Luxury on the Ganges: A New Year Celebration
Duration
4 Nights / 5 Days
Difficulty
Easy
Luxury on the Ganges: A New Year Celebration
4 Nights / 5 Days, From ₹1,85,000
A Tibro Journey
Cruise through the sacred Ganges and pristine mangrove wilderness of the Sundarbans in absolute slow luxury, privacy, and intimacy. Aboard the 56.5-metre MV Ganges Voyager — an award-winning vessel accommodating just 56 privileged guests across 28 river-view suites with private French balconies — slow travel becomes an art. Savor farm-to-table regional Bengal and continental cuisine in the East India Dining Room, unwind in the observation lounge and panoramic river spa, greet the morning sun with deck yoga, and venture deep into UNESCO biosphere creeks by quiet tenders in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Aboard MV Ganges Voyager
Slow Luxury Along the Sacred Ganges & Sundarbans Tiger Biosphere
Magellan Gold
River Cruising
Tourism Cares
River Conservation
Green Cruising
RO & Zero Plastic
CCRA Verified
Global Standards
VESSEL ARCHITECTURE
MV Ganges Voyager at a Glance
Engineered specifically for shallow-draft navigation along sacred Indian riverways.
Length Overall
56.5 m
185 Feet
Beam (Width)
12.5 m
Shallow 1.5m Draft
Guest Capacity
56 Guests
28 French Balcony Suites
Staff-to-Guest
1 : 1.2
Butler & Crew Service
Cruising Speed
10 Knots
Gentle, Silent Sailing
Passenger Decks
3 Decks
Main, Upper & Sun Deck
Water Purity
Onboard RO
Hospital-Grade Silencing
Excursion Craft
2 Tenders
Shallow Mangrove Creek Boats
ACCOMMODATION & STATEROOMS
The 5 Luxury Suite Categories
Every stateroom features floor-to-ceiling glass French balcony doors inviting the river in.
Dimensions
400 SQFT (37 M²)
Location
Upper Deck
Balcony
French Balcony
The Zenith of River Luxury
Maharaja Suite
The most luxurious and spacious suite aboard MV Ganges Voyager. Embellished with Burma teak floors, authentic Persian rugs, rich tapestry, French balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, and a lavish en-suite bathroom fitted with both a deep bathtub and distinct shower enclosure. Enjoy complimentary daily private butler service and in-room dining.
Suite Amenities & Inclusions:
- 400 Sq.Ft (37 Sq.M) Upper Deck location
- Floor-to-ceiling glass doors with French balcony
- Burma teak wood floors & authentic Persian rugs
- Separate deep soaking bathtub & distinct shower
- Dedicated private butler service & stateroom dining
- Flat screen TV with on-demand movies & writing desk
ONBOARD HOSPITALITY
Life Aboard MV Ganges Voyager
Slow luxury that blurs the boundary between the sacred river and refined comfort.
The East India Dining Room
A warm and beautifully appointed dining room serving a harmonious blend of flavorful regional Bengal specialties and familiar continental classics. Meals are served three times daily, complemented by delectable Indian sweets and fresh delta produce.
The Observation Lounge & Bar
An air-conditioned colonial-style salon serving sommelier-selected Indian and international wines, artisanal cocktails, and refreshing beverages. The hub for engaging evening lectures by resident historians and live folk performances.
The Sun Deck & Promenade
Well-appointed with teak loungers, shaded day beds, and a full-service open-air bar. Ideal for basking in the gentle winter sun, enjoying sunset high tea, or stargazing under clear midnight skies.
The River Spa & Ayurvedic Sanctuary
Featuring two serene treatment rooms on deck, offering restorative Ayurvedic therapies, certified herbal oil treatments, and relaxing head, shoulder, or foot massages on the sun deck.
VESSEL BLUEPRINT
Explore the Decks of Ganges Voyager
Thoughtfully planned across 3 passenger levels to ensure serene flow, spacious lounges, and complete privacy.
Sun Deck (Deck 3)
Open-air 360° promenade, Sun Deck Bar, Shaded Loungers, Yoga Deck, The River Spa & Panoramic Gym.
Conscious Luxury on Sacred Waters
On this blue planet, water is life. Antara River Cruises is committed to protecting the delicate river ecosystems of the Ganges and the Sundarbans Mangrove delta.
Onboard RO Fresh Water Desalination
Industrial RO plants desalinate, sterilize, and mineralize water directly from the river, generating pure drinking and operational water onboard.
Zero Single-Use Plastic Policy
Plastic water bottles are strictly banned. Every guest is gifted a keepsake reusable aluminium bottle to keep filled with fresh chilled water.
Hospital-Grade Acoustic Propulsion Silencers
Fitted with marine acoustic silencers keeping underwater sound levels to a minimum, protecting the sensitive sonic sanctuaries of Gangetic river dolphins.
Marine-Grade STPs & Oil Separators
Sea-going Oil-Water Separators (OWS) and advanced biological Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) ensure 100% compliant, zero-contamination discharge.
