by Rani Thomas August 16 2026 Travel

Why Cruise Holidays Are Becoming the Top Choice for Indian Travellers

Cruise holidays are not just for international tourists anymore. A growing number of Indian travellers are choosing cruises for holidays, including couples, family vacations, and tour groups from Kerala. A cruise combines accommodation, meals, and entertainment in one package, reducing the need to arrange lodging and transport between destinations separately. Unlike a traditional holiday, where flights, hotels, and other services are booked individually, a cruise lets you unpack once and wake up somewhere new each day. In this guide, we answer some of the most commonly searched questions people have about cruises.

What Makes Cruise Holidays Different from Traditional Vacations?

Floating Luxury Hotels

Modern cruise ships function like floating resorts, with comfortable cabins, restaurants, pools, theatres, spas, shopping areas, and fitness centres.

Visit Multiple Destinations in One Trip

A single cruise can cover several cities or countries without requiring you to change hotels repeatedly. This is one of the biggest advantages of a Cruise Tour Package.

All-in-One Convenience

Depending on the cruise line and fare, cruise packages commonly bundle accommodation, dining, entertainment, and travel between destinations into one holiday experience. This makes budgeting and planning much easier for first-time international travellers.

Mediterranean vs Norwegian Cruises: Which Is Better?

One of the most frequently asked questions among travellers is: "Should I take a Mediterranean cruise or a Norwegian Fjords cruise?"

Take a Mediterranean cruise if you would like to:

• Visit historic cities like Rome, Barcelona, and Athens
• Enjoy Mediterranean food and shopping
• Enjoy warm, sunny weather during the cruise season
• Combine sightseeing with relaxation

Take a Norwegian Fjords cruise if you would like to:

• Explore stunning fjord scenery
• See snow-capped mountains and waterfalls
• Take scenic train journeys, such as the Flåm Railway
• Have a quieter, more nature-focused experience

A Mediterranean cruise tends to suit first-time cruisers who want a classic European city tour, while a Norwegian Fjords cruise suits those prioritizing scenery and a slower pace.

MSC vs Royal Caribbean: Which Cruise Line Should You Choose?

Another popular search query is: "MSC or Royal Caribbean?" Both are well-established cruise lines, but they suit different priorities.

MSC Cruises

Best for: Value-conscious passengers and trips to Europe.

Highlights

• Competitive prices
• Strong Mediterranean itineraries
• Stylish, European-influenced interiors
• Adequate family-oriented facilities

Good to Know

• Onboard entertainment tends to be more understated than on some larger ships
• Itineraries are concentrated in Europe, with fewer sailings to the Caribbean and Alaska
• Cabins and dining venues tend to be more compact on some ships

Royal Caribbean

Best for: Families and travellers who want extensive onboard entertainment.

Highlights

• Large ships with extensive activities, such as water parks, climbing walls, and live shows
• Strong reputation for family and group cruising
• Wide range of itineraries across the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond
• Premium options for honeymooners, including private balconies and adults-only areas

Good to Know

• Fares can run higher for comparable itineraries, depending on ship and season
• Larger ships can feel busier during peak season
• Interior cabins tend to be more limited on some routes

Quick Decision

• Value + Europe: MSC Cruises
• Families + Entertainment: Royal Caribbean
• Honeymoon + premium onboard experience: Royal Caribbean

Best Cruises for Indians

Typical priorities for Indian travellers include hassle-free visa procedures, availability of vegetarian food, family-oriented facilities, and convenient departure options.

Good Options by Travel Style

Singapore Cruise

• Short itineraries make this suitable for travellers with limited vacation time.

Mediterranean Cruise

• A strong choice for travellers who want to combine a European vacation with a cruise.

Norwegian Fjords Cruise

• A good option for summer travel and photography.

Alaska Cruise

• Well suited to travellers wanting a unique, longer-distance trip.

H2: Real Cruise Examples That Attract Indian Travellers

Destination-specific itineraries can help improve search visibility for keywords such as Mediterranean cruise from India and Norwegian Fjords cruise package.

