Kerala plans cruise tourism with Nefertiti; to be launched by October end

Nefertiti, the Egyptian themed luxury vessel of the Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC), will be launched by the end of October, charting a new course in cruise tourism in Kerala. This was announced on Sunday by Mohammed Hanish, Managing Director of KSINC, on the sidelines of Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) 2018, the biggest tourist conclave in the country at Willingdon Island here, where the vessel was showcased.

Mohammed Hanish said Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan is expected to inaugurate the luxury vessel. Equipped with 3D theatre, air conditioned hall, sun deck, banquet hall, bar – lounge and an area of recreational activities, the vessel can carry 200 passengers.

Elaborating on the salient features of the ship, which literally stole the show at the KTM expo, Mohammed Hanish said that it took around one and a half year to build the vessel. “The ship is not only named after the beautiful Egyptian queen Nefertiti but also has several features that remind the people aboard of one of the oldest civilizations of the world. The credit should be given to Tom Jose, Chief Secretary, Government of Kerala, who was then chairman of KSINC,” he said.

The official also pointed out that not only tourism activities but also official conferences and corporate parties can be hosted on Nefertiti. A cruise manager has already been appointed for the ship, which is one of its kind in the state, he said.

The vessel can travel 16 km in one hour and can cover a distance of 20 nautical miles in the sea. Abraham George, former president of KTM and Expert Member of the National Tourism Advisory Council (NTAC), said, “There is no doubt that Nefertiti will contribute to the development of tourism. It can do wonders in the tourism industry, If Kochi could be transformed as the cruise hub,” he said.