Zen Cruise to launch India’s premier cruise ship in April 2019 from Mumbai for domestic and international destinations.

Zen cruises announced the launch of India’s premier cruise line – Jalesh Cruise, a venture of Subhash Chandra owned-Essel Group’s at a press conference today.

Present were Jurgen Bailom, President  and CEO, Zen Cruises along with Sanjay Bhatia, Chairman Mumbai Port Trust and Ashish Kumar Singh Principal Secretary, Transport and Ports, Home Department, Government of Maharashtra.

Jalesh – which literally means ‘Jal ka Eeshwar’ or ‘Lord of Water’,  is designed to offer a rich experience of Indian culture, hospitality and food to domestic and international travellers.

The company has purchased its first ship, The Pacific Jewel, a 70,0000 tonne, passenger ship which is currently getting refurbished and expected to be ready for sail from Mumbai in April 2019, following a grand traditional naming ceremony of the 2000 passenger vessel.

Onboard Jalesh Cruises, passengers will be delighted with Broadway shows, extravaganza plays, breath-taking magic shows, live music conerts, dance shows, shopping and a host of other entertainment shows, adventure activities and exotic authentic cuisines packed with international hospitality on the high seas.

It is a home-away-from-home opportunity for Indian residents who will get to cruise through shore destinations and excursions across Indian Port cities  including Chennai, Kochi, Mormugoa, Mumbai, Vizag, and international locations including Abu Dhabi, Colombo, Dubai, Muscat, Penang, Ras Al Khaimbah and Singapore.

Jurgen Bailom, President and CEO, Zen Cruises said, “Zen cruises is pioneering cruise holidays for Indian passengers in both domestic and international waters.  Our premier brand Jalesh Cruises believes in upholding the spirit, culture and values of ‘Incredible India’ by contributing to the growth of tourism and allied businesses in India.  Jalesh Cruises will be a wholesome experience to cruisers who will get the industry’s best of the best in terms of the culinary experiences, International entertainment, accommodation, wellness and retail therapy, all packed together in one exotic vacation”.

Besides adhering to all international norms of the cruising industry, the ship adhere’s the best safety and security norms and aspires to overwhelm its passengers with the luxurious offering of a cruise industry at a very afforable price.  The cruise has already booked 30% of its business for the first sail through its associate partnership.

The cruise stands for inclusivity with the brand providing facilities and rooms specifically designed for elderly and the differently-abled on its ships.

The company has initiated bookings for its 2019 itineraries on its website www.jaleshcruises.com, or directly through its holiday advisors at  1800 266 8927 in addition ot its Sales Business Partners.

Zen Cruises Pvt Ltd, is led by industry veteran Jurgen Bailom, who has a rich career spanning over 30 years in the cruise and hospitality industry.  He has been President & CEO of Grupo Vidanta Cruises prior to Essel Group and has led Corporate Director positions within several of Royal Caribbean’s brands such as SKY SEAS, TUI and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Pullmantur.  He  has also been Vice Presdient of the Maho Group, Sonesta Collection Resorts, Casinos, Spa & Real Estate to name a few.

It was earlier reported that the family owned business venture by Subhash Chandra Goel is set to invest over $100 million in the cruise business.

The ship which was earlier named as Pacific Jewel entered service in 1990 as the Crown Princess after being built by Fincantieri. It also served as the A’Rosa Blu, AIDAblu and Ocean Village Two before moving to P&O Australia as the Pacific Jewel in 2009, serving the contemporary Australian market. A sale price was not announced, although local media reports said the investment was over $100 million, including a $23 million refit