BY INDER RAJ AHLUWALIA,
NEW DELHI | 5 AUGUST 2026
As the Co-founder and Chairperson, Tirun Travel Marketing, Ratna Chadha has been as closely associated with cruising as anyone ever can. She operates as the exclusive India representative for major global cruise liners under Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. She shares her Sailing odyssey with INDER RAJ AHLUWALIA.
1. Trace the beginning of your cruise activities?
A) Our journey began in 1991 as Discover the World Marketing, representing international travel and hospitality brands in India, and a unique cruise experience , ‘ Premier cruise lines’, with their only product ‘Big Red Boat’, plying only in the Bahamas . Cruising was alien to India back then and it was an uphill task to get the business environment changed with RBI, the banks and distribution etc. Gautam’s sheer perseverance and his passion and deep understanding of this business , eventually brought success and the rest is history. Today the entire cruise industry is thriving on that one man’s vision and tenacity to see India vacations differently ! We were subsequently rechristened TIRUN Travel Marketing in 2001. Over three decades ago, we began working with the Royal Caribbean Group and re -introduced the concept of international cruising to the Indian market, this time with multiple cruise ships and destinations, at a time when cruising was still largely unfamiliar here. In the early years, considerable effort went into creating awareness, educating the travel trade and changing the perception that cruises were either inaccessible or meant only for a certain kind of traveller. We helped establish cruising as a complete holiday experience for Indian families, couples, groups and multigenerational travellers.
2. What is the full dimension of your company’s operations today? How is it special?
A ) Today, Tirun exclusively represents Royal Caribbean Group’s three cruise brands in India: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea. Together, they allow us to serve a wide spectrum of travellers, from families and first-time cruisers to premium, luxury and expedition guests. Our role extends well beyond selling cruises. We undertake sales and marketing across travel agents, tour operators and direct channels; build and educate the distribution network; manage government and industry relationships; and provide booking and operational support to travellers. We have a pan-India presence, offer more than 1,000 itineraries covering over 800 destinations, and have served more than 500,000 guests. What makes Tirun special is the combination of global cruise products and a deep understanding of the Indian traveller. Having helped build the category in India, we understand both the aspirations of our guests and the guidance they require before taking their first cruise.
3. Exactly how popular is cruising globally and in India?
A) Globally, cruising is firmly established as a mainstream holiday choice. According to CLIA, 37.2 million people took an ocean cruise in 2025, an increase of about 7.5% over 2024. Nearly 90% of cruisers also indicated that they intended to cruise again, which reflects the strength of the experience and the category’s repeat appeal. India remains comparatively underpenetrated, but is one of the more promising emerging source markets. Awareness has increased considerably, and cruising is now attracting younger travellers, families, honeymooners, celebration groups and multigenerational families. Indians are also becoming more adventurous, moving beyond short regional sailings, to venture to Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean and expedition destinations. The opportunity is huge. India has a large outbound travel market, but only a small proportion has experienced cruising so far.
4. Which are the two most popular cruises for Indians?
A) Mediterranean cruises remain the most popular choice for Indian travellers, offering the opportunity to experience several European destinations—particularly Italy, Greece, Spain and France—within a single holiday. These are followed by Asian sailings, especially from Singapore. Their proximity to India and shorter durations make them popular for families and first-time cruisers. Thete is also a newfound interest in expedition sailings to destinations such as Antarctica and the Arctic, particularly among experienced travellers seeking more immersive and distinctive experiences.
5. Does cruising offer comparatively greater value for money? How?
A) Yes, particularly when the entire holiday is compared rather than only the headline fare. A cruise generally combines accommodation, transportation between destinations, meals, entertainment, activities and access to several ports within one holiday. On a conventional multi-city trip, travellers must separately arrange hotels, transfers, meals and entertainment, while also repeatedly packing and unpacking. On a cruise, the ship becomes the hotel, transport and destination experience in one. There is also something for different age groups at the same time, children’s programmes, live entertainment, dining, wellness, adventure activities and quiet spaces. That makes cruising especially valuable for families and multigenerational groups.
6. What is the near-future prediction for cruising?
A) The outlook remains very positive. CLIA forecasts global ocean-going passenger volumes to rise from 37.2 million in 2025 to approximately 38.3 million in 2026 and 42.1 million by 2029. For India, I expect growth to be driven by better air connectivity to cruise gateways, simpler cruise-and-stay packages, wider distribution, digital discovery and a growing preference for experience-led holidays. Shorter cruises will continue to attract first-time guests, while repeat cruisers will increasingly explore longer, premium and expedition itineraries.
Cruising is also becoming more inclusive in terms of age, budget and occasion. The next phase will be about moving it from an aspirational, occasional holiday to a more mainstream consideration for Indian travellers. Additionally , we are involved in working with the government to bring India on the cruise tourism map, thanks to our vast coastline and facets of experiences that can enrich the world ! Alaska The latest , largest , biggest cruise ship in the world , Royal Caribbean International’s Legend of the Seas , nothing compares with this experience, not at Sea , not on Land !
( INDER RAJ AHLUWALIA IS AN INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED , MULTIPLE AWARD – WINNING TRAVEL JOURNALIST AND AUTHOR)
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