in line with the government policy to support the economy in COVID-19 pandemic situation.

The rationalized tariff rates for cruise vessels are as follows:

1)       The port charges for a Cruise Ship to be charged at $0.085 per GRT (Gross Registered Tonnage) instead of $0.35 of current rate, for first 12 hours stay ('Fixed Rate') and $5 per passenger (‘Head Tax’). The Ports will not charge any other rate like berth hire, port dues, pilotage, passenger fee, etc.

2)       For the period exceeding 12 hours stay, the fixed charges on cruise ships will be equal to the Berth Hire Charges payable as per SOR (Schedule of Rates) (with 40% discount as applicable for cruise ships).

3)       Further, cruise ships making:

a)       1-50 calls per year to get 10% rebate.

b)       51-100 calls per year to get 20% rebate.

c)       Above 100 calls per year to get 30% rebate.

Thanks to the policy support by the Shipping Ministry since 2014, there has been an increase in the number of calls made by cruise ships in India from 128 (2015-16) to 593 (2019-20).

With a massive coastline and unexplored territories, India’s potential for cruise tourism is enormous. The cruise tourism is perfectly poised to cater to these requirements. Such an initiative will re-ignite the economy as it will spur demand and kick-start the local economy.

About India Cruise Lines Association (INCLA)

India Cruise Lines Association (INCLA) is the first-ever association of the cruise industry in India which will bring together key stakeholders to create a comprehensive agenda to develop India as a cruise hub in the near future. INCLA comprises of travel associations, hotel associations, hotels, airlines, travel insurance service providers, forex companies amongst others.

Cruise with Confidence on Jalesh Cruises from November 6, 2020

Restart of Cruises

* Indian Government announces commencement of cruises from October 2020῀

* Jalesh Cruises offers FREE COVID19 rapid testing to all its passengers ῀

After four months of the country experiencing lockdown, home confinement, restricted movements and no summer vacations, it is now time for some unbelievably good news! As part of its Mission Begin Again, the Indian Government has announced that it will permit cruise ships to commence sailing from 1st October. In the light of this major development, Jalesh Cruises announces the commencement of its cruise MV Karnika from Friday 6th November 2020.

In line with its commitment to its valued passengers to offer an enjoyable, safe and secure holiday in your home (away from home) on the sea, Jalesh Cruises will offer all passengers FREE rapid Covid19 and all other flu related testing at the time of embarkation! Passengers will receive their test results in 15 minutes, board the ship without any fears or worries and set sail into the blue sea and the bright horizon.

Start planning your much deserved and well-earned break aboard the magnificent MV Karnika, starting November 2020. Choose a cruise in India with your family members or friends to put the worry of the last four months behind you and create fresh, new, happy and memorable moments with your own Indian cruise line Jalesh cruises, which offers an international experience while cruising within India.

Jalesh Cruises invites Indians to hop on board its premium cruise Karnika and have a wonderful vacation without any fear. Karnika is a home away from home with the best in class amenities and offers the option of discovering the beauty of one’s own country India while sailing in the lap of comfort. 

Jurgen Bailom, President and CEO, Jalesh Cruises said, “The announcement by the Indian Government to permit sailing by cruise companies comes as a fresh breath of air to all of us. We have been waiting to set sail with passengers and we eagerly await November. The health and safety of our passengers and our crew has been and will always be our priority. I would like to reassure our valued guests that they would not find a safer and cleaner ship than Karnika. We eagerly wait to welcome guests on board Karnika with open arms and promise them an experience that will wipe away the gloom of the last few months. Our guests will return home invigorated, refreshed and all charged up after their oceanic voyage.” 

In addition to excellent accommodation, dining, entertainment and leisure offerings, Karnika is proud of its first-rate hygiene and security practices.

MV Karnika has been in Mumbai, India since 12 March 2020 and has been in India ever since.

About Jalesh Cruises

Jalesh Cruises is the owner and operator of India’s premiere cruise liner – Karnika, which commenced operations from 17th April 2019 in Mumbai. Jalesh Cruises, is India’s first multi-destination cruise line that has world-class entertainment shows, activities and exotic authentic cuisines packed with international hospitality on the high sea. The cruise is designed and customized especially for the Indian audience to experience the flavor of Indian and International culture, food & hospitality while sailing in India.

Has Microsoft hired Morgan Stanley to sell Razorfish?

Microsoft has hired Morgan Stanley to sell Razorfish, its digital agency, and French marketing company Publicis Groupe SA is thought to be a possible bidder, according to a media report.

Microsoft acquired the agency, formerly called Avenue A Razorfish, as part of its $6 billion takeover of aQuantive in 2007.

The report cited an analyst valuing Razorfish at $600 million to $700 million, based on sales of about $400 million last year and profit margins for similar businesses of 12 to 13 percent.

Publicis and Morgan Stanley were not immediately available for comment.

Microsoft declined comment.

Razorfish is one of the largest interactive advertising and marketing agencies, boasting a client list that includes McDonald's Corp, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and Carnival Cruise Lines.

Microsoft and VivaKi, the digital arm of Publicis, last week unveiled a broad cooperation deal to develop new content, improve marketing performance and better target digital advertising audiences.

Agencies