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Ganga Vilas

Built in 2022, the luxurious, 18-suite Ganga Vilas is a state-of-the-art, handcrafted riverboat offering guests unparalleled comfort in the region and pioneering exploration of the Indian Subcontinent’s seldom-sailed waterways.

Her itineraries include the longest river cruise in the world, a unique voyage spanning the course of 27 rivers and a distance of some 3200 km (nearly 2000 miles) across India and Bangladesh. Exploring the wonders of the region like no other river cruise before, the route connects the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems via Bangladesh, traversing both the Gangetic and Bengal Plains, as well as the Sundarbans and Assam Valley.

Life On Board

Exclusively catering for up to 36 guests, the vessel’s 18 sophisticated suites are split over two decks, with 8 on the Main Deck which neighbor a gym and pair of massage rooms, and 10 on the Upper Deck bookended by a panoramic lounge-bar to the bow and dining room to the stern. Above, the half-shaded Sun Deck has a covered observation pavilion with cozy seating and tables, and a selection of loungers with umbrellas all providing unrestricted views of the stunning scenery.

The ship features a vibrant and modern decor inspired by the 1950s art scene that followed the 1947 Partition of India. These bursts of color, from bright magentas and cool blues to lustrous yellows, all delightfully complement the vivid cultures and regions explored during its sailing.

And, with sustainable principles at its heart, the Ganga Vilas incorporates pollution prevention and noise control technologies to honor the ancient rivers traveled through—and environments visited—en route.

To enrich your time on board, butlers are on hand to cater to your every whim, and the industry-leading crew-to-guest service ratios ensure there is always someone on hand to exceed your expectations with warm, personalized and friendly service. As well as being pampered—literally if you visit the on board massage rooms—there are cultural performances, educational talks and cooking classes for your entertainment.

World’s Longest River Cruise

The Ganga Vilas offers lucky guests the chance to embark on the longest river cruise in the world, and what’s more, the rare chance to experience a pioneering route across the Indian Subcontinent with privileged access to pristine vistas untouched by pollution or mass tourism, rich in mythologies, monuments, temples, palaces, artisans and biodiversity.

This is an experiential voyage of epic proportions, not only in terms of its duration—some 50 days of navigation—but also in its exploration of the riches of the region, as you embark on an immersive journey encompassing art, cuisine, wildlife, culture, spirituality, and so much more, visiting World Heritage listed sites, colonial cities, ruins of lost empires, national parks and artisanal villages.

Immersive Experiences

Descend the ghats of the holy city of Varanasi to witness the powerful “Ganga Aarti” ritual, a devotional offering to the river’s goddess, Maa Ganga, and visit the archaeological site of Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon after reaching enlightenment.

Witness the incredible wildlife and natural wonders of the world’s largest mangrove forest—the Sundarbans—and the bewilderingly biodiverse Kaziranga National Park, home to India’s Big 5: the One-Horned Rhino, Asian Elephant, Royal Bengal Tiger, Wild Water Buffalo and Swamp Deer.

Marvel at mysterious Mayong, a village considered the cradle of Tantra Kriya (black magic) in India where sorcery, voodoo and dark magic were traditionally practiced since time immemorial and passed down over generations.

Explore the unique island of Majuli, cultural capital of Assam and largest river island in the world. The island is home to a myriad of 15th-century Hindu monasteries, each with their own principles and devotional practices, mask-wearing monks, and traditional dances.

Travelers that prefer a shorter itinerary but still want to explore the riches of this remarkable region, the 49-night itinerary can be done in two parts, a 19-night portion from Varanasi to Kolkata (or vice-versa) along the Ganges, and a 30-night portion from Kolkata to Dibrugarh (or vice-versa) via Bangladesh along the Hooghly, Brahmaputra and other rivers.

A lavish, all-suite, and all-inclusive cruise taking you to untouched destinations along the seldom-sailed rivers of the Indian Subcontinent, all with unmatched hospitality and unparalleled comfort, a voyage aboard Ganga Vilas promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Itineraries & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

11 Day - Treading the Buddha’s Trail

Embarkation

AM: Board an early morning train in Kolkata to Farakka. Upon arrival at the Farakka train station, transfer to embark the ship followed by lunch while the ship sails to Samtaghat revealing vast panoramas.

PM: Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

River day Samtaghat – Bateshwarsthan

AM & PM: Today we sail full day towards Bateshwarsthan. Enjoy today on board. You will be fascinated by the passing landscape and the lively life on the river.

Dinner & overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Bateshwarsthan – Sultanganj

AM: Morning drive to the 8-9th century excavation site of the Vikramshila University (approx. 15-mins drive) and walk around the ruins. Vikramshila University was one of the three most important Buddhist monasteries in India during the Pala Empire, along with Nalanda and Odantapuri. It was one of the largest Buddhist universities, with more than a thousand students and over one hundred teachers. Its location is now the site of Antichak village near Kahalgaon, in Bihar. Vikramshila is known mainly through Tibetan sources, especially the writings of Taranatha, the Tibetan monk historian of the 16-17 centuries. 

PM: We return to the ship and sail towards Sultanganj. 

Sultanganj – Munger

AM: After breakfast excursion of Sultanganj, where there are two prominent granite rock-islands in the river connected to the mainland by a causeway. On one island is a mosque and on the other larger one is the 16th century Ajgaibinath Temple. We will visit the temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

PM: Thereafter sail towards Munger.

Munger Sightseeing

AM: Munger is known for its manufacturing of iron articles such as firearms and swords. It is the ancient city of Mahabharata legend Karna, the eldest son of Kunti and the Sun Lord. In the morning visit to the Chandika Sthan Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Shakti it is one of the fifty-one Shakti Peethas, associated with the legend of Lord Vishnu who to save the world from Lord Shiva’s wrath, cut into pieces the corpse of Devi Sati that Shiva was carrying. 

PM: Return to ship for lunch and thereafter walk through the Fort ruins and visit the nearby market. Munger’s Fort houses several religious and historic monuments such as tombs of saints, a palace and a British cemetery. The market is a very popular fruit and vegetable market with other shops of textiles and readymade garments.

Munger – Simaria

AM: We continue our journey further upstream sailing to arrive in Simaria by late afternoon. Visit by walk in the riverside village to see the daily activities of the local people. It has a famous bridge which provides both rail and road connectivity to the local residents.

River day Simaria – Patna

AM: Today we sail full day through wonderful countryside to Patna, the capital of the State of Bihar. Patna is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world founded in 490 BCE as Pataliputra.

Patna Disembark / Nalanda – Bodhgaya

AM: Disembark early morning by 07:00 hrs after early breakfast or with packed breakfast and drive to Nalanda (approx. 2-hrs).  The archaeological ruins of Nalanda, a World Heritage Site, was a renowned Mahavihara (Buddhist monastic university) in ancient Magadha. It is considered by historians to be the world's first residential university and among the greatest centers of learning in the ancient world. Operating from 427 until 1197 CE, Nalanda played a vital role in promoting the patronage of arts and academics during the 5th and 6th century CE. It was supported by numerous Indian and Javanese patrons, both Buddhists and non-Buddhists. Over some 750 years, its faculty included some of the most revered scholars of Mahayana Buddhism. It taught six major Buddhist schools and philosophies as well as subjects such as Vedas, grammar, medicine, logic and mathematics. It was perhaps the oldest seat of learning in India and treasures a glorious past, rich spiritual heritage and some extraordinary architectural ruins.

PM: Continue to nearby Rajgir where lunch can be taken at a local restaurant. 

Rajgir, is a historic town that holds a place of prominence in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain scriptures owing to it being the seat and capital of several dynasties and the dwelling ground of such historical figures as The Buddha and Mahavira. Both Mahavira and Buddha taught in Rajgir during the 6th and 5th century BC. The Buddha was offered a forest monastery in Rajgir, by the king Bimbisara. As such, the city of Rajgir became one of the Buddha's most important preaching locations, where he spent several months meditating. He also delivered some of his famous sermons and initiated king Bimbisara and others to Buddhism. It was here, on one of the hills where the First Buddhist Council was held after Buddha’s death.

Continue drive to Bodhgaya (approx. 2-hrs), which for Buddhists, is the most important of the main four pilgrimage sites related to the life of Gautama Buddha, the other three being Kushinagar, Lumbini and Sarnath.

Dinner and overnight at a local hotel.

Bodhgaya Sightseeing

AM: Begin the day with a visit to the Mahabodhi Temple. Declared a World Heritage Site, it is said to be the place where Gautama Buddha attained Enlightenment under a banyan tree that became known as the Bodhi Tree. Since antiquity, Bodh Gaya has remained the object of pilgrimage and veneration both for Hindus and Buddhists. Buddhist chanting and prayers can be witnessed in the temple premises.

The day can be spent exploring the several Buddhist temples and monasteries that have been built by the people of various countries like Bhutan, Mongolia, China, Japan, Korea, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet and Vietnam in a wide area around the Mahabodhi Temple. These buildings reflect the architectural style, exterior and interior decoration of their respective countries. The statue of The Buddha in the Chinese temple is 200 years old and was brought from China. The Japanese Nippon temple is shaped like a pagoda. The Myanmar (Burmese) temple is also pagoda shaped and is reminiscent of Bagan. The Thai temple has a typical sloping, curved roof covered with golden tiles. Inside, the temple holds a massive bronze statue of Buddha. Next to the Thai temple is a 25-metre statue of The Buddha, located within a garden which has existed there for over 100 years.

PM: Lunch, Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Drive Bodhgaya / Varanasi

AM: After early breakfast we drive to Varanasi (248-kms/approx. 5-hrs), the holiest town for the Hindus. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and have lunch. Varanasi, known variously as Banaras and Kashi, is a major religious hub in India, and is considered the holiest city in Hinduism and Jainism. It also played an important role in the development of Buddhism. Hindus believe that death in this city will bring salvation, making it a major centre for pilgrimage. The city is known worldwide for its many Ghats, which are embankments made in steps of stone slabs along the riverbank where pilgrims perform ritual ablutions. 

PM: Enjoy a walk on these ghats and arrive at the Dashashwamedh Ghat to see the “Ganga Aarti” ritual, performed by a group of priests lined up on the riverbank chanting mantras and performing the prayer ritual with lamps, incense, bells and traditional Hindu instruments to honour the river. Thousands of devotees throng the riverbank to participate in the ceremony every evening.

Dinner and overnight at hotel.

AM: At early dawn enjoy a Sunrise Boat Tour to witness the incredible scenes along the Holy River. Return to hotel for breakfast. 

Thereafter visit Sarnath where, circa 528 BCE, at 35 years of age, Gautama Buddha taught his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya. The Dhamek Stupa here marks the precise location where Buddha preached his first discourse to his first five disciples, and where all five eventually became fully liberated. It is also where the Buddhist Sangha first came into existence as a result of the enlightenment of his first five disciples. It is also one of the eight stupas where Buddha’s ashes after his cremation were divided and buried.

The Archaeological Museum at Sarnath contains a large collection of sculptures that stand testimony to the fervent artistic and religious activity for more than a thousand years. 

Thereafter transfer to the airport for onward journey. 

20 Day - Kolkata to Varanasi

PM: Embark the ship at the Jetty in Kolkata and enjoy lunch on board. The afternoon excursion features a Panoramic Tour of the well-preserved British colonial buildings in Kolkata: Writer's Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan (Governor's House), Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, Reserve Bank of India and Dalhousie Square. The day continues with a visit to St. John's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in Kolkata, built-in 1756. The tour features the oldest functioning pipe organ in India and several tombs of British Generals who died during the Siege of Kolkata by Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula in 1756. Then we stop at the Grand Victoria Memorial for a photo stop. Proceed to visit Mother Teresa’s Home and Tomb (closed on Thursdays). Mother Teresa started the Missionary of Charity in 1952, then lived and worked here until her death in 1997. The permanent exhibition includes a visit to her personal room, we learn her life story and see her charity that is still active. Optional: We continue by foot a short distance to her orphanage, Sishu Bhawan (Children's Home), where one of the sisters will lead us on a tour.

Enjoy cultural performances onboard. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Kolkata - Kalna

AM: Morning after breakfast, visit Kolkata’s Flower Market, a feast for the eyes. Located below and adjacent to the cantilevered Howrah Bridge that spans the sacred river Ganges, the market is bustling from the wee hours of the morning. Countless vendors and buyers exchange money for flowers and countless locals carry bales of flowers that are at least twice their weight. There are several stalls where you can see artists creating a variety of garlands, ornaments, and other items made of flowers and leaves for temples, weddings, and other uses. Thereafter visit Kumartuli, a traditional potters’ quarter in northern Kolkata, renowned for its sculpting prowess, which not only manufactures clay idols for various festivals but also regularly exports them. The potters here fashioned the clay from the river beside their home into pots to be sold at the local market. Gradually they took to making the images of gods and goddesses, worshipped in large numbers in the mansions all around and later at community pujas in the city and beyond.

PM: Return to the ship for lunch and start sailing upstream passing below the Howrah Bridge and seeing

various colonial buildings along the Ganges River.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Kalna – Matiari

AM: In the morning enjoy a rickshaw ride through the town center of Kalna to visit the enchanting Rajbari Temple Complex, which has the highest concentration of temples in the region. Visit the Nabakailas Temple, built in 1809 by the Bardhaman Maharaja, which contains 108 eight slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other temples in the complex feature diverse architecture and terra cotta plaques that depict themes of Hindu epics, the mythical life of Sree Chaitanya, images of Durga, and various aspects of day-to-day life in the region.

PM: Return to the ship walk through the local market and sail onward to arrive at the shore-side village of Matiari.

Matiari - Murshidabad

AM: Early this morning enjoy a walk in the village to see and experience the craftsmen at work. The village is known for manufacturing beautiful handcrafted brass items, utilizing traditional methods passed down for generations. These master craftsmen utilize recycled copper to create exquisite pots, platters, and more from their workshops in the village.

PM: Sail onward to Murshidabad, a hidden architectural gem with dramatic whitewashed colonial-era structures.

Mushidabad – Jangipur

AM: Morning visit to the Katra mosque. Built by the first Nawab of Murshidabad – Murshid Quli Khan in 1724-25, this mosque has distinctive minarets from which the muezzin calls the faithful to Friday prayers. Thereafter proceed to visit the Hazarduari Palace (closed on Fridays), which dominates the waterfront, built during the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah (1824-1838 AD) by an English architect, McLeod Duncan, in the Greek “Doric” style. The palace has more than a thousand real and false doors in the vast corridors and is filled with colonial-era antiques, artwork, and manuscripts. Opposite the Palace is a vast Imambara – built by the Nawab for worship.

PM: Return to the ship and sail towards Jangipur.

River day Jangipur – Samtaghat

AM: We will cast off early in the morning to reach the historic Farakka Lock Gate, which was built during the years 1963-75. The travel through the Feeder Canal will give us a chance to see the different birds of the region. After crossing the lock we cruise through the connecting canal to the Ganges revealing vast panoramas. We can also see the Farakka barrage at a distance, which regulates the Ganges water into Bangladesh and India.

PM: We continue to sail towards Samtaghat. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Today we sail full day towards Bateshwarsthan. Enjoy today on board. You will be fascinated by the passing landscape and the lively life on the river.

PM: Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning drive to the excavation site of the Vikramshila University and walk around the ruins. In the late 8th or early 9th century, Vikramshila University, along with that of Nalanda, was one of the two most important Buddhist centers of learning under the rule of the Pala Dynasty. Subjects like theology, philosophy, grammar, meta-physics, and logic were taught here.

