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This 51-Day Luxury Excursion on India’s Ganges Is Now the World’s Longest River Cruise

The voyage travels between india and bangladesh, making stops at unesco world heritage sites and more., demetrius simms, demetrius simms's most recent stories.

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One luxury river cruise is making history on an all-new Indian voyage.

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The MV Ganga Vilas is designed to carry 36 passengers in 18 luxe suites, as well as 48 crew. Because the long-haul cruise was solely marketed in Europe, its initial round of passengers are from Switzerland, France and other countries. The ship’s interiors are inspired by 20th-century works by German painter Josef Albers, known for his vibrant color square paintings. The cruise was originally planned to set sail in 2020 but was delayed by the pandemic.

River cruises have been popular in Europe and North America for some time, with multiple companies regularly trailing the Danube, Rhine and Seine. But the concept is still fairly new in India seeing as the country’s rivers—most notably the Ganges—continue to struggle with severe pollution. But there are plans underway to increase opportunities for river tourism in India. One of its incentives includes building 10 passenger ship terminals along National Waterway-2, an 891-kilometer section of the Brahmaputra River. The country also has eight river cruise ships that are capable of traveling between Varanasi and Kolkata.

Antara also offers several upscale cruise itineraries aboard the MV Ganga Vilas that are shorter in duration. One route from Kolkata to Murshidabad in West Bengal runs for eight days and costs 292,875 rupees, or $3,500, while a trip from Kolkata to Varanasi lasts 12 days and costs 437,250 rupees ($5,300). For more details, visit the Antara website .

Demetrius Simms is a digital staff writer at Robb Report. After starting their career in PR, they transitioned to freelance writing in 2020. Their work has now appeared in lifestyle and culture…

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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 51 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 50-night itinerary can be done in two parts, a 20-night portion from Varanasi to Kolkata (or vice-versa) along the Ganges, and a 30-night portion from Kolkata to Sivasagar (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.

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

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• I'd like to be contacted via WhatsApp.
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• 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.

• Explained: World's longest river cruise MV Ganga Vilas

Explained: World's longest river cruise MV Ganga Vilas

Tracing India's cultural roots

Kashi to Dibrugarh via Bangladesh: Everything you need to know about world's longest river cruise

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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.

Waterways Leisure Tourism

Translation giorgia lombardo.

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India Now Has the World's Largest Cruise MV Ganga Vilas: Row to Some Other Beatific Journeys

Curated By : News Desk

Edited By: Vidushi Sagar

Last Updated: January 13, 2023, 07:30 IST

New Delhi, India

The Sundarbans cruise runs through the famous mangroves, taking in the scenery along the way (Image: Sundarbans Wildlife Tourism)

Explained: A look at some other cruises present in India, and the views they offer

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the world’s longest river cruise, MV Ganga Vilas, and inaugurate a ‘Tent City’ on the banks of the Ganga river in Varanasi on January 13 via video conferencing.

About the MV Ganga Vilas Cruise

MV Ganga Vilas will begin its journey from Varanasi and sail around 3,200 km in 51 days to reach Dibrugarh in Assam via Bangladesh, traversing across 27 river systems in the two countries, it said.

Modi said the 51-day river cruise is a unique opportunity to connect with the country’s cultural roots and discover beautiful aspects of its diversity. The cruiser has three decks, 18 suites on board with a capacity of carrying 36 tourists and having all luxury amenities. The maiden voyage has 32 tourists from Switzerland signing up for the entire length of the journey, it noted.

The PMO said the cruise has been curated to bring out the best of the country to be showcased to the world. The cruise is planned with visits to 50 tourist spots, including world heritage sites, national parks, river ‘ghats’ and major cities like Patna in Bihar, Sahibganj in Jharkhand, Kolkata in West Bengal, Dhaka in Bangladesh and Guwahati in Assam.

The journey will give the tourists an opportunity to embark upon an experiential voyage and indulge in the art, culture, history, and spirituality of India and Bangladesh.

In line with the prime minister’s endeavour to boost river cruise tourism, the service will help unlock the huge untapped potential of the sector and herald a new age of tourism for India, it said.

As the new cruise enthralls, take a look at some other cruises India has:

Sundarbans River Cruise

Sundarbans River Cruise is special for those who love nature, and want to look at mangroves. The cruise runs through the famous Sundarban mangroves, taking in the scenery along the way. It further travels down the Malta River, passing through the well-known Sundarban Tiger Reserve.

Chilika Lake Cruise

The cruise offers a fantastic way to experience Odisha. Chilika Lake Cruise entices avid bird watchers as the lake has an abundance of bird life. As one travels, they will see a variety of resident and migratory water birds, including cranes. The cruise departs from Mangalajodi and to Rajahamsa Beach to see river dolphins, mangroves, and small island villages.

Garuda,the 1st cruise boat in Chilika lake is now ready to sail. Complying to all statutory regulations, this house boat will take you on an exciting, comfortable & enjoyable journey in the lake.Thanks to Vikas eco resorts for this nice initiative. pic.twitter.com/AcAkG0hEfY — Susanta Nanda IFS (@susantananda3) May 8, 2022

Mangalore River Cruise

The cruise runs on the calm Phalguni River in Mangalore. The Phalguni River’s final destination is the Arabian Sea, but before that, the river hosts those who want to take a tour of Mangalore’s coastal areas. The 3-hour river cruise takes one to picturesque coastal villages. The delicious traditional Mangalorean cuisine served onboard is the cruise’s highlight.

