Cruises move out of India after high-profile drug bust on Goa-bound ship

Most destinations are closer home, companies make promo offers even as passengers hanker for easier cancellations and refunds

Just as the cruise business was beginning to set sail this season, the recent incident of drugs being seized on a Goa-bound cruise liner has prompted cruise companies to arrange trips beyond Indian ports, albeit for destinations closer home.
 
“Most enquiries are for international trips with a preference for close-to-home destinations. We have seen interest pick up in the past few months,” said Nalini Gupta, managing director and owner of Lotus Aero Enterprises (Costa Cruises).’
  
Lotus Aero Enterprises is a passenger sales agent of Costa Cruise India, which has commenced a seven-night itinerary for a Dubai-bound cruise that