Karnika, the first cruise ship to operate for Indian cruise line Jalesh Cruises, has commenced her first Arabian Gulf cruise season sailing roundtrip out of Dubai, which Jurgen Bailom, President & CEO, Jalesh Cruises, says is her second home.

“It is an honour and a privilege for us at Jalesh Cruises to bring India’s first premium ship Karnika to her second home, Dubai,” he said on the sideline of a traditional plaque exchange ceremony to mark her maiden call in Dubai.

Karnika arriving at Dubai Cruise Terminal in Port Rashid

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“Karnika is equipped with international level cruise amenities, she is a beautiful ship designed to enthrall both domestic and international guests with famed Indian hospitality,” he added. “Our ship will make it possible for both Indians living in Dubai and locals to experience a cruise vacation that will delight all those who sail aboard her.”

Cruise officials in Dubai take part in a key and plaque exchange ceremony with the crew of Karnika

To mark the maiden call of Karnika in Dubai, which we reported on at the end of May, a traditional ‘Plaques and Keys Exchange’ ceremony was hosted on board in the presence of the ship’s captain and key industry stakeholders from the Dubai Cruise Committee.

“Proving its position as the Middle East’s leading cruise destination, Karnika’s arrival highlights the value proposition Mina Rashid offers to luxury cruise lines globally,” said Mohammed Abdul Aziz Al Mannai, CEO of P&O Marinas and Mina Rashid CEO.

He added that the port had seen a 172% increase in cruise passenger numbers since 2014.

Jamal Alfalasi, Director of Dubai Cruise Tourism, said the choice of Dubai as a homeport for fly-cruise packages made sense for the Indian source market due to the popularity of the city.

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“Our support for Jalesh Cruises further cements the enduring bond that exists between India and the Emirate, underpinning our continued commitment to Dubai’s top performing source market which brought in more than 564,836 visitors during Q1 of 2019,” he said.

Karnika will sail regular Arabian Gulf itineraries from Dubai during June and August into mid-September 2019, carrying both residents and visitors to Dubai.

The main atrium lobby aboard Karnika where passengers board the ship

According to industry sources the majority of her passengers boarding in Dubai are fly-cruise tourists from India, but her Dubai cruises also carry the largest number of people from the Middle East source market of any other cruise ship homeporting in Dubai.

She is offering two itineraries a week with the three-night Friday itinerary visiting Abu Dhabi and Bahrain while the four-night Monday itinerary visits Muscat and Khasab.

Karnika offers passengers a selection of cuisines and world class entertainment from Broadway shows to Burlesque entertainment and themed deck parties, as well as a variety of adventure and relaxation options.