India has moved from a niche cruise market to one of the fastest-growing cruise markets in the Asia-Pacific region, according to Vijay Kesavan, Managing Director, AERTiCKET India. Kesavan said the country’s cruise growth is being driven by rising incomes, improved port infrastructure and a new generation of experience-led travellers. River cruising has recorded particularly sharp growth, with inland waterway passengers increasing from around 4.35 lakh in FY2024-25 to more than 29 lakh by December 2025. He also highlighted the opening of Mumbai’s International Cruise Terminal in 2025 and the government’s Cruise Bharat Mission, which targets an 800% expansion in the cruise market over the next decade.
Shreya Bansal is a reporter at TravTalk India, covering the travel and tourism industry. She brings a keen eye for emerging trends, trade developments, and the stories shaping the travel landscape. Through in-depth reporting and on-ground insights, she connects industry stakeholders with news that matters. Beyond travel, Shreya has a growing interest in the premium lifestyle space, particularly the world of fine jewellery and is eager to explore the craftsmanship, culture, and commerce that define luxury living.