Recently, an enterprising Indian, Jaswant S Lalwani, decided to make a few changes in the global cruise travel map and indulge cruise-hungry Indians by setting up the Indian Ocean Cruise Line Ltd. "While the Caribbean, Mediterranean and the Pacific Rim are exploited for leisure cruises, the Indian Ocean is not even tapped," says Lalwani, who has 15 years' experience as worldwide marketing head of the Cunard Cruise Line.

According to industry estimates, the cruise industry has a short-term cumulative market potential of around $70 billion; in 1999, the industry's growth was 9 per cent. Over 500,000 people from Asia go on cruises every year. From India alone, 50,000 people set sail last year and the number is increasing.

Indian Ocean Cruise Line Ltd will be the first cruise line to have a dedicated presence in the Indian Ocean. The MV Ocean Majesty will explore the untouched regions of the Indian Ocean like coastal India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, the Gulf Coast, the Maldives, the Andamans and Lakshwadeep.

The 1994 Ocean Majesty, of Greek registry, can carry 600 passengers. It will begin its voyage from Athens, the birthplace of Western civilisation, and will stop at exotic locations like Alexandria and Sharm-el-Sheikh in Egypt, Ashdod in Israel and Aqaba in Jordan, which are the repositories of some of the greatest archaeological sites in the world. The cruise will also cover the shopping havens of Dubai and Muscat.

Lalwani says: "As befitting international standards, the vessel has superlative features. It has eight passenger decks and is staffed by an all-European staff. Its international ambience and amenities will be modified to address regional cultures and beliefs."

The cruise line has 300 double rooms, with varied features like portholes and rooms with breathtaking views to give an excellent feel of the ocean. It also provides choice cuisine, ranging from Mediterranean and Continental to Indian and Arabic.

An all-inclusive 8-9 day cruise is priced at US$ 2,500 per couple. The cruise, which will sail from Greece via the Suez Canal on November 14, will reach Mumbai on December 5. The Indian Ocean Cruise Line Ltd plans huge investments in the industry, part of which includes 2-3 more ships to cater to other destinations along the east coast of Africa, Seychelles, Mauritius and South Africa. The company is aiming for a turnover of US$ 10 million, with an expected growth of almost 20 per cent annually. The Travel Corporation of India has been appointed as the GSA for India and has started booking passengers already. So what's keeping you?