22 September 2008

Mauritius to host new series of cruises

Indian Ocean Cruises is to start cruises from Mauritius this winter.

The line, which has been operating along the Malabar Coast of southern India for two years, is to base a ship in the islandÃ¢â¬â¢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: Ã¢â¬ÅâœOur 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.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWe 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.Ã¢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