Expert: Markos - 8/26/2006

Question
Hello, Markos,
   My wife, since 1997, have been taking Singapore Air every year
to India--mainly Gujarat, and more recently Trivandrum in
southern Kerala.
   Do you know of any way (we were thinking of going by ship, but
not a cruise ship) of traveling cheaply to India, especially to
Mumbai or southern India?
   Thank you for this service and for your time,
         William Howell

Answer
    Hi William, I wish I could help you more, but I have never heard of anyone taking a ship to India. I would think the best way to get there would be buying a round trip ticket from Bangkok. I am assuming you are coming from the U.S. If that is so, I believe it is best to get your visa in Bangkok as well. I can only assume that you are taking Singapore Airlines from the U.S. to Singapore and then to Mumbai. As far as I know airplane is going to be the best way to get there. If you can find a ship that can get you there, please let me know.
If your really thinking of hitting the docks in Singapore in hopes of getting to India, then your more innovative than me. Plus a wife. That's tuff. It's an interesting twist though. And there is always a way. The ships going there may take a liking to you and give you a ride. It's probably only a three to five day trip. And the Captain is the Captain. He can make that decision if he wishes. It would just be hanging out where the Captain hangs out and sweet talking him. That I would think would be the best way as opposed to actually going to the ship. So there is a way, but you would be breaking new ground.


Mark