There’s something oddly cinematic about hearing that Antara Cruises just scooped up not one but three Gold Magellan Awards – like the world finally hit pause and said, “Okay, let’s give India’s rivers the applause they deserve.” And honestly, it’s about time. These floating palaces have been gliding through the Ganges and Brahmaputra long before the word “luxury” got Instagram-famous. So yes, the big news: Antara Cruises Award is now official, shining bright among global cruise legends.
Now, if anyone’s suddenly itching to see what the fuss is about, securing a ticket to Kolkata (the gateway to their signature Ganges route) is surprisingly easy. With the cheap flights to Kolkata, hopping on one of these slow-swaying river escapes could actually cost less than that overhyped hill-stay plan you’ve been procrastinating on.
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When Rivers Turned Runways for Royal Journeys
The roots of Antara Cruises India dig deep into heritage. Back in 2018, when river cruising in India was still more of a whisper than a wave, Antara decided to bring five-star finesse to the country’s waterways.
Picture this: Vintage-style interiors, a rooftop pool shimmering under Bengal’s moody sky. Menus that change from mustard-spiced fish curry to European-style tasting plates – all while the world outside drifts by in slow motion.
These three Gold Magellan Awards didn’t come easy though. They were won for excellence in luxury design, onboard experience, and sustainability (yes, even rivers can go green now).
And here’s the crazy part – the cruise route passes through what’s now being dubbed the fastest-river cruise destination in the world. It’s not about speed, though. It’s about how quickly word’s spreading. Everyone from European travel junkies to Indian honeymooners wants in.
The Luxury that Floats
Now, about the Antara Cruises price – it’s luxury, yes, but not “sell-your-kidney” luxury. Think of it as boutique indulgence on water. Depending on the route (Kolkata to Varanasi or Assam’s wilderness), the rates hover between ₹40,000 and ₹1,00,000 per night, with all meals, excursions, and live cultural evenings bundled in.
Booking ahead through all-inclusive Kolkata tour packages helps. Some even throw in airport transfers, so you can skip the chaos of taxi negotiations after landing. For those who prefer land stays before boarding, there are the best hotels in Kolkata – perfect for easing into cruise mode with a lazy pre-sail chai.
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Why This Win Matters
The awards for Antara Cruises are more than shiny validations; they’re proof that cruises in India can now stand toe-to-toe with Europe’s Danube or the Nile’s grand journeys. It’s about seeing your own country differently – through the hush of early mornings on the river, through fog lifting off temples, through life unfolding at ghats where kids play cricket beside women washing saris.
This is river cruising in India, not a typical cruise cliché. It’s cultural immersion served on a slow-moving platter – complete with spices, history, and that intangible Indian chaos that somehow feels poetic once you’re watching it from a floating veranda.
For Indian travelers, online visa services for 180+ countries can help if you’re planning to extend the journey abroad post-cruise.
A Floating Finale
So yeah, the Antara Cruises Award isn’t just a headline – it’s a quiet nod to India’s waterways finally being seen as world-class travel art. Whether it’s the swirl of incense at dawn or the soft clap of water against the hull at night, this is where the journey becomes the destination.
Maybe next time someone says “luxury cruise,” the mind won’t drift to Venice or the Caribbean – it’ll drift homeward, to the Ganges.
FAQs -Antara Cruises Sweeps the Gold Magellan Awards!
Which is the most luxurious cruise in India?
Cordelia Cruises are the most luxurious cruise line in India.
What is the 3:1:1 rule on Cruises?
The 3:1:1 rule on cruise is 3 ounces, 1 quart bag and 1 bag per traveler.
How much money should I take on a 3 day cruise?
You can bring INR 20,000 – 40,000 per person on a 3 day cruise.
What is the cheapest month to cruise?
The cheapest months to cruise are from late September to mid-November or early December.
Which is the richest cruise line?
Royal Caribbean Group is the richest cruise line.
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