India Cruises: Sailings, Embarkations & Ports of Call
12 ships from 8 cruise lines
India cruises at a glance
Waterways Cruise lists 57 upcoming sailings on 12 ships from 8 cruise lines visiting India, calling at 13 places. Cruises can start in Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata, New Delhi and Mormugao and end in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi and Mormugao. Of 57 upcoming sailings, 22 start in India and 22 end there. More Asia cruises.
Reviewed and fact-checked by J. Richard · About this page · About us
Compare India cruise lines
See every India cruise line by ocean and river and by ultra-luxury, luxury, premium and contemporary style, with fares, cruise lengths, ships and ports.
About India
India offers a mesmerizing river cruise experience along the sacred Ganges and the wild Brahmaputra, blending profound spirituality, colonial heritage, and vibrant culture. For the discerning American traveler seeking milestone adventure without being herded, these small-ship cruises provide intimate access to temples, ghats, and villages, while the country's overwhelming sensory richness demands a flexible, open-minded approach. This package highlights key ports, operators, and must-see sites, balancing awe with honest expectations about infrastructure and intensity.
Typical routes
- Ganges River Cruise: Kolkata → Varanasi (or reverse), covering ~600 miles over 7-10 days, with stops at Murshidabad, Bhagalpur, and Patna.
- Brahmaputra River Cruise: Guwahati → Kaziranga / Majuli, a 4-7 day expedition focusing on wildlife, tea gardens, and river island culture.
Ports overview
India's river cruises primarily ply the Ganges (Hooghly to Varanasi) and the Brahmaputra (Guwahati to the Kaziranga area). Ports are often simple riverbanks or small jetties, requiring tendering or walking on narrow steps. Facilities are basic but authentic.
Cruise season
October to March (winter) is ideal; avoid monsoon (June-September) and extreme summer (April-May).
Find your India sailing
Upcoming sailings calling at India, earliest departure first.
23 Days One-Way from Singapore to Abu Dhabi
Visits India. Also visits Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand
Seven Seas Splendor
65 Days One-Way from Yokohama to Civitavecchia-Rome
Visits India. Also visits Japan, Taiwan, Philippines
Oceania Vista
33 Days One-Way from Hong Kong to Dubai
Visits India. Also visits Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand
Oceania Nautica
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53 Days One-Way from Hong Kong to Istanbul
Visits India. Also visits Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand
Oceania Nautica
39 Days One-Way from Singapore to Piraeus-Athens
Visits India. Also visits Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand
Oceania Vista
19 Days One-Way from Singapore to Doha Qatar
Visits India. Also visits Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand
Oceania Vista
19 Days One-Way from Singapore to Dubai
Visits India. Also visits Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand
Oceania Nautica
7 Days One-Way from Mumbai to Chennai
Starts and ends in India
Norwegian Sky
3 Days One-Way from Mumbai to Cochin
Starts and ends in India
Norwegian Sky
5 Days One-Way from Cochin to Chennai
Starts and ends in India
Norwegian Sky
8 Days One-Way from Chennai to Singapore
Starts in India. Also visits Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore
Norwegian Sky
8 Days One-Way from Singapore to Chennai
Ends in India. Also visits Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand
Norwegian Sky
Where India cruises start and end
Embarkation ports (6)
Coastal and island ports
Chennai (7) (cruises from) · Kochi (29) (cruises from) · Mormugao (14) (cruises from) · Mumbai (41) (cruises from)
River ports
Kolkata (8) (cruises from) · New Delhi (4) (cruises from)
Ships by type: 10 ocean 2 river · a ship that visits several places here is counted once; an expedition ship that also sails as an ocean ship appears under both types.
Plan your India cruise
India cruise port guide
Cruise ports, what to see, history and practical advice.
India cruise port guide →Frequently asked questions about India cruises
How many places do cruises visit in India?
13 India places are visited by 12 ships from 8 cruise lines.
When is the best time to take a India cruise?
October to March (winter) is ideal; avoid monsoon (June-September) and extreme summer (April-May).
Sources and further reading
Background on India draws on these references. Sailing, fare and port data come from cruise line itineraries and are refreshed regularly.
- Lonely Planet: India Travel Guide
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre: India - Properties inscribed on the World Heritage List
- Cruise Critic: River Cruises in India
Created by the Waterways Cruise content team and reviewed and fact-checked by J. Richard, Sr. Cruise Travel Agent and Founder of Waterways Cruise.
Published September 9, 2026 · Last updated October 29, 2026
Fares, availability and itineraries change often. Confirm current details with your cruise line or a Waterways Cruise agent before you book.
Cruise Disclosure
Good to know: Prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy and include all applicable taxes and fees. Availability and prices can change quickly, so please continue through the booking process to confirm the latest availability and pricing before you pay.
We work hard to make sure everything on this website is accurate and up to date. However, some information may be incomplete or inaccurate, including details supplied by third parties or otherwise outside our control, and we cannot be held responsible for such errors. We work with 41 cruise line operators, that are providing cruises on 585 ships visiting 1,731 ports across 7,194 unique cruises, creating 13,822 itineraries. This is a great deal of data to continually update daily from our suppliers. If a pricing error, misrepresentation, or omission occurs, we reserve the right to adjust the pricing, correct the information, or cancel or decline any booking made in error, with notice to you. Thank you for your understanding!