PM: We return to the ship and sail towards Sultanganj. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: After breakfast excursion of Sultanganj, where there are two prominent granite rock islands in the river that are connected to the mainland by a causeway. On one island is a mosque and on the other larger one is the 16th-century Ajgaibinath Temple. We will visit the temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

PM: Thereafter sail towards Munger, one of the largest and most industrialized cities in the state of Bihar. It is a hub for railway, gun, tobacco, and dairy product manufacturing. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

AM: Morning visit to the Chandika Sthan Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Shakti it is one of the fifty-one Shakti Peethas, associated with the legend of Lord Vishnu who to save the world from Lord Shiva’s wrath, cut into pieces the corpse of Devi Sati that Shiva was carrying. It is believed that Sati Devi's left eye had fallen at this place which subsequently developed into a place of worship.

PM: Return to ship for lunch and thereafter walk through the Fort ruins and visit the nearby market. The Munger Fort is built on a rocky hillock on the south bank of the Ganges River. Its history is not completely dated but it is believed that it was built during the early rule of the Slave Dynasty (12th – 13th century). The Fort had a succession of Muslim rulers followed by the Mughals, till it was finally acceded to the British. The fort became a place of considerable importance to the British in Bengal till India'a independence in 1947. The fort houses several religious and historic monuments such as tombs of saints, a palace, and a British cemetery. The market is a very popular fruit and vegetable market with other shops of textiles and readymade garments.

AM: We continue our journey further upstream sailing under the great bridge at Mokameh Ghat. Until the first half of the 20th century, Mokameh Ghat was an important trade and transport link for ferrying cargo and passengers by ships across the river to the northeastern parts of India. We arrive in Samaria by late afternoon. Visit by walking in the riverside village to see the daily activities of the local people.

AM: Today we sail a full day through the wonderful countryside to Patna, the capital and largest city of the State of Bihar. Patna is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. Patna was founded in 490 BCE as Pataliputra by the king of Magadha as the capital of his empire. It was a seat of learning and fine arts and home to many astrologers and scholars. Patna served as the seat of power, the political and cultural center of the Indian subcontinent during the Maurya and Gupta empires. With the fall of the Gupta Empire, Patna lost its glory. It was revived again in the 17th century by the British as a center of international trade.

Patna – Ghaghra Mod

AM: Morning after breakfast onboard we proceed for a sightseeing tour of Patna visiting the Golghar, Patna Museum, and Gurudwara. The 18th-century Golghar, (closed on Mondays) literally meaning "Roundhouse", is a large beehive-shaped granary that was built "for the perpetual prevention of famine in these provinces" in 1784 by Warren Hastings, the British Governor General of India. Designed by Captain John Garstin of the Bengal Engineers, part of the East India Company’s Bengal Army, this pillar-less building has a height of 29m. One can climb at the top of the Golghar through the spiral stairway around it. The spiral staircase was designed to facilitate the passage of the workers, who had to carry grain bags up one flight, deliver their load through a hole at the top, and descend the other stairs. The top of the Golghar presents a wonderful panoramic view of the city and the Ganges. The Patna Museum (closed on Mondays) was started in April 1917 during the British Raj to house the historical artifacts found in the vicinity of Patna. Items on display in the multipurpose museum include archaeological objects, coins, art objects, paintings, instruments, textiles, paintings, bronze images and sculptures, and terra cotta images by Hindu and Buddhist artists. It has a rare collection of British-period paintings depicting day-to-day life, as well as a collection related to the first President of India Rajendra Prasad, who hailed from the region. Takht Sri Patna Sahib Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) was built to commemorate the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs in 1666. It was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire. The current shrine was built in the 1950s.

PM: Return to the ship and sail onward towards Ghaghra Mod, the confluence where River Ghaghra meets River Ganges. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Ghaghra Mod – en route to Buxar

AM: Morning enjoy a walk in the riverbank village. Thereafter sail a full day towards Buxar, anchoring en route.

Arrival in Buxar

AM: We arrive in Buxar by late morning. Buxar is one of the most prominent towns of western Bihar, bordering the State of Uttar Pradesh. This town has been known since the epic period for being the seat of eminent saints, the battlefield of gods and demons, and a combat zone between foreign invasion and countrymen in modern Indian history. The discoveries from excavations have established a link between Buxar and the ancient civilizations of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. It is most famous for the battle fought here in 1764, between the forces of the British East India Company and the combined armies of Mir Qasim the Nawab of Bengal; Shuja-ud-daulah the Nawab of Awadh; and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. The battle was a decisive victory for the British East India Company.

PM: Post lunch explore the Ram Rekha Ghat, which is associated with the legend of Lord Ram. It is said that after killing the demoness Tadka, Lord Ram to cleanse himself from the sin of killing a woman, took a bath in the Ganges near this ghat. He also made a “Shivling” from sand and clay and worshipped it. Located on the riverbank is the Sita Ram Upadhyay Museum (closed on Mondays) which houses various types of Archaeological objects, coins, and manuscripts. It is named after a local resident who had donated his personal collection to the museum. The terracotta collection of the Mauryan and Shungan periods deserves special mention.

Buxar – Ghazipur

AM: Today we sail to Ghazipur, in the State of Uttar Pradesh, sailing past the battlefield of Chausa, where in 1539 CE, the Afghan Sher Shah Suri defeated Mughal Emperor Humayun and gained dominion over Bihar and Bengal. Ghazipur is well known for its opium factory, established by the British East India Company in 1820 and still the biggest legal opium factory in the world, producing the drug for the global pharmaceutical industry.

PM: Afternoon, visit to the Tomb of Lord Cornwallis, one of the major figures of Indian and British history. Cornwallis is famous for his role in the American Revolutionary War and then for his time as the Governor-General of India, being said to have laid the true foundation of British rule. He was later Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He died in Ghazipur in 1805, soon after his return to India for his second appointment as Governor-General. His tomb, overlooking the Ganges, consists of a lofty dome supported by 12 Doric columns. At the center is the bust of Lord Cornwallis, below which is an epitaph in English.

River day Ghazipur – en route to Varanasi

AM: Today we sail full day upstream towards Varanasi.

PM: We will moor for the night before Varanasi, subject to river tide conditions. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Arrival in Varanasi

AM: We sail further upstream through the day to arrive by late afternoon depending upon tide conditions in Varanasi, our final destination of the cruise, Varanasi. Known variously as Banaras and Kashi, Varanasi is a major religious hub in India, and is considered the holiest city in Hinduism and Jainism. It also played an important role in the development of Buddhism. It is also an important industrial center, famous for its muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works, and sculpture.

AM: Morning after breakfast onboard, visit the excavation site of Sarnath, the seat where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. The Archaeological Museum (closed on Fridays) here contains a large collection of sculptures that stand testimony to the fervent artistic and religious activity for more than a thousand years.

PM: Return to the ship for lunch. Thereafter, visit the Ghats by walking to experience the activities and hustle-bustle in the by-lanes. Continue to the riverside and witness the evening “Ganga Aarti” ritual.

Disembarkation

AM: Following breakfast disembark the ship and transfer for your onward journey.

20 Day - Varanasi to Kolkata

PM: Arrive in Varanasi in the afternoon and transfer to the jetty for embarkation. Welcome and safety briefing, then enjoy lunch on board.

Samath to Ghats

River Day Varanasi - Ghazipur

AM: Today we sail a full day downstream towards Ghazipur, which is well known for its opium factory, established by the British East India Company in 1820 and still the biggest legal opium factory in the world, producing the drug for the global pharmaceutical industry.

Ghazipur - Buxar

AM: Morning after breakfast visit to the Tomb of Lord Cornwallis, one of the major figures of Indian and British history. Cornwallis is famous for his role in the American Revolutionary War and then for his time as the Governor-General of India, being said to have laid the true foundation of British rule. He was later Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He died in Ghazipur in 1805, soon after his return to India for his second appointment as Governor-General. His tomb, overlooking the Ganges, consists of a lofty dome supported by 12 Doric columns. At the center is the bust of Lord Cornwallis, below which is an epitaph in English.

PM: Thereafter sail a full day towards Buxar, in the State of Bihar, sailing past the battlefield of Chausa, where in 1539 CE, the Afghan Sher Shah Suri defeated Mughal Emperor Humayun and gained dominion over Bihar and Bengal.

Buxar is one of the most prominent towns of western Bihar, bordering the State of Uttar Pradesh. This town has been known since the epic period for being the seat of eminent saints, the battlefield of gods and demons, and a combat zone between foreign invasion and countrymen in modern Indian history. The discoveries from excavations have established a link between Buxar and the ancient civilizations of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. It is most famous for the battle fought here in 1764, between the forces of the British East India Company and the combined armies of Mir Qasim the Nawab of Bengal; Shuja-ud-daulah the Nawab of Awadh; and Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. The battle was a decisive victory for the British East India Company.

Buxar - Ghaghra Mod

AM: Morning after breakfast explore the Ram Rekha Ghat, which is associated with the legend of Lord Ram. It is said that after killing the demoness Tadka, Lord Ram to cleanse himself from the sin of killing a woman, took a bath in the Ganges near this ghat. He also made a “Shivling” from sand and clay and worshipped it. Located on the riverbank is the Sita Ram Upadhyay Museum (closed on Mondays) which houses various types of Archaeological objects, coins, and manuscripts. It is named after a local resident who had donated his personal collection to the museum. The terracotta collection of the Mauryan and Shungan periods deserves special mention.

PM: Return to the ship and sail onward towards Ghaghra Mod, the confluence where River Ghaghra meets River Ganges.Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Ghaghra Mod – Patna

AM: Morning enjoy a walk in the riverbank village. Thereafter sail a full day to Patna, the capital and largest city of the State of Bihar. Patna is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. Patna was founded in 490 BCE as Pataliputra by the king of Magadha as the capital of his empire. It was a seat of learning and fine arts and home to many astrologers and scholars. Patna served as the seat of power, the political and cultural center of the Indian subcontinent during the Maurya and Gupta empires. With the fall of the Gupta Empire, Patna lost its glory. It was revived again in the 17th century by the British as a center of international trade.

Patna – en route to Simaria

PM: Return to the ship and sail onward towards Simaria, anchoring en route. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Arrive in Simaria – en route to Munger

AM: Further sailing in the morning brings us to Simaria. Visit by walking in the riverside village to see the daily activities of the local people.

We continue our journey further downstream sailing under the great bridge at Mokameh Ghat. Until the first half of the 20th century, Mokameh Ghat was an important trade and transport link for ferrying cargo and passengers by ships across the river to the northeastern parts of India. We anchor en route o Munger.

PM : We arrive in Munger by afternoon which is one of the largest and most industrialized cities in the state of Bihar. It is a hub for railway, gun, tobacco, and dairy product manufacturing. Late afternoon thereafter walk through the Fort ruins and visit the nearby market. The Munger

Fort is built on a rocky hillock on the south bank of the Ganges River. Its history is not completely dated but it is believed that it was built during the early rule of the Slave Dynasty (12th – 13th century). The Fort had a succession of Muslim rulers followed by the Mughals, till it was finally acceded to the British. The fort became a place of considerable importance to the British in Bengal till India'a independence in 1947. The fort houses several religious and historic monuments such as tombs of saints, a palace, and a British cemetery. The market is a very popular fruit and vegetable market with other shops of textiles and readymade garments.

Munger - Sultanganj

PM: We return to the ship and sail towards Sultanganj.

Sultanganj – Bateshwarsthan

AM: After breakfast excursion of Sultanganj, where there are two prominent granite rock islands in the river that are connected to the mainland by a causeway. On one island is a mosque and on the other larger one is the 16th-century Ajgaibinath Temple. We will visit the temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thereafter sail towards Bateshwarsthan.

Bateshwarsthan – Samtaghat

AM: Morning drive to the excavation site of the Vikramshila University and walk around the ruins. In the late 8th or early 9th century, Vikramshila University, along with that of Nalanda, was one of the two most important Buddhist centers of learning under the rule of the Pala Dynasty. Subjects like theology, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, and logic were taught here.

PM: We return to the ship and sail towards Samtaghat. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

River day Samtaghat – Jangipur

AM: We will cast off early in the morning to reach the historic Farakka Lock Gate, which was built during the years 1963-75. The travel through the Feeder Canal will give us a chance to see the different birds of the region. After crossing the lock we cruise through the connecting canal to come on the Hooghly River. We can also see the Farakka barrage at a distance, which regulates the Ganges water into Bangladesh and India.

PM: We continue to sail toward Jangipur. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Riverday Jangipur – Murshidabad

AM: We sail a full day towards Murshidabad, a hidden architectural gem with dramatic whitewashed colonial-era structures.

Murshidabad

River day Murshidabad – Matiari

AM: We sail a full day today to arrive at the shore-side village of Matiari.

Matiari - Kalna

PM: Sail onward to Kalna. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Kalna - Kolkata

AM: In the morning enjoy a rickshaw ride through the town center of Kalna to visit the enchanting Rajbari Temple Complex, which has the highest concentration of temples in the region. Visit the Nabakailas Temple, built in 1809 by the Bardhaman Maharaja, which contains 108 eight slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other temples in the complex feature diverse architecture and terra cotta plaques depict themes of Hindu epics, the mythical life of Sree Chaitanya, images of Durga, and various aspects of day-to-day life in the region.

PM: Return to the ship walk through the local market and sail onward to Kolkata. Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

PM: Return to the ship for lunch. The afternoon excursion features a Panoramic Tour of the well-preserved British colonial buildings in Kolkata: Writer's Building, General Post Office, High Court, Raj Bhawan (Governor's House), Town Hall, Council House, Treasury Building, Reserve Bank of India and Dalhousie Square. The day continues with a visit to St. John's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in Kolkata, built-in 1756. The tour features the oldest functioning pipe organ in India and several tombs of British Generals who died during the Siege of Kolkata by Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula in 1756. Then we stop at the Grand Victoria Memorial for a photo stop. Proceed to visit Mother Teresa’s Home and Tomb (closed on Thursdays). Mother Teresa started the Missionary of Charity in 1952, then lived and worked there until her death in 1997. The permanent exhibition includes a visit to her personal room, we learn her life story and see her charity that is still active. Optional: We continue by foot a short distance to her orphanage, Sishu Bhawan (Children's Home), where one of the sisters will lead us on a tour. Enjoy cultural performances onboard.

50 Day - Varanasi to Dibrugarh

Embark the ship at the Jetty in Varanasi and enjoy lunch on board. Thereafter, visit the Ghats by walking to experience the activities and hustle-bustle in the by-lanes. Continue to the riverside and witness the evening “Ganga Aarti” ritual.

After breakfast, we will visit the excavation site of Sarnath, the seat where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya. Return to the ship for lunch and begin sail downstream towards the outskirts of Varanasi.

Sailing Day - Varanasi - Ghazipur

Enjoy the meandering landscape as you sail to Ghazipur and enjoy the amenities onboard.

In Ghazipur, visit the tomb of Lord Cornwallis, one of the most important figures in Indian and British history. Cornwallis is famous for his time as Governor General of India. His tomb, overlooking the Ganges, consists of a high dome supported by 12 Doric columns. 

Continue to Buxar, famous for the 1764 war between the forces of the British East India Company and the armies of Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-daulah and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. The battle was a decisive victory for the British East India Company. 

