alfresco grand cruise guwahati

Alfresco Grand Review – 9 Best Tips for a River Cruise in Guwahati

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: August 17, 2023

Categories GUWAHATI , INDIA , NORTH EAST INDIA

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

Guwahati is a thriving city and the gateway to North East India. So, what better way to kick off your journey in North East than a gorgeous river cruise in Guwahati on the Brahmaputra river?!

The Brahmaputra is a sacred river and one of the longest flowing rivers in India.

Often referred to as the Tsangpo-Brahmaputra river, it flows from Tsangpo in Tibet for 1,800 miles through Bangladesh and India!

Luckily for us, it makes a stop right on Guwahati’s harbour. There are plenty of cruise companies to choose from in Guwahati.

However, the one that stood out to me in terms of quality and professionalism was Alfresco Grand.

An award-winning cruise company. What’s even better is that this cruise ship doesn’t break the budget. It’s so reasonable for the service you’re getting.

Watching the sunset in Guwahati was an experience I’ll always remember.

The rich colours in the sky, loud obnoxious music (which I love to hate), and a relaxing ride on the river all added up to be the most amazing evenings on the water.

These are the 9 reasons why you should pick Alfresco Grand for your river cruise in Guwahati

alfresco grand river cruise review guwahati

1. The ship is of good quality

The number one thing to boast about Alfresco Grand is how good the quality is of the cruise ship.

One of my top worries, when I buy a ticket from any cruise provider, is the safety of the boat;

Are they shoving too many people on?
Is it dirty?
Does it look like it could sink?

Lol, I am definitely cautious when riding a boat in Asia after all the horror stories in Thailand.

But, I was hugely surprised and in awe at the quality of the Alfresco Grand. It was a massive white ship, which was well organised.

Well staffed, serviced, clean, and had plenty of space for everyone.

All passengers were provided with their own seat and ample space to enjoy the cruise. Not something which is common on Indian cruise ships, I’ll tell you!

2. There are options to suit your schedule and preferences

There are plenty of cruise options available with Alfresco Grand, to suit all sorts of budgets.

Candlelit cruises, lunch cruises, dinner cruises, and even Brahmaputra island parties you can organise for events!

Personally, I chose the sunset cruise as I wasn’t looking for anything fancy. As I was travelling solo, it’s sometimes really awkward eating dinner with a show on your own.

So, an hour’s round of the river, watching the sunset, and taking pictures was just the ticket.

There are plenty of options, just check out the Alfresco Grand website.

Top tip: check what time the sunset will be in Guwahati before you book. In peak season (Nov – Feb) you’ll find it gets dark around 4 pm!

This means the sunset will start around 3.30 pm. Make sure you book the right cruise time to catch it.

Also, don’t underestimate how long it takes to arrive. Guwahati traffic is congested, to say the least, so make sure you leave at least an hour before to ensure you’re there on time!

Unfortunately for me, my Uber was late and I ended up running to catch it :P

3. It won’t break your budget

When I drove past the ships in an Uber (yes, there’s Uber in North East!), I was thinking that the cruises would cost a fortune!

They looked like luxury cruises and I was preparing for a dent in my budget. But, that’s definitely not the case.

Click here for my complete guide on how to use Uber in India

How much is an Alfresco Grand river cruise in Guwahati?

My sunset cruise which included a full-hour tour of the Brahmaputra river at sunset cost a mere 350 rupees (£4)!

Perfect if you’re a budget-conscious traveller.

A dinner cruise was higher at 1200 (£14) rupees but that does include a welcome drink, a buffet dinner, and entertainment of a live band and folk dancing.

4. There are snacks and drinks for order on the boat

You may find that you’re a little peckish when you’re on the cruise, just fancy a little tipple to celebrate landing in the North East, or want to drown your sorrows that you’re leaving!

I was so amazed when I was handed a varied menu full of snacks and drinks to order and how reasonable the costs were.

They were out of Momos, so I ordered some super cultural French fries (lol) and a beer as I hadn’t had any lunch!

It was a quick service and the snacks were actually tasty. Beer and fries came to around 400 rupees total including taxes. Bargain.

5. They will entertain you

Personally, I’m not a fan of overly loud music which can be a problem in India. India thrives on everything that’s noisy, especially when it’s a celebration.

Unfortunately, the rooftop seats were already sold out and I was placed downstairs right by the speaker – not ideal!

So, as I wanted to sit outside to take photos, The Alfresco team was on it and placed me on the front of the ship. Perfect!

That way I could just listen to the tunes in the background and it didn’t make my ears bleed.

But, if you’re into your music blasting, then this is the cruise for you! They had a lively band showcasing music from the North East and some classic Bollywood hits.

