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Antara Cruises

Founded by Raj Singh—an entrepreneur with a passion for luxury travel and a deep love for India’s rivers—Antara Cruises launched its first voyage in 2009, charting a course from Kolkata to Varanasi. Over time, the company introduced additional routes: Kolkata to Dhaka in 2018, and by 2023 had added a multi-city itinerary linking Varanasi–Kolkata–Dhaka–Guwahati.

Cruises operate across major river systems: the Ganges (National Waterway 1), Brahmaputra (NW2), Brahmani (NW5 in Odisha), and even an Indo‑Bangladesh cross‑border route. Onboard, passengers enjoy all-suite accommodations, fully vegetarian restaurants, spa services, cultural performances, expert-led excursions, shore power connections, sewage treatment systems, eco‑friendly lighting, and initiatives like bamboo straws and dolphin-deterrent devices for sustainable travel. In February 2025, Antara signed a landmark MoU with the West Bengal government to invest ₹800 crore over five years. As of mid‑2025, Antara operates nine ships—with four more under development—and continues to explore new regional waterways in states such as Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Goa, and Odisha.

Since its debut in 2009, Antara Cruises has charted a transformative course through India’s inland waterways, evolving from a pioneering venture into a comprehensive luxury fleet. Its offering now spans short weekend escapes to grand multi‑week cultural odysseys—backed by strong environmental policies and a ₹800 crore investment into infrastructure.

Antara Cruises - Destinations

The Antara journey is along the ancient river routes of East India - the itineraries are meticulously carved out to explore some of the most beautiful destinations from Kolkata to Varanasi. Unearth the many hidden gems of West Bengal along the way such as the handloom paradise of Shantipur and the French colony of Chandernagore.

  • Bhitarkanika Experience serene cruising through Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha, where lush mangroves, winding creeks, and rich wildlife—including crocodiles and exotic birds—create a captivating journey through India’s unique coastal ecosystem.
  • Chandernagore Chandernagore, a charming town near the Hooghly River in Kolkata district, is a hidden gem known for its French colonial heritage, elegant architecture, grid planning, and scenic riverfront promenade.
  • Dibrugarh Experience an extraordinary Ganges river cruise from Varanasi to Dibrugarh via Dhaka, sailing through spiritual cities, rural landscapes, and vibrant cultures across India and Bangladesh on this epic journey.
  • Kolkata Kolkata, Eastern India’s cultural and commercial hub, offers river cruising along the Hooghly—passing colonial landmarks, lively ghats, and scenic views that showcase the city’s rich heritage and artistic legacy.
  • SudhanyakhaliSudhanyakhali, located on an island in West Bengal's Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, is known for its watchtower offering views of Royal Bengal Tigers, crocodiles, deer, wild boars, and lush biodiversity.
  • ShantipurShantipur, a growing town in Nadia district, West Bengal, is a renowned pilgrimage site known for its annual Rasjatra and historic Daak-Garh, and famed for traditional handloom sarees.
  • SundarbansThe Sundarbans is a vast mangrove delta spanning India and Bangladesh, home to over 2,600 animal species, including Bengal tigers, dolphins, otters, ospreys, turtles, snakes, and diverse fish.
  • Varanasi Experience Ganges river cruising in Varanasi—sail past ancient ghats, witness spiritual rituals, and soak in the city’s timeless charm on a serene journey through India’s holiest river.

Cruise Reviews

Read reviews posted by CruiseBay clients on their cruise experience.

Our Ships

A charming wooden riverboat on the Ganges, Nauka Vilas offers just one luxurious suite, a dedicated crew, private chef and sun deck. Enjoy personalized excursions, hand-crafted interiors, and serene floating views of temples and villages—ideal for an intimate, relaxing Indian river journey.

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The Bengal Ganga is an expedition river craft, made entirely out of Burma teak and iron. It sails from Kolkata to Munger and downstream to Kolkata between October and late March when the river’s waters are plentiful yet calm.

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Experience the all-suite MV Ganga Vilas, Antara Cruises’ flagship 18 suite boutique vessel, offering the largest standard river cruise accommodations in India. Cruising from Varanasi to Dibrugarh via Bangladesh—it blends panoramic balcony window views with art deco interiors inspired by Josef Albers. Enjoy Michelin inspired regional cuisine, non alcoholic beverages, butler service, spa, fitness centre and sun deck for sunrise and sunset vistas.

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Explore Odisha’s ‘mini-Amazon’ aboard a two-suite eco-catamaran, with sweeping suite windows, cosy lounge and sun deck. Glide past mangroves to spot crocodiles, kingfishers and wildlife, enjoy local-fresh cuisine and guided nature walks—all in a serene, sustainable setting.

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This intimate, all-suite vessel blends colonial charm with modern comfort, featuring Burmese teak interiors, panoramic windows, and spacious decks. Sail between Kolkata and Varanasi on curated itineraries that explore Bengal’s vibrant culture. Onboard, enjoy regional cuisine, personalized service, a sun deck for scenic views, and wellness facilities including a spa and fitness center.

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Antara’s Ganges Voyager, the first in its fleet, offers a nostalgic, luxurious river cruise for 56 guests. With elegant décor, spacious suites, and serene amenities, it blends heritage with comfort.

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