After breakfast visit the Ram Rekha Ghat. It is associated with a legend from the epic Ramayana that after killing the demoness Tadka, Lord Ram to cleanse himself from the sin of killing a woman, took a bath in the Ganges here. Also visit the Sita Ram Upadhyay Museum, named after a local resident who had donated his personal collection which includes archaeological objects, coins and manuscripts. Return to ship and sail towards Ghaghra Mod, the confluence where River Ghaghra meets River Ganges. 

After breakfast enjoy a walk in the riverbank village. Thereafter sail full day towards Patna, the capital of the State of Bihar. Patna is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world founded in 490 BCE as Pataliputra.

Patna - En Route To Simaria

After breakfast proceed to visit the Golghar and Patna Museum. Return to ship for lunch and sail towards Simaria, anchoring en route.

Overnight onboard Ganga Vilas.

Simaria - En Route To Munger

Further sailing in the morning brings us to Simaria. After breakfast walk in the riverside village to see the daily activities of the local people. Return to the ship and continue our journey further downstream sailing under the great bridge at Mokameh Ghat and anchor en route to Munger.

Arrive Munger

Enjoying breakfast onboard, we arrive in Munger by afternoon. Enjoy a walk through the ruins of the fort. Afterward visit the local market, famous for fruits and vegetables as well as various textiles.

After breakfast visit the Chandika Sthan Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Shakti. It is one of the fifty-one Shakti Peethas, associated with the legend of Lord Vishnu who to save the world from Lord Shiva’s wrath, cut into pieces the corpse of Devi Sati that Shiva was carrying. Return to ship for lunch and begin sail towards Sultanganj.

Sultanganj - Bateshwarsthan

After breakfast excursion to Sultanganj, which is notable for two prominent granite rock islands in the river connected to the mainland by a causeway. On one of the islands is a mosque; on the other larger one is the Ajgaibinath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. We will visit the Shiva temple. Return to the ship and sail towards Bateshwarsthan while enjoying lunch onboard.

Bateshwarsthan - Samtaghat

After breakfast drive in cars to the 8-9th century excavation site of the Vikramshila University and walk around the ruins. Vikramshila University was an important Buddhist centre of learning under the rule of the Pala Dynasty. Subjects like theology, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, and logic were taught here. We return to the ship and sail towards Samtaghat. You will be fascinated by the passing landscape and the lively life on the river.

Samtaghat – Farakka – Jangipur

Enjoying breakfast onboard we sail in the morning to cross the historic Farakka Lock Gate. The travel through the Feeder Canal will give us a chance to see the different birds of the region. After crossing the Lock Gate, we cruise through the connecting canal to the Hooghly River, the lower Ganges. We continue to sail towards Jangipur. 

Jangipur - Murshidabad

We sail full day towards Murshidabad enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard. We arrive in Murshidabad by the evening. Murshidabad is a hidden architectural gem with dramatic whitewashed colonial-era structures.

After breakfast ride the Toto (e-rickshaw) through the countryside to the Katra mosque, which has distinctive minarets. Return to the ship for lunch. Thereafter visit the Hazarduari Palace, which dominates the waterfront. Built by an English architect, McLeod Duncan, in the Greek "Doric" style, the palace has more than a thousand real and false doors in the vast corridors and is filled with colonial-era antiques. 

Mushidabad – Matiari

We sail full day towards the shore-side village of Matiari enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard. We arrive in Matiari by the evening. 

Early this morning walk in the village to see and experience the craftsmen at work. These master craftsmen utilize recycled copper to create exquisite pots, platters, and more from their workshops in the village. Return to the ship for breakfast and sail onward to Kalna. We arrive in Kalna by the evening.

After breakfast ride e-rickshaws to visit the enchanting Rajbari temple complex. The Nabakailas temple contains 108 eight-slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other temples in the complex feature diverse architecture and terracotta plaques depict themes of Hindu epics and various aspects of day-to-day life in the region. Return to the ship walking through the local vegetable market. Begin sail towards Kolkata and arrive by the evening.

After breakfast, visit the Flower Market, where you can see artists creating a variety of garlands, ornaments, and other items made of flowers and leaves for temples, weddings, and other uses. Thereafter, visit Kumartuli, a traditional potters’ quarter renowned for its sculpting prowess. Return to ship for lunch. Thereafter Panoramic Tour of Dalhousie Square’s heritage buildings; St. John's Church, Victoria Memorial, and Mother Teresa’s Home. Enjoy cultural performance onboard.

Kolkata - Immigration Formalities

After breakfast stroll around the historic Indentured Memorial Jetty, named in memory of the Indian indentured labourers who set sail from here for Suriname, which was then a Dutch colony in South America in 1873. Post-lunch Immigration formalities. 

Kolkata - Namkhana (Sundarbans)

After breakfast visit the Indian Museum and the local market. Return to the ship for lunch and based on the tide situation we will sail towards Namkhana, anchoring en route. It is the gateway of the Sundarbans National Park, a World Heritage Site.

Namkhana – Bali Island

Enjoying breakfast onboard we arrive at Namkhana. We will visit Bhagabatpur Island which is known for its crocodile project that has a hatchery of the estuarine crocodiles. Return to ship for lunch and sail to Bali Island cruising through the creek. A typical Sundarban village, Bali’s inhabitants are engaged in farming, paddy husking, honey packing and fishing.

Bali Island

After an early breakfast ride in the country boat to the Dobanki Watchtower, enjoy a canopy walk at an elevation of 20 feet to reveal the riveting flora and fauna. Return to the ship for lunch. Thereafter enjoy a walk in the village of Bali and interact with the villagers engaged in creating handicrafts and witness a tribal dance. 

Bangar Island – Hemnagar

We sail to Hemnagar today enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard and viewing the wilderness of the mangrove forest. It is the southernmost habitation of the region and the check-post for customs formalities for crossing the international riverine border between India and Bangladesh.

Hemnagar - Antihara (Bangladesh)

Today, enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard, we sail through the core area of the Sundarbans down towards the Bangladeshi side to arrive in Antihara, which is the check post for the Immigration & Custom formalities of Bangladesh. 

Antihara – Mongla

Sail towards Mongla town, while having breakfast onboard. Mongla is the gateway to the Sundarbans on the Bangladesh side. Post lunch visit to the Sixty Domed Mosque, a World Heritage Site. The mosque is locally known as the 'Shat Gombuj', which in Bangla literally means Sixty Domes.

Mongla – Karamjol - Kaukhali

Morning, we sail to Karamjol. After breakfast, we visit the Forest Reserve Centre, which protects a vast range of mammals, insects, bird species, reptiles, and fish. Return to the ship for lunch and sail towards Kaukhali.

Kaukhali - Barisal

A further sail brings us to Kaukhali while we enjoy our breakfast onboard. Upon arrival walk in the village visiting a Kumar Pada (potters’ colony), the local market and a Hindu Vaishnavite temple with a cremation ground adjacent to it. Return to ship for lunch and sail to Barisal, which is fondly called the Venice of Bengal.

After breakfast visit a Floating Market, which is renowned for its fruits. Many farmers and wholesalers gather here every day to sell their produce. Return to ship for lunch. Thereafter visit the Oxford Epiphany Church, an Anglican church, which is one of the oldest in the region. Its structure reflects the Greek architectural style. 

Barisal - Dhaka

Today enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard, we sail full day to Dhaka viewing the picturesque countryside, shoreline of coconut palms, bananas, mango trees, small settlements, cargo freighters and, nouka ferrying passengers across the river. Arrive at the Mawa jetty, a busy ferry ghat near Dhaka, the Capital of Bangladesh.

Dhaka Sightseeing

After breakfast, a panoramic tour of Dhaka’s heritage buildings like Dhaka University, Curzon Hall, Old High Court, Parliament Building, and Dhakeshwari Temple. Lunch in the city, thereafter visit Sonargaon, the ‘Golden City’ which was the ancient capital of undivided Bengal. 

Dhaka – Aricha – Tangail

Today while enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard, we sail full day upstream to the Aricha River port. Aricha is a prime spot for catching the renowned Hilsha fish and several trawlers can be seen in the vicinity. We will sail further upstream towards Tangail, anchoring en route.

Arrive Tangail

A further sail brings us to Tangail, an important handloom and cotton weaving centre, enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard. Post lunch we visit the Atia Mosque, a four-domed monument built during the reign of Mughal emperor Jahangir. In popular culture, it is dubbed as the 10 Taka Mosque when the Government of Bangladesh issued a 10 Taka banknote which had an image of the mosque in its obverse.

Tangail – Sirajganj

Today we sail towards Sirajganj, an important jute collection, processing, and trade centre whose jute mills were the first to be established in the Bengal area. Post lunch visit the Hatikumrul Navaratna Temple, a three-storied temple adorned with nine spires.

Sirajganj - Chandan Boisha

Today we sail full day further up the river towards the Indo-Bangladesh border that touches the north-eastern region of India. Enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard while viewing the riverine countryside.

Chandan Boisha - Chilmari

Further sailing brings us to the Chilmari River port, located on a beautiful scenic bank of the Teesta and Jamuna rivers, close to the international border with India. Enjoy breakfast and lunch onboard. Post-lunch immigration & customs formalities of Bangladesh will be done.

Chilmari – Rangpur Day Trip

After breakfast, drive to Rangpur (approx. 60 km from Chilmari) one of the largest cities in Bangladesh. Spend the day exploring this “City of Colour.” Visit the domineering Tajhat Palace and Museum, the Dimla Kali Temple, and the Carmichael College. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Return to the ship by evening.

Chilmari (Bangladesh) / Dhubri (India)

Today, enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard, we sail upstream crossing the international riverine border to arrive at Dhubri in the State of Assam for Immigrations and Customs of India. Dhubri is an old town on the bank of the mighty Brahmaputra (as the Jamuna River is known on the Indian side).

Dhubri – Goalpara

After breakfast explore Dhubri town visiting the Gurdwara (Sikh temple) of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib and the nearby pottery village notable for its traditional craft of terracotta. Return to the ship for lunch and sail onward to Goalpara.

Goalpara – Sualkuchi

After breakfast, we drive to visit Sri Surya Pahar, a significant but relatively unknown archaeological site, which has the distinction of possessing valuable cultural remains of three important religions of India: Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism as evident from the innumerable sculptures and other relics that were excavated here. Return to the ship for lunch and sail to Sualkuchi, a textile centre fondly called the "Manchester of Assam."

Sualkuchi – Guwahati

After breakfast, we will visit the silk weaving village in Sualkuchi, which is renowned for the Muga silk, a glossy fabric with fine texture and durability. Return to ship for lunch and sail upstream to arrive at the Pandu Port in Guwahati, a major hub of river transport.

Guwahati – Mayong

After breakfast proceed to visit the ancient Kamakhya Temple (from outside). Dedicated to the goddess Durga, it is an important pilgrimage destination, especially for tantric worshipers. Also, visit the Assam State Museum. Return to ship for lunch further upstream, anchoring near Mayong.

Mayong - Tezpur

We sail further upstream enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard and viewing the riverine countryside along the Brahmaputra River. We arrive by evening at Tezpur, a legendary town whose name translates to the ‘City of Blood,’ a somewhat macabre name, resulting from the legend of Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva waging an epic battle here.

Tezpur - Silghat

After breakfast walk to visit the Cole Park, now called Chitralekha Udyan, a beautiful park established in 1906 by British Deputy Commissioner Mr. Cole. It features two massive ornamented stone pillars and other sculptural remnants of the 9th and 10th centuries. Return to the ship for lunch and sail onward to Silghat.

Silghat - Kaziranga Day Trip

Spend the full day in Kaziranga National Park with morning and afternoon jeep safaris with breakfast and lunch at a local restaurant. A World Heritage Site, Kaziranga hosts two-thirds of the world's Indian rhinoceroses and is home to large breeding populations of elephants, wild water buffalo, swamp deer, and the royal Bengal tiger. It is also recognized as an important bird area for the conservation of avifaunal species.

Silghat – Biswanath Ghat – Dhansiri Mukh

Enjoying breakfast onboard we sail to Biswanath Ghat, popularly called Gupta Kashi due to the cluster of temples of different Gods, like modern-day Varanasi. Visit the Biswanath temple, located at the confluence of the rivers Bridhaganga and Brahmaputra. Return to the ship for lunch and sail onward to Dhansiri Mukh, the confluence of the rivers Dhansiri and Brahmaputra.

Dhansiri Mukh – Majuli

Today we sail full day upstream enjoying breakfast and lunch onboard and arrive at Majuli, a river island in the Brahmaputra. We arrive by the evening at Majuli, which is the abode of the Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture.

Majuli – Nimati Ghat

After breakfast onboard, visit the two notable satras (monasteries) at Majuli. The Kamalabari Satra is a centre of art, culture, literature, and classical studies on the island; while the Auniati Satra has an extensive assortment of ancient Assamese artefacts, utensils, jewellery, and handicrafts preserved in a museum. Return to the ship for lunch and onward to Nimati Ghat. 

Nimati Ghat – Sibsagar Day Trip

After breakfast set out to explore Sibsagar, which was the capital of the Ahom Kingdom of Assam. The place gets its name from the Sibsagar tank, which translates to “Ocean of Shiv.” Visit the Shiva Dol temple, the Talatal Ghar palace and military base, and Rang Ghar, which was the royal sports pavilion. Return to ship for late lunch.

Following breakfast disembark the ship and transfer to the Dibrugarh airport (approx. 4-hrs drive) for onward journey.

Please note this itinerary is also available in reverse, sailing in the opposite direction from Dibrugarh to Varanasi.

Accommodations

Social areas.

Suites & Cabins

Main deck suite.

The Ganga Vilas' Main Deck Suites have soothing interiors with dedicated color palettes, and huge floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows and have been delightfully furnished with contemporary and comfortable furniture. Amenities include an ensuite bathroom with shower, seating area with sofa, writing desk, closets, LED TV, safe, smoke detectors, life vest, and sprinklers. Cozy double beds can be converted to twins as desired.

Main Deck Suite Front

Same as The Ganga Vilas' Main Deck Suites, Main Deck Suites Front have soothing interiors with dedicated color palettes, and huge floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows and have been delightfully furnished with contemporary and comfortable furniture. Amenities include an ensuite bathroom with shower, seating area with sofa, writing desk, closets, LED TV, safe, smoke detectors, life vest, and sprinklers. Cozy double beds can be converted to twins as desired.

Upper Deck Suite

Located on Upper Deck, The most luxurious and spacious suite aboard, with 265 sq. ft. of space, the Upper Deck Suite is a haven of luxury. Embellished with Persian rugs, Burma teak floors and rich tapestry, on-demand movie service, and a writing desk. Bathrooms are as luxurious as the room and are fitted with both spacious bathtubs and shower panels. 

Upper Deck Suite Front

The most luxurious and spacious suite aboard as the Upper Deck Suite but located at the front of the cruise, with 265 sq. ft. of space, the Upper Deck Suite Front is a haven of luxury. Embellished with Persian rugs, Burma teak floors and rich tapestry, on-demand movie service, and a writing desk. Bathrooms are as luxurious as the room and are fitted with both spacious bathtub and shower panels. 

