Question : Indian Cruise Ship Industry

(a) whether the Union Government is planning to promote Indian cruise ship industry and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Union Government has conducted any survey or study in this regard and if so, the details thereof;


(c) whether the State Governments can allow operation of cruise ships in their respective areas and if so, the details thereof;

(d) the details and the total number of companies which operate cruises in India; and


(e) the details of the number of cruise ships operated by these companies along with the route of operation for these cruise ships?

(a) Yes, Government of India is actively promoting Cruise shipping in India. Following are the steps taken by the Government to popularize cruise tourism in the country:

(i) Guaranteed berths to cruise ships at cruise terminals having immigration facilities.
(ii) Ousting charges for priority berthing are removed to actively promote Cruise Tourism in India.
(iii) Concessional uniform single rate for all Major ports.
(iv) Rationalised tariff for cruise ships in all Major ports.
(v) E-Visa and on-arrival visa facilities.
(vi) Single e-Landing card introduced, valid for all ports in cruise itinerary.
(vii) Cabotage waived for foreign cruise vessels till February, 2029.

(b) Yes, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways & Ministry of Tourism have jointly appointed the consortium of three expert companies for ‘Preparation of an Action Plan for the Development of Cruise Tourism in India’. The consultant has submitted their Report recommending inter alia reforming the regulatory regime, simplifying the procedures for immigration & custom clearances, tax incentives to cruise industry, capacity building, marketing, creation of cruise related infrastructure at the Ports.
(c) Yes, the State Government can allow operation of cruise vessels in their respective areas as per the relevant statutory provision.

(d & (e) There is one passenger vessel named Angriya registered in the name of M/s. Angriya Sea Eagle Pvt. Ltd. with high standard hospitality/ facilities or amenities for recreation or pleasure / graded rooms for accommodation, which are normally available in cruise vessels. The passenger vessel with cruise like amenities owned by M/s. Angriya Sea Eagle Pvt. Ltd. has been allowed to operate to Mumbai-Goa route.
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