The owners of MV Karnika state that they are not in a position to start the operation because the ports in India have not specified the date by which cruise ships may start their operations due to the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19.

"This sector has been devastated by COVID-19. It's predicted that 120 million jobs are at risk, with economic damage likely to exceed over $1 trillion according to the report released by the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that draws on UNWTO data to quantify the devastating impact that the coronavirus pandemic has had on global tourism," the statement said.

The company has also said that debts are rising and has appealed to various government authorities in India for assistance to provide the 60 crew members on the ship with fuel, power and basic supplies.

"Unfortunately, due to this delay, the crew on the ship are living in poor conditions with no fuel, power etc. We are hoping to get the crew members signed off and relieve them so that they can go home, as soon as the legal formalities are completed," the company announced.

In 2019, with the former Pacific Jewel from P&O Australia , the company began operations and had ambitions to grow.

Maritime Business World