Jalesh Cruises integrates with GCC travel agents for more efficient booking

India’s only mainstream domestic cruise line, Jalesh Cruises, has partnered with the GCC and Indian travel companies Akbar Travels, Riya Travels, and Jagsons Travel Private Limited to improve the efficiency of its booking process.

Calling it “an industry-first API integration”, the cruise line said the Jalesh API will integrate with the travel agencies existing systems, providing them with a convenient and seamless experience that’s updated in real-time.

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“We have been constantly evolving in offering the best of solutions and experience to both our partners and passengers,” said Jurgen Bailom, President and CEO, Jalesh Cruises.

“Our integration with Akhbar Travels, Riya Travels and Jagsons Travel will help us ensure a convenient and hassle-free experience for all our stakeholders,” he added.

The travel agencies will be able to book with Jalesh Cruises’ live inventory, including existing offers and benefits. The API integration will also make payment easier, especially cash payments, and will speed refunds in the event of cancellation or itinerary changes.

The travel partners will have a single platform for bookings and will expand their medium and reach to smaller towns and cities for cruise bookings, according to a statement from the cruise line.

Jalesh Cruises has previously indicated its intention to become the dominant cruise brand for the Indian source market and the expat cruise market in the Middle East.

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When Jalesh Cruises’ only ship, Karnika, sailed her maiden cruise season out of Dubai last year, she carried more domestic Middle East passengers than any other cruise ship homeporting in the region.

While Karnika’s future itineraries include only cruises in India and Sri Lanka, the cruise line anticipates significant demand from the Indian expatriate community in the Middle East.

At 68,000-gross tons and carrying 2,014 passengers, Karnika has multiple bars and restaurants, a spa, state-of-the-art fitness centre, retail promenade, two pools, and even a casino.

“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,” Bailom previously said.

“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,” he said.