Antara Cruises to invest over ₹500 crore to transform Assam into India's luxury river cruise hub

Antara Cruises to invest ₹500 crore as India's river cruise sector gathers momentum

Guwahati, July , 2026:  Antara Cruises, South Asia's largest luxury river cruise operator, plans to invest over ₹500 crore over the next five years to strengthen the Brahmaputra as India's premier luxury river cruise destination. The investment will support the expansion of the company's fleet, tourism infrastructure, and the broader cruise ecosystem in Assam.

The announcement follows a meeting between Raj Singh, Founder & Managing Director of Antara Cruises, and Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, IAS, during which the company shared its long-term roadmap for developing river cruise tourism in the state.

The investment comes at a time when India's river cruise sector is gaining significant momentum. According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, river cruise voyages on India's National Waterways grew by 19.4% during FY2024-25. Under the Government's Cruise Bharat Mission, 51 river cruise circuits are planned across 14 states and three Union Territories by 2027. In comparison, Europe's mature river cruise market welcomed 1.39 million passengers in 2024, generating €3.54 billion in ticket sales, underscoring the significant opportunity for India to emerge as a global destination for premium river-based tourism.

As part of its expansion, Antara Cruises will deploy four new purpose-built luxury river cruise vessels on the Brahmaputra, commencing with the launch of the first vessel next year, followed by the induction of one vessel each subsequent year. Each vessel is being specially designed to accommodate 80 guests and engineered for the unique navigational conditions of the Brahmaputra, incorporating shallow-draft technology and full compliance with the latest Inland Vessels Act and Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) standards. These new vessels will complement MV Ganga Vilas, the company's flagship luxury river cruise vessel operating on the Brahmaputra, significantly expanding Assam's capacity to attract high-value domestic and international tourism.

"Our discussions with the Chief Secretary were extremely encouraging. Our priority is to build an enabling ecosystem for river cruising through improved jetties, road connectivity, shore power, safety, and seamless guest movement across destinations. With the right infrastructure in place, Assam has the potential to become India's leading river cruise destination. Around the world, river cruising has transformed regional economies by bringing high-value travellers to destinations beyond major cities. We believe the Brahmaputra can do the same for Northeast India, creating sustainable employment, supporting local businesses and positioning India on the global luxury river cruise map," said Raj Singh, Founder & Managing Director, Antara Cruises.

Antara Cruises has been working closely with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to advance the development of luxury river cruising in the region. The meeting with the state administration formed part of the company's ongoing efforts to align its long-term plans with Assam's tourism and infrastructure priorities.

The new vessels will incorporate several sustainability-focused technologies, including onboard sewage treatment plants, advanced water filtration systems, shore power connectivity to minimise emissions while berthed, and WWF-approved dolphin deterrent technology to help protect the Brahmaputra's fragile ecosystem.

"These are purpose-built ships for the Brahmaputra. Every aspect of their design reflects the river's unique characteristics while adhering to the highest environmental and operational standards," Singh added.

Sharing details of the meeting on X, Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota said the proposed investment has the potential to position Assam as a globally recognised luxury river cruise destination while generating around 5,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. He also emphasised the importance of creating high-value tourism experiences, strengthening local enterprises and artisans, and building skills among Assamese youth in hospitality, cruise operations, culinary services and marine engineering.

With its proposed investment, fleet expansion and focus on sustainable infrastructure, Antara Cruises aims to establish the Brahmaputra as one of Asia's leading inland luxury cruise destinations while contributing to Assam's tourism-led economic growth.

Antara Cruises Launches ‘The Silent River Escape’ Aboard Antara Catamarans

May ,2026, India — Antara Cruises has launched a new 2 Nights / 3 Days private all-inclusive itinerary, “The Silent River Escape,” aboard its elegant Antara Catamarans, offering an intimate journey through Bhitarkanika, Odisha — one of India’s most beautiful and still largely unexplored regions.

Operating from Gupti – Dhamra – Kanika Island – Gupti, the experience is designed as a personal luxury floating sanctuary, with just 2 suites on board and a dedicated 5 member crew ensuring highly personalised service throughout. The catamaran accommodates up to 6 guests, making it ideal for private escapes and special occasions. With 4 such Catamarans, 24 guests can be accommodated to travel together – perfect for a larger group holiday.

While Bhitarkanika Sanctuary is closed for the season, this itinerary offers a rare opportunity to explore the history, ecology and quiet beauty of the mangrove system beyond the crocodiles — revealing a landscape shaped by waterways, wildlife, local culture and spiritual heritage.

The voyage begins at Gupti, with lunch served onboard before sailing toward Dhamra, and enjoyable evening on the sublime sundeck. Guests enjoy high tea, dinner and serene river views as the journey unfolds. The second day includes a visit to the Dhamra Temple for Puja and Darshan, followed by time near the harbour before continuing to Kanika Island, where the catamaran anchors amid untouched wilderness. The journey concludes with a relaxed return to Gupti and breakfast onboard.

