Exciting News: Potential for Cruise Travel from Kerala to Dubai in the Near Future

Traveling to Dubai from Kerala? You will soon be able to do it on a cruise

In the imminent future, it has been reported by various media outlets that expatriates and visitors may soon have the opportunity to embark on a maritime journey from Kerala to Dubai and vice versa, courtesy of a cruise ship, as per recent media disclosures.

This week, regional media sources disseminated information that the Indian central government has given the green light to a much-anticipated oceanic passage catering to travelers commuting between Dubai and Kerala.

As reported by Manorama, the sanctioned route spans a considerable 4000 kilometers, commencing from Beypur in Kozhikode, transiting via Kochi, and concluding in Dubai. The article highlighted statements from Sarbananda Sonowal, India's Union Shipping Minister, who affirmed the central government's approval of the route during a parliamentary question and answer session.

Back in September, Kerala Maritime Board Chairman NS Pillai had conveyed that the Department of Non-Resident Keralite's Affairs (NORKA) had been tasked with conducting viability studies concerning potential passenger cruise vessels to address the existing gap in travel options between Kerala and the UAE.

The necessity for such a pathway was attributed to the exorbitant fees that expatriates and vacationers are compelled to endure during peak travel seasons. A report from June 2023 in Kerala outlined that on a budget-friendly cruise itinerary, passengers might incur costs ranging from Rs10,000 to Rs15,000 per individual (equivalent to Dh440 to Dh660).

Mathrubhumi detailed that NORKA Roota and the Kerala Maritime Board are set to release a tender for the initiative, inviting companies to submit their proposals for either vessels or the provision of the service.

Source: gulfnews.com