Luxury Cruise Holiday Options in India
With the summer holidays coming up, most of us are busy planning our itinerary for the days ahead. If you are hoping to spend a week or two in luxury cruise lines, sailing on azure waters, peppered with the best of hospitality and grandeur, you are in for a treat!
With India revamping its choice in luxury cruise options, accessing our country’s abundant natural endowments has never been easier. Not too long ago, cruises were synonymous with Europe and the exotic Caribbean islands. However, with several cruise liners stepping up their game in India, you can be spoiled for choices right here at home.
Here are our top picks for luxury cruise lines in India which will indulge you in an experience worth remembering!
Top 5 Cruise Holiday Options in India
With the growing demand among tourists for luxury cruise vacations in India, review the top five of the ones currently operating in the country.
Costa Neo Classica Cruise
Making its way to the Maldives from Mumbai, the Costa Neo Classica Cruise is an embodiment of overindulgence. With 654 sea-view cabins offering onboard facilities like swimming pool, wellness centre, library, jacuzzi, ballrooms and even a shopping mall, this cruise ship has it all!
- It’s course –
This gigantic cruise ship sets sail along the Western coastline for seven days and stops at several small ports along the way. In the first leg of its journey, you will glide through the waves from Mumbai to Cochin over four nights. From there onwards, head to Male (Maldives), which will take a voyage time of three nights.
- Why this cruise?
You will be able to explore sanctuaries, pristine beaches and temples on short day tours in Cochin and Mangalore. You can also pamper yourself in the spa, try your hand at the casino, or even catch a movie at the onboard theatre.
- Charges –
For 7 nights and 8 days, this cruise will cost you around INR 1.45 lakh for a couple.
The Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda Cruise
Ever enjoyed the serenity of the backwaters in Kerala?
Even if you have already experienced top of the line extravagance and luxury in your previous trips, this magnificent luxury cruise ship will pleasantly surprise you! With all 5-star facilities onboard, it provides you with ample opportunities to marvel at the stunning sceneries of Kerala’s backwaters.
- It’s course –
This luxury cruise line takes you through the Vembanad Lake and the backwaters of Aleppey. From there, you can also opt to embark on a traditional rice boat and explore the narrower channels. The travel itinerary lasts for two to three nights.
- Why this cruise?
With tastefully furnished deluxe rooms and 5-star facilities like an onboard restaurant, and in-house entertainment system, this cruise offers the best of luxury and opulence. As a bonus, you will also be treated to live Mohiniattam and Kathakali performances on board!
- Charges –
Charges for 3 nights and 4 days for two adults is somewhere around INR 1.35 lakh.
The M.V.Mahabaahu Cruise
Grabbing one of the top spots in the list of luxury cruise holidays in India, this Brahmaputra River Cruise takes you through a journey of mystic forests, Buddhist monasteries and rice paddies of Assam. Their itinerary includes visits to the Peacock Island, Kaziranga National Park, tea estates, tribal villages and all that Assam has to offer.
- It’s course –
This gigantic cruise ship leads an expedition across the mighty Brahmaputra, which flows through Assam and into the Bay of Bengal. On the way, you can take detours to some of the top tourist
destinations.
- Why this cruise?
With 2 suites and 21 cabins, the sheer size of this vessel is worth a mention. You can enjoy the jaw-dropping vista on the cruise while savouring some of the best multi-cuisine delicacies served onboard. Replete with spas, massage centres and its own well-stocked library, this cruise ship has it all!
- Charges –
The cost for 3 nights and 4 days on this cruise for two adults comes to over Rs.1.60 lakh.
The M.V. Paramhansa Cruise
All set to explore one of the biggest mangrove forest reserves in the world? This luxury cruise line through West Bengal’s Sunderbans should be your vessel of choice for the occasion! While the scenic beauty of the Sunderbans with streams, creeks and exotic wildlife is enough to make the trip worthwhile; top-notch hospitality on the cruise ship is certainly a welcome addition.
- It’s course –
This cruise will take you through the streams between the mangrove forests and around the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve. The itinerary also includes a trip to the Bhagabatpur Island, a sanctuary for Gangetic crocodiles.
- Why this cruise?
This cruise is ideal for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. With air-conditioned cabins, massage parlour, Ayurveda treatment centre and its own library, this cruise ship has it all!
- Charges –
The charges for two adults for 3 nights and 4 days aboard this ship will be around INR 55,000.
Angriya Cruise
It is India’s first luxury cruise-liner that has made quite a few voyages between Mumbai and Goa. Even though this cruise offers only a 17-hour journey, it leaves no stone unturned in pampering voyagers with the best possible experience.
- It’s course –
The cruise departs from Goa at 4pm and arrives at Mumbai the next day at 9am. The timing of the journey allows you to get a glimpse of both sunrise and sunsets from the deck.
- Why this cruise?
With amenities like spa and discotheques, this cruise-liner is the epitome of luxury that allows you to travel along the Konkan coastline in style. Add to that the breath-taking seascape on the Arabian Sea, and this can be one of your best travel experiences.
- Charges –
Booking a double-bed room for this trip along with meals will cost you about INR 10,000.
These were our top picks for luxury cruise ship holidays in the country!
How to Prepare for a Cruise
Preparing for a cruise can be vastly different from your regular trips as you will not be on land and simply cannot disembark from the vessel at your will.
Take a look at some of the more important considerations while preparing for a cruise.
- Take measures against sea-sickness - While journeys on luxury cruise ships are mostly stable and smooth, it is best to undertake precautions and carry necessary medicines in case you are prone to sea-sickness.
- Check the itinerary – You must study and have a general idea of the trip itinerary to make the most of your time onboard. You will not want to miss out on exploring an island just because you are down drinking in the ship’s bar.
- Ensure awareness about the inclusive services – The amount you pay while booking your trip can be inclusive or exclusive of the facilities like spa and restaurant bookings, or other special events onboard. Look up the benefits you can avail before you make your bookings.
Premium credit cards like an American Express® Card can be your best companion on a cruise vacation. You can collect Membership Rewards® points while booking your cruise-liner vacation with an AMEX credit card.
So, make your bookings judiciously with your credit card, and you can maximise on the benefits from a luxury cruise ship holiday!
Happy sailing!