Cruising India

Hooked on cruising and wanting to visit India? You have some interesting choices with two main options:

  • Big ship cruises that call at India's fascinating port cities.
  • River cruising on the sub-continent's famous waterways.

Calling at Indian Ports

India is included on some very exotic itineraries. When ships sail between Europe and Asia or Africa or across the Indian Ocean they usually call here. These are either, positioning cruises, World Cruises or Grand Voyages and their segments.

Exciting news from Royal Caribbean is Brilliance of the Seas' India-Arabian coast cruises from Dubai in 2011. Two 12-night sailings, round-trip from Dubai, will call at the Indian ports of Mumbai, Goa and Cochin as well as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Muscat.

Excursions ashore show you the highlights around the port cities while longer overland tours take you to other important places including the Taj Mahal.

These are the most popular ports where cruise ships call.

  • Mumbai (formerly Bombay)
  • Goa
  • Kochi
  • Chennai (formerly Madras)

This vibrant metropolis on the west coast is India's financial capital and largest city. Enjoy the many galleries, museums and temples and visit the former home of Mahatma Gandhi.

Goa, on the southwest coast, is laid back yet sophisticated. The area is known for its fabulous palm fringed beaches and warm, soothing climate. From the port city of Murmagao, visit the religious and educational center of Pilar and the capital of Panaji with its striking colonial and modern architecture.

Kochi or Cochin is situated in the prosperous state of Kerala on the southwest coast. Kochi is surrounded by spectacular scenery while the architecture reveals its past as an important trading centre and colony of the Portuguese, Dutch and British.

This city in southeastern India on the Bay of Bengal is home to the world's second largest beach, the Marina Beach which is a leading tourist attraction. There's a variety of things to see including the Madras Snake Park, National Art Gallery, Fort St. George (1640) and the ancient Kapaleeshwar Temple.

Luxury River Cruises

India is growing as a river cruise destination. There's so much to see along the river banks as you take in the rich culture at riverside festivals, dance displays and temple visits. There are exciting excursions to National Parks – sometimes by elephant – for wildlife viewing.

Cruise along the Brahmaputra, the Ganges (India's Holy River) and their subsidiaries on luxury cruises that take you to an exotic world. Extensions to Agra, Delhi, Jaipur and the Taj Mahal can be added. Cruise-tour packages include flights within India, transfers, meals, sightseeing and English speaking guides.

Cruises operate in the summer along the Hugli River. Sail from Calcutta to the Ganges observing local life along the shore, visiting temples and villages by bus or cycle rickshaw.

Rice Boats

This is a unique experience sailing aboard a replica of a traditional rice boat on a more rustic vacation. It's a relaxing experience as you take in the beautiful scenery along the backwaters of Alleppey and Kumrakom in the province of Kerala.

The air conditioned house boats feature one to three bedrooms. There are en-suites with showers but water pressure may be limited.

Open decks are great for sunbathing. Woven palm walls provide shade for dining and seating. You'll enjoy food prepared and served by the crew.

Sounds exotic, doesn't it? Why not consider visiting magnificent India on your next cruise vacation?