Mandovi River Cruise

The Mandovi River Cruise allows one to experience Goa’s culture and sights. The cruise is only a couple of hours long, but it is an unforgettable experience, says a report by Times of India. As one cruises through the Chorao and Divar Islands, one can enjoy Goan folk songs, dances, and food.

Ganges River Heritage Cruise

It’s an ideal Ganges river cruise. One of the most exciting things to do in Kolkata is the six-day Ganges Heritage River Cruise. On the first day, the cruise will begin with a visit to the magnificent Howrah Bridge, followed by a tour of Kolkata’s British colonial past in Barrackpore, Chandannagar, Serampore, and Bandel.

The next leg of one’s journey will take you to Shantipur’s terracotta temples and the well-known Weavers Colony (tant cotton). The next stop is Mayapur’s famous ISKCON temple and Kansari Artisans Village. The best is saved for last – Murshidabad, one of West Bengal’s oldest cities. The Hazarduari Palace Museum in Mushidabad is a must-see, says the report.

Brahmaputra River Cruise

The 10-night Brahmaputra River Cruise connects Guwahati and Jorhat-Dibrugarh. The cruise will take you to Sibsagar, the former kingdom of the Ahom kings, Majuli island, Kaziranga National Park, a heritage tour of Tezpur, and Sualkuchi, a well-known silk weaving village.

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World’s longest river cruise of 4,000 km to set sail from Varanasi in Jan

The 50-day cruise will set sail from Varanasi on 10 January and cover 4,000 km, passing through Kolkata and Dhaka before reaching Bogibeel in Dibrugarh district of Assam on 1 March

The government proposes to launch the world’s longest luxury river cruise—from Varanasi to Dibrugarh via Bangladesh— next year in what it hopes will give a push to inland waterways development in India.

The 50-day cruise will set sail from Varanasi on 10 January and cover 4,000 km, passing through Kolkata and Dhaka before reaching Bogibeel in Dibrugarh district of Assam on 1 March.

“Ganga Vilas cruise will sail from Varanasi to Dibrugarh in a longest river journey of 50 days covering 27 river systems and visit over 50 tourist sites including World Heritage Sites. This will be the single largest river journey by a single river ship in the world and would put both India and Bangladesh on the river cruise map of the world," minister of ports, shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said in an interview.

He said that development of coastal and river shipping, including cruise services, is one of the priorities of the government and that more such services would be launched to tap the country’s enormous potential in this area. “Besides promoting passenger traffic on rivers, the development of inland waterway systems would also facilitate trade and cargo services and give a boost to tourism around the areas along its route," the minister said.

The Varanasi-Dibrugarh cruise is expected to be run on a PPP model with the memorandum of understanding to run the first set of cruise liners signed between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Antara Luxury River Cruises and JM Baxi River Cruises.

The operators will decide the ticket price based on a cost-plus basis with no intervention from the Centre.

“The cruises are of different kinds—luxury, expedition, etc. The tourists also come with different mindsets—some want to stay for the full journey while some may move from one point to another. The service will facilitate all kinds of tourists. Moreover, with the amendment to Indian Vessel Act, cruise lines would have national permit to move seamlessly across states," Sonowal said.

The cruise will cover almost 1,100 km in Bangladesh before re-entering India. This will be done via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route, which has already opened trade and transit channels between the two countries and connects the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers.

The Ganga Vilas cruise will start its journey at Varanasi and reach Patna on day 8 passing through Buxar, Ramnagar and Ghazipur.

From Patna it will reach Kolkata on Day 20. It will set sail the next day to enter Bangladesh at Bali and remain in the neighbouring country for 15 days before entering India again and reaching Bogibeel (Dibrugarh) 31 days after starting from Kolkata.

To be sure, river cruises are already running on National Waterway 1 (NW-1) (Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hoogly), NW-2 (Brahmaputra) and NW-3 (West Coast Canal).

[email protected]

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World’s Longest Luxury River Cruise Launches In India Next Year

Antara Luxury River Cruises is launching the world’s longest luxury river cruise, Ganga Vilas Cruise, in January next year. The ship will set sail from Varanasi for a 50-day cruise covering 4,000 miles. Meanwhile, the cruise offers the chance to explore much of India in a relaxed and luxurious way. Read on to find out more about the world’s longest luxury river cruise , launching January 10.

Ganga Vilas Cruise with Antara Luxury River Cruises

The Antara Ganga Vilas Cruise is ideal for fans of the cruising life, looking for something unique. Dubbed the world’s longest luxury river cruise, the ship departs from Varanasi on January 10 for a 50-day, 4,000-mile journey through India.

Antara Luxury River Cruises are working to increase India’s inland water tourism with this latest offering. The news was recently released of the company’s plans to launch the world’s longest luxury river cruise.

Where does the cruise go?

The Ganga Vilas Cruise takes travelers from the heart of Uttar Pradesh to the remote corners of Assam, while also journeying through Bangladesh. After leaving on January 10, the Ganga Vilas cruise will pass cities like Dhaka and Kolkata along the way. Moreover, the cruise covers 27 different Indian river systems and offers visits to more than 50 popular tourist sites, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites .

Meanwhile, after 50 days, the cruise ship reaches its final destination of Bogibeel in the Dibrugarh District of Assam on March 1.

Boosting India’s waterway tourism hub

News 18 quotes Sarbananda Sonowal, the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in India as saying in an interview:

This will be the single largest river journey by a single river ship in the world and would put both India and Bangladesh on the river cruise map of the world.

