Waterways Leisure Tourism Limited, established on November 2, 2020, as a private company, transitioned into a public limited entity on March 12, 2025. The company operates in the cruise and leisure tourism industry, providing a diverse array of cruise experiences and related travel services. Starting in FY 2021 with the chartering of its cruise vessel, MV Empress, from the Mumbai port, Waterways expanded its offerings to international destinations like Hambantota and Trincomalee in Sri Lanka by 2023.
The company specializes in operating the MV Empress, a luxury cruise ship with a passenger capacity of 2,005. The vessel boasts high-end amenities, including ocean-view cabins with private balconies, multiple dining venues, a casino, spa, theater, swimming pools, and a variety of entertainment options. Waterways’ itineraries cover prominent domestic locations along the Indian coastline, such as Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam, as well as international destinations including Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. These travel experiences emphasize India’s coastal beauty and cultural heritage, offering customers an enriching and leisurely travel journey.
With a focus on establishing itself as a leader in the growing cruise tourism market, the company strategically expanded its reach to new destinations and experiences. Waterways Leisure Tourism Limited now plans to raise ₹727 crore through an Initial Public Offering (IPO) to further fuel its growth. This IPO comprises fresh equity shares with a face value of ₹10 each, aimed at funding operational expansion and strengthening its market presence.
The company's diversified offerings, focus on luxury, and international expansion position it as a promising player in the leisure tourism sector, making it an appealing prospect for investors exploring opportunities in the travel and tourism space.