Essel group appoints Jurgen Bailom to head cruise business in India

Essel Group announced the appointment of industry veteran Jurgen Bailom as President & CEO of the Group’s upcoming cruise line business, Zen Cruises Private Limited (an Essel Group enterprise). Bailom will steer the company on a course to captivate Indian cruise passengers with an offering par excellence. With Bailom’s appointment, Essel Group heralds the announcement of India’s premium cruise line with the purchase of its first ship, the Pacific Jewel – a 70,285-ton, 2000 passenger ship from P&O Australia.

With a career spanning over 30 years in the cruise and hospitality industry, Bailom was President & CEO of Grupo Vidanta Cruises prior to Essel Group. He has also held senior Corporate Director positions within several of Royal Caribbean’s brands such as SKY SEAS, TUI and Celebrity Cruises, Island Cruises and most recent as the Chief Operating Officer & Vice-President of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Pullmantur. He has also been Vice-President of The Maho Group, Sonesta Collection Resorts, Casinos, Spa & Real Estate to name a few.

Commenting on his appointment, Bailom said, ““I’m thrilled to be a part of the Essel Group which has done pioneering work across sectors and consider it a great opportunity to be at the helm of India’s first cruise company. India has a 6,632 km long coastline along nine states and two union territories which presents tremendous potential to promote and grow cruise tourism in India. We intend to take the cruise liner experience to a new level for people in India, and I look forward to unveiling our plans soon.”