India in top 3 markets for Star Cruises
With two new mega-ships, new itineraries and increased capacity entering the market, Genting Cruise Lines is re-arranging its product offering in a way that will appeal to Indian cruisers. Michael Goh, Senior VP (Sales), Genting Cruise Lines, tells TRAVTA
Genting Cruise Lines is expanding its product base to not just target novice Indian cruisers but also high-end seasoned cruisers who want to try out something different. It will now have eight ships home-porting in various parts of Asia that will include two of its mega ships – Genting Dream and World Dream. Genting Dream will be in Singapore from this November and will go to new destinations like Bali and Surabaya in addition to its regular destinations, and World Dream will be in Hong Kong.
Michael Goh, Senior VP (Sales), Genting Cruise Lines, who has been in the cruise industry for 17 years, says that 2017-18 will see a lot of changes in its itineraries. Of the six Star Cruises ships, SS Gemini will be ported in Thailand (Koh Samui, Phuket), and SS Libra will have three homeports in Malaysia (Port Klang, Penang) and Thailand (Phuket) from September onwards. “It means our partners can send their guests to any of these destinations. We are very happy with the numbers we are getting from India which figures in the top three markets, with year-on-year growth in double digits. This is one of the markets we will continue to develop and invest in. India contributes to almost one-tenth of our total business,” he says. Increased capacity
With these new ships joining the fleet, the company will have an increased capacity to offer to the Indian market. The six Star Cruises ships have a total capacity of 9,000 pax per day. Genting Dreams has a capacity of 4,500 pax a day and Word Dream will offer a capacity of 4,500 pax per day. This takes the total capacity of 18,000 pax a day. To this, Goh says, “We have to re-look at our distribution channel in order to cater to this increased capacity and expand our distribution channel through our PSA network. This means include smaller cities as well. With such long-term plans, we need to understand how the Indian consumer will book cruise holidays in the future. It is a very dynamic market.”
This also means aggressively educating the trade in India and creating a new market altogether. “Traditionally, cruising for Indians is about two or three night itineraries. We are now focused on educating our partners about selling five-night packages. It is about changing the mindsets of agents. It is not just for FITs; there are loads of things that a ship can do for you. Anything can be created as long as it is not a safety hazard,” Goh assures. The company is also working with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) to promote cruising to the trade.
We are very happy with the numbers we are getting from in the top three markets with year-on-year growth in double digits
Dream Cruises for luxury market: