India on the high seas
India is witnessing a sea change—literally. Cruise tourism, once considered a niche or luxury segment, is rapidly gaining popularity among Indian travellers. Desi tourists are seeking more than just destinations; they crave experiences. Cruises, that used to be a niche entertainment for people with fat wallets have been democratised. They are offering the middle-class Indian travellers from the Tier-2 cities a seamless blend of leisure, luxury, and entertainment. Aboard the luxurious, 15-deck 'Independence of the Seas', there is little the members cannot have: gourmet dining, Broadway-caliber shows, art auctions, and starlit movie nights by the pool. Says Bengaluru-based writer Namita Gupta, who embarked on a Europe luxury cruise 'We wanted to experience something magical, something larger than life.' She chose Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas—the world's largest cruise ship. 'It was like floating in a five-star resort. Michelin-level dining, open to sky pool deck, champagne at every hour,' she says. To get wet, you don't have to take a dip in the cerulean waters: on board is the 40-foot-long FlowRider surf simulator to ride the 30,000 gallons of water rushing towards you as friends and family cheer you on from a mini stadium seating.
Many Indian travellers like Gupta, who once viewed cruises with mild curiosity, are now hooked. 'We used to think a Europe tour or a Maldives villa was the pinnacle of indulgence,' she says, adding 'Now, cruising in a floating mansion with a private infinity pool feels like the real dream come true.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
Rape, terror: US updates travel advisory for India, asks women not to travel alone
The US Department of State has issued a Level 2 advisory to American citizens and workers living in India, asking them to "exercise increased caution", claiming that the country is witnessing a surge in rape, violence and terrorism incidents of late. The Trump administration has also asked women not to travel alone and be extra alert while at any tourist sites and other increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Violent crime and terrorism occur in India. Rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites and other locations," the advisory, which was reissued on June 16 after periodic review with updates to entry/exit requirements, of terrorism, the advisory asked US citizens to avoid travelling to tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls and government facilities, claiming they are vulnerable to terror attacks. The update in the US travel advisory to India comes nearly two months after Pakistan-based terrorists opened fire on tourists, killing 25 of them in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 2."Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir: Do not travel to this area (except for visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest," the State Department attacks and violent civil unrest are possible. Violence happens sporadically in this area and is common along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan. Violence also occurs in tourist spots in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government does not allow foreign tourists to visit certain areas along the LOC," it citizens were also warned about potential armed conflict between India and Pakistan, and were advised not to travel to areas near the international women to exercise the utmost caution, the notification said that the US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in rural State Department specifically talked about the Naxal threat, saying, "Maoist extremist groups, or Naxalites, are active in a large area of India that spans from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal". It included Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya and Odisha in the list of states which are affected by those who decide to travel to India in the coming days, the advisory urged them to not carry a satellite phone or a GPS device. "Possessing a satellite phone or GPS device is illegal in India and may result in a penalty of $200,000 or jail time of up to three years. Do not travel alone, especially if you are a woman".advertisementAdditionally, US nationals in India were instructed to review their travel plans and stay vigilant about their surroundings at all times, while also ensuring travel ATTACKS CENTREThe Congress seized the opportunity to attack the Centre, calling the advisory a "shock" and an "embarrassment" for the government."US Travel Advisory Shocks India! The June 2025 update warns women not to travel alone in India due to surging rape, violence, and terrorism risks. Is this the collapse of PM's "safe India" narrative? A global embarrassment for @narendramodi and @BJP4India," the Karnataka Congress wrote on Watch
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Indian man pens heartbreaking farewell after losing job in Dubai: ‘Completely finished savings'
An Indian man has shared a deeply emotional account of his sudden departure from Dubai after five years of living and working there. In a Reddit post, he recounted how an unexpected job termination left him financially drained and heartbroken, forcing him to return to India, an outcome he described as 'the end of his dream.' The user had been living in Dubai since 2019, working hard to support himself and his family back home. (Pexel) 'My heart is breaking into million pieces… I have to leave Dubai tomorrow. Fired. Broke. Empty,' he wrote, describing how a single HR meeting led to the collapse of the life he had built. 'One meeting. Security walked me out like a criminal. Five years hard work, overtime, skipping holidays for project, poof! Gone.' The user had been living in Dubai since 2019, working hard to support himself and his family back home. But with rising costs and no new job prospects despite sending 'literally hundreds' of applications, his savings eventually ran out. 'Dubai salary sounds big but rent? DEWA? Grocery? School fee for sister back home? Petrol? All eating money like monster,' he explained. Even selling off his belongings, 'my small TV, my mattress, my little plant' wasn't enough to get by. 'Feels like selling pieces of my life,' he said. Despite the pain, his farewell was laced with bittersweet nostalgia. 'Oh Dubai… how can I leave you? The smell of karak chai in morning… the crazy beautiful light show on Burj Khalifa… even the stress of Sheikh Zayed Road traffic jam! All gone.' Also read: Noida man dies in cab accident, family claims driver fell asleep at wheel The post also highlights the immense emotional toll of job insecurity. 'What hurts most? Failure. Feeling like I failed myself. Failed my family… Going back to village with empty hands… shame is heavy stone in my stomach,' he wrote, adding, 'My father voice on phone… trying to be strong, 'Come beta, home is home.' But I hear the disappointment.' Take a look at the post: Many took to the comments section to respond. One user wrote, "You're not a failure, you have sustained your family back home for many years. They should be proud of you. DXB isn't the be all and end all of life, you can shine in India or anywhere in the world. If you love living in Dubai then coming back is also an option when you manage to find a role" Another added, 'I'm really sorry you're going through this. But this isn't the end. Take this as your new challenge and be determined. You can start again, stronger than before. Dubai is just one place. You have it in you to persevere anywhere.'
Indian Express
5 hours ago
- Indian Express
‘Rape, crime, terrorism': US advises citizens to exercise ‘increased caution' on trip to India
In an updated travel advisory for its citizens, the United States has urged those travelling to India to 'exercise increased caution' due to heightened risks from crime, terrorism, and sexual violence, including rape, which it notes is among the 'fastest-growing crimes in the country'. The Level 2 advisory, updated by the US Department of State, outlines: The advisory mentions 'violent crime' and the risk of terrorist attacks, noting they can occur 'with little or no warning', even in locations frequented by tourists such as transportation hubs, markets, and government facilities. It adds that rape and sexual assault are a serious concern, and advises women to not travel alone. The advisory outlines a list of regions marked 'high-risk' areas, warning the US citizens against travelling there: In addition, US government employees need special authorisation to travel beyond capital cities in several Indian states, including parts of West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. The US advisory also reminds travellers to strictly follow Indian laws. It warns against carrying illegal devices like satellite phones and mentions that overstaying a visa could lead to detention, fines, or deportation. It also notes that the US government's ability to provide emergency support is limited, particularly in rural and high-risk regions. Travellers are advised to: It also encourages respect for local laws, religious sensitivities, and dress codes, especially in conservative areas. LGBTQ+ travellers are advised to exercise discretion due to conservative social attitudes in some regions. (Source: US Department of State)
