DS Group has announced an exclusive partnership with British dessert brand Ben’s Cookies, marking the brand’s official entry into the Indian market.

As part of the long-term master franchise agreement, DS Group plans to open up to 10 Ben’s Cookies outlets during the current financial year across Delhi and Mumbai, with the first six to seven stores expected to launch in June and July.

Founded in 1983 at Oxford’s Covered Market, Ben’s Cookies is globally known for its signature chunky and gooey cookies and freshly baked artisanal approach. Through this partnership, the brand aims to introduce its bakery-first retail concept to Indian consumers, focusing on in-store freshness and premium ingredients.

According to the company, the India expansion aligns with the growing demand for premium dessert formats, café-style experiences, and freshly prepared bakery products among urban consumers.

Sanskriti Gupta said the partnership represents an important step in DS Group’s expansion within the premium food retail segment. She added that the company plans to establish eight to ten physical stores across India during the current fiscal year as part of its broader growth strategy.

In addition to standalone retail outlets, Ben’s Cookies products will also be made available through leading food delivery and e-commerce platforms to expand accessibility across key markets.

Speaking about the collaboration, Luke Menezes shared that every Ben’s Cookies boutique in India will feature live-oven baking throughout the day to maintain the brand’s traditional freshness standards.

Alongside its signature cookies, the brand also plans to introduce cookie shakes, coffee offerings, and cookie ice cream sandwiches to the Indian market.

The partnership further reflects the growing appetite for premium dessert and café concepts in India, particularly among younger consumers seeking experiential dining and indulgent bakery offerings.

With its India debut, Ben’s Cookies is expected to strengthen the premium dessert retail landscape while expanding its international footprint through one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets.

Cordelia Cruises is set to return to Chennai for its fifth cruising season from June to August 2026, further strengthening the city’s growing position as an important cruise tourism hub in India. The upcoming season will feature a mix of domestic and international sailings across India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia, offering cruise options ranging from short weekend getaways to longer international holidays.

The 2026 season will begin on 20 June with the arrival of the Cordelia Empress in Chennai and will continue until the end of August. The deployment reflects the rising interest among Indian travellers in cruise vacations that combine accommodation, entertainment, dining, and travel into a single leisure experience.

One of the major highlights of the season is the 10-night Southeast Asia itinerary departing on 18 July. The sailing will cover destinations including Phuket, Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore, offering travellers an extended international cruise experience from an Indian port.

Cordelia Cruises will also operate international Sri Lanka sailings during the season. These include five-night cruises to Hambantota, Trincomalee, and Jaffna departing on 10 and 17 August, along with a three-night Trincomalee cruise departing on 7 August.

The domestic deployment from Chennai will include five-night itineraries connecting Chennai with Visakhapatnam and Puducherry across multiple departures in June and July. The cruise line will also continue its popular two-night weekend sailings from Chennai during the season. Additionally, a five-night westbound voyage connecting Chennai, Kochi, and Mumbai is scheduled to depart on 24 August.

For travellers looking for a longer international holiday, Cordelia Cruises will also introduce a combined 13-night Southeast Asia cruise experience. The itinerary combines a three-night one-way sailing from Visakhapatnam to Chennai via Puducherry with the 10-night Southeast Asia voyage to Singapore.

Speaking about the upcoming season, Jurgen Bailom, President and CEO of Cordelia Cruises, said Chennai has become an important part of India’s cruise tourism growth story. He added that the wider range of itineraries reflects the increasing demand among Indian families and group travellers for both short coastal cruises and longer international sailings. He further noted that Chennai continues to strengthen its role as a gateway for domestic and international cruise travel as the sector continues to grow in India.

The sailings will operate onboard the Cordelia Empress, which features 11 decks and 796 cabins across multiple categories. The ship can accommodate up to 1,950 guests and offers dining venues, entertainment lounges, gaming facilities, spa and wellness areas, retail outlets, and live performances as part of its all-inclusive cruise experience.

Antara Cruises has announced the launch of its new 2 Nights / 3 Days private all-inclusive itinerary, “The Silent River Escape,” aboard its elegant Antara Catamarans. The experience offers guests an intimate journey through Bhitarkanika in Odisha, one of India’s most scenic yet lesser-explored destinations.

Operating on the Gupti – Dhamra – Kanika Island – Gupti route, the itinerary has been designed as a luxury floating retreat with a strong focus on privacy and personalised hospitality. Each catamaran features only two suites and is supported by a dedicated five-member crew, ensuring an exclusive and comfortable onboard experience. The vessel can accommodate up to six guests, making it ideal for private getaways, celebrations, and family holidays. With four catamarans available, the experience can also host up to 24 guests travelling together for larger group vacations.

Even though the Bhitarkanika Sanctuary remains closed for the season, the itinerary offers travellers an opportunity to experience the region’s rich ecology, waterways, local culture, and spiritual heritage beyond its famous crocodile habitat. The journey highlights the untouched beauty of Odisha’s mangrove landscape while offering a slower and more immersive travel experience.

The voyage begins at Gupti with lunch served onboard before sailing towards Dhamra. Guests can spend the evening relaxing on the sundeck while enjoying high tea, dinner, and peaceful river views. On the second day, the itinerary includes a visit to the Dhamra Temple for Puja and Darshan, followed by time near the harbour before continuing towards Kanika Island, where the catamaran anchors amidst serene natural surroundings. The final day concludes with a relaxed return to Gupti along with breakfast onboard.

The Antara Catamarans are designed to offer refined comfort with fully air-conditioned interiors, spacious decks, lounge-cum-dining spaces, and thoughtfully curated amenities. Dining remains one of the key highlights of the experience, featuring welcome drinks, fresh fruits, customised cuisine, and menus inspired by local Odia flavours, Indian classics, and international dishes. Vegan meal options are also available based on guest preferences.

Guests onboard can also enjoy table d’hôte meals, tea and coffee service, wildlife talks, cooking sessions, books, board games, curated shore excursions, and included entry admissions throughout the journey.

The private yacht experience is available for up to four guests, with arrangements for up to six guests available at an additional charge. Through “The Silent River Escape,” Antara Cruises aims to offer travellers a peaceful and elevated way to explore Odisha’s sacred river landscapes in complete privacy and comfort.