Dubai welcomes India's first premium cruise liner
Karnika is Jalesh Cruises' first liner to homeport in Dubai, will offer two itineraries per week
The vessel will commence the operation of regular Arabian Gulf itineraries from June to mid-September.
Dubai has welcomed India’s first premium cruise liner, Karnika by Jalesh Cruises, to Mina Rashid as it homeports in Dubai for the season.
Christened in an official naming ceremony in Mumbai last month, Karnika is Jalesh Cruises’ first liner to homeport in the region, marking a significant milestone for both the Indian domestic and international cruise industry.
The vessel will commence the operation of regular Arabian Gulf itineraries from June to mid-September and cruise aficionados can choose from two itineraries a week with Dubai as the home port - the Friday itinerary is set to cover Abu Dhabi and Bahrain while the Monday itinerary will include Muscat and Khasab.
Mohammed Abdul Aziz Al Mannai, CEO of P&O Marinas and Mina Rashid CEO, said: “Proving its position as the Middle East’s leading cruise destination, the Karnika’s arrival highlights the value proposition Mina Rashid offers to luxury cruise lines globally. Our world-class quality services have exhibited Mina Rashid to be the preferred tourist destination observing a 172 per cent increase in visitors between 2014 and 2018.”
Jamal Alfalasi, director of Dubai Cruise Tourism, added: “We are delighted to welcome India’s first premium cruise liner Karnika to Dubai for its maiden voyage into the Arabian Gulf.
"Our support for Jalesh Cruises further cements the enduring bond that exists between India and the emirate, underpinning our continued commitment to Dubai’s top performing source market which brought in more than 564,836 visitors during Q1.”
Jurgen Bailom, president and CEO, Jalesh Cruises, said: “It is an honour and a privilege for us at Jalesh Cruises to bring India’s first premium ship Karnika to her second home, Dubai. A beautiful ship designed to enthrall both domestic and international guests with the famed Indian hospitality, our ship will make it possible for both Indians living in Dubai and locals to experience a cruise vacation with a high level of customisation that will delight all those who sail aboard her.”
Karnika sailed its maiden voyage from Mumbai to Goa in April and has since made 15 trips around India. The ship set off on its first international cruise from Mumbai to Dubai in May and will port in the emirate until mid-September.
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