6. Alfresco Grand cruises are well organised

Usually in India, cruise ships at sunset are like a cattle market.

You’ll be fighting for tickets, herded into a queue, then shoved on the boat with hundreds of people fighting for space.

Here, you can book online and in advance and there is only a set number of places available!

That way it’s quality over quantity, not just an uncomfortable experience to squeeze every last rupee cent out of it.

Everyone has space and it’s more of a relaxing experience than a stressful one!

7. The views are astounding

I wasn’t sure what to expect or how much we’d cover of the Brahmaputra river in one hour.

Half of me expected it to be everything I could already see from the harbour.

We passed islands with temples, saw different parts of the city, and watched the local ferries cross the river with motorbikes and all sorts on top!

All with the most amazing colourful backdrop. It was gorgeous! I’ll let the pictures paint it for you;

8. You’ll receive 5 star service

From the moment I arrived to the moment I left the ship, I couldn’t get over the service.

I was welcomed at the door, they knew me by name, they knew what table I was sitting at and they even had a printed list of passengers with a friendly representative. (Remember, I only paid 350 rupees!)

They made sure I was catered for especially due to my preference of not sitting by the speaker (haha) and were on hand to help.

The food and drink service was speedy and as a special request, they let me stand at the front of the boat for a picture!

You just can’t get better service than that. I believe that long after your money has been spent, it’s the service that will be remembered.

It just takes a little personal touch to make the difference and Alfresco Grand excelled here.

If you’d like to see a list of cruise options with prices or book in advance, make sure you check out their website here.

9. You will leave with awesome memories and a camera roll full of captures!

Guwahati is usually a city where a trip to the North East of India begins or ends.

What better than a river cruise in Guwahati to kick off your adventure or end it on a high?

After 3 weeks of public transport in North East India, I fancied something special. 3 weeks of dusty sumo Jeeps will do that to a person!

Alfresco Grand really was the perfect end to my North East Indian adventures, thanks so much to the team for welcoming me on board!

Need somewhere to stay in Guwahati? Check out rates on Air B&B for Aditya’s B&B Gu wahati ! It’s the loveliest guest house run by a beautiful family :)

Like it? Pin it!

With thanks to the Alfresco Grand team for welcoming me aboard! All views, opinions and pictures are my own.

Saturday 16th of December 2023

Request for a call back for a cruise party over Brahmaputra

Sophie Pearce

Sorry, not here! You must call them directly :) Sophie x

ABU NASER MD IKRAM

Friday 29th of April 2022

Well written and informative.

Tuesday 3rd of May 2022

Hi Abu, thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed the post! Sophie x

Minoti bhuyan

Wednesday 31st of January 2018

So beautifull y described

Thank you! and thanks for reading :)

Alfresco Grand Cruise | Official Ticketing Partner

Guwahati, Assam

Booking with ₹0

Starting from ₹ 799

- 25 % ₹ 599

What will you experience

60 to 90 Mins of Sailing

Polite & Friendly Deck Crew

Views of Glistening Brahmaputra

Self-Sponsored Quality Drinks

Breathtakingly Beautiful Sunset

Live Music with Spectacular Views

About the Activity

About Guwahati:

Blessed by Mother Nature and dipped in history, Guwahati is a dream destination for most travel buffs. Guwahati's years-old monuments, temples and lush greenery decorated with the Brahmaputra River have made it one of the most popular destinations.
Witness the sky painted with different shades of red and yellow when the sun sets over the Brahmaputra River, making it glisten with the reflection of the sky's colours from the Alfresco Grand Cruise. Enjoy the live music while capturing the beauty of your surroundings.

About Alfresco Grand Cruise:

To enjoy the sunset over the Brahmaputra River with your loved ones or to have some alone time with yourself, Alfresco Grand Cruise is one of the best choices.
Reach the boarding area early to be present at the reporting time. Feel welcomed as the Crew greets you when you board the cruise and shows you to your seat.
Enjoy the cold breeze as it touches your face and gives you a sense of calmness. Witness the sky changing its shade with soothing live music playing in the background.
Have some self-sponsored refreshments and snacks from the cruise as per the price in the menu if the meal is not included in the package and enjoy it with the sunset.
Capture the mesmerising beauty of your surroundings, sparkling waters and beautiful sunset through your lenses to cherish and share it with your friends and family.
Enjoy the live music, dance and sing along some of the classics and when it's time to disembark the ship take your bag full of memories with you until next time.
Also One can book Alfresco Grand Cruise for a Sundown Cruise or a Dinner Cruise in Guwahati by enjoying the Buffet Dinner & Live Music with loved ones.

Package Option

Sunset cruise | lower deck.

₹ 599 per person

Sundown Cruise | Lower Deck

Sundown cruise | upper deck.

