In this context, the necessity for specialized travel insurance tailored for cruise travelers has never been more evident.
“The Indian cruise market has experienced a 27% CAGR over the last eight years,” says Shiju Radhakrishnan, Founder & CEO of GetMyCruise.com. “In 2024, more than 300,000 Indians are expected to embark on international cruises, with projections indicating this number could reach 2 million by 2030.”
Despite this impressive growth, cruises currently represent only about 1% of India’s outbound travel, indicating a significant untapped potential. “India’s upper-middle-class, consisting of approximately 50 million individuals, is increasingly attracted to luxury and boutique cruise experiences,” he notes, highlighting a transition from mass-market holidays to more tailored, premium voyages.
GetMyCruise, the platform he oversees, serves as an online marketplace that enables users to book international cruises across over 450 ships, 42+ cruise brands, and 3,200+ global sailings.
Government initiatives and infrastructure improvements
Government programs like the Sagarmala Project aim to enhance India’s maritime infrastructure. The establishment of cruise terminals in Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, and Chennai, as outlined in a recent PIB release, is expected to streamline cruise operations and boost passenger capacity.
Radhakrishnan emphasizes the significance of these developments: “With renovations planned at these ports and cruise operators like Royal Caribbean, MSC, Disney, and Costa expanding their domestic offerings, we anticipate explosive growth in cruise traffic from Indian ports.”
Popularity of international itineraries
While domestic routes such as Mumbai-Goa and Mumbai-Lakshadweep account for nearly 70% of local sailings, over 80% of Indian cruise bookings are currently for international destinations.
Preferred winter routes feature Southeast Asia and the Middle East, while summer cruises often include Mediterranean and Northern Europe destinations.
Importance of insurance in cruise travel
“Almost all international cruise travelers purchase insurance prior to sailing,” notes Radhakrishnan, emphasizing the increasing acknowledgment of insurance’s role in managing travel risks.
Conversely, domestic cruise travelers often overlook this coverage, a gap that experts believe needs addressing.
Kapadia, Head of Travel Insurance at Policybazaar, confirms the rising demand for insurance products tailored to cruises.
“As more Indians venture into unique cruise vacations, we observe a notable increase in demand for policies that cover cruise-specific risks such as missed ports, cabin confinement, and emergency medical evacuation,” he states.
Coverage tailored for cruise-specific requirements
Travel insurance policies designed for cruises frequently include add-ons costing between ₹200-₹300, which offer protection against:
- Missed port arrivals or delayed cruise connections
- Medical emergencies onboard, including hospitalization
- Cabin confinement due to illness or quarantine
- Emergency evacuation at sea
- Trip cancellations or interruptions related to cruise schedules
These protections are crucial due to the increased complexity and potential risks associated with sea travel compared to standard travel options.