Technical Information

• Air conditioning
• Excercise room
• Massage room
• Lecture room
• WIFI available
• Souvenir shop
• Hot showers
• Charging areas for electronic equipment
• Flash lights
• Water canteen/bottle
• Insect repellent
• Dry Bags/Plastic bags to protect cameras

Related Cruises

MV Bhitarkanika

Kindat Pandaw

Kalaw Pandaw

Katha Pandaw

Ganges Voyager

Bengal Ganga

• I'd like to be contacted via WhatsApp.
• I'd prefer not to be contacted by phone or SMS.
• All non-charter prices displayed are PER PERSON
• The itinerary may be readjusted due to local conditions and days of the week to avoid the closure of monuments/museums.
• Last-minute sailing and touring adjustments may also occur. The schedule may shift due to the weather or to take advantage of unexpected opportunities. The onboard tour staff will announce or post the exact time for each activity.
• No liquor will be served on board the ship from Farakka to Patna and at the hotel in Bodhgaya, as it is prohibited in the region.
• Due to the location on the Ghats and proximity to the holy Ganges, Non-Vegetarian food and Alcoholic Beverages are not served onboard.
• In the region of Varanasi to Bihar (vice versa), no liquor will be served on board, as it is prohibited.
• As per Government regulations, satellite phones & drone cameras are not allowed in Varanasi, please ensure the same, while traveling to Varanasi.
• Special meal requests like vegan, gluten/lactose-free, etc. can be arranged with advance information.

DEAL FLASH: Get Free Flights On The Nov 27 Thanksgiving Amazon Cruise Aboard Zafiro

Luxury Cruises in India for Your next Big Vacation

1. the sunderbans luxury cruise.

2. Kerala Backwater Cruise

3. River Ganges Heritage Cruise

4. Brahmaputra River Cruise

5. Lakshadweep Island Cruise

6. Angriya Cruise

Facilities 

7. costa victoria cruise.

8. Nefertiti Cruise

9. Alaknanda Nordic Cruise Line

10. Andaman Islands Cruise

This post was published by Shubham Jain

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7 Affordable, Yet Best Cruises in India That You Can Actually Experience Right Now!

Opinions on cruises are divided.

Some consider them a massive waste of money and time, abhor their readymade tours and contrived performances and miss the action of the real world while on board. And I have to agree. Those expecting travel experiences out of a cruise are set to be disappointed. You won't be meeting any locals, hunting for new places to see on a map, making impromptu plans or indulging in authentic local flavours, even if you are on some of the best cruises in India .

But for when you need to shut your mind off and hand over the controls to someone else, a cruise makes for an excellent vacation. The only thing you are expected to remember is buffet time. You can spend the rest of the day lying on a deck chair staring at the sea making waves. Perfect for a rejuvenating break.

If you live in this country, here's the list of best cruises in India

National cruises, around the kerala backwaters.

Experience life on a cruise across Alleppey's calm waters. Sit back, sip your drink and look out at the soft ripples, the tall coconut trees and the changing colours of the sky as the sun rises and sets. This cruise in India starts from the pretty Vembanad Lake and takes your through gorgeous stretches of Kerala's backwaters. If you book yourself a ticket to one of this best cruises in India You'll get a chance to de-board and enjoy a Kathakali and Mohiniyattam dance performance, take a short ride on a traditional rice boat, explore a 100-year old Hindu temple and much more!

Cruise liner: Oberoi M.V. Vrinda. The luxury cruise in India has eight spacious and tastefully-designed deluxe rooms, which look out to Kerala 's beautiful backwaters through big windows. Each of the cabins is furnished with a king-sized bed, comfortable furniture, a TV and DVD player and has an attached bathroom with indulgent toiletries.

Duration: 3 days, 2 nights

Route: Vembanad Lake – Alleppey canal – Kanjippadam –Chambakulam – Pallathurathy

Price: Get in touch here for a quote.

Find more details here .

Sundarbans luxury cruise

Cruise through the wonderland that is the Sunderbans – a UNESCO World Heritage Site with thick mangrove forests and Bengal tigers. Dock at Namkhana, which serves as the entrance to the vast delta. Board a small creek boat and tour the exotic islands of Dobanki, Nethidopani, and Sajnekhali. You will also be taken on an excursion to the Sunderban Village, where you can interact with the locals and learn about their way of life.

Cruise liner: M.V. Paramhamsa. With 32 river-facing AC rooms, this four-decked luxury cruise in India has all kinds of facilities such as a gym, steam-cum-sauna rooms, a library, juice counters and even wi-fi! The terrace restaurant offers all kinds of cuisines and even local delicacies.

Duration: 4 days, 3 nights

Route: Kolkata – Namkhana – Sunderbans – Kolkata

Price: Rs 16,200 per person (Luxury); Rs 14,700 (Delux)

Across the North-east

Get a sense of the cultural ethos of India's fabulous north-east as a take a voyage across the many wonders of this upcoming region. The journey includes a visit to Kamakhya Devi Temple, bird watching, dolphin spotting, an experience in tea picking at an estate, a jeep safari at Kaziranga National Park, a boat safari at Majuli Island, a visit to Satara monasteries and many other activities aboard this cruise trip in India.

Cruise liner: MV Mahabaahu. This luxury cruise liner has 23 rooms, each with a balcony! You can pick from rooms, cabins and suites for your accommodation. Locally-sourced ingredients are used to prepare Indian and continental fares onboard one of the finest luxury cruises in India.

Duration: 9 days, 8 nights

Route: Guwahati – Kiriakara – Tezpur – Silghat – Kaziranga – Bishwanath – Bishwanath Ghat – Majuli Island – Nimati – Sibsagar – Jorhat

The Bihar saga

Experience the magic of the river Ganga as you traverse through its serene waters from Kolkata to Bihar. Start with a tour of the city of joy and then make your way to the French Colony of Chandannagar. Onwards to the magnificent temples of Kalna, a city tour of Mayapur and then spend some time engaging with history at Murshidabad. Sail through Farakka Barrage, the longest barrage in the world and slowly cruise towards the beautiful countryside of Jharkand. End this cruise trip in India at Vikramshila, an important centre of Buddhist learning.

Cruise liner: MV Paramhamsa

Duration: 11 days, 10 nights

Route: Kolkata – Chandannagar – Kalna – Mayapur – Murshidabad – Jiaganj – Azimganj – Farakka Barrage – Jharkhand – Bateswarsthan

International cruises

While a few companies such as Azamara Club Cruises , Oceania Cruises , Viking Cruises , Crystal, and Silversea, offer cruises from India, the cost for most runs into thousands of US dollars. A careful scan of cruise prices reveals that an Italian cruise company called Costa Cruise has the cheapest packages for cruises from India aboard its vessel neoClassica.

The neoClassica is a magnificent cruise ship with 654 cabins, two swimming pools, four big hot-tubs, two restaurants and nine bars. For the convenience and pleasure of its guests, the vessel offers a spa, jogging track, arcade, theatre, nightclub, ballroom, patisserie, an outdoor cafe with real trees and much more. In the year 2000, the ship got a makeover with new leather chairs and wood panelling.

Here are some pictures to help you visualise your cruise trip from India aboard the neoClassica:

Here are the two cruises they offer from India.

Mumbai (India) to Venice (Italy)

Duration: 27 days, 26 nights

Route: Mumbai (India) – New Mangalore (India) – Kochi (India) – Malé (Maldives) – Salalah (Oman) – Eilat (Israel) – Aqaba (Jordan) – Heraklion (Greece) – Dubrovnik (Croatia) – Venice (Italy)

Price: Rs 1,04,420 ($ 1595) per person

Book here or here .

Mumbai (India) to Male (Maldives)

Duration: 8 days, 7 nights

Route: Mumbai (India) – New Mangalore (India) – Kochi (India) – Malé (Maldives)

Price: Starts at Rs 47,000 per person

For more details and to make an enquiry about the cruise dates, click here .

Kolkata-based Vivada Cruises also offers a cruise from India to the neighbouring country of Bangladesh. Here are the details:

Kolkata to Bangladesh

Cruise liner: M.V. Paramhamsa

Duration: 14 days, 13 nights

Route: Kolkata – Kalna – Borisal – Chandpur – Sonargaon – Dhaka

Have you ever been on any of these best cruises in India? How was your experience? Did you miss the activity of the real world, or did the lazing around charm you? Write your own travelogue about it and enlighten the 25 million travellers on Tripoto.

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The 4 best cruises to take in India this year

By Ria Gupta

From the early days of exploration to modern luxury liners, sailing has long been a way to see the world from a different perspective. While cruise culture in India is still young, several operators and companies across the country are carving out a niche for themselves by offering new ways to see the country and travel slow and easy. State-of-the-art vessels equipped with modern amenities offer the perfect vantage to enjoy India’s wealth of culture, history and wildlife. From the backwaters of Kerala to the Ganges and Brahmaputra with their bustling ports and historical cities, here is our pick of the four best cruises in India that you can take this year.

Secret of Sunderbans Jungle Cruise by Antara Cruises

Wildlife enthusiasts look no further. The five-day Sunderbans Jungle cruise aboard the Ganges Voyager traces the culture and wildlife along the majestic Hooghly River. The vessel embarks from Kolkata and makes its way towards the fishing port of Namkhana, the gateway to the Sundarbans. The ship cruises past towns and villages till it enters the protected mangrove forests. Hereon, there are stops at various watchtowers and islands for sightings of endangered crocodiles, terrapins, migratory birds and if you are lucky, the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger . The Sundarbans with its unique and fragile biodiversity has a wealth of flora and fauna that will be pointed out by an expert naturalist on board. This apart, there is plenty to take in by way of culture and history—from centuries-old temples to glimpses of local life in the surrounding villages. The days are spent either meandering down the river or excursions onshore, evenings are usually reserved for unwinding over drinks and watching folk dances and musical performances from the region. The Ganges Voyager is an all-suite ship which can accommodate up to 56 guests and is done up in a heritage colonial style with Burma teak, vintage furniture and hand-stencilled walls. There are five categories of rooms across three decks, all of which offer expansive views from floor to ceiling windows or balconies. The ship has a restaurant offering an array of local delicacies as well as Continental fare, a lounge, sun deck and a fitness centre and spa for some quick rejuvenation after a day of sightseeing. 

Fare:  From Rs1,20,000 per person including stay, all onboard activities, onground excursions as per the itinerary, all meals and complimentary yoga sessions. 

Next sailing date:  17 February 2023 

Brahmaputra Maximum by Assam Bengal Navigation

For those who want an immersive dive into the riverine culture of Assam, this 10-night cruise along the Brahmaputra packs it all in. This journey begins at Neamati Ghat which is 1.5 hours from Jorhat Airport. Adventures begin from day two as you sail down the mighty Brahmaputra and witness the river in its splendid flow. Enroute you will stop to see the temples of Sibsagar, the one-time capital of the Ahom kings of Assam; have lunch at an Assamese tea estate; and cruise to Majuli Island for a shore excursion. The cruise follows villages and historical sites along the Brahmaputra till it reaches the boundaries of the Kaziranga National Park. Elephants can be spotted on the banks as well as the park’s most famous denizen, the one-horned rhino, so keep a lookout. Guests will enjoy three jungle safaris across different parts of this expansive and stunning national park. The rest of the days are spent meandering through local markets on rickshaws in Tezpur, visiting temple ruins, river islands and stopping by to learn about Assamese silk weaving in Sualkuchi, the centre of the silk industry in the state. ABN operates its cruises from July to April. The Brahmaputra cruises begin in October. March and April is the best time to spot wildlife. The Brahmaputra Maximum journeys are undertaken in the ABN Sukapha and ABN Charaidew II. ABN Sukapha is a 12-cabin vessel designed especially for the waters of the Brahmaputra, while the ABN Charaidew II is a newer and sprawling 18-cabin addition to the fleet, which cruises faster than others thanks to an extra-shallow draught. The ABN Sukapha is designed as an expedition-style boat with cane and bamboo decor, a dining room, sundeck, a spa and a saloon with a library. The ABN Charaidew II is a colonial-style ship complete with wood and rattan accents, local Assamese art and handloom furnishings. There is a lounge, dining room, spa and expansive sundeck perfect for sunset views and cocktails. The food is locally sourced and buffet-style with an expansive roster of local dishes. 

By CNT Editors

By Arundhati Ail

By Julian Manning

By Shradha Shahani

Fare:  From Rs3,97,512 per person including stay, all onboard activities, onground excursions as per the itinerary, all meals, and airport and hotel pick up and drop. 

Next sailing date:  from 4 February 2023 

Mumbai-Kochi-Lakshadweep-Mumbai cruise by Cordelia Cruises

This five-day round trip from Mumbai covers Kochi and Lakshwadweep packs in a host of onshore and offshore activities and also allows you to party away all your nights at sea. The highlight of the journey falls somewhere between day one and two, when the vessel touches the international waters and the open seas provide fabulous views in all directions. From there, the ship heads to Kochi, where those who opt for land excursions head out to explore popular landmarks of the city such as Fort Kochi, St Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace and more. Day four is a trip to Lakshwadweep, where the ship is anchored and guests disembark via smaller boats to reach Agatti beach. After a grand welcome with a local folk dance performance, guests head out to go scuba diving, snorkelling or kayaking, or simply relax on the beach. Onboard, the ship offers plenty by way of comfort and entertainment. There are cigar lounges, restaurants, multiple bars and a Jacuzzi. Meals include breakfast, lunch, dinner and evening and midnight snacks. Plus there is an all-day food court with street food and nibbles from around the world. Pick from Bollywood dance performances and stand-up comedy shows, make your way to the club that remains open till 5am, or party it up near the pool bar. 

Fare:  Rs1,25,000 for double occupancy including Stay, all onboard activities, access to common areas and all meals.  Separate packages are available for onground activities.

Next sailing date:  6 February 2023 

Backwater cruise by Spice Coast Cruises by CGH earth

Explore the backwater life in a kettuvallam. These traditional boats were once used to ferry grain and spices and have been refurbished with modern amenities while keeping their bamboo and coir frame intact. The cruises by CGH Earth take a round trip from Alleppey to Kumarakom on the Vembanad Lake. A one-night journey is perfect for a quick introduction to the backwaters. On longer journeys, the boat docks at the banks for guided tours that explore the local life and culture. You can cycle through village roads, try your hands at toddy tapping, watch the local fishermen at work, or wander around the paddy fields. There are plenty of local markets to explore and smaller wooden canoes to paddle through the narrow canals. Onboard, the food is a mix of local fare including freshly caught karimeen from the lake cooked in the local style with plenty of chillies and coconut and accompanied by kuttanadan red rice, lentils and greens.

Fare:  Rs22,000 for double occupancy including stay, onground excursions as per the itinerary and all meals during offseason months (March to January).

Next sailing date : Flexible (as per booking) 

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India Cruises

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Luxury Cruises to India

On luxury cruises to India with Celebrity, you’ll sail the ancient spice routes along the subcontinent’s western shores, bringing you to some of India’s best port destinations and natural wonders. Savor deliciously spiced curries, explore ancient Hindu temples, and learn about India’s rich history.

Unwind on the golden beaches of Goa, where spice plantations, colonial Portuguese architecture, and a laidback lifestyle await. You’ll sail to Cochin, where you can explore the former fort area that’s now a bustling, historic old town. Discover busy Mumbai, a city packed with historic buildings, fine restaurants, and Bollywood glamor. Celebrity brings you luxury, comfort, and world-class service on any of these fabulous cruises to India.

India Cruise Highlights

Ancient cultures.

On cruises to India, you’ll immerse yourself in ancient cultural traditions that include yoga, European-influenced old town districts, and iconic holy sites representing the many facets of Hinduism. Experience a cultural heritage that dates back millennia as you discover rugged fortresses, colorful temples, bohemian beach culture, and modern urban cosmopolitan life.