₹ 749 per person

Sunset Cruise | Upper Deck

Dinner cruise | complimentary welcome drink.

₹ 1699 per person

1 Hour of Cruise Ride in Brahmaputra
Polite and Helping Crew Staff
Safety Equipment like Tubes and Life jackets
Access to Clean and Hygienic Washrooms
Any Travel Expenses
Any Personal Expenses
Anything not Mentioned in Inclusions
Children Between 3 to 12 Years will Select the Child Package.
Children Below 3 Years will get a Complimentary Ride.
The Reporting time is 04:30 PM and Departure time is 05:00 PM.

Planning for a bigger group? Grab Best Group Deals & Offers

Know before you book

Cruise Policies:

It's also important to familiarise yourself with the specific policies and rules of the Alfresco Grand Cruise , like inclusions, tipping guidelines, and onboard rules.

Onboard Expenses:

While meals are included in some packages in the cruise fare, be prepared for additional expenses if your package does not include meals and charges on alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, and gratuities.

Safety Drills:

Participate in the mandatory safety drills conducted at the beginning of your cruise. These drills are of extreme use in case of an emergency.

Dining Options:

This Cruise in Guwahati offers buffet meals and a sitting Dining option in the Middle Deck with Tables and Chairs.

Weather Conditions:

Weather conditions can significantly impact your cruise experience, in case of any cancellation or rescheduling of the ride, kindly cooperate with the team.

Alcoholic Restrictions :

Cruise lines take responsible drinking seriously. Overindulgence can lead to disruptive behaviour and even being removed from the ship, so it's important to consume alcohol responsibly.

Advance Booking:

Pre-booking a cruise can offer several advantages, including early access to popular itineraries, securing your preferred cabin category, and sometimes even getting discounts.

Arrive Early:

Reach the boarding location early to be present on reporting time which is 30 Minutes before the cruise leaves, and avoid missing your Alfresco Grand Cruise.

Things to Carry

Sunscreen and Sunglasses
Travel Insurance Documents

Frequently Asked Quetions

How to Book Alfresco Grand Cruise?

After clicking "Book Now," fill in the traveller information, including the number of people in your party, cruise date, and other data, and make the required payment. Upon confirmation of your reservation, you will be informed of the exact location of the activity and reporting time. If you have any questions, please call our toll-free number, "+91 8533812266."

Do I have to make the Booking in advance?

Yes, it is necessary to make the booking at least 2 days before the service date to have a smooth and hassle-free experience and enjoy several advantages including early access to popular itineraries, securing your preferred cabin category, and sometimes even getting discounts.

What is the cost of sunset and sundown package?

The Cost of the Upper Deck for the sunset and sundown package is Rs.749 for adults and Rs.599 for children and the lower deck costs Rs.599 for adults and Rs.499 for kids. This package includes live music, Scenic sunset views and self-sponsored meals from the cruise as per the price on the menu.

Is Cruise Ride available throughout the year?

Yes, the cruise is open throughout the year but in adverse weather conditions, the booking might get cancelled or rescheduled for safety concerns.

What is the cost of Dinner cruise?

The dinner cruise at Alfresco Grand Cruise comes at Rs.1699 only. The package includes a Buffet dinner and welcome refreshments. The dinner cruise package for children comes at Rs.599 with food and Rs.499 without food.

What is the age Limit for Alfresco Grand Cruise?

There is no age restriction for Alfresco Grand Cruise. Children below the age of 3 years get a complimentary stay.

is the Cruise Safe?

Yes, the Grand Cruise is safe and is made of quality materials. The cruise is equipped with all the emergency necessities like life jackets, tubes, lifeboats and instant first-aid facilities.

What is the reporting and departure time of the cruise?

The reporting time is 30 Minutes before the cruise departs, and the departure time for the sunset cruise is 05:00 PM, the Sundown cruise is 06:30 PM and the dinner cruise is 08:00 PM.

What is the duration of the cruise?

The total duration of the cruise varies from 60 Minutes to 90 Minutes depending on the choice of the package.

Should I know how to swim to ride a cruise?

No, the guests are not allowed to leave the Cruise Boat and enter the water for safety reasons and are appointed seats to enjoy the journey. Therefore, people without swimming knowledge can also enjoy the cruise.

Rs. 599 per Adult

AFRESCO GRAND CRUISE

Gear up to be mesmerised by a serene day spent at Alfresco Grand Cruise. Offering an evening river cruise on the waters of Brahmaputra, visiting Alfresco Grand Cruise is one of the most sought-after activities to do in Guwahati.

