Friday, March 15, 2024
The Indian wedding industry, the world’s second-largest, valued at $40-50 billion, is poised for a revival in the next two years with the introduction of safe and innovative alternatives. November and December’s auspicious wedding dates are seeing a surge in inquiries for intimate weddings at luxury hotels and unique destinations. Notably, there is a growing demand for cruise weddings in India, with the inauguration of Cordelia Cruises, an Indian cruise liner.
The Big Fat Indian Wedding trend has adapted to pandemic and post-pandemic circumstances, with couples seeking safe alternatives for destinations and venues, often opting for reduced guest lists. While the number of attendees has decreased, the enthusiasm remains high; couples now prioritize experiences over scale. The idea of relaxed, luxurious, and experiential weddings is on the rise, leading to a growing demand for ‘experiential weddings,’ including ceremonies in the middle of the ocean on a cruise holiday with close friends and family.
Cruise Weddings: The New Trend
Cordelia Cruises, an Indian cruise liner operated by Waterways Leisure Tourism Private Limited and affiliated with the Dream Hotel Group, is set to launch its cruise operations later this year. The cruise ship, Empress of the Seas, formerly a part of the Royal Caribbean fleet, will now sail under the Cordelia Cruises banner in India, rebranded as the Empress. Boasting 796 cabins, multiple restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, world-class entertainment including Indian shows, an onboard casino, a health and beauty center, a shopping zone, and a grand theater, the Empress promises to be India’s premier wedding destination.
Ever since the brand’s launch announcements earlier this year, it has been receiving a good response from couples who are planning their weddings in 2021 and 2022. “We have always been confident that cruising as a holiday product will appeal to the Indian travelers who are now well-informed and evolved. But the demand we have witnessed for cruise weddings is tremendous. Since weddings are dependent on certain auspicious dates and timings, we are able to service the huge demand based on a first-come-first-served basis. Families who were earlier opting for destination weddings are now preferring cruise weddings,” says Jurgen Bailom, President and CEO, Cordelia Cruises.
WEDDING VOWS MEET THE OCEAN VIEWS
The one important thing this pandemic has taught everyone is thoughtful choices. Experiential and value-driven choices have emerged as significant drivers within the wedding industry, complemented by the adoption of safety and health measures by venues and destinations.
The opportunity to combine a wedding and a holiday is definitely enticing. Our fantastic venues combined with a wide array of dining and entertainment options are being preferred for weddings this year. The deck area is the most popular venue for the main wedding ceremony, while the theatre with a seating capacity of 800+ guests is being booked for the sangeet and reception. “Who would not love a wedding ceremony with the ocean as the backdrop?” asks Vijay Kesavan, Sales and Marketing Director, Cordelia Cruises. From floral décor arrangements to professional wedding photographers onboard, make-up artists and wedding planners, the cruise liner provides expert services for every aspect of the wedding.
HOW ARE CRUISE WEDDINGS UNIQUE?
A cruise serves as both a venue and a destination, offering an array of experiences similar to those found in popular vacation spots, if not more. Unlike traditional weddings, cruise weddings provide guests with a diverse range of onboard activities, making them a top trend in the wedding industry. Guests can indulge in luxurious accommodations, dining at sea, entertainment shows, spas, casinos, and much more, all while sailing to various destinations. Additionally, cruises can be chartered for a completely private wedding experience, offering the unmatched convenience of having an entire ship exclusively for the wedding celebrations.
Cordelia Cruises offers 2-night, 3-night, 4-night, and 5-night itineraries to destinations such as Goa, Diu, and Lakshadweep. Consequently, couples and their families are increasingly opting for cruise weddings to these picturesque locations.
It’s all about customization
For cruise weddings, everything can be customized. From the venues to the choice of menu, entertainment, and accommodation, every experience is tailor-made. “We have weddings planned with exclusive venues and complete vegetarian and Jain food for the wedding guests. We specialize in Indian and Jain food along with global cuisines. Everything is taken care of by us, while the guests enjoy the functions,” says Vijay.
The cruise liner is collaborating closely with governmental, port, and health authorities to initiate operations, ensuring the implementation of all health and safety protocols. With the vaccination drive gaining momentum this month, the world’s second-largest wedding industry is poised for a revival, with new trends at the forefront. Who says small and intimate weddings can’t be special?
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