India’s first cruise Angriya and the Belagavi Connection

Angriya, India’s first-ever passenger cruise ship service from Mumbai to Goa set sail on October 12, and it is a proud moment for Belagavi as well, it will be Captained by Capt. Nitin Dhond, from Belagavi who is a sailor himself. He is the soul behind the Angriya Cruise Liner, a dream that he envisioned and shaped with an all Indian team of sea farers, technicians and hospitality professionals.

India’s First Domestic Cruise Liner that is all set to take you from Mumbai to Goa and back! Angriya is more than just a ship; its name has a mesmerizing story to tell. It is inspired by the first Admiral of the Maratha Navy, Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre, popularly known as the Shivaji of the Indian Sea.

The premium cruise service is a joint venture between Mumbai Port Trust and Angriya Sea Eagle Pvt Ltd.

Angriya aims to support local communities as well as promote conservation of ecologically and culturally fragile habitats through sustainable tourism. They aim to seamlessly weave these vital aspects together to provide an exclusive experience onboard Angriya, along with reviving this ancient and yet important sea travel route from Mumbai to Goa and vice versa. Angriya is themed to showcase the history, natural history and biodiversity of the Konkan region.

Angriya is one among the few cruise vessels that are associated with marine biologists, local folk artists, historians, cultural personalities, etc. documenting the varied diversity of the region and interacting with guests at every point in time. Some of them would be sailing on the ship, so we do ask you to interact with them too to get the first-hand experience.

Angriya has eight different types of restaurants, and round-the-clock coffee shops, recreation room, lounge, and swimming pool. On board the ship, you can also gain some insight into interesting nautical trivia. If a cruise wedding is on your wish list, one of the restaurants on the ship can be expanded to organize wedding parties or corporate meetings. The ship can accommodate around 350 passengers.

Base Price will start from 6300 for a dormitory.

About Captain Nitin Dhond

Captain Nitin Dhond is a veteran Indian merchant navy Captain and has been at sea for over four decades and in command for 25 years on tankers and very large gas carriers. An alumnus from the prestigious Naval academy T.S. Rajendra, Capt. Dhond is well known in the Indian mercantile marine circles as an affable seafarer with foresight, vast maritime experience and tremendous love for the seas.

His expertise in dry-docking and re-commissioning of LPG and VLGC vessels, training Indian seamen for hazardous LPG cargo operations and LPG ship to ship transfers is acknowledged across Indian seas and holds him in high stead.

A nature lover at heart, Capt Dhond is also a promoter of the iconic Wildernest nature resort and Founder trustee of Mhadei Research Centre.

He has been awarded the prestigious ‘Konkan Ratna’ award for his contribution to the sustainable development of the Konkan region of Maharashtra.

All Photos Courtesy: http://www.angriyacruises.com/