Minister Sonowal added that the development of coastal and river shipping, including cruise services , is one of the Indian government’s top priorities. He explained that services of this kind can tap into India’s enormous potential as a waterway tourism hub. Meanwhile, besides boosting tourism in the area, the development of the waterways will also benefit India’s logistics systems with the facilitation of trade and cargo movement.

Moreover, the Gangas Vilas cruise will be a first-of-its-kind cruise service, running on a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The private players in the cruise are Antara Luxury River Cruises and JM Baxi River Cruises, working with a government partnership from the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).

About the cruise ship

The Antara Gangas Vilas cruise vessel offers 18 luxurious suites and other facilities, including dining, lounge and bar areas and a relaxing deck. According to Antara, the vessel has been built with a unique design and a futuristic vision. Moreover, along the 4,000-mile journey, passengers will experience a voyage into India’s art, culture, history, spirituality and more.

Readers can visit Antara’s website to find out more about the new luxury river cruise and the various cultural adventures along the way.

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PM flags off World’s Longest River Cruise - MV Ganga Vilas in Varanasi via video conferencing Inaugurates Tent City Lays foundation stones and inaugurates other inland waterways projects worth more than Rs. 1000 crores Inaugurates Multi-Modal Terminal in Haldia “Many tourist places of Eastern India are going to benefit by MV Ganga Vilas Cruise” “The Cruise will create a new line of development in its wake” “Today India has everything and a lot beyond your imagination” “Ganga ji is not just a river and we are taking a twin approach through Namami Gange and Arth Ganga to serve this holy river”  “With a growing global profile, interest in visiting and knowing India is also increasing” “This decade of the 21st century is a decade of infrastructure transformation in India” “River waterways are new strength of India”

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi flagged off the World’s Longest River Cruise-MV Ganga Vilas and inaugurated the Tent City at Varanasi via video conferencing today. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several other inland waterways projects worth more than Rs. 1000 crores during the event. In line with the Prime Minister’s endeavour to boost river cruise tourism, the huge untapped potential of river cruises will get unlocked with the launch of this service and it will herald a new age of river cruise tourism for India.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister hailed Lord Mahadev and greeted everyone on the auspicious occasion of Lohri. The Prime Minister emphasised charity, faith, tapasya and faith in our festivals and the role of rivers in them. This makes the projects related to river waterways all the more significant, he said. He pointed out that the longest river cruise from Kashi to Dibrugarh is being flagged off today which will bring to the fore, places of tourism in North India on the world tourism map. He said other projects being dedicated today in Varanasi, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Assam worth 1000 crore will give a push to the tourism and employment potential in eastern India.

Underlining the central role of river Ganga in the life of every Indian, the Prime Minister lamented that the area around the banks lagged behind in development in the post-independence period thereby leading to a massive exodus of population from this area. The Prime Minister elaborated on a twin approach to address this unfortunate situation. On the one hand, the campaign to clean Ganga was undertaken through Namami Gange and ‘Arth Ganga’ was taken up on the other. In ‘Arth Ganga’ steps have been taken to create an environment of economic dynamism in the states from where Ganga passes.

Directly addressing the tourists from foreign countries who are traveling on the maiden journey of the cruise, the Prime Minister said, “Today India has everything and a lot beyond your imagination.” He further added that India can only be experienced from the heart as the nation has welcomed everyone with open hearts irrespective of region or religion, creed or country and welcomed tourists from all parts of the world.

Throwing light on the experience of the river cruise, the Prime Minister informed that it has something special for everyone. He added that those seeking spirituality will cover destinations like Kashi, Bodh Gaya, Vikramshila, Patna Sahib and Majuli, tourists looking out for a multinational cruise experience will get the opportunity to via Dhaka in Bangladesh, and those wanting to witness the natural diversity of India will cross through Sundarbans and the forests of Assam. Observing that the cruise will pass through 25 different river streams, the Prime Minister said that this cruise has significant importance for those who have a keen interest in understanding the river systems of India. He also mentioned that it is a golden opportunity for those who want to explore the myriad culinary and cuisines of India. “One can witness the extraordinary amalgamation of the heritage of India and its modernity on this cruise”, the Prime Minister remarked as he shed light on the new era of cruise tourism where new employment opportunities will be created for the youth of the country. “Not just foreign tourists but Indians who traveled to different nations for such an experience can head towards North India now”, the Prime Minister said. He also informed that similar experiences are being readied in other inland waterways of the country to give a boost to cruise tourism while keeping in mind the budget as well as the luxury experience.

The Prime Minister also mentioned that India is entering into a robust phase of tourism as with a growing global profile, curiosity about India is also increasing. That is why, said the Prime Minister, in the last 8 years various steps were taken to expand the tourism sector in the country. Places of faith were developed on priority and Kashi is a live example of such efforts. With improved facilities and the rejuvenation of Kashi Vishvanath Dham, Kashi has seen a huge increase in the number of visiting devotees. This has given a massive boost to the local economy. The New Tent City, infused with modernity, spirituality and faith, will provide a novel experience to the tourists.

The Prime Minister said that today’s event is a reflection of the policies, decisions and direction taken after 2014 in the country. “This decade of the 21st century is a decade of infrastructure transformation in India. India is witnessing a level of infrastructure which was unimaginable a few years ago.” He said from Social infrastructure like houses, toilets, hospitals, electricity, water, cooking gas, educational institutes to digital infrastructure to physical connectivity infrastructure like railways, waterways, airways and roads, all these are strong indicators of the rapid growth of India. In all the fields India is seeing the best and biggest, he pointed out.

