Antara Cruises Launches Nauka Vilas, a One-Suite Wooden Yacht for Private Journeys on the Hooghly

Antara Cruises is betting that the most exclusive river cruise is one guests do not have to share. The company has launched Nauka Vilas, a one-suite wooden yacht sailing from and to Kolkata, which it describes as the first of its kind: a bespoke, single-suite vessel designed for couples and travellers seeking privacy, service and craftsmanship on the Hooghly.

The yacht carries a single Luxury Suite with a king bed, an ensuite three-fixture bathroom, a walk-in closet and a private sun deck that opens into an open-air lounge above the river. Large windows open onto the river, the interiors are in hand-finished teak, and a dedicated in-house culinary team prepares bespoke menus on board.

The inaugural itinerary, A Romantic Bespoke Journey on the Hooghly, is an all-inclusive three-night, four-day passage. It begins at the confluence town of Tribeni, home to a 14th-century Islamic shrine, and continues through the Portuguese heritage of Bandel, the French colonial town of Chandernagore and the Danish quarters of Serampore before arriving in Kolkata. Along the way, guests take in Mughal tombs, terracotta temples and colonial churches, with excursions, meals, beverages and transfers included.

“Nauka Vilas was conceived for travellers who no longer wish to share their journey — not the deck, not the itinerary, not the moment. It is an intimate journey of immersive discovery, reimagined,” said Raj Singh, Founder and Chairman of Antara Cruises.

Antara is positioning the yacht for anniversaries, birthdays, honeymoons and gifted journeys. Nauka Vilas is open for bookings, with fares starting from ₹1,00,000 per night, including pick-up and drop-off in Kolkata. Itineraries are entirely bespoke and can be customised to guest requirements.

Images: courtesy of Antara Cruises