Breathtaking Landscapes

From dense rainforests and jungles to white-sand beaches, fishing villages, and wildlife sanctuaries, cruises to India bring you to some of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth. Take a yoga class on the sun-soaked sands of Goa, or hike to the cave temples at Elephanta Island just outside Mumbai. While in Cochin, cruise along the famous Alappuzha waterways via traditional rice barge to admire southern India’s lush green rural splendor first-hand.

Delicious Cuisine

Indian cuisine is famous the world over for its variety of spices, flavors, and regional diversity in dishes. On cruises to India with Celebrity, you’ll taste a wide cross-section of foods like a batata vada in Mumbai, made with mashed potatoes, chilis, turmeric, ginger, and garlic. Sample delicious southern Indian dishes like Kerala prawn curry made with a sumptuous ginger-garlic coconut paste with tamarind pulp. Snack on chapati flatbread covered with fresh paneer cheese from street stalls near the beaches in Goa for a local treat and comfort food.

India Cruise Ports

Cochin is a popular destination in southwest India known for its rich culture and culinary diversity. Spend the day in Fort Cochin, the historic old town that was once home to Portuguese military defenses and is now a popular attraction for visitors to the city. Discover 16th-century European architecture, churches, traditional cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, and the site where famed explorer Vasco de Gama was first buried. Have a chai tea as you walk through the hip, arty Mattancherry district, then learn about the history of Judaism’s role in India at the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest in the British Commonwealth of Nations.

Mumbai is India’s most populous, vibrant, and cosmopolitan city that offers incredible experiences for travelers on luxury cruises to India. Take a stroll or a ride along the sweeping seaside promenade of Marine Drive, which connects much of the city’s main attractions and historic sites towards Mumbai’s south. Stop in for a meditation session at the Global Vipassana Pagoda, a gorgeous, golden-colored Buddhist temple surrounded by beautiful deep-green nature and walking paths. Head to the historic Gateway of India, an iconic towering arch built over 100 years ago to commemorate the arrival of Britain’s King George V and Queen Mary on their first visit to India.

Known as India’s most popular beach destination, Goa offers visitors a laid-back coastal culture with great surfing, hiking, yoga, and healthy dining options. Pay a visit to the Mangeshi Temple, where you’ll find intricately carved shrines and statues to Hindu deities and an incredibly ornate antique chandelier that draws visitors into the main temple hall. Take a break in the sun on beautiful Baga Beach, where you can swim and surf, shop for hand-made bracelets and tapestries or enjoy a spicy curry and an ice-cold beer with your toes in the sand.

India Cruise Itineraries

Our luxury cruises to India offer itineraries with 12 or 13 nights’ cruising including three or four days at sea. These cruises are one-way and start and end in either Singapore or Mumbai, typically stopping in six ports and including one overnight stop in either of those cities, as well as Cochin, India, and Colombo, Sri Lanka. These fabulous cruises to India sail between November and March with departures throughout the week. Other stops along the way include exciting ports in Malaysia and Thailand.

Itineraries

Why cruise to india with celebrity cruises.

Experience the best in luxury cruises to India aboard the revolutionized Celebrity Millennium. You’ll sail to exhilarating big city ports, discover charming historic old town districts, visit tropical jungles, and then relax on the sand as you bask in the warm sunshine.

While on board, enjoy world-class dining experiences with Italian flavors at Tuscan Grille, or a modern take on traditional Japanese fare at Sushi on Five. Try The Retreat for exclusive, all-suite accommodation and private lounge and dining access. Catch the last hours of daylight with spectacular vistas from the Sunset Bar, and spend your days at sea cooling off in the pool or enjoying a holistic wellness treatment and massage session at The Spa.

View All Cruises to India

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Cordelia Cruises: India’s largest premium cruise line

Cordelia Cruises by Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt. Ltd. is India’s only largest premium cruise line. True to its name, Cordelia Cruises aspires to promote and drive the cruise culture in India through experiences that are rich, utterly comfortable, stylish and most importantly and predominantly, Indian.

It is a cruise for Indians catering to the way Indians love to holiday.

With a vast coastline of 7,500 kilometres spread over a population of over 1.4 Billion, Cordelia Cruises taps on the limitless potential India , as a country, has when it comes to cruising and nautical tourism in India.

Cordelia Cruises

India is a land of diverse culture and traditions. Being the only domestic cruise line in the country operating solely on the principle of “Indianness”, Cordelia Cruises caters to its Indian audience like no other. From dishes that are curated by some of the great chefs in India to offering entertainment that beautifully incorporates the Indian culture , starting right from a 90 minute Indian broadway curated especially for Indian audiences to a plethora of shows that showcase the diverse Indian culture along with some great bollywood acts, illusionist, magic acts and more performed by world famous and well known Indian artists, making the whole experience the best of both worlds, Cordelia Cruises know what their guests want.

According to them, the Indian guests come to experience luxurious hospitality, to enjoy holidays that are far from the ordinary and have an element of curiosity and uniqueness to them. Families, couples, youngsters, single travellers, etcetera, everyone wants to be on the move, explore in style, and Cordelia Cruises cater to that aspect exquisitely. At Cordelia , they have created a world that is filled with an experience rich in Indian culture along with stellar activities, entertainment, food and more, that are nearly impossible to get under one roof anywhere in the world.

Additionally, they have several exciting itineraries to suit different schedules and requirements. Whether it is a quick weekend getaway or a long haul on the sea, Cordelia has something for everyone and all their itineraries are carefully curated to suit all age groups.

Over the past 12 months and more, Cordelia Cruises has flourishingly completed 100+ sailings along both the east and the west coast of India , has covered 7 ports in total including Kochi, Goa, Mumbai, Lakshadweep, Visakhapatnam, and Chennai , and has done more than 300 shows while serving 100,000 plus guests on The Empress by Cordelia Cruises.

Providing a space to commemorate the beautifully diverse Indian culture and their traditions, Cordelia Cruises have also lined up a great set of activities and festival celebrations onboard as India and Indians welcome the cruise line with open arms. Starting with the Navratri celebrations all the way to Christmas and New Years, Cordelia has a lot in store for its audience.

Said and done, at Cordelia Cruises , it is all about the best entertainment, delicious cuisines and at the heart of it all- is to create an experience for a lifetime. The aim is to meet customers’ expectations of a perfect cruise and provide them with an experience that is all about comfort, exclusivity and novelty (with Indianness lying at the core of it all).

For more information visit the website: https://www.cordeliacruises.com/

Don’t miss more cruise updates, news and  reviews on Cruising Journal  with photos, videos and cruises on offer.

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World’s Biggest Cruise ‘Icon of the Seas’ to Sail in 2024; A Ride May Cost Upto Rs 2 Lakhs

Curated By : Riya Ashok Madayi

Last Updated: July 14, 2023, 16:16 IST

Mumbai, India

The Icon of the Seas, which will be the largest cruise ship in the world, is scheduled to set sail for the first time in January 2024 and have a capacity of approximately 8,000 people. (Image: Instagram)

The biggest cruise in the world is scheduled to set sail the next year and you might be startled by how much a trip will cost.

Planning a trip is always thrilling, and learning about new innovations in the travel industry has always been fascinating. Who wouldn’t desire a lavish, once-in-a-lifetime sort of endure? ‘Icon Of The Seas’ provides just that, in fact. Up to 5,610 guests and 2,350 staff members will be able to board the largest cruise ship in the world, which is about 1,200 feet (366 metres) long and has 19–20 stories. The ship, which offers both an exciting experience and a luxurious voyage, is ready to take sail in the first quarter of 2019.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Royal Caribbean Australia & NZ (@royalcaribbeanaunz)

How much does it cost to travel on this opulent cruise? According to their official website, the cost of travel for a cruise that departs from Miami, Florida for 7 nights in the Western Caribbean and a Perfect Day excursion ranges from USD 1,851 (Rs 1,55,145) to USD 1.913 (Rs 2,05,003) per person. The cost may change, though, depending on the season.

The ship is incredibly long, but it also includes a lot of amenities that make the trip for the passengers interesting and exciting. It touts having “the largest marine waterpark with six world-record slides. as the Pressure Drop, the first open freefall waterslide on a cruise, and the Frightening Bolt, the tallest waterslide to sail. The ship also includes nine whirlpools and seven pools. However, for those who aren’t into water parks or adventure sports, this cruise redefines relaxing vacations like never before with ‘next-level’ views at various heights of its 19+ floors, over 15 buzzing activity centres, live music venues, and up to 20 different dining options that satisfy a variety of palates.

The ship offers a club-themed Hideaway where you may unwind, evoking the vibes of Mallorca and Mykonos. Additionally, it has a suspended infinity pool, which was the first of its kind at the ocean. With its breathtaking scenery, this trademark pool is the first of its type. Certainly, there have been many comments and comparisons made about this enormous ship on Twitter. The most common analogy is to the Titanic.

james cameron is about to turn the titanic movie into a trilogy after this year https://t.co/GKC5KF2cXt — jess⁷ (@butjesswhy) July 10, 2023

Despite the doubters, this ship is truly a sight to behold.

Top 7 Amazing and Luxury Cruise Lines of India

The entire India is connect with rivers, serene backwaters, lagoons and sea. Cruising in India is the wonderful way of exploring aquatic life, unique ecosystem and marine fauna in a peaceful manner.

Angriya – Mumbai To Goa

Angriya is the India’s first luxury cruise that sail from Mumbai to Goa. The luxury cruise ship features dance floor, spa, restaurants, pool, deluxe rooms and luxury suites that accommodate 399 passengers.

Travel time of cruise from Mumbai to Goa is 14 hours and tickets price range between 7000 to 12000. The journey from Mumbai starts at 4 pm and reaching Goa by 9 am next day offering both sunrise and sunset during the journey.

Nefertiti – Kochi To Kozhikode

Kerala is all set to launch ultra luxurious cruise ship Nefertiti to promote cruise tourism in India. The Egyptian themed luxury vessel will be launched in October end from Kochi to Kozhikode, as part of the cruise tourism in Kerala .

Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda Cruise – Alleppey Backwaters

Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda Cruise sailing through the serene waters of backwaters of Kerala and let you explore the beauty of God’s own country. The five star vessel offers the best experience of the picturesque backwaters of Kerala and romantic holiday night journey.

How can I go to Andaman by Sea?

Andaman Islands is the must visit tourist place in India and the sea cruise rides across the Bay of Bengal offer the memorable trip. The cruise to Andaman only available from the ports of Kolkata, Vizag, and Chennai that operates MV Nicobar, MV Swaraj Dweep,MV Harshavardhana, MV Nancowry type cruises once a week.

MV. Harshavardhana – Cruises to Andaman

Most popular sea routes for the cruises to Andaman are from Kolkata, Vizag, and Chennai, These are non luxury cruise liners meant to transport passengers with all the basis facility and cost you around 5600 INR per person in first class cabin.

MV. Mahabaahu – Brahmaputra River Cruise

The luxurious MV. Mahabaahu Brahmaputra river cruise offers the opportunity to explore India’s most fascinating and diverse states, Assam by river cruise. The ship host private balconies, swimming pool and all modern safety features and the cruise sail to greatest river island and near by the Kaziranga National Park.

M.V. Paramhamsa – Sunderbans Cruise

Sunderbans cruise is the most amazing cruises in India that sail over the mangrove forest and river delta. The delta- estuarine national park of Sunderbans is home to list of mysterious wild animals such as swamp tiger, saltwater crocodiles and unique birdlife.

Alaknanda – Gange River Cruise

Alaknanda is another luxury cruise vessel launched in Varanasi over river Ganga , The vessel is the first ever luxury cruise in Varanasi that roams around the ghats with sunrise and sunset and Ganga aarti in the evening.

What are the Sea Ports to promote Cruise Tourism in India?

Top five major ports of the country have been selected to promote Cruise Tourism in India. The facility and infrastructure will be build as cruise terminals at Cochin, Mumbai, Goa, Chennai and New Mangalore Port .

Lakshadweep Cruise, cruise port of Mangalore and Goa Cruise Destinations are few more popular destinations in India to promote Cruise Tourism .

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Things to do on a cruise to india.

India is one of the world’s oldest civilizations, stretching back five thousand years. Modern day India is filled with amazing culture and a welcoming experience for everyone. From relaxing and reflecting to site seeing, India is sure to charm. Here are some of the best featured ways to spend your time cruising to India:

• A visit to one of the most impressive Mughal architecture in history, the Taj Mahal, is a must see. Built of shimmering marble, this mausoleum was commissioned out of love by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife.  
• Visit Humayun’s Tomb, built in the 1500’s for Emperor Humayun by his wife. The structure is built entirely of gorgeous red sandstone with white marble peeking through. This mausoleum is what inspired the construction of the amazing Taj Mahal.  

• Ride along on a camel back for the best way to travel through the deserts of India. Spending a day here is amazing, but being able to see the stars at night is absolutely breath taking. There are also a few festivals in the desert areas; Pushkar’s Fascinating Camel Fair and the Jaisalmer’s Desert Festival.  
• Dive into the Indian culture by experiencing a one of a kind festival called the Durga Puja. This is one of the largest cultural and religious festivals filled with loud noises and bright colors. Other fantastic festivals to look out for are the Diwali, Ganesha Chaturthi and the Kumbh Mela.  

• Take a chance to explore the native flora and fauna in the 70 national parks, 17 biosphere reserves and over 400 wildlife sanctuaries that all reside in India. Look out for the Indian tiger and the Asian elephant that can still be found in certain regions.  
• Explore the temples that can be found all over India, 108 to be exact, including the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium. This enormous structure can hold over 10,000 people leaving an amazing impression of the village of Mayapur.  

Map of India:

Top 10 india cruises.

• Ganges Voyager II 12 Night India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges (2024) Departing From Delhi, India (Sep 2024 - Nov 2024)
• Anthem of the Seas 14 NIGHT SPICE ROUTE CRUISE Departing From Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Nov 2024)
• Ganges Voyager II 12 Night India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges (2025) Departing From Delhi, India (Jan 2025 - Dec 2025)
• Voyager of the Seas 14 NIGHT DUBAI TO SINGAPORE CRUISE Departing From Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Nov 2025)

India: Cruise Lines

India is an amazing country that provides both cultural and environmental experiences that can only be found in this region of the world.  From ancient temples, cultural shows to wildlife preserves, there is sure to be something for everyone to explore.  All of these incredible experiences can be found when cruising through India on a river cruise. 

Royal Caribbean International is known for ships with a wow factor. From ice skating rinks to zip lines, if you can think of it, you can find it on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Sail through the world’s rivers in the poshest ships on the river, Uniworld’s boutique ships are designed to inspire, excite and revive your spirit.

India: Departure Ports

When looking to explore different areas of the amazing country of India, there is no better way to see it all than on a river cruise.  To begin your journey, you will embark from New Delhi and end in Kolkata.  These ports offer an array of exciting and unique items to be explored from cultural events to endangered wildlife.     

Delhi, India

Towering forts, ornate mosques and a vibrant culture invite your new adventures in Delhi.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is a modern city that people from all nationalities flock towards to indulge in designer clothes, fancy hotels and the high life.

Photo Gallery for India Cruises

Browse our India cruises photo gallery and imagine the possibilities for your own vacation to India cruising along the Ganges River. To plan your perfect cruise to India, contact one of our expert consultants today. 

