When it comes to cruising as a holiday option, most Indians seem to be at sea. Holidaying, for most of us, means going someplace and checking into a hotel. But the idea of getting on a ship—which we equate with travelling—just to sail around and make a holiday of it, has been slow to take off in India.
There are several reasons why cruising beats a land-based holiday. For one, a resort just sits there, but a cruise will move you. And the awe-inspiring views from your window change by the minute. For another, you don’t ever need to make dinner reservations. And the one thing you’ll never see on a menu, is the price.
But seriously, sailing holidays for groups of friends, families, corporate clients and honeymooners spell an ideal way to get away and enjoy some diving, snorkelling, big- game fishing, fly fishing and even, water-skiing. Amidst relaxing and sampling the fine cuisine onboard, cruising in India also offers stunning scenery, a wonderful culture and the home-away-from-home feel.
Given the vastness of India’s coastline, it’s a wonder that cruising hasn’t taken off in greater magnitude in our country. Perhaps, it’s because getting onboard any shipping vessel has always been associated with foreign travel. Fact is, India abounds with cruising options for the domestic and inbound tourists. And there’s no denying that when it comes to travel, nothing compares with the levels of luxury that cruising affords. And let’s face it, given that 2/3rds of our planet is water, if you haven’t sailed ever, you really haven’t seen the world, have you?
Seven days in the South Seas
The Andamans are India’s answer to Tahiti. Lying around 1200 kilometres from Chennai and Kolkata, the islands offer all the delights of the South Pacific, only much closer to home. There are so many islands and places to visit, but some of the best cruising can be found close to Port Blair at Havelock Island and further up the east coast to Stewart Sound, where several small offshore islands have tropical forest appeal.
Further south of the main group is Little Andaman, which affords great snorkelling opportunity around it. The Brothers and the Sisters Islands, as well as the Cinque Islands, are great for exploring. The Cinque Group is also excellent for diving, with seaward slopes and reefs in crystal clear waters.
Between these areas lies Rutland Island, with very unique snorkelling, amongst massive schools of tropical fish and even caves ashore to explore.
Our week-long Andaman cruise began at Port Blair, where we boarded the High Aspect, a 22-metre-long ketch—that’s a yacht with two masts for you land-lubbers—and set sail.
The High Aspect is a luxury charter yacht, one of several that operates in these waters, either ex-Port Blair or Phuket. Her shallow draught allows her to access many of the shallower bays and coves which the Andamans have to offer.
Lest the sails make you think that wind power is all that she gets by on, the High Aspect has her own independent power and all the latest navigational aids. High Aspect also combines outstanding sailing characteristics with total onboard luxury. She combines a modern sail plan with the beauty of a traditional teak interior.
The yacht has four luxurious double-occupancy cabins, each en-suite with plenty of natural light and ventilation. Each cabin has a large overhead hatch plus port holes. Full air-conditioning is also available.
Her pièce de résistance is the enormous centre-cockpit, shaded from the sun by day and even for the occasional rain shower, and perfect for al fresco dining, with a view of the ocean.
The spacious main salon seats eight for dining, or one can enjoy gourmet meals in the centre cockpit. Moonlit dining under a clear sky is the capping glory to an exciting day.
And the food is surely one of the high points of cruising on the High Aspect. Chef Linda Goddard’s culinary delights will leave you begging for seconds. Breakfast on the High Aspect is truly a repast fit for kings—Bacon Soufflé with Grilled Herb Tomatoes, Freshly Baked Bread with Confiture, and Fresh Fruits, Muesli & Yoghurts; all washed down with tea, coffee or juices. Lunch could either be Spaghetti Carbonara with a choice of Watercress and Avocado Salad, or Tomato Salad with Olives and Feta Cheese; or Escalopes of Red Snapper with Lime and Ginger and a Mixed Green Salad with Herbs and Garlic Dressing.
There is also a cosy bar area where you can have your sundowners with Smoked Marlin & Cream Cheese. The bar also features a comprehensive selection of entertainment to cater to all your tastes. From a well-stocked bar, television and DVD library, radio and CD system and board games, you can choose your perfect après-waterski.
Lest we forget, cruising on the High Aspect is not, however, all about stuffing yourself silly. Most visitors look forward to the water sports on offer and the High Aspect surely has a wide range. The yacht’s 4.7 metre tender with 70HP outboard is the ideal platform for sports and transports up to eight persons.
Snorkelling is ever popular and many regions have exquisite reefs and marine life, some just off the beach, especially Myanmar and Tioman Islands.
Fishing from the yacht whilst sailing or from the small tender to while away a tranquil evening are great ways to catch some of tomorrow’s fare. The High Aspect has 50lb and 30lb deep-sea rods, plus fly rods as well as hand lines.
The Andamans represent the ultimate in exploration diving, with nearly the whole coastline awaits its first scuba diver. The High Aspect has five sets of tanks, weights, jackets and DVs available, besides an onboard compressor.
And finally, there is also water skiing behind the dinghy, which can pull up a mono ski for a water start or be used with the boogy board.
