luxury cruises to india

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 best luxury cruises in India

By Pallavi Mehra

Over the past few years, cruises have been gaining popularity in India. More and more Indian travellers are looking for new ways to explore the country. Additionally, cruise ships are now providing diverse itineraries, which cater to the tastes and preferences of modern Indian tourists. This curation of cruise ships offers thoughtful service, lavish amenities, and an immersive experience.

From a British-era ship turned luxury yacht in Kolkata to traditional boats in the Kerala backwaters, there is a cruise for every taste. Bookmark this listicle to take your vacation to the next level.

7 top luxury steamers and cruises in India

With facilities and services on board at par with international ships, Cordelia Cruises’ the Empress offers two, three, four, five, and seven-night itineraries. This high-end cruise has numerous courses for sails from Mumbai, which include destinations like Kochi, Goa, and Lakshadweep. On board the Empress, visitors can expect plush guest rooms, several dining venues, live dance performances and entertainment acts, scenic seascapes, and fun onboard activities. The onboard expert culinary team crafts delectable Indian and international cuisine using fresh produce. Moreover, the ship also organises special themed activities for occasions such as Diwali, Christmas, and New Year's Eve.

The Bengal Paddle seamlessly weaves the first-hand experience of living in the Kolkata of British India with top-notch luxury. The last remaining British-era ship from 1945, the Bengal Paddle (earlier known as PS Bhopal and used to ferry passengers across Hooghly) has been resurrected into a luxury yacht by the enthusiastic folks at The Barge Company.

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Equipped with three decks and the capacity to host 500 people, the Bengal Paddle has played host to many a grand event, from private parties to fashion shows and more while sailing in the Hooghly river. Each deck has an enclosed area as well as open lounge spaces where you can relax in the breeze and make it a perfect sun and champagne day. The ship also serves global cuisines to amp up the experience as one enjoys the expansive river view.

There's also a museum that'll give you a peek into India's maritime history. But if you're looking for a more intimate outing with a small group of friends, you can also book one of their smaller ships that emanate splendour and luxury just as the mighty Bengal Paddle.

By Gaurav Sonavane

By Sanjana Ray

This river cruise ship sails on the Brahmaputra River in Assam. Guests can choose to sail downstream from Jorhat to Guwahati or upstream from Guwahati to Jorhat in eight days. The ship houses 23 luxurious guest cabins and multiple fine-dining eateries, and offers the opportunity to participate in several activities and excursions. The excursion highlights include a boat safari in the Kaziranga National Park and visiting tea estates, temples, and local villages. The activities onboard feature yoga sessions and bonfire nights. Furthermore, the ship houses a swimming pool, a number of sun decks, a salon, a spa, and a bar and lounge.

An award-winning cruise ship, the RV Vaikundam sails in lakes, lagoons, rivers and canals of the Kerala backwaters. The ship’s hull is modelled on a traditional  Kettuvallam or rice barge of Kerala. It boasts nine well-appointed guest cabins with visually striking furnishings and state-of-the-art amenities. The boat also has a restaurant, a bar, a library, and an Ayurvedic massage room. Guests can choose the chef’s special Kerala cuisine meal that includes fresh catch of the day served on a banana leaf. RV Vaikundam’s itineraries range from two nights to seven nights and include the towns of Kochi, Alleppey, Changankari and ​​Thottappally. Excursions from the ship comprise exploring Kerala’s quaint villages, spotting diverse wildlife, watching ancient dance performances and martial arts acts, and meeting local craftsmen.

MV Ganga Vilas is the first-ever cruise vessel made in India. ​​Unveiled by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi earlier this year, it offers the longest luxury river cruise experience in the world. This cruise ship takes guests through five Indian states and Bangladesh over the course of 51 days. Sailing on MV Ganga Vilas starts in Varanasi and continues eastwards for Dibrugarh in Assam via Bangladesh. Sights along the river system include Kashi, Bodh Gaya, Vikramshila, Patna and Dhaka in Bangladesh. The sumptuous cruise comprises three decks, 18 elegant suites with a capacity of 36 guests. The ship features butler service, appetising Indian and global cuisine, all-inclusive shore excursions, and entertaining activities.

The Golden Chariot is a palatial train that offers a seven-day itinerary, which comprises a day cruise in the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. The train itself is beautifully decorated, with expansive cabins and a spa. The backwater cruise sails in ​​Vembanad Lake and includes a delectable lunch at a restaurant by the lake. Kerala's backwaters are renowned for their unspoiled beauty, and the cruise provides a chance to witness it up close. During the backwaters cruise, guests can spot exquisite, endemic flora and fauna and visit local markets to shop and learn more about the local culture.

Guests begin their journey by embarking on the Ganges Voyager II in Kolkata. They sail for seven days onboard the cruise ship while visiting the villages lining the Ganges river and participating in a carefully curated wellness programme that includes yoga sessions. During the cruise, visitors can go on excursions to see awe-inspiring temple complexes, meet local craftspeople, and visit vibrant flower markets. After seven days on board the Ganges Voyager II, guests continue their voyage via Maharajas’ Express, a regal train that takes them to Agra, Jodhpur, and Mumbai.

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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 Rick Jordan

By Sandip Roy

By Arundhati Ail

By Sophie Knight

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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Luxury India Cruises

Embark on a luxury India cruise to experience this diverse country in all its glory. Expect amazing monuments, rich cultural heritage and intriguing history. Not to mention the Hindu deities which are visible everywhere; find ornaments in colourful temples, street corner shrines and even dashboards of cars. 

Walk the streets of New Delhi, visit the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort or take an open-air safari around Ranthambore National Park for the chance to spot a Bengal tiger.

Marvellous Mumbai 

The vibrant city of Mumbai is one not to be missed. This is the fastest-growing city in India where modern skyscrapers brush shoulders with ornate Victorian buildings and bustling bazaars sit among ancient temples. Explore the Shri Siddhivinayak Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesh, and the Gateway of India, an Indo-Saracenic style arch which was built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. There are so many spots to see;Mani Bhawan, Gandhi’s former home now a museum, Dhobi Ghat, the vast outdoor laundry and the Prince of Wales Museum. Lying on the Arabian sea, this captivating cosmopolitan is also the glamour capital of India with it being the home of Bollywood and the world-famous film industry.

Best Time To Cruise Around India

The ideal time for a luxury India cruise is between October to March. These months bring warm, sunny, dry weather and you will have missed the monsoon season that takes place in the summer months.

Book Luxury India Cruises

Our luxury travel experts at the Cruise Village are here for any help you may require researching or booking your Luxury India Cruises. We’d love to hear from you. You can speak to us from 9am to 8pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 6pm on Sundays on 0800 810 8481 . Or find your preferred sailing below and send us an enquiry online! We look forward to helping you plan the perfect Luxury India Cruise!

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