A painted elephant at the festival, Jaipur, India

A view of holy ghats of Varanasi, India

Beautiful Indian woman, Rajasthan, India

An Indian Deity Goddess Durga, India

Astronomical instrument at Jantar Mantar, India

Camel at the Pushkar Fair, Rajasthan, India

Hindu temple, Meenakshi Temple, Madurai, India

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• 10 Ultimate Destinations For Boat And Cruise Vacations In India

23 Nov 2023

Escape from the bustling city streets to languid rivers and soak yourself in riverside villages, explore the sacred spots and ancient heritage. Dwell in the cacophony of sights as nature captivates you and intrigues your senses. This holiday, spend some time over the glinting waves. And thinking of rivers and sea, did a cruise cross your mind? Read on to find out more about cruise vacations in India !

Top 10 Cruise Vacations In India

India is a land full of beautiful destinations. Cruise vacations in India are truly spectacular. Read further to know more about where you can head for your next cruise holidays in India and plan the perfect one for yourself. 

• The Golden Triangle Cruise : Exciting Affair
• Andaman Islands Glass Bottom Cruise : Ignited Wanderlust
• Chilika Lake Cruise : Seamless Travel
• Kochi Cruise : Inspired Travelling
• Goa Cruise : Lustrous Entertainment
• Dibru Saikhowa River Cruise : Escalated Excitement
• Brahmaputra River Cruise : Enchanting Cruise
• Sunderbans Boat Cruise : Breathtaking Beauty  
• Kerala Backwater Cruise : Picturesque Rivers
• Ganges River Cruise : Scenic History

1. The Golden Triangle Cruise: Exciting Affair

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There are many cruises from India, but planning a luxuriously royal 12-night cruise vacation in India is one that cannot be missed. The trip starts from New Delhi to Kolkata along with the heritage sites into the sacred Ganges. A land-water tour with 7 nights onboard & 6 nights on land accommodation provided by Oberoi Hotels at New Delhi, Agra & Jaipur. An experience of a kind in India, the cruise is absolute bliss for water lovers with pampering experiences throughout the trip. Have an amazing time with your folks on this cruise journey in India.

Location : New Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Kolkata Duration : 6 nights on land and 7 nights onboard Specialty: Tour of majestic monuments, Islamic influence, and amazing artisan work Price: INR 2000 onwards

Must Read: 16 Out-Of-The-World Things To Do On The Golden Triangle Tour

Looking To Book A Holiday Package?

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Himachal Family Tour Package 4D/3N @ Rs 8,750

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Exciting Andaman Family Trip 5D/4N @ Rs 10,250

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Gangtok & Darjeeling Tour Package 5D/4N @ Rs 13,000

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Wonderful Goa Family Package 3D/2N @ Rs 6,500

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Riveting Rajasthan Vacation 3D/2N Package @ Rs 6,499

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2. Andaman Islands Glass Bottom Cruise: Ignited Wanderlust

On the list of the most wonderful cruise vacations in India , Andaman is our second. Andaman is a haven for beach lovers and divers, and a cruise to Andaman is sure not to miss. This cruise from India lets you sail on the glass bottom boats offering spectacular views of exquisite colorful corals along the strong waves to exotic islands like Jolly Buoy & Neil Island . Pamper your loved ones by booking them this cruise vacation packages .

Location : Andaman Duration : 5 Days/4 Nights Specialty: tour the magnificent beauty of Andaman & witness the most exotic views Price: INR 500 onwards

3. Chilika Lake Cruise: Seamless Travel

A hidden picturesque destination for a soothing cruise vacation in India is the Chilka Lake in the Bay of Bengal. About 60 km from Puri, it is a popular spot amongst birdwatchers. The cruise lets you glide through the azure waters to watch migratory birds like herons, falcons & spot-billed pelicans and stops at Rajahamsa Beach where you can also spot dolphins. Excited to go on one of the best cruise trips in India?

Location : Puri, Odisha Duration : 3 hours Specialty: Meet the dolphins & breathe amidst the soothing sceneries Price: INR 18,000 onwards

Suggested Read: 12 Romantic Places In Kochi Perfect For Date Evenings And Staycations

4. Kochi Cruise: Inspired Travelling

Fancy a sail along the glinting waves of the sea as the breeze sways you along? Head to Kochi – the most popular beach cruise destination in India. With perfect weather, almost all around the year, and frequent travelers, Kochi offers a variety of cruises to choose from as per your duration and budget. Moreover, this cruise in India offers traditional delicacies onboard. Have a great laid-back vacation as you gorge on some local delicacies on this cruise ship in India .

Location : Kochi Duration : 2 hours Specialty: breathe through the charismatic beauty of Kerala & experience the best sunsets Price: INR 1,000 onwards

5. Goa Cruise: Lustrous Entertainment

Goa has been a famous tourist destination for river or sea cruises owing to the plethora of choices when it comes to cruises in Goa . With cultural entertainment, beer & buffet cruise down the Mandovi River into the Zuari bay while you enjoy the spectacular sunset with your loved ones on the luminous waters of the Goa or dance along the full day cruise into the moonlit night with your love. You can also take the famous and super exciting Goa to Mumbai cruise that will let you relish world-class hospitality, great food, and excellent entertainment. Book this Goa cruise vacation and surprise your partner.

Location : Goa Duration : Varies from cruise to cruise  Specialty: have a tour of the Goan villages, with mangroves on both the sides Price: INR 6,500 onwards

Suggested Read: 101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30

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6. Dibru Saikhowa River Cruise: Escalated Excitement

Home to some of the rare and endemic species of India like the White-winged wood duck, bright-colored horses, slow loris, and more; the spectacular destination is a perfect water-wildlife adventure getaway in India. So, if you are a nature lover and do not think twice but plan a vacation to this amazing land in India. Don’t dare to miss out on this one of the best cruise holidays India.

Location : Dibru Saikhowa  Duration : 1 Day Specialty: meet the Feral horses and white-winged wood ducks Price: INR 2,000 onwards

7. Brahmaputra River Cruise: Enchanting Cruise

Embark on a cruise on the mighty Brahmaputra River for one of the most incredible river journeys and discover the enchanting countryside, the rural villages, marvelous birdlife, spot the occasional Gangetic Dolphins, and gaze at mesmerizing views of the riverside. To add to the river cruise experience is the scrumptious cuisine served on board. So, what are you waiting for? Hop into the best cruise holidays around India this year.

Location : Guwahati Duration : 2-3 hours (Dinner Cruise) Specialty: Head to the most unique wildlife destinations and meet the one-horned rhinos Price: INR 500 onwards

Suggested Read: Mumbai To Bangkok On A Cruise: 16 Days, 5 Countries, & An Incredible Experience

8. Sunderbans Boat Cruise: Breathtaking Beauty

Are you an adventure enthusiast, and a nature lover? Think of a cruise ship tour in India that takes you across the thick mangrove forests and winding rivers in the largest delta! Sunderban cruise offers spectacular views of the breathtaking beauty of the tiger reserve with a melange of diversity to witness. Sunderban Boat cruise is absolute riverine bliss! Book this cruise and have an amazing vacation with your folks. Sundarbans holidays are believed to be amongst the best cruise vacations in India .

Location : Kolkata Duration : 4 Days/3 Nights Specialty: Experience the most amazing views and relish luxurious amenities Price: INR 3,000 onwards

9. Kerala Backwater Cruise: Picturesque Rivers

How can we talk of cruise trips within India and not mention Kerala? It goes without saying that the backwaters of Kerala are a popular cruise destination in India. Sailing through the traditional rice cultivating villages of India, the cruises offer a chance to enjoy the authentic South Indian cuisine & dwell in the picturesque riversides surrounded by sites & sounds of mudskippers, kingfishers, turtles, frogs & crabs. Head soon to explore the paradisiacal land of Kerala.

Location : Alleppey, Kerala Duration : 3 Days/2 Nights Specialty: tour most of Kerala & enjoy the soothing sunsets Price: INR 7,000 onwards

Suggested Read: 30 Budget Trips In India For That Pocket-Friendly Escape

10. Ganges River Cruise: Scenic History

Take a cruise tour in India in the holy waters of the river Ganges between Kolkata and Farakka for a historically scenic splendor. Dotted with monuments all along the way into the small villages & towns the cruise takes you back into a cultural & historical spell. We bet it is going to be one amazing vacation for you and your folks.

Location : Kolkata Duration : 11 Days/10 Nights Specialty: Enjoy a taste of royalty & experience the best amenities Price: INR 1,200 onwards

Further Read: Jalesh Cruise: Get Aboard The Most Entertaining Cruise In India

Enough of road trips, railway transports, and air travels, it’s time to explore the India waterways. Excited enough to explore India over water on your next trip? Plan your summer escapes soon, as the soaring temperature is just around the corner. Hurry! So, get packed, pick this list of cruise vacations in India, plan a trip to one of your favorite Indian destinations and head to enjoy a cool and refreshing cruise vacation.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cruises in India

What are the best cruise vacations in India?

The Golden Triangle Cruise, Kerala Backwater Cruise, Ganges River Cruise, Chilika Lake Cruise, and the Andaman Islands Glass Bottom Cruise are some of the best destinations for a cruise trip.

Has the Mumbai Goa cruise started?

Yes, the booking for Mumbai Goa cruises has been started. It is a luxuriating 7-deck, passenger ship. But do make sure you adhere to the social distancing norms laid by the government & take all the listed precautions for your safety.

Which is the best cruise in India?

India has numerous amazing cruises but the best cruises in India include Sunderbans luxury cruises, Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda Cruise, and River Ganges Heritage Cruise.

How big is a cruise ship?

The size of the cruises varies from one ship to another. The 25th ship in Royal Caribbean Fleet called the Symphony of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world that weighs over 228,081 tonnes.

Is there any cruise from India?

If you are asking about an international cruise from India, there is one between Mumbai and Male. The seven-night course starts from Mumbai and sets sail to Cochin for the first four days of the trip. For the next three days, you will enjoy cruising on the waters that bring you to Male.

What is the fare of the cruise from Mumbai to Goa?

The cruise trip cost in India depends on various inclusions and exclusions. The luxury Angriya cruise from Mumbai to Goa costs between INR 4,500 to INR 7,500 per person for a dorm room. You will have to pay INR 2,000 extra for food which includes buffet dinner and breakfast, tea, coffee, and snacks on this cruise from Mumbai.

Which deck is better on a cruise?

If you are worried about motion sickness, then you are advised to take a lower deck which is also centrally located. The cabins and deck located at the front will rock and roll the most.

Is there any cruise from India to the Maldives?

Yes, there is. It originates from Mumbai or you can even board the cruise from Kochi. The average price per person for the cruise is INR 31,000. So get set to book your cruise & prepare yourself for an exciting vacation.

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Top 5 Luxury Cruises in India

Even for the most affluent of the individuals, who might have experienced top of the line luxury and extravagance, the allure of a luxury cruise is undeniable. The amazing services, combined with the close emphasis on detail and priority for the satisfaction and enjoyment for the guests is something which cannot be ignored in case of these cruise ships when they are compared to the ordinary liners. There was a time when luxury cruises was some kind of a dream for an ordinary individual and only few could afford this extravaganza.

However, with the introduction of Luxury Cruises within the exotic locales of India, this dream became much more accessible.

Some of these liners, such as The Oberoi MV Vrinda, River Ganges Heritage Cruise, and The Sunderbans Luxury Cruise etc. have over the time gained much popularity within the tourist community for their excellent services, amazing comfort and abundant leisure to provide the visitors an incredible time that will remain indelible from their mind for a long time.

So, in addition to the luxury cruises mentioned above, which are the other ships in the line for such an incomparable indulgent experience on the waters of India and in the wonderfully exquisite locations? Let’s find out the Top 5 Luxury Cruises in India in the following article.

Sunderbans Luxury Cruise

The Sunderbans is one of the largest reserve of mangrove ecosystem and a declared 1985 UNESCO World heritage site. Being one of the most beautiful places on Earth, the location is a heaven of tremendous natural beauty, astonishing sites, exotic wildlife with a varied diversity of birds, reptiles, invertebrate species and of course the Royal Bengal Tiger and numerous water channels, creeks and streams flowing through its extensive area.

A sojourn through this incredible wealth of nature combined with memorable creek rides, thrilling forest walks, exploratory visits to fishermen’s coves and adventurous stopovers at the watch towers is one of the most cherished wishes for many. Bringing you this magical and exciting trip subdued in amazing luxury and amenities is Sunderbans Luxury Cruise. The fabulous excursion takes you through rambling water channels and creeks, into the serenity of the forests and letting you soak in the incredible ambience. This memorable journey is attended by an excellent hospitality ministered by expert chefs who take care of your appetite and are there to serve your taste buds by bringing you dishes of the recipes from all over the world.

Moreover, there is a facility of a gym, while soothing your nerves and muscles is the exclusive Ayurveda treatment and massage parlor. Moreover, there is also a library and a bar, a conference room with internet facilities and fax to enable travelers, both leisure and corporate, to have a useful and relaxing time. M.V. Paramhansa, the cruise letting you enjoy the beauty of Sunderbans is a spacious vessel, approximately 53 m in length with a total number of 32 cabins. All the rooms come with air condition and has the facility of attached bathrooms for the convenience of the guests. With 12 luxury rooms on the first deck and 20 deluxe rooms on the main deck, other attached amenities include a telephone, tea and coffee maker, ample reading stuff and also an emergency kit. With such a marvelous reception, comfort and luxury in such a wonderful setting is definitely an experience of a lifetime.

[Plan your Sunderbans Cruise ]  

The Oberoi M.V. Vrinda Cruise

The  Oberoi M.V  Vrinda is one of the most luxurious, private accommodations available on the backwaters of Kerala. Decked with fully furnished deluxe cabins with king-sized beds, paneled with shining teak flooring and filled with natural light, these cabins have been designed keeping the comfort and convenience of the guests in mind and are fixed with all the latest equipment and provided with top of the level services. These include a 42” LCD television, a DVD player, an electronic safe and internationally compatible plug points as well as other complimentary service include a 24-hour personal butler, hi-speed Wi-Fi and an in house entertainment system.

The in-house restaurant is a wonderful, all day long eating space, filled with natural light and refreshing air. For the entertainment of the guests, an exquisite seating arrangement is done and they are treated to traditional dance and musical performances.

Guests can book the whole boat or a small conference or seminar room for the business and corporate meetings. The Oberoi M V Vrinda Cruise takes you along through the largest backwater stretch, i.e. the Vembanad Lake, the vibrant waterways of Allepy. Within such a beautiful and wonderful settings and conducted with such luxuries and facilities, cruising with The Oberoi M V Vrinda is an experience worth being etched in your mind forever.

[Plan your Oberoi Vrinda Cruise ]

River Ganges Heritage Cruise

One of the greatest heritage and luxury cruises, taking you along one of the greatest rivers in the world-The Ganges, M.V Paramhansa, the luxury cruise ship, is all about grandeur, comfort and style, letting you soak the amazing local ambience around the India’s most sacred river.

The exquisite  hospitality on board will strike a chord with the guests as the ship with its 32 spacious, fully furnished rooms with latest of facilities like a telephone connection, reading material, tea and coffee maker etc. will make the guests enjoy the best of their leisure time and will be able to sufficiently relax and unwind themselves.

Almost all the needs of a luxury vessel has been taken care of in the ship as tourists are treated to the convenience of massage parlor, a gym and a modern library. Travelling by the cruise, one will enjoy an easy pace of life on board with amenities of international standards. On the other hand, for the pleasure of the taste buds, the chefs on the ship will prepare for you some the most appetizing, delectable multi-cuisine dishes for the best of experiences.

