Norwegian Cruise Line Introduces ‘Buy-One-Get-One-Free’ Deal for Indian Travelers

Norwegian Cruise Line Introduces ‘Buy-One-Get-One-Free’ Deal for Indian Travelers

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 2, 2024

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has launched an enticing Buy-One-Get-One-Free (BOGO) offer for individual Indian travelers looking to book NCL cruises for the 2024-2025 season.

Under this exciting promotion, guests can enjoy the ultimate cruising experience with the second guest fare waived for select sailings to various destinations worldwide.

The offer is applicable on a range of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, including

  • Norwegian Bliss sailing to Alaska from May 11, 2024 to Feb 22, 2025

  • Norwegian Dawn sailing to to Europe from May 24, 2024 to Oct 27, 2024 and South Africa from Nov 5, 2024 to March 12, 2025

  • Norwegian Encore sailing to Alaska from May 5, 2024 to May 19, 2024

  • Norwegian Encore sailing through the Panama Canal/ Tampa and Transatlantic routes from Oct 12,2024 to March 30,2025

  • Norwegian Epic sailing through Transatlantic Oct 17, 2024 to March 31, 2025

  • Norwegian Escape sailing to Europe from May 5, 2024 to Nov 17, 2024

  • Norwegian Gem sailing to Panama city from Dec 2, 2024 to Dec 11, 2024

  • Norwegian Getaway sailing to Easten & Western Mediterranean from June 16, 2024 to Sept 1, 2024

  • Norwegian Jade sailing to Panama Canal from Jan 19, 2025 to Apr 3, 2025

  • Norwegian Joy sailing to Miami and Panama Canal from April 28, 2024 to 29 March, 2025

  • Norwegian Pride of America sailing from April 27, 2024 to Nov 7, 2024

  • Norwegian Pearl sailing to Europe and Transatlantic routes from May 18, 2024 to Nov 30, 2024

  • Norwegian Sky sailing to South Africa, Canary Islands / Morocco, Japan and Transatlantic routes from Oct 21, 2024 to March 13, 2025

  • Norwegian Spirit sailing to Transpacific and Japan from May 8, 2024 to Oct 1, 2024

  • Norwegian Star sailing to Iceland, Europe, Buenos Aires, and Transatlantic routes from May 30, 2024 to Feb 2, 2025

  • Norwegian Sun sailing to Australia from Jan 4, 2025 to March 1, 2025

  • Norwegian Viva sailing to Europe from Nov 18, 2024 to Nov 29, 2024

Key terms of the offer include additional charges for government taxes, port expenses & fees, discretionary onboard service charges, and/or gratuities. Cancellation fees are also applicable based on the booking/sailing date, making the purchase of travel protection on all bookings advisable. It's important to note that this offer applies to cruise-only bookings and is not valid for the land portion of cruise tours. Additionally, components included in the offer hold no monetary value, are non-refundable, and non-transferable. The offer's combinability with other promotional offers is subject to change at any time per Norwegian Cruise Line’s discretion, and certain restrictions may apply.

Manoj Singh, Country Head, India, expressed enthusiasm about the promotion, stating, “NCL’s BOGO FREE promotion represents an exceptional opportunity for Indian travellers to embark on unforgettable voyages at extraordinary value. We hope to makes cruising more accessible than ever before, allowing families and groups to experience the magic of NCL at half the price of what the group would otherwise pay! With enquiries and bookings for long-haul destinations surging, we see a strong 2024-25 season for cruise travel among our valued Indian guests.”

For additional information and terms and conditions of the BOGO offer, interested travelers can visit the official Norwegian Cruise Line website.


Emirates Celebrates 25 Years of Operations in Chennai

Emirates Celebrates 25 Years of Operations in Chennai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 3, 2025

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has completed 25 years of operations in Chennai, a key hub in its South India network. Since launching its first flight on 1 September 2000, the airline has carried more than 10.7 million passengers on over 38,000 flights between Dubai and Chennai.

The milestone celebration was joined by Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, while Chennai International Airport commemorated the occasion with a water cannon salute for the arrival of EK544.

Mohammad SarhanVice President, Emirates – India and Nepal, said, “We are delighted to celebrate 25 years of service to Chennai and connecting its people to our global network. We would like to thank M.K Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, for joining us in our celebration, marking an important partnership that has grown from strength to strength over the years. The unwavering support of the authorities and all local stakeholders has been invaluable to the success of our operations and we extend our sincere gratitude on the occasion.”

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Over the past two and a half decades, Emirates has enhanced Chennai’s global connectivity by providing access to its network across six continents. The airline has enabled businesses to expand into new markets and supported demand from business travellers, leisure passengers, and the visiting friends and relatives segment. Popular destinations for passengers from Chennai include New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington D.C., Dallas, Boston, Seattle, Paris, London, Manchester, and Frankfurt.