Signature Moments
Three Mornings You'll Remember
No. 01
UNESCO Sundarbans Mangrove Tenders
Venture deep into the mangrove waterways of the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve aboard quiet tender craft, accompanied by certified forest naturalists tracking Bengal tigers, estuarine crocodiles, and rare kingfishers.
No. 02
Slow Luxury Aboard MV Ganges Voyager
Only 28 suites with French balconies on a 56.5-metre boutique ship. Handcrafted colonial furniture, Burma teak floors, Persian rugs, and an intimate 1:1.2 crew ratio providing thoughtful, white-glove Indian hospitality.
No. 03
The East India Dining Room Gastronomy
Chef-curated culinary journeys celebrating Bengal's fragrant spice routes alongside European fine dining. Paired with complimentary sommelier-selected international wines, local beers, and artisanal botanic cocktails.
No. 01
UNESCO Sundarbans Mangrove Tenders
Venture deep into the mangrove waterways of the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve aboard quiet tender craft, accompanied by certified forest naturalists tracking Bengal tigers, estuarine crocodiles, and rare kingfishers.
No. 02
Slow Luxury Aboard MV Ganges Voyager
Only 28 suites with French balconies on a 56.5-metre boutique ship. Handcrafted colonial furniture, Burma teak floors, Persian rugs, and an intimate 1:1.2 crew ratio providing thoughtful, white-glove Indian hospitality.
No. 03
The East India Dining Room Gastronomy
Chef-curated culinary journeys celebrating Bengal's fragrant spice routes alongside European fine dining. Paired with complimentary sommelier-selected international wines, local beers, and artisanal botanic cocktails.
Day by Day
4 Nights / 5 Days, in order
Day 1
Embarkation at Kolkata & Sunset River Welcome
Board MV Ganges Voyager at Kolkata's historic riverfront jetty. Receive a traditional auspicious Bengali welcome with garlands and cooling fresh botanic drinks. Settle into your French balcony suite as luggage is unpacked by your stateroom attendant. Gather on the Sun Deck for Captain's welcome cocktails as the city of palaces slips behind us. In the evening, savor an inaugural five-course welcome dinner in the East India Dining Room featuring fresh local river fish and seasonal delta delicacies.
Day 2
Sailing Through South 24 Parganas & Namkhana Delta
Begin the morning with guided Surya Namaskar yoga on the Sun Deck as the misty delta comes alive with country fishing boats. Sail southward through tidal rivers flanked by lush paddy fields and serene riverine settlements. In the afternoon, attend an engaging presentation by our resident naturalist on the unique ecology of the Sundarbans mangrove biosphere. As dusk falls, enjoy handcrafted cocktails in the Observation Lounge accompanied by a live regional Baul musical performance.
Day 3
Sundarbans National Park & Tiger Reserve Exploration
Awake anchored at the edge of the world's largest mangrove forest. Board safe, shallow-draft motorized expedition tenders for an extensive morning safari into the narrow tidal creeks of Sajnekhali and Dobanki. Visit the Mangrove Interpretation Centre and canopy walk watchtower, scanning the mudbanks for spotted deer, wild boars, saltwater crocodiles, and the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Return to the mother vessel for high tea on the open deck followed by a serene sunset cocktail cruise.
Day 4
Artisanal Village Excursion & Grand New Year Gala Celebration
Step ashore via e-rickshaws to explore a traditional Sundarbans village. Meet local honey gatherers and weavers, witnessing rural resilience and Bengal handicraft traditions firsthand. Spend the afternoon pampering yourself in the River Spa or unwinding on the sun deck loungers. As darkness gathers on New Year's Eve, the vessel transforms for the Grand Gala: an opulent celebratory feast, free-flowing champagne, live jazz and classical Indian salon music, culminating in a festive midnight toast beneath the delta stars.
Day 5
Sunrise Ganga Aarti, Gourmet Breakfast & Kolkata Disembarkation
Greet the first sunrise of the new year with a tranquil river meditation and a blessing ceremony on the bow. Indulge in an exquisite celebratory New Year brunch featuring artisanal baked breads, tropical fruits, and signature hot specialties. As the vessel docks at Kolkata jetty around midday, disembark with memories of an extraordinary river voyage through India's heartland.
Honestly
Things most travel sites won't tell you.
On-the-ground details your designer wishes every guest knew before they landed.
Things to Look Out For
Dynamic Tidal Navigation
The Ganges and Hooghly delta is a living tidal river system. Cruising times, sailing speeds, and anchorage locations are expertly calibrated daily by the Ship Captain and Master Pilot based on lunar tides and river depth.
Sundarbans Conservation Guidelines
The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve is a fragile UNESCO World Heritage biosphere. Quiet tenders are used in mangrove creeks. Flash photography, plastic litter, and loud noises are strictly prohibited to respect wildlife.
Appropriate Shore Footwear & Attire
Shore visits involve boarding tenders and walking on riverbank ghats or village paths. Slip-resistant walking shoes or sturdy sandals, breathable cotton fabrics, a sun hat, and binoculars are highly recommended.