Cruise Costs: How Much Should You Expect to Spend?

The figures below are indicative starting ranges (updated August 2026) and should be verified with Berakah Trips before booking, as they are not guaranteed prices. Actual fares depend on the cruise line, sailing date, cabin category, departure city, inclusions, taxes, and availability at the time of booking.

*Price Update Policy: Cruise fares are dynamic and can change based on season, demand, promotions, cabin availability, and port taxes. Travellers should confirm the latest pricing and departure offers with Berakah Trips before confirming a booking. Balcony cabins are generally priced higher than interior cabins, though the difference varies by sailing and cruise line.

What's Usually Included

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and selected snacks
• Dining hall service and buffets
• Theatrical performances
• Outdoor pools and gym access
• Children's facilities

Not Generally Included

• International flights
• Visa fees
• Shore excursions
• Speciality dining venues
• Spa and wellness treatments
• Alcoholic beverages
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities/tips (not included on some cruise lines)

Tips for First-Time Cruisers

• Book Early – Prices tend to rise as the sailing date gets nearer, particularly for summer Europe cruises.

Pick the Right Cabin

• Interior: The least expensive option
• Ocean view: Adds natural light
• Balcony: Best suited to scenic cruises, such as the Norwegian Fjords, thanks to private outdoor views

Arrive One Day Ahead

To avoid missing the ship in case of flight delays, arrive at the departure port a day early for international cruises.

• Travel Light – Pack sensibly for a mix of onboard and shore activities.

Useful items to bring:

• Walking shoes
• Layered clothing
• A small bag for shore excursions
• Formal or smart-casual clothing for evening dinners

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance with cruise coverage is strongly recommended.

Why Cruise Holidays Offer Better Value Than You Think

When you factor in the combined costs of accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment, a cruise can offer good value compared with booking these separately, depending on the itinerary and cruise line chosen.

Why Many Travellers Use Berakah Trips for Cruise Planning

Booking a cruise involves more than choosing the right ship. Berakah Trips helps travellers:

• Find the right itinerary
• Compare cruise lines
• Navigate visa requirements
• Arrange flight connections
• Book hotel stays before and after the cruise
• Arrange travel insurance
• Coordinate departure assistance from Kerala

Berakah Trips helps Indian Travellers organize their cruises around their budget and travel style

Conclusion

With more Indians travelling abroad, cruise holidays have become one of the more convenient and enjoyable ways to explore multiple destinations in a single trip.

If you're planning a cruise vacation from India, here are three things to keep in mind:

• Destination: Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords, Dubai, Singapore, or Alaska.
• Cruise line: MSC Cruises for value and Europe-focused itineraries, or Royal Caribbean for onboard entertainment.
• Cabin type: Choose based on whether you'd rather save on cost or prioritize views and comfort.

Whether you're drawn to the Norwegian Fjords, the Mediterranean coast, or a shorter Singapore or Dubai cruise, choosing the right itinerary and cruise line makes a real difference and Berakah Trips can help you plan a cruise experience that fits your travel style and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise is best for first-time Indian Travellers?

Singapore and Dubai cruises tend to work well for first-timers, since travel time from India is shorter and the itineraries are easier to plan around.

Is a Mediterranean cruise better than a Norwegian Fjords cruise?

It depends on what you're looking for. A Mediterranean cruise suits Travellers who prefer culture and historic sights, while a Norwegian Fjords cruise suits those who want to experience Norway's natural scenery.

What is included in most cruise holiday packages?

Cruise holiday packages usually include the basics accommodation, meals, entertainment, swimming pools, and other onboard activities while flights, visas, shore excursions, and speciality dining are typically extra.

How early should I book a cruise?

It's generally wise to book 4 to 8 months in advance, which allows for better cabin selection and potential savings, especially for summer cruises to Europe.

Can Indian travellers get vegetarian food on cruises?

Many major cruise lines offer vegetarian options, and some ships also provide Indian dishes or can accommodate Indian dietary preferences. Availability varies by ship and sailing, so it's worth checking in advance.