Sea, sun, and serenity: Explore Cox's Bazar more, sail on 'Swapnotori'

Amid the hum of office life, choking traffic fumes, endless household chores, and the grey monotony of city days, who doesn't crave a slice of freedom? We dream of escapes, plotting long getaways that rarely materialise. Yet, whenever even a short break presents itself, the call of the sea is irresistible—and for many, it leads straight to the familiar shores of Cox's Bazar.

For most visitors, Cox's Bazar means the same routine: sea baths, long walks on the beach, munching on seafood meals, and shopping for seashells and pearl necklaces. Those who have visited multiple times often feel there is little left to explore beyond the shoreline.

Cox's Bazar is no longer just about sandy toes and the familiar rhythm of waves lapping the shore. Imagine seeing the beach stretch beneath you while you glide over the sea itself – aboard a cruise. Sounds unexpected? That's the point.

For years, sea travel here meant only ferries, speedboats, or ships ferrying passengers to Saint Martin's Island from Teknaf or Cox's Bazar. But now, Farhan Express Tourism has flipped the script. With Swapnotori, the coast is no longer a destination to approach  --  it's a journey to savour. This isn't merely transport; it's a voyage designed to immerse travellers in the sights, sounds, and subtle magic of the Bay of Bengal.

Swapnotori: A voyage to remember

Every day, Swapnotori sails twice – once in the morning and once in the afternoon. The morning trip departs at exactly 9:00am. Tickets are available online through BusBD.com, via tour operators, and directly from the BIWTA jetty on Cox's Bazar Airport Road, where the vessel begins its journey. After completing the first trip, the ship returns at 3:00pm.

The cruise takes passengers through the Bakkhali River and into the estuary of the Bay of Bengal. Along the route, sights unfold one after another: the Khurushkul rehabilitation project, mangrove forests, Maheshkhali's Adinath Jetty, the wind power plant, Sonadia Island, sweeping land views of Cox's Bazar beach – Kolatoli, Laboni, and Sugandha points – dry fish markets, and even the striking runway of the sea-facing airport under construction.

Chasing horizons: Lunch and sunset cruise

The morning voyage, charmingly called the Lunch Cruise, holds its greatest allure in a stop at Maheshkhali Island. Here, passengers are granted nearly two hours to wander the island's treasures – exploring the legendary Adinath Temple perched atop rolling hills, strolling through Gorakghata Bazaar, wandering past sun-bleached salt fields and bustling shrimp farms, and savouring the island's widely famous betel leaf.

The journey itself begins with refreshing welcome drinks aboard Swapnotori, setting the tone for a day of exploration and leisure. By noon, the cruise glides into Maheshkhali's dock, inviting travellers to step ashore and lose themselves in the island's rhythms. 

Around 2pm, the ship calls everyone back aboard, where a sumptuous lunch awaits as it retraces its path along the sparkling waters. 

The menu is a hearty celebration of local flavours  –  rice, chicken, shrimp, egg curry, fresh vegetables, lentils, salad, and mineral water  –  allowing passengers to dine while the coastline drifts lazily past their windows.

As Swapnotori makes its way back to the BIWTA jetty, the crew quietly transitions for the afternoon Sunset Cruise, readying the vessel for another wave of eager travellers.

Onboard comfort and convenience

Captain Md Arafat notes that Swapnotori accommodates 146 passengers, with each trip carrying 100 to 120 travellers. "During peak season in December and January, we can barely fit everyone aboard," he admits. 

Crew member Selim adds that reservations begin 15 to 20 days in advance once the season hits its stride. Operating seven days a week, the cruise relies on a dedicated 10-12 member crew, including sailors, engine operators, and the captain, ensuring smooth sailing and an unforgettable maritime experience.

The Sunset Cruise casts off at 3:30pm and returns by 6:30pm, a brief but mesmerising journey. Time is tight, so no full meals are served, just light snacks and water. Unlike the morning trip, there's no stop at Maheshkhali; the ship must return before nightfall. 

In return, passengers are treated to something priceless: the sun sinking into the Bay of Bengal, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson, all viewed from the tranquil expanse of the open sea.

Onboard, the vessel offers two elegant lounges, Camelia and Royal, and a VIP cabin. For the Lunch Cruise, lounge seats are priced at Tk1,200 each, while the VIP cabin for two costs Tk5,200. The Sunset Cruise is more accessible, with lounge seats at Tk700, and the VIP cabin remains closed to the public. All fares include food, and for those seeking privacy, the entire ship can be chartered for special events.

A dream forged in wood and will

At the BIWTA jetty, Swapnotori's owner, Hosain Islam Bahadur, recounted the long journey that brought this cruise to life. A tourism entrepreneur since 2014, he first dreamed of such a venture in 2018, experimenting with a BIWTA iron sea truck. "It was heavy, costly to operate, slow, and burned fuel like crazy. People weren't interested, and I had to shut it down," he recalled.

Undeterred, he tried again in 2022 with a smaller vessel accommodating 65 passengers and found modest success. Buoyed by that experience, he launched Swapnotori, a wooden cruise ship, on 2 February 2024. By November, as peak season arrived, passenger numbers surged.

The ship itself is a testament to local craftsmanship. Garjan and sheel wood form the sturdy framework, while shefali and mahogany shape the interior décor and furniture. Every inch is made in Bangladesh, and the vessel is fully approved under the Department of Shipping's GA plan, with certified seating arrangements, engine placement, and safety measures, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, life rafts, GPS, and navigation systems.

Bahadur's vision doesn't stop here. He is planning a dinner cruise and is already converting an auctioned boat into a yacht, a far more cost-effective option than importing one at Tk5-7 crore. He believes Bangladesh's tourism potential remains largely untapped. 

"Even with the world's longest sea beach, Cox's Bazar still lacks modern recreational experiences," he says, pointing to the limited involvement of the Bangladesh Tourism Board as a key bottleneck. Drawing inspiration from global cruise and yacht tourism, Bahadur hopes ventures like Swapnotori will showcase a new face of Bangladesh's tourism, one curious voyage at a time.