Emirates also carries significant inbound traffic into Chennai, particularly from Kuwait and North America. On the cargo front, Emirates SkyCargo has played a vital role in trade, transporting high-value and time-sensitive commodities such as fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and engineering goods. In the last financial year alone, it uplifted 19,300 tonnes of cargo from Chennai, creating export opportunities for local farmers, manufacturers, and businesses.

Travellers continue to experience Emirates’ signature Fly Better service, featuring fully enclosed First Class suites, direct aisle access in Business Class, and award-winning inflight entertainment with over 6,500 channels. The airline also offers regionally inspired cuisine, including vegan options, paired with curated wine and beverage selections.

As Emirates celebrates 25 years in Chennai, it reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening global connectivity, supporting industries, and contributing to the city’s role as a vital gateway for South India.


SpiceJet Launches Paperless Boarding at Shillong Airport

SpiceJet Launches Paperless Boarding at Shillong Airport

By Hariharan U

Published on August 27, 2025

SpiceJet has taken a pioneering step towards digital innovation and eco-friendly travel by becoming the first airline in India to roll out paperless boarding at Shillong Airport. Passengers checking in at the airport counter will now receive their boarding passes directly on WhatsApp, eliminating the need for printed copies.

This new feature aims to make the check-in process faster, greener, and more seamless. By reducing reliance on paper, the initiative also aligns with SpiceJet’s commitment to sustainability.

Despite the availability of web check-in and Digi Yatra, Indian airports still printed more than 9 million boarding passes in June 2025, resulting in nearly 6 tonnes of carbon emissions. SpiceJet’s move directly addresses this avoidable footprint, setting a new standard for environmentally conscious aviation practices.

The paperless boarding feature is powered by SpiceJet’s indigenously developed Web Departure Control System (WEBDCS)- a browser-based platform that enables airport staff to issue:

Digital boarding passes via WhatsApp or email

Baggage tags via SMS

This system works on tablets as well as standard airport computers, ensuring smooth operations while enhancing efficiency.

Speaking on the milestone, GP Gupta, Chief Strategy Officer, SpiceJet, said, “At SpiceJet, we are constantly working to enhance the travel experience for our passengers while embracing sustainability. The introduction of paperless boarding at Shillong Airport is a significant step in that direction. We look forward to expanding this convenience-driven initiative across more airports in the near future”.

SpiceJet has confirmed plans to extend the WhatsApp-based paperless boarding experience to other domestic airports in the coming months, furthering its position as a leader in sustainable and passenger-centric air travel.

About SpiceJet:

SpiceJet is India’s favourite airline, making flying affordable for millions of Indians. An IATA-IOSA certified carrier, it operates a fleet of Boeing 737s and Q-400s and is among the country’s largest regional players, operating multiple daily flights under UDAN – the Regional Connectivity Scheme. A majority of its fleet features SpiceMax, India’s most spacious economy-class seating.


Akasa Air Adds Kozhikode as 30th Destination, Strengthens Kerala Network

Akasa Air Adds Kozhikode as 30th Destination, Strengthens Kerala Network

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 25, 2025

Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, has added Kozhikode (Calicut) to its network as its 30th destination and 24th domestic city in just under three years of operations. Starting 1 October 2025, the airline will operate daily direct flights between Mumbai and Kozhikode, strengthening connectivity between India’s financial capital and Kerala’s Malabar coast.

The new addition builds on Akasa Air’s existing services to Kochi and further expands its footprint in Kerala. Kozhikode, known for its cultural heritage, coastal charm, and active trade, is a hub for both leisure and business travellers. The daily service is expected to boost tourism and trade opportunities between Kerala and metropolitan centres.

Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, said: “We are delighted to add Kozhikode as the 30th destination on our network, marking a milestone in Akasa Air’s growth story, and expanding our connectivity in Kerala. The city’s unique cultural character and thriving economy, combined with Kerala’s renewed emphasis on tourism and infrastructure, make it an instrumental addition to our network. Our daily Mumbai–Kozhikode service will not only enhance connectivity between India’s commercial capital and the Malabar coast but also act as a catalyst for trade, tourism, and economic opportunities.”

Within just 37 months of commencing operations, Akasa Air has grown to 30 destinations, making it the fastest-growing airline in Indian civil aviation history. Its strategy is centred on affordable and reliable connectivity while steadily expanding its reach.

The airline continues to enhance customer experience with modern aircraft offering extra legroom, USB charging ports, and Café Akasa’s festive and healthy menus. Akasa has also introduced industry-first innovations such as QuietFlights, SkyScore by Akasa, SkyLights, and a pet travel policy, along with products like Akasa GetEarly and Akasa Holidays, reflecting its focus on passenger comfort and convenience.

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