The best cruise tours in India are Cordelia’s ocean cruises from Mumbai, Kochi and Chennai, Ganga river cruises including the long MV Ganga Vilas route, Sundarbans mangrove cruises from Kolkata, ships to the Andaman Islands, Goa’s Mandovi river cruises and Kerala’s backwater houseboats. Most run best between October and March.
India’s cruise options have grown fast since Cordelia Cruises started sailing in 2021. We have updated this list for 2026 with current routes, and noted where you should confirm schedules before you book.
Quick facts: cruise tours in India
| Cruise | Starts from | Type | Typical length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cordelia ocean cruise | Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai, Visakhapatnam | Sea | 2 to 5 nights |
| Ganga river cruise | Kolkata, Varanasi, Patna | River | 3 nights to 51 days |
| Sundarbans cruise | Kolkata | River and delta | 2 to 4 nights |
| Andaman ship | Chennai, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam | Sea passage | About 3 days one way |
| Goa river cruise | Panaji | River | 1 to 2 hours |
| Kerala houseboat | Alappuzha, Kumarakom | Backwater | 1 night |
8 best cruise tours in India
1. Cordelia Cruises from Mumbai, Kochi and Chennai
Cordelia Cruises is India’s best-known ocean cruise brand. Its ship, the Cordelia Empress, was formerly Royal Caribbean’s Empress of the Seas and made its first sailing from Mumbai in September 2021.
Home ports include Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi and Visakhapatnam, with routes to Goa, Lakshadweep, Puducherry and Sri Lanka. Short two-night “cruises to nowhere” from Mumbai are popular with first-timers. In October 2024 the company said it had hosted over 6 lakh guests, and in 2025 it agreed to charter two more ships from Norwegian Cruise Line.
Good for: families, groups and first-time cruisers.
2. MV Ganga Vilas river cruise
This is a newer addition to the list. MV Ganga Vilas, run by Antara Cruises, was flagged off on 13 January 2023 for a 51-day, roughly 3,200 km journey from Varanasi to Dibrugarh in Assam, via Bangladesh. It passes Patna, Kolkata, Dhaka and Guwahati.
The ship has 18 suites for 36 guests. It is a premium, once-in-a-lifetime trip, and shorter sections of Ganga river cruises are also sold by operators. Check current dates directly with the operator.
3. Ganga heritage cruise from Kolkata
Week-long river cruises on the Hooghly and Ganga cover historic towns of Bengal and Bihar, including old colonial settlements, temples and terracotta sites. Days are slow, with guided shore walks in the mornings and river views in the evenings.
Best time: October to March. Winter fog in north India can delay sailings in December and January.
4. Sundarbans cruise from Kolkata
The Sundarbans is the world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the Bengal tiger. Cruises leave from the Kolkata area and run for two to four nights through the creeks of the delta.
Tiger sightings are rare, but you are likely to see crocodiles, deer, birds and fishing villages. Pick a licensed operator that includes forest permits.
5. Andaman Islands by ship
Passenger ships connect Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam with Sri Vijaya Puram, the new name for Port Blair since 2024. The sea journey takes about three days one way, and cabins range from bunk class to deluxe.
It is not a luxury cruise, but it is a memorable way to reach the islands. Schedules change often, so check the Andaman and Nicobar administration’s shipping notices before planning.
6. Goa river and dinner cruises
Evening cruises on the Mandovi river leave from the Panaji jetty near Miramar. Most last an hour or two, with live music, Goan folk dances and sunset views. Dinner cruises, backwater trips and the offshore casino boats on the Mandovi are other options.
Good for: couples and groups on a Goa holiday who want a short trip on the water.
7. Angriya, the Mumbai to Goa cruise
Angriya was launched in 2018 as India’s first domestic cruise liner, sailing the Konkan coast between Mumbai and Goa overnight. It drew a lot of attention as a sea alternative to the long Mumbai-Goa drive.
We could not confirm a current 2026 sailing schedule for Angriya. For a Mumbai-Goa sea trip now, Cordelia’s Goa sailings are the easier option to book.
8. Kerala backwater houseboat cruise
A night on a kettuvallam, the traditional Kerala houseboat, is still one of the best travel experiences in India. Most trips start from Alappuzha or Kumarakom around noon and return the next morning.
Expect home-style Kerala meals, paddy fields, coconut groves and village life along the canals. Air-conditioned boats and shared or private options are available at different prices.
Best time: September to March. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race on Punnamada Lake is usually held in August.
How to pick the right cruise in India
- For a first cruise with family, start with a two or three-night Cordelia sailing.
- For culture and slow travel, pick a Ganga river cruise.
- For nature, choose the Sundarbans or a Kerala houseboat.
- Carry original ID. Cruises to Lakshadweep and Sri Lanka have extra permit or passport rules.
Planning a long weekend? Browse more ideas in our listicles and catch up on Bollywood news before you sail.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best cruise in India for families?
Cordelia Cruises is the most family-friendly option, with short sailings from Mumbai, Kochi and Chennai, pools, shows and kids’ activities.
Is there a cruise from Mumbai to Goa?
Yes. Cordelia runs sailings that include Goa from Mumbai. Angriya also launched a Mumbai-Goa cruise in 2018, but check whether it is operating before booking.
What is the longest river cruise in India?
MV Ganga Vilas, launched in January 2023, covers about 3,200 km over 51 days from Varanasi to Dibrugarh via Bangladesh.
What is the best time for a cruise in India?
October to March is best for most routes. Seas are rough on the west coast during the monsoon, so check sailing schedules for June to September.
Sources: Wikipedia: Cordelia Cruises, Wikipedia: MV Ganga Vilas, Outlook Traveller on Angriya.
