9 Best Cruise Destinations from India

Cruise trips offer a unique blend of luxury, travel, and cultural experiences. If you book a cruise, you get to experience exquisite facilities on board while working through an itinerary designed to give you a taste of multicultural destinations. Several cruise destinations from India offer an enjoyable vacation experience for you and your friends, and your family. Over the years, there has been a steady increase in accessibility to international destinations from India by cruise. The various cruise destinations from India range from scenic islands to vibrant cities.

Singapore

It is the perfect destination for those looking for a fantastic blend of urban pleasures and natural beauty. One of the most developed cities in the world, Singapore is truly stunning. Cruises to Singapore often depart from main Indian ports like Chennai and Mumbai, with the whole trip lasting from 10 to 18 nights. Such cruises are synonymous with luxurious facilities, gourmet food, and a wide range of entertainment options. When in the city, you could explore marvels like the Gardens by the Bay or have a relaxing time in beaches like Tanjong and Palawan (Sentosa Island). The iconic Universal Studios is there in Singapore as well.

Thailand

The country is one of the most popular beach destinations among tourists globally, so naturally, it is very much in demand as a cruise destination as well.  A place that is the epitome of tropical beauty, cruises to Thailand depart from Mumbai or Chennai and provide a smooth sailing through the Andaman Sea. The cruises are complete with grand dining experiences and a myriad of entertainment on board. Stops are usually made at beautiful islands like Phuket and Koh Samui. These islands are famous for their water sports activities and the beautiful coastlines. The vibrant culture seen in the capital, Bangkok, is not to be missed either. Trips to Thailand on a cruise typically last between 10 to 12 nights.

Maldives

Kochi and Mumbai are common starting points for cruises bound for the Maldives from India. The Maldives is known for its pristine beaches and breathtaking coral reefs. On board facilities often include fine dining, spas, pools, and live entertainment. The Maldives is known for its diverse marine life, so itineraries often include activities like diving and snorkeling.  Cruises typically include a mix of sailing time and visits to Malé, the capital.

Sri Lanka

Given the country’s location, naturally, southern ports like that of Chennai are used to travel to Sri Lanka by cruise. The country provides are startling mix of majestic temples, beautiful beaches, and lush tea plantations. It is a unique destination for Indian travelers since it is familiar yet exotic at once. Stops are often made at Colombo, Jaffna, and Galle to give the people a chance to explore Sri Lanka’s diversity of landscapes and cultural experiences. Sri Lanka is also known for its national parks, like the Yala National Park. It is one of those cruise destinations from India that you simply cannot miss; it is close to home but offers a distinctive blend of culture, architecture, and scenic beauty.

Malaysia

A stunning location that is a combination of emerald waters, serene beaches, and lush mangroves, Malaysia is a gorgeous destination that would be a treat to your eyes. Cruises typically set sail from ports like Chennai and make stops at Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur. Stops at the former usually include speedboat rides that take you island hopping, as Langkawi is a magnificent archipelago. Visiting Kuala Lumpur, the capital, provides a chance to soak in the colorful markets, boutiques, and malls as well as landmarks like the King’s Palace and Petronas Twin Towers.

Dubai

Dubai is yet another popular international cruise destination from India. Cruises going to Dubai often depart from Mumbai. The cruise amenities are generally opulent and are famous for providing duty-free shopping options on board. Dubai is iconic for its stunning skyscrapers, grand malls, and desert safaris. Sightseeing in Dubai should include visiting famous locations like the Burj Khalifa and the Palm Jumeirah. The latter offers a breathtaking view of the Dubai coastline. You could also opt for a ‘dhow’ cruise: sailing in a traditional Arab vessel in the Dubai Creek, it is a unique way to experience the city’s waterways.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a cruise destination from India that nearer to the country than the other places mentioned here. Cruises usually set sail from Kolkata, the capital of the state of West Bengal. The cruise sails along the river Ganges, Pabna, and the Brahmaputra. A stop is also made at Sunderbans- the iconic mangrove haven. The facilities on board are impressive, with luxury cabins and the delectable local cuisine available for you to enjoy. On reaching Dhaka, you can embrace its vibrant culture and food while visiting locations like the Lalbagh Fort.

Abu Dhabi

Cruises bound for Abu Dhabi set sail from Kochi and sometimes Mumbai. If you board the cruise from Kochi, you will experience some stunning views of the Kerala coastlines as you make your way to the capital of the UAE. The cruises are lavish to say the least. They provide outstanding rooms, service, and entertainment on board.  Abu Dhabi is a bustling city with expansive theme parks and intricate mosques like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. You could also visit Yas Marina circuit if you are a sports enthusiast; it is the home to the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Oman

Oman is one of the most popular destinations in the Middle East. Cruises set sail from the port of Mumbai to go to Oman. The trips last for 10-20 days, depending on the number of stops. The experience on board is splendid: gourmet food and a myriad of entertainment are available to the passengers. The most popular stops are Muscat and Salalah.  Muscat is a mixture of upscale malls and architectural marvels like Portuguese forts and grand mosques. Salalah is known for the stunning sunset views one can see over the endless sand dunes.  Oman is a cruise destination from India that is not to be missed.

Check out these cruise companies!

Southeast-Asian destinations like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka are often covered in single cruise packages. Cordelia Cruises and Celebrity Cruises are great options if you choose to explore these places. Prices range from Rs 60,000 to Rs 1 lakh per person.
You can opt for Costa Cruises to travel to the Maldives; the fare is around Rs 45,000 per person.  
Vivada Cruises is a good choice if you want to take a cruise from Kolkata to Bangladesh. They provide a splendid experience at the rate of Rs 16,000 to Rs 20,000 per person.

Middle Eastern destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Oman are often stops on single cruise packages as well.  The packages of Silversea Cruises and Crystal Cruises are impressive, and they range between Rs 2 lakhs to Rs 12 lakhs per person, depending on the duration of the trips.  Costa Cruises and Celebrity Cruises offer packages that range from Rs 45,000 to Rs 1 lakh per person.

Cruises such as this are often one-time investments, but they are an experience of a lifetime. There is a wide range of cruise destinations from India; you can choose any and rest assured that you will be treated to a magnificent cultural experience.