Itinerary of the cruise covers several sites of the eastern part of India which lies along the banks of the Ganges. Tourists will get to see the famous battlefield of Plassey, the sacred site of Navadvip, experience the elegant French ambience of Chandanagar, while they will also sail through the popular and historic cities and town of Kolkata, Dakshineshwar, Belur, Kalna, Mayapur and Murshidabad as well. The Ganges is considered holy for Hindus and has been a cradle for a major civilization of the world.

Thus, taking a cruise over this amazing and timeless river is one of the most incredible adventures of a lifetime.

 [Book your stay at River Ganges Heritage Cruise ]

M.V Mahabaahu Cruise

M.V Mahabaahu is a supremely luxury expedition on the mighty Bharamaputra river which flows through the state of Assam and drains into Bay of Bengal. The river spans from 3 to 40 kilometers through Assam and flows under the shadow of the mighty eastern Himalayas, some of which reach a height of imposing 7,400 meters. Visitors get to experience excellent luxury along with the natural beauty around the river within the comfort of two suites, nine superior cabins with attached balconies and 12 superior cabins without balconies.

The cruise takes the guests across a range of attractions some of which are beautiful forests, exotic sights, rice paddies of Assam and exquisite Buddhist monasteries and Hindu gurukuls, carrying a tradition of indigenous method of teaching for over 5,000 years. The ship is 55m long and 10 m wide and has 5 decks including one inside the hull and a top deck which is open to sun.

The MV Mahabahu was awarded the Tourism Award for 2012 by the CNBC News Channel. Whether a guest chooses three, five or seven nights down or upstream, they are treated with excellent hospitality and served with some of the most savory, multi-cuisine dishes.

Moreover, under the guidance of experienced senior officials, guests can explore the region, browse the ship’s own well-stocked library, enjoy the relaxing board games or even ease off in the ship’s rejuvenating health spas, message facilities and a range of other indulging treatments.

[Book your MV Mahabaahu Cruise Holiday ]

Lakshadweep Cruise

Lakshawadweep is one of the most exotic destinations in India rich with amazing diversity of marine life and astonishing sights with expansive sandy beaches, clear and azure sea water and incredible range of the flora and fauna. Making you experience these exquisite views and extraordinary beauty with incomparable comfort is M.V. Kavarati, the fabulous cruise ship designed especially for the Lakshadweep Islands to promote tourism.

The 120 meter long ship with a total carrying capacity of 700 passengers and 200 tons of cargo is the largest passenger vessel ever created in India that is built with a total estimated cost of Rs. 173 crore INR. A modern liner fixed with latest comforts and amenities, the ship has a world-class 152-seater cafeteria, a 100-seater dining hall, a gymnasium, a recreation room and a large airspace for the best of the cruise experiences for the guests.

The vessel has in total of 100 Deluxe Berths and 70 First Class Berths that accommodate enough guests according to their convenience and comfort. Built by Hindustan Shipyard, Vishakapatnam, the ship has a robust structure and a comfortable make up with elegant international standard services. It has independent galleys, halls, swimming pool and a helipad.

The guests are treated to some really delectable and mouthwatering dishes to let them have a memorable journey. Besides, there is a facility of on-call entertainment, doctor on-call, and upper deck promenade as well. Lakshwadeep has in total of 36 islands and is located about 220 km from the Kerala’s Malabar Coast.

It is one of the most popular tourist destination and an exotic traveler’s paradise. In addition to the this amazing cruise, travelers can enjoy numerous water sporting activities like boating, kayaking, jet skis, sea swimming, snorkeling and deep sea diving at Lakshwadeep. With such an incredible expedition along with stunningly beautiful views and in the lap of extraordinary luxury is an experience which is hard to miss.

[Book your luxury cruises holidays in India at IndianLuxuryTrains.com ]

Related Post  40 Awesome Ideas for Luxury Holidays in India

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Oceania Cruises' Marina is one of 12 ships chosen by our editors for 2024.

Celebrity Beyond Arrow

Cruise ships often get compared to floating hotels or resorts, but here’s one that feels like a floating Vegas show. Applause, please, for the glittering peacock made from Swarovski crystals and the Magic Carpet platform that shimmies up and down the ship, cantilevered over the water for some of the best seats in the house, while in the Martini Bar, a troupe of bartenders juggle shakers to the sound of “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” Beyond is one of the largest ships in Celebrity’s Edge class, and all that space is used to maximize the drama. A whole corridor is filled with a glowing installation of bronze sculptures reflected in infinity mirrors; a favorite anchorage was Eden, a beautiful, biophiliac bubble for hiding away in, watching the ship’s wake through triple-height windows and dawdling in swivel chairs that resemble green carnations. As for the cast, there are some stellar performers: Kelly Hoppen designed most of the interiors; Daniel Boulud’s debut signature restaurant at sea, Le Voyage, has an impeccable, globe-trotting menu alighting on Brazilian moqueca and tamarind prawns. But top of the bill is Captain Kate McCue, the first American woman to captain a cruise ship. A captain hasn’t been this synonymous with their ship since the days of Merrill Stubing; follow her social media for a glimpse into the art of ship navigation. During our short, prelaunch cruise, we had an itinerary that involved looping round and round the Isle of Wight—a short trip, but one that was big on sheer spectacle. Three-night sailings from $300 per person. —Rick Jordan

Delfin II Arrow

The Amazon River has the opacity of chocolate milk and is almost deathlike in its stillness—which is wild when you consider how much life thrives there. It was on a nine-day journey through Peru with Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic that I learned this, as we spent five of those days exploring the jungle by boat. Our chariot: the Delfin II , a Relais & Châteaux vessel with 14 thoughtfully appointed staterooms.

Most days began with a crack-of-dawn skiff ride soundtracked by the squall of jewel-winged, dusky-headed parakeets. The photographers pulled out their football lenses and the birders gasped from behind their binoculars as naturalists pointed out an elegant snowy egret picking its way through a mudbank, a neotropic cormorant spreading its gothy black wings like a vampire, and the somber Jabiru stork, the largest flying bird in South America, standing like a dour English butler on a naked tree limb. Also flagged were capuchin monkeys, giant river otters, flamboyant bromeliads, and—after dark—scores of caimans and capybaras.

We spent one muggy morning in a Kukama village, where indigenous women wove raffia bowls and cooked catfish, and another morning paddling the river—an outing which culminated with a pod of pink river dolphins leaping from the water mere feet from our kayaks. (Even our seen-it-all naturalist, Sandro, clapped like a schoolgirl.)

This deep in the Amazon jungle, there were no other tourists. When we did see signs of human life, they were usually fishermen or park rangers. And because there was no Wi-Fi on the Delfin II and a near total blackout on cell reception, downtime was spent attending lectures on Amazonian ecology, sampling native fruits (how the aptly named ice cream bean hasn’t been pitched on Shark Tank yet, I’ll never know), and buddying up to the ship bar, where I made fast friends of fellow guests. (Expedition cruises always draw a fascinating lot; my cohort included a microbiologist, metaphysical transcendentalist, and one of the earliest Apple employees.)

The highlight of the trip, however, was hiking through the jungle with a local tracker who showed us a brown-throated three-toed sloth, Goliath bird-eating tarantula, junior anaconda, and a century-old strangler fig. When we finally emerged from the bush, we were treated to a spectacular tangerine-and-charcoal sunset punctured by bolts of lighting. It was surreal and intense, just like everything else in this untouched corner of the world. Eight-day sailings from $5,730 per person. —Ashlea Halpern

Ritz-Carlton Evrima Arrow

Ritz-Carlton’s first foray into cruising, the Evrima is a hotel-at-sea experience that might just be the antidote to all the big ship itineraries. Think ultra-small ship luxury (at half the capacity of the Seabourns and Regents) with plenty of scenery options to choose from—the European Mediterranean (routes from Turkey to the Canary Islands) from spring through fall, and the Caribbean (San Juan to St. Barts) in winter—and a younger crowd than most of the luxury cruise market; mostly culture lovers with a dearth of cruising experience who can't wait to get ashore to the Côte d’Azur village restaurants. The 624-foot ship is the first in a fleet of three emerging over the next few years, and it still feels spacious with 149 suites, two pools, a cigar humidor, six bars (the interior Living Room and top-floor Observation Lounge, The Bar, and bars located at the Marina Terrace, the Pool House, and Mistral), a beauty salon and spa deck, water-level marina terrace with water toys, and a fitness center. The 246 staff range from deck crew to your cabin’s personal concierge, all of whom are dubbed the ship’s Ladies and Gentlemen—but titles feel almost superfluous aboard Evrima , where everyone from the tender drivers to dining leads will pause to actually get to know you and recall your name and story (and even your drink order) to make the entire experience feel organic and warm. It’s almost like you’re spending the night in someone’s home, which just so happens to be a 624-foot mega-yacht. And the Evrima itinerary has plenty of free time and overnight ports of call in its sailings, so you can head ashore for a day, or even an entire evening late into the night—gallivanting, dining, and imbibing with the new friends you'll no doubt meet onboard. Seven-night sailings from $5,800 per person. —Shannon McMahon

Oceania Marina Arrow

Is there any Marina passenger who doesn’t wish—even for a second—to confine himself to his stateroom on debarkation day? Perhaps only the smarty pants who booked their next cruise before this one ends. Otherwise, how can an epicurean cruiser (that’s Marina ’s crowd) not pine for another shot at the new wine list starring 80 highly coveted, hard-to-snag labels, including swoon-worthy Super Tuscans? You’ll long for one more brag-worthy chance to sip The Mascot, a label from Harlan family pedigree (think cult fave Harlan Estate); the Polo Grill’s deft sommelier knows exactly which prime steak pairs best. Despite eight compelling complimentary restaurants (Red Ginger’s signature lobster pad thai is still a must-devour), Marina vibes far more than great meals. Work up a sweat storm playing pickleball on deck 16 or braving core conditioning in the gym. Melt into a marine detox wrap (I love the juniper and lemon scent) at Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, then sink into the spa terrace’s bubbling hot tub. Get down and dirty in the artist loft by painting a Venetian mask and playing Impressionist. In the hands-on culinary center, learn to cure a fish or preserve a lemon. Come May 2024, Marina debuts a splashy redo. Fall in love again with revamped avocado toast—bravo to the taco-spiced shrimp topping—in the new wellness-driven Aquamar kitchen. Where you lie your head hardly matters. An entry 291-square-foot stateroom starring a four-pillow, soft-sheet bed feels mighty spacious and sports Bulgari shampoo. That said, the top-to-bottom penthouse suites’ glam reno is beyond covetable, from the expanded bath to a boatload of enviable perks. Ten-day sailings from $1,999 per person. —Janice Wald Henderson

Caitlin Morton

Jessica Chapel

Emily Pennington

Charlie Hobbs

Trollfjord Arrow

Who better to guide you through Norway’s most remote reaches—including the Svalbard archipelago, the northernmost inhabited islands on the planet—than a Norwegian cruise company that knows the area’s every crag and fjord? Hurtigruten is an Oslo-based line whose ships have traversed these waters since 1893, ferrying freight, mail, and passengers to the communities along the rugged coast. In 2023, to celebrate its 130th anniversary, the company’s flagship, the newly refurbished, 500-passenger MS Trollfjord (named for a fjord in the Vesterålen archipelago) began sailing two hybrids of its original 34-port Norwegian Coastal Express, calling at several of the towns and villages on the original route. From September through April, the North Cape Express (a 13-day, 16-port itinerary) sails from Oslo to the North Cape and then south to Bergen. In the summertime, the Svalbard Express’s eight-day journey begins in Bergen and progresses north, with extended port calls and excursions in seven towns before entering the Arctic Circle and pulling into Longyearbyen, a mining town on Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s main island. On both routes Trollfjord offers its (mostly European) passengers an uncommon way to explore the region, with uniquely Nordic cultural touches to connect them to the country. There’s a pre-boarding spread of Norwegian fare in the ship’s departure lounge, and Trollfjord ’s three restaurants prioritize Scandinavian cuisine (salmon, reindeer, and lingonberries, oh my!) and the food culture of the indigenous Sámi people. The ship’s 277 staterooms and 12 suites (with walk-in closets, corner bathtubs and floor-to-ceiling windows) offer a cozy retreat from the sometimes-harsh weather. And typically Nordic diversions such as aquavit tastings, oceanview saunas and polar plunges leave you in no doubt about where you are and who you’re sailing with. 10-day sailings from $3,082 per person. —Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon

Seven Seas Navigator Arrow

Imagine the most luxurious hotel you’ve ever stayed in. That’s precisely what stepping onboard the Regent Seven Seas Cruises Navigator feels like. And while the opulence and grandeur shine through every square inch of space, it’s worth mentioning that the staff are what make the experience memorable, remembering your name, preferences, likes, and dislikes from the second you step afoot the eight-deck vessel.

The 248 ultraluxe all-suite accommodations feel like your home away from home—despite their capacious interiors—and your personalized steward makes sure of that with thoughtful touches from the moment you check in. Thanks to a revamp in 2019, the ship feels pristine with a new library—complete with a faux fireplace—and sleek state-of-the-art furnishings (including the cruise line’s bespoke mattresses and bed linens) in each of the rooms. However, what makes the Navigator stand out from its counterparts is its intimate size, as it’s the smallest in Regent’s fleet. Everything onboard feels just an arm’s reach away, and you’ll quickly bond with fellow passengers after spending the day together on one of the complimentary shore excursions, such as tours by local guides, cooking classes, and other intimate adventures.