One can look forward to an enthralling sunset and a grand dinner to enjoy the day with your loved ones. Along with the delights of live music and cultural activities like folk dance, Alfresco Grand Cruise promises to be a memorable activity to do in Guwahati on your holiday. The three popular types of cruises which you can enjoy here are Luxury river cruise on Alfresco Grand, Party cruises on Alfresco and Houseboat cruises.

Location : Alfresco Cruises, Brahmaputra River, Ferry Ghat, MG Road, North Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam 781030

Timings (If Applicable) : 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm and 8 pm to 10 pm

Entry Fee/charges (If Applicable) : INR 800

Distance from Guwahati Bus Stand : 122 kilometres

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Places to visit in Guwahati

Alfresco Grand

Guwahati’s First Floating-Cum Cruise Restaurant

Housing a floating cruise bar on the river Brahmaputra with a fine dining restaurant, this award-winning restaurant promises an unforgettable experience while providing options for sundown and dinner cruises.

What To Expect?

Experience a magnificent sunset followed by enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner as you cruise away on the Brahmaputra River. The experience is sure to have you come back for more!

The restaurant has arrangements for Island parties, picnics as well as business conferences.
There is an option for overnight cruises and private charters too.

Exploring a destination...

The joy of travel comes in exploring new things. Planting your feet somewhere you’ve never been before brings with it the rush of discovery and the joy of pushing back on the boundaries of your world.

But when one does arrive at that fresh frontier, there are ways better than others to begin your journey of discovery. Follow these steps and see the world with a new light.

• Discover a new city through a food tour. Food tour’s are the easiest way to take a tour, learn about the local delicacies, and the best of all, get great tips that aren’t just “local” tips for tourists, but sometimes, lessons for a lifetime too

• Use Public Transportation. When you are in a new city, you can possibly see places and people that you wouldn’t normally see when simply walking to the places that checks your list. Some buses or rails take you to parts of the city you wouldn’t get to see otherwise. Whilst using public transportation, just ensure that you are following the local norms and do remember to watch the locals!

• Find a local festival. Go beyond what other tourists might do while visiting a place. Look for the unique things you would want to do. Use social media or the local tourism website to find out what’s going on locally. You may have to move out of the center of the city to do some of the less popular but more unique things, so just keep that in mind!

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Alfresco Grand

How do you plan for the perfect trip to any destination, how to choose a destination to travel to, how to explore a place by yourself, destinations close to alfresco grand, top things to do in nearby destinations, other popular things to do near alfresco grand, more things to do near alfresco grand, best time to visit in similar destinations, explore more, top countries to explore, top states in india, best places to visit in months, places to visit in countries from india, places to visit in states in india, best international places to visit in 2024, weather in june for similar destinations.

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Alfrensco Grand Dining Cruise

Open Time : 11:00am–10:30pm

Entry : paid

Address : ALFRESCO GRAND, Uzan Bazar, Guwahati, Assam, India

Website : https://www.alfrescogrand.com/

Phone : 094355 58001

More Travel Tips from Guwahati

It would be a pity for someone visiting Guwahati to miss out on such wonderful experiences.

Umananda Temple

Kamakhya Temple

Guwahati Zoo

Guwahati Planetarium

Terra Maaya

Naga Kitchen

Paltan Bazaar, Guwahati

Pohitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Air Rifling in Guwahati

Why to visit alfrensco grand dining cruise.

When we talk about the same, the first name that comes to mind is Alfresco Grand. More than wonderful cuisine and beautiful surroundings are included in this two-hour dinner cruise on the Brahmaputra River. During your stay onboard, there is much to keep you entertained. The attractiveness is certainly enhanced by performances of Northeast folk dance and music.

With this pleasant and amazing sunset cruise experience, enjoy a spectacular sunset over the majestic Brahmaputra River and return to Guwahati city with plenty of time to spend your evening. Alfresco Grand's new Meal Cruise is the ideal retreat, whether you're searching for a romantic dinner for two or a bigger dinner cruise for your office, family, or friends.

The two-hour Dinner Cruise aboard the Alfresco Grand is the ideal way to enjoy a great meal while taking in Guwahati's stunning river scenery. Take in the city's ambiance as it lights up, witness live folk dance and music, and take home a lasting memory of a romantic night on the Brahmaputra.

Enjoy On the covered sundeck, there will be live traditional Northeast folk dances and live music. From this unmatched vantage point, take in all of the city's beauties as night falls and the lights switch on.

Special Tip

You can purchase your tickets online or at the box office, and choose your favourite corner.Do check once the charges before visit. Prices vary according to the season.

By TANISHA JAISWAL

Disclaimer: Please note that the content of this blog/article including links, texts, images, and graphics is only meant for informational purposes. We do not intend to infringe any copyright policy or do not possess any third-party material. If you have issues related to any of our content or images, kindly drop your message at [email protected]

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