Luxury liner to set sail from Kerala port

The cruise liner, which was officially launched at a ceremony by India's Tourism Minister Kumari Selja at Kochi Tuesday, has a capacity to carry 1,200 passengers and will offer itineraries on the Kochi-Maldives-Kochi and the Kochi-Colombo-Kochi routes, in addition to a one-night high sea-sailing itinerary. Prices start from Rs5,000 a day for a three-night tour package.

Owned by Louis Cruises India, a subsidiary of Louis Cruises, the 5th largest cruise operator in the world, MV Aquamarine will homeport in Kochi up to April 25, 2010, and will operate cruise itineraries three times a week from Kochi, officials said. Around 60,000 Indian tourists are expected to cruise on MV Aquamarine this season. Besides a cricket pitch, 525 spacious staterooms and suites, which are all above sea level, passengers can enjoy facilities like several restaurants, a swimming pool, fitness center, massage/sauna facilities, a casino and duty free shopping onboard.

The seven-deck ship, which was thrown open to journalists Tuesday, spans 531 ft in length and 83 ft in breadth. With a gross tonnage of 25,611, it will cruise the Indian Ocean at 17 knots; Kazinform cites Arab News.