The Prime Minister underlined the low usage of river waterways in India before 2014 despite the rich history in this mode of transport in the country. Post 2014, India is harnessing this ancient strength to the cause of modern India. There is a new law and detailed action plan for developing waterways in big rivers of the country. The Prime Minister informed that in 2014 only 5 national waterways were there in the country, now there are 111 national waterways in the country and about two dozen are in operation already. Similarly, there has been a 3 times increase in cargo transportation via river waterways from 30 lakh metric tonnes 8 years ago.

Coming back to the theme of development of eastern India, the Prime Minister said that today’s events will help in making eastern India a growth engine for Developed India. This connects Haldia multimodal terminal with Varanasi and is also connected with India Bangladesh protocol route and Northeast. This also connects Kolkata port and Bangladesh. This will facilitate business from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal to Bangladesh. 

Emphasising the need for training of the staff and skilled workforce, the Prime Minister informed that a Skill Development Center has been set up in Guwahati and a new facility is also being constructed in Guwahati for the repairing of ships. “Be it a cruise ship or a cargo ship, they not only give a boost to transport and tourism, but the entire industry associated with their service also creates new opportunities”, the Prime Minister said.

Referring to a study conducted, the Prime Minister informed that waterways are not just beneficial to the environment but also help in saving money. He said that the cost of operating waterways is two and a half times lesser than that of roadways, and one-third lesser when compared to railways. The Prime Minister also touched upon the National Logistics Policy and said that India has the potential to develop a waterway network of thousands of kilometres. He also emphasised that India has more than 125 rivers and river streams which can be developed to transport goods and ferry people while also giving impetus to further expanding port-led development. He emphasised the need to build a modern multi-modal network of waterways and informed about the partnerships with Bangladesh and other countries which have strengthened the water connectivity in the Northeast.

Concluding the address, the Prime Minister remarked on the continuous development process of developing waterways in India and said, “Strong connectivity is essential for building a developed India.” The Prime Minister expressed the belief that the river of India will give new heights to water power and trade and tourism of the country and wished a pleasant journey to all the cruise passengers.

Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adiyanath, Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal among others were present on the occasion.

MV Ganga Vilas

MV Ganga Vilas will begin its journey from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and travel around 3,200 km in 51 days to reach Dibrugarh in Assam via Bangladesh, sailing across 27 river systems in India and Bangladesh. MV Ganga Vilas has three decks, 18 suites on board with a capacity of 36 tourists, with all the luxury amenities. The maiden voyage has 32 tourists from Switzerland signing up for the entire length of the journey.

The MV Ganga Vilas cruise is curated to bring out the best of the country to be showcased to the world. The 51 days cruise is planned with visits to 50 tourist spots including World Heritage Sites, National Parks, River Ghats, and major cities like Patna in Bihar, Sahibganj in Jharkhand, Kolkata in West Bengal, Dhaka in Bangladesh and Guwahati in Assam. The journey will give the tourists an opportunity to embark upon an experiential voyage and indulge in the art, culture, history, and spirituality of India and Bangladesh.

In line with PM’s endeavour to boost river cruise tourism, the huge untapped potential of river cruises will get unlocked with the launch of this service and it will herald a new age of river cruise tourism for India.

Tent City at Varanasi

Tent City has been conceptualised on the banks of the River Ganga to tap the potential of tourism in the region. The project has been developed opposite to city ghats which will provide accommodation facilities and cater to the increased tourist influx in Varanasi, especially since the inauguration of Kashi Vishwanath Dham. It has been developed by Varanasi Development Authority in PPP mode. The tourists will reach the Tent City by boats from different Ghats situated in the vicinity. The tent city will be operational from October to June every year and will be dismantled for three months due to the rise in river water level in the rainy season.

Inland Waterway projects

Prime Minister will inaugurate Haldia Multi-Modal Terminal in West Bengal. Developed under Jal Marg Vikas Project, Haldia Multi-Modal Terminal has a cargo handling capacity of around over 3 Million Metric Tonne Per Annum (MMTPA) and the berths are designed to handle vessels up to around 3000 Deadweight tonnage (DWT).

The Prime Minister also inaugurated four floating community jetties at Saidpur, Chochakpur, Zamania in Ghazipur district and at Kanspur in Ballia district in Uttar Pradesh. Besides, the Prime Minister laid foundation stones for the five Community Jetties at Digha, Nakta Diyara, Barh, Panapur in Patna district and Hasanpur in Samastipur district in Bihar. More than 60 community jetties are being constructed along the river Ganga across the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal to boost the economic activities and improve the livelihoods of local communities in the region. The community jetties would play a key role in improving the livelihoods of people by providing simple logistics solutions for small farmers, fishery units, unorganised farm-producing units, horticulturists, florists and artisans focussing on economic activities in and around the hinterland of river Ganga.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Maritime Skill Development Centre for North East at Guwahati. It will help hone the rich talent pool in the North Eastern region and will provide for better employment opportunities in the burgeoning logistics industry.

In addition to these, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a ship repair facility and an elevated road at Pandu Terminal in Guwahati. The Ship Repair facility at the Pandu Terminal will save a lot of valuable time as it takes more than a month for a ship to be transported to the Kolkata Repair facility and back. Moreover, it will also result in huge savings in terms of money as the transportation cost of the ship will also be saved. The dedicated road connecting the Pandu Terminal to NH 27 will enable 24-hour connectivity.

