P&O Australia ship to be refurbished and rebranded at Semcorp yard before starting service this April
By
Rebecca Gibson |
New India-based cruise brand Jalesh Cruises has taken delivery of its first ship, which formerly sailed as P&O Australia’s Pacific Jewel.
The 2,000-passenger vessel will be revitalised, rebranded and customised to suit the tastes of Indian travellers at Sembcorp Marine Admiralty Yard in Singapore over the next few weeks. During the refurbishment, the vessel will be fitted with spas, salons, fitness, fine dining venues and leisure facilities for young passengers and more. Once complete, the ship will depart Singapore for Mumbai in India, where she will be renamed Karnika during a christening ceremony on 19 April.
“Today marks an important day for the Indian cruise tourism industry with the acceptance of Jalesh Cruises’ first ship,” said Jurgen Bailom, president and CEO of Zen Cruises. “We are going to offer a memorable vacation to passengers on board with exotic culinary experiences, international hospitality and best of entertainment shows at high seas. With Karnika, we mark the beginning of memorable cruise holidays that will bring joy and delight to the Indian and global community.”
Karnika will offer cruises between Mumbai and Goa until May and then offer itineraries to destinations on India’s coast, such as Kochi, Mormugao, Mumbai, as well as ports in the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East, such as Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Muscat and Sir Ban Yas Island. Jalesh Cruises has also developed shore excursions in these destinations.