PORT LOUIS – Indian Ocean Cruises will launch cruises from Mauritius this year.
The line, which has been operating along the Malabar Coast of southern India for two years, is to base a ship in the island’s capital Port Louis.
The 200-passenger Ocean Odyssey is to operate year-round Indian Ocean cruises from November following a $10 million refurbishment.
Itineraries will focus on Madagascar, Reunion, and the Agalega Islands.
Sanjeev Goswami, joint managing director of parent group Foresight Smart Ventures, said discussions were taking place with a number of tour operators in India, the UK, Mauritius, Germany and the UAE about setting-up a network of marketing and distribution channels.
He said: “Our programme of cruises is a major step in the branding of Mauritius as one of the most exciting cruise and vacation destinations in the world.
“We have invested $10 million and have plans to make further significant investments over the next 3-5 years with the aim of establishing a world class cruise operation in the Indian Ocean.â€
The company is working with the Mauritius government and Air Mauritius to help position the island as a top cruise and stay destination.
by Phil Davies