Beginning of cruise service on River Ganga is a landmark moment. It will herald a new age of tourism in India. https://t.co/NOVFLFrroE — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 13, 2023

Today, the world's longest river cruise - Ganga Vilas, has embarked on a journey between Kashi and Dibrugarh. Due to this, many tourist places of Eastern India are going to benefit. pic.twitter.com/SlE4pvd2Or — PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 13, 2023

गंगा जी हमारे लिए सिर्फ एक जलधारा भर नहीं है। बल्कि ये भारत की तप-तपस्या की साक्षी हैं। pic.twitter.com/iJGA4OqXqE — PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 13, 2023

India welcomes all our tourist friends from different parts of the world. Come, explore the vibrancy of our country! pic.twitter.com/7LiA2beUkq — PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 13, 2023

क्रूज जहां से भी गुजरेगा वहां विकास की एक नई लाइन तैयार करेगा। pic.twitter.com/HcKxwy3Cz3 — PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 13, 2023

This is the decade of transforming India's infrastructure. pic.twitter.com/bb0pyirjfd — PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 13, 2023

नदी जलमार्ग, भारत का नया सामर्थ्य बन रहे हैं। pic.twitter.com/pGB1hrwK27 — PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 13, 2023

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PM Modi to launch world's longest river cruise in Varanasi today

Prime minister narendra modi will launch the world's largest river cruise in varanasi on friday. here's all you need to know..

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the world's longest river cruise in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi today.

The luxury cruise from Varanasi will cover a distance of more than 3,200 km across 27 river systems in five states in India and Bangladesh.

At Ravidas Ghat, a cruise is all set, where 31 passengers will embark on a 51-hour journey through 50 places.

Meanwhile, Sarwananda Sonowal, a Union minister, told India Today that the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made all this possible.

The travellers will also visit the Bihar School of Yoga and Vikramshila University, allowing them to soak up the rich Indian heritage in terms of spirituality and knowledge.

The cruise will also traverse through the biodiversity-rich World Heritage Sites of Sunderbans in the Bay of Bengal delta, famous for Royal Bengal Tigers, as well as Kaziranga National Park, famous for one-horned rhinos.

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Varanasi And Bogibeel Will Be Connected Via India's Longest River Cruise On January 10, 2023

India is set to get its longest river cruise on january 10, 2023. the varanasi-bogibeel cruise will travel about 4,000 kilometres..

By: Anushka Goel Published: Nov 13, 2022 02:00 PM IST

India is set to witness the launch of another cruise service on January 10, 2023. The Varanasi-Bogibeel cruise will be the country’s longest such route, and will travel about 4,000 kilometres in 50 days. Here are the details. By Anushka Goel

From January 10, 2023, you will be able to hop aboard India’s longest river cruise. This cruise will take travellers between Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi to Assam’s Bogibeel. The cruise will cover a distance of over 4,000 kilometres, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, writes The Hindu .

Varanasi-Bogibeel cruise to begin in 2023

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Kritesh ll Traveller 🚆 ll Foodie 🍕🍟 (@kritesh_life)

The cruise will connect the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers. This will be done via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBRP), the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) stated, writes The Hindu .

Book your stay at Tree of Life Resort & Spa Varanasi here

The cruise is expected to give people of Assam the opportunity to make greater use of the inland waterways, and avail of the services for transportation, trade, cargo and more. The new cruise is also expected to increase tourism activities between the two states, appealing to the locals as well as tourists to these destinations. The journey will cover 27 river systems and 50 tourist sites.

According to reports, several other development projects are also being launched in and around Bogibeel bridge in the Dibrugarh district, to make travel opportunities easier.

There are two floating jetties being constructed at Bogibeel and Guijan, which were inaugurated this Monday (September 19), along with the inauguration of the Bogibeel Riverfront Passenger Jetty (built by the Northeast Frontier Railways). According to an official statement, the two jetties will cost about INR 8.25 crore and are expected to be completed by February 2023.

Varanasi is being developed as a destination not just for spiritual travellers but also for leisure tourists, and the new cruise is expected to add to the experience. The tour will make for an interesting and rather untraversed route, with stunning views, waterways and more.

Book your stay at Radisson Hotel Varanasi here

Hero and Featured Image: Courtesy of J Shim/Unsplash 

Related:  Explore The Finer Nuances Of Varanasi With Our Ultimate City Guide!

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Anushka Goel

Anushka has previously worked with publications such as the Times of India and Being Indian. A graduate from Xavier Institute of Communications, she specialises in entertainment, food and travel. She also likes to write about sustainability and beauty. When not working, you can catch her reading a book, tending to her plants, cooking or playing an instrument. Read Less

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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

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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• Luxury Cruises

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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The 10 Biggest Cruise Ships in the World

Where to float on the biggest boats.

E very vessel that's once held the title of "biggest cruise ship" has one thing in common: It is a destination in and of itself. Of course, these enormous passenger cruise ships also transport guests to thrilling ports, exotic islands and remote locations too. It's almost as if you could live on a cruise ship !

These massive ships each have so much going on: theater and music on a multitude of stages, water slides, roller coasters and go-kart tracks, zip lines, ice skating rinks, laser tag arenas—you name it. There are also hidden cruise features waiting to be discovered and more restaurants than you will ever need to feed yourself. They are, simply put, awe-inspiring creations. Have you ever thought about how cruise ships float ?

One of the most important cruise tips for vacationing on one of these big boats is to accept that you won't be able to do it all on your first visit. Thankfully, with many itineraries to choose from, you can sail on the largest cruise ship again and again, learn cruise ship code words and have new experiences every single time you're on board one of these massive ships.

What is largest cruise ship in the world?