Satellite Connectivity & Mindful Pause
Wi-Fi is provided via satellite in main public areas. In the deep mangrove channels of the Sundarbans, cellular reception will naturally fade, offering an authentic, serene digital detox.
- №1
Dynamic Tidal Navigation
The Ganges and Hooghly delta is a living tidal river system. Cruising times, sailing speeds, and anchorage locations are expertly calibrated daily by the Ship Captain and Master Pilot based on lunar tides and river depth.
- №2
Sundarbans Conservation Guidelines
The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve is a fragile UNESCO World Heritage biosphere. Quiet tenders are used in mangrove creeks. Flash photography, plastic litter, and loud noises are strictly prohibited to respect wildlife.
- №3
Appropriate Shore Footwear & Attire
Shore visits involve boarding tenders and walking on riverbank ghats or village paths. Slip-resistant walking shoes or sturdy sandals, breathable cotton fabrics, a sun hat, and binoculars are highly recommended.
- №4
Satellite Connectivity & Mindful Pause
Wi-Fi is provided via satellite in main public areas. In the deep mangrove channels of the Sundarbans, cellular reception will naturally fade, offering an authentic, serene digital detox.
The Details
What's Included
Included
- 4 Nights Luxury Suite accommodation aboard the boutique MV Ganges Voyager
- All Gourmet Meals: Breakfast, 3-course Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Multi-course Dinners
- Complimentary Premium Beverages: Sommelier-selected wines, local beers, house spirits, botanic cocktails, tea & coffee throughout the voyage
- Exclusive New Year's Eve Gala Dinner, Midnight Champagne Toast & Live Performances
- Guided Shore Excursions: Daily wildlife safaris by motorized tenders with certified forest naturalists
Not Included
- 5% GST as applicable by Government regulations
- Airfare to / from Kolkata Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport
- Pre- or Post-cruise hotel stays in Kolkata (can be curated on request)
Questions
Before you ask.
№1Where and when does the cruise embark and disembark?
The cruise embarks on 30 December 2026 at approximately 12:00 PM from Millennium Park Jetty (or Outram Ghat Jetty) in Kolkata, West Bengal. Disembarkation takes place at the same Kolkata jetty on 3 January 2027 at approximately 11:30 AM after breakfast. Private chauffeur transfers from Kolkata Airport or city hotels can be arranged seamlessly by Tibro.
№2What ship is used, and what is its passenger capacity?
The voyage takes place on the ultra-luxury MV Ganges Voyager, operated by Antara River Cruises. The ship measures 56.5 metres (185 feet) in length and 12.5 metres in width, featuring just 28 luxury suites accommodating a maximum of 56 guests. With over 45 dedicated crew members, guests enjoy an exceptional 1:1.2 staff-to-guest ratio.
№3What makes the 5 suite categories different from one another?
All 28 suites feature floor-to-ceiling glass French balconies offering unobstructed river views. The Signature Suites (261 sq.ft) are located on the Main Deck. The Upper Deck houses Colonial Suites (261 sq.ft), Heritage Suites (280 sq.ft with four-poster beds), Viceroy Suites (360 sq.ft with day bed and regal salon styling), and the palatial Maharaja Suite (400 sq.ft with Burma teak floors, deep soaking bathtub, and dedicated butler service).
№4Are meals, alcoholic beverages, and dietary needs included?
Yes, all gourmet meals are included throughout the cruise. A wide selection of international wines, local beers, house spirits, custom cocktails, soft drinks, fine teas, and coffees are served with our compliments. Our Executive Chef gladly caters to all dietary requirements, including Pure Vegetarian, Jain, Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Nut-Free preferences with prior notice.
№5How are the Sundarbans wildlife safaris conducted?
Excursions into the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve and mangrove sanctuaries are conducted aboard shallow-draft, shaded motorized tender boats that can navigate narrow creeks where larger vessels cannot enter. Each tender is led by a certified Government Forest Department naturalist and armed forest guard, equipped with safety lifejackets and first aid.
№6What are the eco-sustainability and water safety standards onboard?
Antara Cruises operates with the highest environmental standards. The ship features an onboard Reverse Osmosis (RO) water purification plant that sterilizes and mineralizes river water for safe drinking (each guest receives a keepsake reusable aluminium bottle). The vessel uses hospital-grade acoustic propulsion silencers to protect river dolphins, marine-grade Oil-Water Separators (OWS), and onboard Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) ensuring zero untreated discharge.
№7What is the dress code onboard?
Daytime on board and during shore excursions is comfortable smart casual (light breathable cottons, linen shirts, sun protection). For the New Year's Eve Gala Dinner, festive evening attire or elegant cocktail wear is encouraged.
Plan Your Timing
When to Go
The Bengal river cruise operates primarily during the cool winter months (October to March) when the climate across Kolkata and the Sundarban delta is pleasant and clear.
Cruises operate on scheduled departure dates between October and March.
Enquire
Start the conversation.
Tell us your dates and preferences. A Tibro travel designer will respond within 24 hours.
