Karnika aims to offer passengers treasures and pleasures, just like her celestial namesake
By
Elly Yates-Roberts |
Jalesh Cruises has christened India’s first premium cruise ship Karnika, after taking delivery in mid-March.
The ship was officially named as Karnika at a ceremony in Mumbai, India on 19 April by her godmother Shreyasi Punit Goenka. The vessel’s namesake is Apsara Karnika, a celestial maiden who represents beauty and charm and rewarded hard labourers.
A group of priests began the christening ceremony by chanting hymns as the head priest broke the traditional coconut. This was followed by the maritime ritual of the godmother’s blessing and the traditional cracking of a champagne bottle on the bow of the ship.
Karnika’s naming ceremony featured many national celebrities known for achieving ‘firsts’ on behalf of India. Among these were Mary Kom, the first female Indian boxer to win the Asian Games; Milkha Singh, the first Indian Athlete to win a gold at the Commonwealth Games; and Sushmita Sen, an actress and the first Indian Miss Universe.
“Jalesh Cruises is immensely proud to give India its first premium ship Karnika, which has been curated to indulge and entertain you in the true Indian style,” said Jurgen Bailom, president and CEO of Jalesh Cruises. “She is a beautiful ship designed to enthral both domestic and international guests with the famed Indian hospitality. Our ship will make it possible for Indians to experience cruise vacations closer home with high level of customisation that touches the sensibilities of people here.”
The 70,285gt ship sailed her maiden voyage from Mumbai to Goa, India on 17 April. Between April and May, she will make 15 roundtrips from Mumbai to Goa and from Mumbai to the high seas. She will undertake its first international sailing from Mumbai to Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 24 May and homeport there until mid-September before returning to Mumbai.
Passengers onboard Karnika have access to a wide range of activities and cuisines, with three fine dining restaurants covering Indian cuisine at Waterfront and Chef’s Table and Chopstix offering Thai, Malay, Korean, Mongolian, Taiwanese and Japanese dishes. The ship also hosts nine different buffet stations offering street food, barbeque, international grill, pastries and frozen desserts. The ship also accommodates Jain passengers.
Onboard activities include Broadway shows, burlesque performances, a casino, music and dance nights, movie screenings, and a spa and fitness suite.