Subhash Chandra-led Essel Group is planning a big push into the cruiseship sector after being revealed as the buyer of a P&O vessel last month.

It is already looking for more ships for its start-up Zen Cruises and could invest as much as $2bn if the conditions are right.

New Zen Cruises CEO Jurgen Bailom told Indian media the company bought the 70,000-gt, 1,912-passenger Pacific Jewel (built 1990) in August for a total investment of $123m, including upgrading work.