With the view of launching a luxury cruise service next year, Royal Asian Cruises has signed an agreement with the Board of Investment in Sri Lanka. Alan Lam reports.

The company, with offices in USA and India, aims to invest US$200 million to acquire and operate two vessels by 2016. Its primary targeted source markets will be Indian and Sri Lankan diaspora, as well as potential Eastern European and Southeast Asian passengers.

It is reported that the first ship to be deployed, with homeport in Colombo, will be an 800-passenger vessel, scheduled for its first cruise as early as late 2015. The company’s plan for a second vessel is even more ambitious: the ship, which is projected to enter service in early 2016, will be able to accommodate 1,500-2,000 passengers.

The company also has a five-year plan to expand its fleet to five ships, representing a total investment of US$720 million.

The initial designed itineraries will include year-round seven-night cruises to Maldives and Cochin. The line will also offer 3- & 4-night cruises around Sri Lanka, as well as 10- & 11-night cruises further afield, to Singapore and back.

Royal Asian Cruises has partnered with Tillberg Design of Sweden to craft the ships’ interiors.