November 9, 2017 TnH Global

Cruise service to start between Goa and Mumbai from next month

Cruise line services between Goa and Mumbai will begin by the first week of December and hotels are requested to construct floating jetties to facilitate ferrying tourists to their resorts, said Union minister of shipping Nitin Gadkari. “While cruise lines will reduce pollution, tourists will enjoy the experience (of travelling by inland waterways),” Gadkari said, adding that if the project proved successful, more waterways for ferry services would be developed.

The Union minister, who was addressing reporters after chairing a two-day review meeting with all organisations of the ministry of shipping at a South Goa resort, also said that feasibility of airport-to-airport connectivity between Mopa and Dabolim through inland waterways is also being explored. The state’s hotel industry gave mixed reactions to Gadkari’s announcement.

“Any form of transportation is always welcome, if it will help guests travel faster and better. But, first, we need to work out the financial viability,” chairman and managing director Kenilworth Group of Hotels Raju Bharat said, adding that clarity was also needed on how the floating jetties will be funded.

Director, Riviera de Goa Resorts and Hotels, owner of Double Tree by Hilton and immediate past president of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) Francisco de Braganca said, “The idea of having a cruise from Mumbai to Goa is laudable, but not feasible in the manner it is proposed.”

Stating that floating jetties were possible in calm and still waters, Braganza added that the proposal that hotels put up their own floating platforms for berthing was not only outrageous, but also unsafe in open and rough seas.

“First of all, the hotels are not going to invest in floating berths on account of the risk factor and huge investment involved. Another problem with this mode of travel is that during the monsoon, when operations shut down, the platforms will have to be shifted inland,” he said. Terming the cruise liner service a good move, assistant vice-president and general manager, Taj Exotica Heritage Village and Spa, Guitry Velho said, “These cruises will add value to the destination as sea travel has its own charm. But, I feel, there has to be a common berthing point for cruises from where guests can travel to their respective hotels.”

Braganca said the easier solution would be to have smaller ships or ferries, which do not need deep draft and can enter a river and berth along the bank. “This will deliver guests closer to the numerous hotels inland at a much lower cost compared to costs of offshore berthing platforms. Such vessels are successfully operated all over the world,” he added.