The current reigning champion is Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas. But next year, there will be a brand-new biggest cruise ship, the Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas . Planned with 20 decks, 2,805 staterooms, seven pools and nine hot tubs, the future largest ship in the world is currently being built in Finland. Here are the details about the biggest and grandest ships to sail on.

Wonder of the Seas

Cruise line: Royal Caribbean

Length: 1,188 feet

Width: 215 feet

Guest capacity: 7,084

A true wonder, the current biggest ship in the world delights guests every week with a feast of activities, shows, meals and memories. Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas , an Oasis-class ship that is a city at sea, has 16 guest decks, 2,204 crew members from every corner of the planet and more than 10 bars and 20 dining destinations—nine of which are complimentary. Curiously, even though the Icon of the Seas will eventually take the mantle as the largest cruise ship, Wonder will still have more staterooms than its new big sister, a whopping 2,867 of them.

It also features a carousel on a real boardwalk, a dry slide that twists down 10 decks, surfing simulators, a laser tag arena, an ice skating rink and a zip line that spans the interior width of the ship. It also has interior rooms with balconies that look out over the restaurant and a tree-lined neighborhood that looks like Central Park. Wonder of the Seas will soon lose its crown as the biggest cruise ship in the world, but it'll never lose its ability to provide unique vacations thanks to affordable cruises for every kind of traveler.

World Europa

Cruise line: MSC

Length: 1,093 feet

Width: 154 feet

Guest capacity: 6,762

MSC is not only a privately held shipping company, the largest in the world, they are also the maker of some of the largest cruise ships in the world. The World Europa , which took to the sea for the first time in 2022, is currently escorting passengers all over the Mediterranean, using one of the cleanest marine fuels to do so.

The World Europa features some of the best rooms on a cruise ship, thanks to having the most cabins with a balcony. It also has the world's longest dry slide at sea, taking adventurous cruisers down 12 decks in a shiny, twisting stainless steel tube, and bumper cars in a SportsPlex arena that also hosts rollerblading—not at the same time, however. People looking for something a little less dramatic will enjoy six pools, some surrounded by tropical greenery, 14 whirlpools and MSC's first-ever department store at sea. Finally, you'll never go hungry on this ship , given its 10 restaurants, including four main dining rooms and three buffets.

Cruise line: P&O Cruises

Length: 1,130 feet

Width: 138 feet

Guest capacity: 6,685

Whether you want the sunshine of the Caribbean or the culture found in and around Mediterranean ports, Arvia is P&O's largest cruise ship and one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, with 1,800 crew members, a three-screen cinema complex, a wide range of staterooms to choose from and four pools, including an infinity pool with a swim-up bar. There are also nearly two dozen whirlpool spas, a sauna, steam room and a hydrotherapy pool.

This means that whether you're taking a singles cruise or have children in tow—the Arvia is a family-friendly ship with age-specific kids clubs on board—serious rest and relaxation are definitely on the agenda. Then, when you're feeling spry and ready for some adventure during your vacation at sea, you can try an escape room or ropes course, play in the sports arena or strut your stuff in a dance class.

Costa Toscana

Cruise line: Costa Cruises

Length: 1,105 feet

Width: 137 feet

Guest capacity: 6,600

A sister to the Smeralda , the Costa Toscana became the fleet's largest cruise ship when it took to the water in March 2022. The ship uses LNG propulsion engines to make sea travel more sustainable, both while cruising and in ports of call around the world. An international crew of 1,678 works to deliver dream vacations for up to 6,600 passengers who will love to discover all there is to do, see and experience on board.

The ship has 1,550 staterooms ranging from interior cabins to elaborate suites, a baker's dozen pools and whirlpools, and a total of 20 restaurants, bars and lounges. Costa's new flagship vessel is a smart city at sea, offering subtly high-tech sailings that provide fun for the whole family, thanks to Peppa Pig character parties, an aqua park with water slides and a mind-bending skywalk 213 feet above the ocean! So book a vacation on one of the largest cruise ships in the world, then pack your cruise ducks and your appetite for learning how to cook at Toscana 's Food LAB cooking school, among other adventures at sea.

Celebration

Cruise line: Carnival

Guest capacity: 6,631

As cruise lines jockey for position at the top of the biggest cruise ship in the world leaderboard, the original family-fun ships are also getting larger. A total of 1,735 international crew, famously considered the best in the business, will ensure that every family's cruise on the Celebration not only maximizes the fun but also the memories, and all at some of the most affordable prices in the cruise industry.

This ship has BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, Dr. Seuss children's themed cruises with character appearances, and incredible water parks with multiple slides. Delicious food is made fast-and-fresh at Guy's Burger Joint, Shaq's Big Chicken and the Seafood Shack, as well as tasty street-food carts located near the pools. Plus, with all the extra space on the largest cruise ship in their fleet, Carnival's Playlist Productions has more stages to dazzle you and your kids with famously fantastic live music and musical theater.

Cruise line: Norwegian

Length: 1,094 feet

Width: 136 feet

Guest capacity: 3,998

With 1,700 crew members and more than 2,000 staterooms, including suites in The Haven—Norwegian's luxurious, private and tranquil ship-within-a-ship concept high atop the ship, which comes with 24-hour butler service and its own lavish sundeck—the Encore ranks among the largest cruise ships in the world. Curiously, this vessel from 2019 is still the largest in the Norwegian fleet! Both Prima  and the forthcoming Viva were built after Encore but are considerably smaller in size, bucking the cruise industry trend of "bigger is better."