During my Mediterranean voyage, days were spent immersing ourselves in new cities, whereas nights began with a freshly shaken ice-cold martini followed by an exuberant dinner, with a stop in the Seven Seas Lounge for whatever was on tap that night, ranging from cabaret to karaoke. At the end of the journey, I left wanting more and with a suitcase full of clean clothes, thanks to one of the many attentive touches onboard: the included laundry service. 10-night sailings from $3,360 per person. —Rachel Dube

Seabourn Ovation Arrow

“We are not the Rat Pack,” quips Andrew Pedder, the witty Yorkshire-born captain of Seabourn Ovation. He's referring to himself and the other senior officers, for any guests who may have wandered into their impromptu panel session instead of the musical show taking place later that evening. The Q&A—which covers everything from the prettiest ports to the number of Champagne bottles typically consumed during a seven-day voyage—is part of a last-minute program of activities arranged for an unexpected sea day when it’s too windy to dock in the South of France. This is mid-October, on one of the ship’s jaunts around the Mediterranean for the season, and no one seems to mind the change of plan (although when we do explore, all the islands we visit—Menorca, Corsica, Elba—are blissfully tourist-free). It simply means more time for spa treatments, soaks in the outdoor hot tubs, and afternoon tea in the observation bar. Even then, it only feels like there are 60 passengers onboard, rather than 600. The restaurants are excellent, from Sushi, where you can sit at the counter watching the Japanese chefs at work, to poolside Earth & Ocean for Tandoori-style rotisserie chicken and Madras-style white bean cassoulet. Suites are spacious, each one with a balcony. West End–standard entertainment includes a magician and a chart-topping classical singer. But what makes this ultraluxe ship really memorable is the relaxed, on-point service by staff who remember your name and coffee order, or even a familiar face from a sailing five years ago. Seven-day sailings from $2,649 per person. —Emma Love

Silver Endeavour Arrow

Silversea is defined by its far-flung itineraries and exceptional onboard service (think Moët Champagne as you take in an iceberg calving in Antarctica). But the 220-passenger Silver Endeavour, new to the fleet and already a classic, raises every bar. Rooms start at a spacious 356 square feet and have luxury perks like pillow menus and a personalized bar, making them the best in all of Silversea’s array of ships. As far as food goes, premium Ars Italica Osetra caviar is complimentary and around-the-clock, though the Dover sole paired with a label from the rare wine menu at La Dame would have you believing you were in Paris. And the signature Otium spa celebrates pampering as much as it does wellness—don’t skip on the oxygen-boosting Golden Radiance facial. You may find yourself at any given hour glimpsing ice walls through the Drake Passage and remembering that the best part about this ship is the awe-inspiring places it dares to take you. 10-day sailings from $13,150. —Janice Wald Henderson

Scarlet Lady Arrow

Although new to the cruise industry, Virgin Voyages has already begun to set itself apart from its predecessors. When first stepping on the Scarlet Lady, cruisers are met with a rousing, upbeat staff that serve as gurus around the ship and are experts on everything from beauty to juicing. While the Scarlet Lady takes you on a familiar route around the Caribbean, the on-shore excursions available are what make this sail memorable. Take a leap of faith on daring outings such as the Waterfalls of Damajagua in Puerto Plata, where guests make their way down seven of the 27 natural slides and waterfalls. After the exhilarating experience, travelers can sit down with locals and come together over Dominican staples such as pollo guisado, tostones, and mangú. You can always get local delicacies while docked, but while onboard, you must snag a reservation at the Test Kitchen. It’s an experimental dining experience where the menu always evolves. You go in only seeing a small card with ingredients listed for the night’s meal, but everything else is up to the imagination. One might find cucumbers puréed and frozen into ice cream as dessert, or beets formed and prepared like steak. While en route to the next port, the hard reset one does at the Redemption Spa leaves your body feeling anew; it’s impossible to come back from vacation feeling the same as when you departed. On any Virgin Voyages ship, you’ll love the indulgent atmosphere, whether you’re catering to your sweet tooth by narrowing down your favorite gelato of the day, grabbing a drink at one of the five bars that stake claim to having the largest tequila supply on the seven seas, or finally getting that tattoo you’ve been thinking about for ages after visiting the ship’s tattoo parlor, Squid Ink. Seven-day sailings from $2,100 per person. —Paris Wilson

Queen Mary 2 Arrow

Six days sailing from England to New York across the vast Atlantic had the potential to bore me to stupefaction, but it turned out I had nothing to fear. “The ship is the destination,” said an entertainment director for Queen Mary 2 , who oversees a program that makes this cruise liner the undisputed hub of creative and intellectual stimulation on the high seas. Where else can you attend the annual Literature Festival At Sea, meeting top fiction and nonfiction authors like the late PJ O’Rourke, Bernadine Evaristo, and Louis de Bernières? And where else can you visit a planetarium, watch a Royal Shakespeare theater production, or hear guest speakers discuss artwork investments and the history of airport drug mules?

In between spa massages and table tennis rallies, I nourished my mind in the mahogany library before nourishing my body at the Princess Grill and Queens Grill restaurants, scarfing dishes like croquette of suckling pig, paired with excellent vintages and followed by mango panna cotta. On the final stretch of the journey, as dolphins leapt over the horizon and the Statue of Liberty loomed into view, my heart sank a little—New York City awaited, yet I didn’t want to disembark. That’s quite an achievement. Seven-day sailings from $1,389 per person. —Noo Saro-Wiwa

World Navigator Arrow

During my first few hours aboard the Atlas Ocean Voyages World Navigator, I felt a bit like I had inadvertently crashed a family reunion: Seemingly everyone else aboard this Arctic expedition had just sailed to Antarctica on the Navigator six months before, so several crew members and guests spent much of embarkation day hugging and catching up. With a maximum occupancy of 196, it’s already an intimate ship, but the fact that the relatively young brand, which debuted in 2019, could develop such an impressive number of repeat travelers in such a short spell speaks volumes. Many told me they were drawn to Atlas because of its eco-friendly bona fides (the new-build ship makes use of hybrid engines from Rolls-Royce designed to leave minimal impact), but the creature comforts on board certainly help. While the star attraction of such an expedition voyage is what lies beyond the decks—access to remote Antarctic fjords that larger vessels can’t dream of traversing, or spotting polar bears loping along pearly glaciers in the Arctic—I made the most of my time in between Zodiac expeditions. The multi-jet shower in my stateroom was sublime after damp and rigorous treks, the heated massage beds in the only L’Occitane Spa at sea are a dream, and the Arctic summer’s 24 hours of sunshine made the Dome observation deck a prime perch to cozy up with a book at any time of day or night. There was neither internet nor cell phone connectivity during my entire eight-day journey sailing thanks to the remote latitudes (though Atlas guests now have access to full Starlink satellite coverage), which meant this was the longest I’d been offline since the 1990s—and yet somehow, drifting through the surreal landscape in this cosseting bubble, I didn’t miss scrolling or chatting with the outside world one bit. Seven-night sailings from $4,749 per person. —Sarah Khan

Westerdam Arrow

A passenger who is well below senior age dances the robot to classic rock, to R&B, to country music, and to disco hits as talented singers and a live band perform most nights in the Rolling Stone Lounge, on Holland America Line’s Westerdam . His mechanical movements are a source of amusement and encouragement; if he can take over the dance floor, so can we with our own moves. The 1,916-passenger Westerdam is beloved as a traditional cruise ship, with its smaller-than-mega-ship size, deep blue hull, wraparound outdoor promenade deck, and details such as fresh flowers all around, celebrating the 150-year-old cruise line’s Dutch roots. Tradition does not mean staid. There’s rock and roll. There’s a trendy top-of-ship pickleball court.

On an Alaska cruise, my husband and I start our days with a jolt of caffeine via the baristas at Explorations Central, the ship’s cushy, contemporary, forward-facing observation lounge, before heading off on adventures such as joining other passengers in synchronized paddling a large canoe to see the ancient yet diminishing ice of Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier. Back on the ship, we indulge in excellent burgers, topped with Gouda and applewood-smoked bacon and served in fast-food wrapping from a stand at the covered Lido pool. We enjoy sustainable Alaska seafood—grilled salmon, fennel-crusted halibut, fried cod—in between cocktails made with local gin, served on real glacial ice. From the veranda of our classic aft cabin, mesmerizing views of the ship’s wake, seemingly endless forest, and a distant, blue-tinged glacier clear our brain. We’re ready for more of the dancing man. Seven-day sailings from $379 per person. —Fran Golden

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7 luxury cruise ships in the world to consider for an ultra luxe holiday

By Saloni Dhruv

Whether you’ve recently seen Dil Dhadakne Do or Death on the Nile , or your Instagram feed is covered with the Ambani family’s pre-wedding celebrations (2.0), there is something about luxury cruise ships that just exudes opulence and grandeur. We’ve looked up some luxury cruise ships in the world to consider for your next ultra-luxe holiday . Step aboard these cruise ships that redefine luxury, offering everything from 24-hour butler service and gourmet dining to laid-back vibes. These ships whisk you away to incredible destinations, including thrilling expedition routes .

7 luxury cruise ships in the world to consider for an ultra-luxe holiday

Image courtesy: Instagram

Travelling to: European (Mediterranean) shores like Valletta, Parga, Syros, Athens, Venice, etc.

Price : Between $6,443 to $10,752 for a six to ten-night stay, which comes to Rs 5,37,266 to Rs 8,96,584, approximately.

As its name suggests— Evrima , derived from the Greek word for “discovery”—Ritz-Carlton’s small ship or mega-yacht , whatever you call it, is the ultimate luxury marvel. This cruise features nine deck levels, five of which are accessible to guests, and boasts 149 spacious suite-style cabins, each with a private sea-facing balcony.

You can indulge in six restaurants, including an à la carte dining experience crafted by Chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg. The ship also offers four pools, a cigar humidor, two bars, a beauty salon and spa deck, a water-level marina terrace with water toys, and a fitness centre. Additionally, the cruise provides “shore experiences” with local guides, allowing guests to embark on their own adventures and uncover hidden gems. The multi-day docking facility encourages passengers to explore the mainland at their leisure, both day and night.

Travelling to: Oslo, Southampton, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Valletta, Rome, Lisbon, Miami, Rio De Janeiro, and more

Price : Between $2,990 to $17,999 for a 12 to 54-day trip onboard, which amounts to Rs 2,49,178 to Rs 14,99,986, approximately, depending on where you’re travelling to or for how many days.

If you are a food connoisseur or looking to embark on a culinary holiday, this cruise should be on your radar. Oceania Cruises, celebrated as the premier cruise line for exceptional culinary experiences and destination explorations, has recently reintroduced its 1,250-passenger vessel, Marina, after a comprehensive renovation. This upgrade includes three exciting new dining concepts.

You can now have a taste of the Aquamar Kitchen, a wellness-oriented eatery, a casual poolside ice cream shop that also offers milkshakes and smoothies, and a charming outdoor pizzeria featuring exquisite Italian fare. The refurbishment also enhances the ship’s 124 penthouse suites, adding custom furniture, increased storage space, restyled bathrooms, and modern amenities.

Travelling to: Southeast Asia, including Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Siem Reap and Cambodia among others.

Price : €2,295 to €5,395 for eight to 21 days, which comes up to between Rs 2,07,975 to Rs 4,88,899, approximately.

Emerald Harmony offers the perfect sanctuary for exploring the Mekong in Cambodia and Vietnam. Be enchanted by Halong Bay's emerald waters and limestone karsts, stroll through Hoi An's lantern-lit streets, and marvel at Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat. Onboard, enjoy cool, contemporary design with chic Asian accents, beautifully appointed cabins, a pool, and a fitness centre. You can also indulge in five-course dinners featuring local and international cuisine. While the entertainment isn't Las Vegas-style, local performers provide authentic regional culture at various ports. With only 84 passengers, expect personalised service that might just spoil you for life.

By Karishma Shetty

By Sanjana Ray

Travelling to: Egypt

Price : $1,235 to $5,240 for three to eight days, which is about Rs 1,02,956 to Rs 4,36,835, approximately.

If you want to experience the luxury of a Nile cruise, just like in Kenneth Branagh’s 2022 film Death on the Nile (minus the death and murder), the Oberoi Zahra offers an unforgettable journey. Sailing between Luxor and Aswan, you can spend your days unravelling centuries of Egyptian history and discovering the wonders of the Nile with Egyptologists on board to give you valuable information about the sites visited. With only 27 cabins, you can have an intimate experience on board, while you indulge in their signature Oberoi Spa between the excursions.

Travelling to: Southampton, England, and New York City, United States, and an annual world cruise.

Price : Between $1,196 to $ 8,714 for a seven to 30-day trip, which is Rs 99, 729 to Rs 7,26,626, approximately.

For a taste of British royalty, set sail aboard the iconic Queen Mary 2 across the transatlantic waters. Since taking over from Queen Elizabeth 2 in 2004, she has proudly served as Cunard Line's flagship, officially christened by Queen Elizabeth II herself. Following Queen Elizabeth 2's retirement in 2008, Queen Mary 2 stands as the world's sole remaining ocean liner. Her regular route between Southampton, England, and New York City, United States, along with an annual world cruise, ensures a voyage of grandeur. You too can experience the glamour of Cunard’s art deco-inspired Queen Elizabeth, offering daily afternoon tea, black tie dances, and culinary delights like the Steakhouse at the Verandah. Make sure to explore the ship's elegant library housing over 8,000 books, spanning two decks.

Travelling to: Caribbean, Central America, North America, and Europe.

Price : Anywhere between $7,499 to $ 35,199, depending on the number of days and the places, which is about Rs 6,25,442 to Rs 29,35,718.

The Seven Seas Grandeur earns its reputation as one of the world’s most luxurious cruise lines, boasting 373 accommodations and seven dining venues, including the esteemed Compass Rose and Asian-inspired Pacific Rim, offering 130 new dishes, with a focus on plant-based options. Its 1,600-piece art collection features the prestigious “Journey in Jewels,” the first Fabergé Egg permanently housed on a cruise ship.

Onboard, guests can enjoy a turquoise pool, numerous sun loungers, hot tubs, sports courts, and a variety of daily activities like trivia and live entertainment. Deck 12 hosts outdoor amenities such as bocce, pickleball, shuffleboard, and a golf net inspired by famous courses. Meanwhile, the Observation Lounge, Card Room, Connoisseur Club, and Library on Deck 11 provide cosy spaces to unwind with stocked travel books anticipating your next adventure. There’s also a Constellation Theater, where guests can watch four Broadway-style shows, and boutiques for shoppers to do some retail therapy.

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Travelling to: Western Caribbean

Price : Starting from $597 (approximately Rs 49,796), depending on the number of days and the places.

Celebrity Beyond, owned by Celebrity Cruises, epitomises the company's slogan. As the third ship in the Edge class, it was constructed at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard and began service in April 2022. The cruise is currently under the command of Captain Kate McCue, the first American woman to helm a "mega" cruise ship.

Among the largest in its class, Beyond maximises space for dramatic effect, with corridors adorned with glowing bronze sculptures reflected in infinity mirrors. A standout feature is Eden, a serene bubble offering panoramic views through triple-height windows. Designed by Kelly Hoppen, the interiors exude luxury, complemented by Daniel Boulud's exquisite dining at Le Voyage.

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Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor pose with Karisma Kapoor in serene 'family' pic from Ambani cruise; fans miss Raha

More inside photos and videos from anant ambani and radhika merchant's second pre-wedding bash in europe were shared by karisma kapoor..

Another day, another fresh set of pictures and videos from the Ambani family's star-studded luxury cruise liner. On Saturday, actor Karisma Kapoor to to Instagram to share a happy photo of herself chilling with Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor during the recent cruise celebrations . Alia, married to Karisma's cousin Ranbir, wore pink for the outing. Also read: Raha kisses dad Ranbir Kapoor on his cheeks, then gives a big smile as they return to Mumbai with Alia Bhatt. Watch

Karisma's fam-jam with Alia, Ranbir

Ranbir also chose a hat and sunglasses like Alia. He wore a pair of blue shorts with a matching shirt. Karisma was in a black and white dress. Joining the trio was Armaan Jain and wife Anissa Malhotra. They all looked into the camera and posed for a group photo taken during one of the festivities during the recent Ambani cruise in Italy and France.

Raha , Ranbir and Alia's daughter, who joined them on the cruise, was not pictured in the photo. Karisma wrote in her caption, "Famiglia (family)...." A fan commented on her post, "Ranbir is ageing backwards!" Another wrote, "Such a beautiful family!" Someone also asked, "Where is baby Raha and bua (aunt) Kareena Kapoor ?" Karisma also shared a couple of videos of the breathtaking view from their cruise liner.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karisma Kapoor (@therealkarismakapoor)

About the Ambani cruise festivities

Following their lavish three-day pre-wedding celebration in Jamnagar, Gujarat, in early March, the Ambani family hosted Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's second pre-wedding festivities on a luxury cruise in Europe. And in true Ambani style, the itinerary was full of opulent festivities and had the who's who of Bollywood in attendance.

Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Ibrahim Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Ananya Panday , Karan Johar, Disha Patani were among the 800 guests on the luxury cruise liner. who got together to celebrate Anant Ambani's upcoming wedding.

Between May 28 and June 1, they were treated to a series of parties and events aboard the luxury cruise liner during a picturesque journey from Italy to the south of France, spanning 4,380 kilometres. On May 29, the celebration kicked off with a welcome lunch, followed by a 'Starry Night'- themed evening gala. The festivities ended on June 1 in Portofino, Italy.

• Ranbir Kapoor

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