Fancy a cruise from Mumbai or Chennai?

Azamara Club Cruises announces its first-ever sailing from India. You can now embark on a scintillating journey through the Spice Route from the Maximum City of Mumbai and Chennai.

Azamara Club Cruises, one of the world’s most sophisticated and upmarket cruise line, announces its first-ever sailing from India. The 13-day Spice Route Voyage on Azamara Quest starts from Mumbai on November 26, 2014 and passes through Goa, Kochi, Maldives, Colombo, Galle and Chennai. 

The cruise will then set sail from Chennai on December 9, 2014 for another 13 days (Spice Route – II Voyage) across the Bay of Bengal passing through Andaman Islands, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

The cruise will allow guests to immerse themselves in the breathtaking views of the land destinations and soak in the culture of South Asia with each shore excursion including an exclusive evening that captures the sights, sounds, and tastes of the destination. 

A signature feature of Azamara Club Cruises is the AzAmazing Evening - a bespoke event allowing for destination immersion. During the Spice Route Voyage, cruisers will get a glimpse into the culture and traditions of Kerala during the stay at Kochi. A painted elephant will welcome them to a Kerala celebration at Vivanta by Taj Malabar. 

Passengers can stroll through the lawns and explore an assembled marketplace featuring tea and toddy shops, an astrologer, potter, cane weaver, and a Mehendi artist creating delicate henna tattoos. Enjoy drinks and desserts as you’re entertained by expressive Kathakali dancers in elaborate costumes and make-up. Also witness performances of Mohiniyattam and Kalaripayattu (a martial arts dance using spears, daggers and swords). 

Indian cruise tourists can get entry permit in Taiwan free

If you're booked to take the Star Cruises trip to the beautiful Taiwanese port cities of Kaohsiung and Taichung, you can enter Taiwan on a 'Temporary Entry Permit' at no cost whatsoever!

The ship will be at port in both the cities so you can enter the city and explore the local culture, sightseeing, food and shopping.

Also known as the harbor capital of Taiwan, Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s second largest city and the biggest commercial port. Travellers can also enjoy the city aboard the Love River Cruise and admire the city's night view with colorfully illuminated bridges over the river and lights from the surrounding skyscrapers. There are plenty of open-air cafes along the river.

Kaohsiung harbour

Taichung, on the other hand, is a city of culture and relaxation. Nature has generously endowed Taichung with scenic mountains, coastal views and attractions that are complemented by the city’s cultural pulse. Taichung is the birthplace of many of Taiwan’s specialty foods and beverages and has popularized teahouses in Taiwan. Pearl milk tea, for instance, traces back to the city’s teahouses. The traditionally decorated teahouses serve an array of exciting tea beverages.

Taichung Park

How to get to Taiwan 

A number of airlines such as China Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Southern and Thai Airways fly directly or with a stopover to Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport from Delhi and Mumbai. The average flight time between India and Taiwan is about 6.5 hours. Taiwan is 2.30 hours ahead of India.