Encore shines as a superior and super big ship, the fourth in the Breakaway Plus class, and features a multi-deck go-kart track, the Cavern Club music venue, fashioned after the famous Liverpool room where The Beatles became big, a virtual-reality gaming room, an outdoor laser-tag arena and some of the best food at sea. No doubt, this will become one of every passenger's favorite cruises.

Symphony of the Seas

Width: 216 feet

Guest capacity: 6,680

None of the many all-inclusive cruises take place on the largest cruise ships, but you may be forgiven for thinking you're enjoying an all-inclusive experience on Symphony of the Seas . The ship's many spectacular activities include a zip line that soars above the boardwalk many decks below, an old-fashioned carousel, Broadway-style theater shows, surfing simulators and the 10-story Abyss dry slide. There's also delicious food all over the ship that is 100% complimentary. And while you may fly on the zip line over and over again, you'll probably still wonder, Why do cruise ships have wings ?

After its maiden voyage in April 2018, Symphony was the biggest cruise ship in the world. But because of its ingenious neighborhood concept, guests rarely feel overcrowded. Seven distinct areas carve up the ship into unique spaces to play, eat, stroll, sleep and enjoy live entertainment, and the traffic flows brilliantly to make passengers feel as though they're on a more intimate ship and not cruising with upward of 6,680 other people in more than 2,700 staterooms, some of which are interior cabins with balconies that boast views of the Central Park neighborhood's greenery and eateries.

Cruise line: AIDA

Guest capacity: 6,654

While American travelers looking to cruise the Caribbean may not encounter her, the AIDAnova is not only the largest cruise ship in the AIDA fleet, she's also a revolutionary lady. The ship's Four Elements adventure deck, with its three water slides and climbing garden under the dome of a retractable glass roof, drops jaws on every sailing. The ship's more than 2,600 staterooms with 20 different types, ranging from a glorious two-deck penthouse to budget-friendly interior cabins, allow guests to sleep well and arrive in port well rested, and the two-deck spa offering 80 different treatments provides even more healing and luxury.

But AIDAnova is also impressive because it made history as the world's first cruise ship to be powered in port and at sea by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the world's cleanest burning fossil fuel. It's important that big ships can be more sustainable, but did you ever wonder why there are big balls on cruise ships ?

Sun Princess

Cruise line: Princess

Length: 1,133 feet

Guest capacity: 4,300

The Love Boat is getting much, much bigger! Yes, this is the namesake ship from the beloved '70s TV show. With 2,150 cabins, the Sun Princess is close to carrying 4,300 passengers to Europe for its inaugural season later this year. And then all around the world, people will be asking, "Why do cruise ships have to stop in Canada?"

The third ship in the history of the fleet to be graced with the iconic name, the S un Princess is poised to be a fan favorite. There are more than 29 bars, lounges and restaurants on board, with the Sea View Terrace and Bar ensconced in glass at the top and front of the ship, book-ended by the Wake View Terrace at the back, which has a stunning infinity pool hanging off the edge. Drawing inspiration from the tiered terraces of Santorini, Greece, this evocative area will have an indoor/outdoor pool to enjoy supreme relaxation during the day. But once the sun says goodbye, the pool becomes a stage and the dome above transforms into an entertainment venue with eye-popping lighting effects.

Length: 1,085 feet

Width: 141 feet

Guest capacity: 6,334

Come June 2023, one of the newest and biggest cruise ships at sea will be carrying eager pasengers, and more than 1,700 dedicated crew members, to world-class destinations in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. While on board the Euribia , cruisers will enjoy a massive amount of personal space (100-plus square feet per person) at any one of five unique pools, including one of the most intricate waterparks at sea, covering more than 10,000 square feet.

These watery areas of rest, relaxation and revelry will comfortably accommodate more than 1,000 guests at a time. Indoors, a 360-foot-long Mediterranean-style promenade is lined with myriad shops, along with some of the 20 bars and 10 restaurants found on the ship. It also features a domed LED screen that magically displays the sky and other animations throughout the day and night. MSC continues to be a favorite cruise line of environmentalist travelers looking to ease their mind and minimize their footprint, as the Euribia has an advanced onboard wastewater treatment system that doesn't allow any water to leave the ship without being treated and cleaned.

The post The 10 Biggest Cruise Ships in the World appeared first on Reader's Digest .

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's 2 largest cruise ships. They were shockingly similar for the $1,000 difference

• Royal Caribbean operates many of the cruise industry's biggest ships.
• Icon of the Seas  launched in January, dethroning its predecessor, Wonder of the Seas, as the world's largest.
• Here's how the two mega-ships compare in size, neighborhoods, amenities, dining, cabins, and costs.

Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's new mega-cruise ship darling, was deemed a success before it was even built.

In January, the highly anticipated vessel — complete with more than 40 bars and restaurants, a six-slide waterpark, and a waterfall — set sail, dethroning its less than two-year-old precursor, the Wonder of the Seas , as the world's largest cruise ship.

Before its debut, Michael Bayley, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, had already repeatedly called Icon its "best-selling product" yet. The company experienced its largest booking day ever when reservations opened for Icon of the Seas more than a year before its launch, it said

Despite all of this fanfare, you might be surprised by how similar it is to its predecessor.

I've sailed on both ships. Let's see how Icon and Wonder compare in six categories: size, neighborhoods, amenities, dining, cabins, and costs.

Both ships stunt the size of their competitors.

Wonder of the Seas debuted in 2022 as the then-world's largest cruise liner, measuring 235,600 gross-tons, 1,188 feet-long, and 18 decks-tall. The ship can accommodate up to 9,288 people, including 2,204 crew.

