Travel + Leisure - India & South Asia
Dine on the Sea
A new floating restaurant is taking Mumbai’s fine-dining scene by storm with its superlative views and gourmet surprises.
DISCERNING DINERS in Mumbai welcomed the new year at the city’s largest-ever dining space on the sea with the launch of a floating restaurant. Two luxury cruise ships of Queensline ( queensline.in)— once the preferred choice of the European and British royal families—have been transformed into gorgeous dining destinations, Sea Yah and Neverland. While Sea Yah has started receiving diners, Neverland is all set to launch this month. With open deck seating, guests can look forward to absorbing stunning views of Mumbai’s iconic skyline from the waters of the Arabian Sea, while relishing a sumptuous multi-cuisine feast.
The two-hour-long experience begins near the Gateway of India and gives you a tour of the city’s shoreline, with three seating options to choose from—luxury air-conditioned deck, premium open deck on Level 1, and exotic open deck on Level 2. The venture is owned by Delhi-based couple Mridul Thirani and Shripriya Dalmia Thirani, who plan to open up the space to more engaging events, such as destination weddings and literature festivals. “People in this city love to work hard and party hard. We wanted them to have a brand new place to relax. What better than the middle of the sea, looking at the shoreline—the imposing skyscrapers creating a perfect silhouette against the setting sun. The food will be the best of global flavours. Indians don’t have to travel abroad for such flavours anymore,” said Shripriya. “We have several things planned, out of which music, culture, and above all, literature will play a big role. The deck will soon host a lit fest—the first-ever in the world taking place in the middle of the sea. I have just finished my first book, Altars of Yearning—How India Prays, which was launched at the House of Lords. I intend to launch it soon on my own ship at the Queensline Lit Fest. The ship will also be a hub for movies, theatre, and art shows,” she added.
The deck will soon host a lit fest—the first-ever to take place in the middle of the sea.