Icon of the Seas is, comparatively, 13,063 gross-tons heavier, eight feet longer, and two decks taller. It can sail up to 9,950 people, including 2,350 crew, although it's 52 feet less wide than its predecessor.

Both vessels feel more like amusement parks than traditional cruise ships.

Royal Caribbean invited me on complimentary, non-revenue sailings on both ships: two nights on Wonder in late 2022 and three nights on Icon in January.

I spent most of my time lost, overwhelmed, and exhausted.

It's no surprise both ships are operating weeklong itineraries this year. Any less, and you might not have time to experience all the activities and restaurants on your list.

Like other Royal Caribbean ships, Wonder and Icon have eight 'neighborhoods' that serve separate purposes.

The new ship shares three of Wonder of the Seas' neighborhoods : Central Park, Royal Promenade, and Suite.

Icon's other five — Thrill Island , Surfside, Hideaway, Chill Island, and AquaDome — are a first for the cruise line.

Many of the ships' amenities overlap, but in differing quantities.

Wonder has three waterslides. Icon has a six-slide waterpark complete with rafting and racing options.

Both have increasingly popular cruise amenities like decks-long dry slides, mini-golf courses, rock climbing walls, and playgrounds.

But instead of Wonder of the Seas' zipline , Icon of the Seas has Crown's Edge, a thrilling agility course with a small zipline that leaves travelers dangling 154 feet above the ocean.

Wonder’s Boardwalk neighborhood was my go-to.

Boardwalk delivered exactly as it had promised: an open-air space grounded by wood-planked floors, a hot dog stand, a sweets store, and kitschy, colorful decor.

Icon of the Seas' Surfside , designed for families with young children, felt like its closest dupe.

Both neighborhoods had a carousel, an outdoor playground, and family-friendly dining. But Surfside was more toddler-friendly, as suggested by the children's water play area and nighttime story readings.

On to entertainment: Both mega-ships have ice skating performances and exciting multi-disciplinary shows at the AquaTheater.

But travelers who enjoy musicals at sea will want to stick to Icon.

Unlike its predecessor, the new ship shows a rendition of Broadway hit "The Wizard of Oz" — Munchkins, a puppet Toto, and a 16-piece live band included.

The layout of Icon's amenities were better than its cousin.

Some of Wonder of the Seas' enticing outdoor amenities — like the surf simulator, zipline, and mini-golf course — are clustered on the deck above and away from the pools and water slides.

This layout might be difficult for parents with children who bounce from one activity to the next. Wouldn't it be easier to have all of these outdoor extras near each other, or at least on the same deck, for parental supervision purposes?

This is where Icon of the Seas excelled: All its exciting open-air activities were adjacent.

The rows of pools flowed perfectly into Thrill Island's waterpark , rock climbing walls, mini-golf course, and Crown's Edge.

The best part? The adult-only Hideaway — which flexes an infinity pool club with a DJ — is right behind Thrill Island, creating a clear separation between parents and their children without being too far from each other.

'Free' options like the buffet and build-your-own tacos and burritos bar are available on both ships.

But you won't find the larger vessel's five-stall food hall or mini-golf-adjacent finger food stand on Wonder.

As expected, Icon of the Seas has more dining options than its predecessor, although there are some overlaps.

Wonder of the Seas has 11 bars and 21 dining venues (9 complimentary and 12 upcharged).

Icon of the Seas has eight more bars, four more complimentary restaurants, and three more specialty dining choices.

Nor will you find the new ship’s plush $200-a-person Empire Supper Club on any other cruise liner.

The multi-course dinner, paired with cocktails and live music, stunts the cost of either vessel's other dinner options.

But if you love Johnny Rockets, you’ll be disappointed by Icon of the Seas.

Restaurants like the popular burger chain and Southern comfort-inspired Mason Jar are only on Wonder of the Seas. Fine by me: My fried chicken at Mason Jar was as dry as a desert.

The younger ship doesn't have Wonder's robot bartender-armed bar either. It does, however, have new watering holes with dueling pianos and live jazz.

Surprisingly, Wonder of the Seas has 65 more cabins than its new cousin.

But several of Icon's 28 stateroom categories are a first for the cruise line.

This includes the new family infinite balcony cabin, which has a small bunk bed nook for children.

Royal Caribbean assigned me an ocean-view balcony stateroom on both ships.

My Wonder of the Seas' cabin was 20 square-feet smaller than the one on Icon. But my bathroom on the latter was so tiny, I accidentally elbowed the walls at almost every turn.

Sailing on the world's largest cruise ship doesn't mean you'll have the world's largest cabin after all.

Wonder and Icon are both operating seven-night roundtrip itineraries from Florida to the Caribbean.

In 2024, Wonder of the Seas is scheduled for year-round sailings from Port Canaveral to the Caribbean and Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay , starting at $700 per person.

Icon of the Seas is spending its first year in service operating nearly identical itineraries but from Miami instead. The cheapest 2024 option is $1,786 per person.

That's a difference of more than $125 per person per day.

"Bookings and pricing for Icon of the Seas can only be described as 'iconic,'" Naftali Holtz, the CFO of Royal Caribbean Group, told analysts in February.

Icon of the Seas’ name speaks for itself.

If your family is looking for a jam-packed kid-friendly cruise with enough amenities to stay entertained for a week, both ships are a great option.

But if you're a seasoned mega-ship-cruiser looking to experience something new, Icon of the Seas is your best bet.

They may be similar, but no other behemoth cruise liner has a waterpark for children and a pool club for adults just dozens of feet from each other.

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