Antara Catamarans offer refined comfort - fully air-conditioned indoors with two suites, lounge-cum-dining space, spacious decks and thoughtful amenities. Dining is a highlight, with welcome drinks, fresh fruit, customised cuisine, and a menu featuring local Odia specialities, Indian favourites and international dishes. The kitchen accommodate for food preferences including a vegan menu. Guests also enjoy table d’hôte meals, tea and coffee, wildlife talks, cooking sessions, books and board games, along with curated shore excursions and all admissions included.

Priced at ₹1,00,000 for a private yacht accommodating up to 4 guests, with special arrangements available for up to 6 guests at an additional charge, this exclusive journey offers a more contemplative and elevated way to encounter a remarkable destination — through its sacred river landscape, in complete privacy, and in the restorative company of those who matter most.

Antara Cruises Redefines Celebrations with Antara Events - Bespoke Charter Cruises along the Ganga

New Delhi, October 2025– Antara Cruises, India's premier luxury river cruising announces Antara Events - refined event experiences aboard its luxurious all-suite boutique ship, MV Bengal Ganga. Offering an exquisite blend of Antara Cruise’ personalized service and bespoke itineraries, Antara Events curates exceptional milestone celebrations, corporate gatherings, pre and post wedding events, off-site and exclusive launch events amidst the timeless beauty of the Ganges.

The MV Bengal Ganga, inspired by traditional Burmese river vessels and the eclectic 1970s décor, presents an intimate and stylish atmosphere marked by luxurious, spacious settings of expansive lounges and large balconies. Gleaming teakwood sundeck makes for a stunning venue for open-air ceremonies and cocktail evenings against the backdrop of the sublime Ganges, and 20 well-appointed suites that echo a sense of history and refinement.

Additionally, the ship’s fully equipped lounge with AV support and Wi-Fi, is ideal for meetings, incentives, conferences, and team building exercises in a private club-like ambience.

In keeping with the brand, Antara Cruise’s philosophies, Antara Events distinguishes itself through a commitment to all-inclusive hospitality. “From the moment guests step aboard, they are immersed in a world of curated dining experiences – from hyperlocal, regional to international delicacies, wellness offerings including revitalizing spa treatments and invigorating sunrise yoga sessions, and engaging onboard activities led by seasoned experts. These elements converge to ensure a seamless and memorable event for every guest.”, states Raj Singh, Founder Chairman of the brand.

Central to the Antara experience is the concept of full customization. Each event, from the decorations and cuisine to the musical accompaniments and onboard experiences, is meticulously personalized in collaboration with event designers and hosts. Even the sailing routes themselves are tailored to create a magical ambiance and an unforgettable celebration.

Recognizing the unique vision of each host, Antara Cruises provides a spectrum of customizable itineraries, ranging from captivating three-hour sailing along the serene warers for shorter celebrations to immersive multi-night voyages that unlock the hidden gems of the Ganges exploring historic sites and ancient shores where Indian art were born. For celebrations that transcend the ordinary, Antara Events offers the option of enchanting Sandbank Parties (available on sailings of two nights or more).

"At Antara Cruises, we don't just host events; we curate legacies," adds Raj Singh. "Our commitment is to meticulously craft each occasion, ensuring it resonates with the host's unique vision and unfolds against the stunning backdrop of the Ganges."

Sailing from and to Kolkata, MV Bengal Ganga are currently available as private charters to host milestone celebrations including pre and post wedding events, birthday parties, conference events and launch parties and family reunions.

Antara Cruises Joins Serandipians, the Exclusive Network of Luxury Travel Designers

New Delhi, August 2025 - Antara Cruises, India's pioneering luxury river cruise line, is pleased to announce its partnership with Serandipians, a distinguished global network of bespoke travel designers, luxury hotels, and curated experiences. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Antara’s ongoing journey to redefine luxury travel in India and elevate its offerings to a discerning international clientele.

Serandipians is renowned for curating the world’s most refined collection of luxury brands and experiences. Membership is by invitation only, reserved for companies that uphold the highest standards of bespoke service, creative excellence, and authentic storytelling—qualities that Antara Cruises embodies through its elegant river journeys across India’s most iconic waterways.

"We are proud to join the Serandipians community, as it represents a shared commitment to delivering extraordinary, culturally immersive experiences,” says Raj Singh, Chairman of Antara Cruises.“This partnership opens new pathways for global travelers seeking authentic, intimate, and transformational voyages, directly connecting them with India’s rich heritage from a truly luxurious vantage point."

Antatra Cruises’ meticulously designed all-suite vessels offer a seamless blend of heritage, sustainability, and refined elegance. Curated itineraries explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, immersive excursions, and authentic cultural encounters, showcasing India’s diverse heartland through an exceptional lens.

As a part of the Serandipians network, Antara will collaborate closely with top luxury travel designers worldwide and travel trade partners to craft tailor-made journeys, providing heightened visibility within the high-end travel sphere and reinforcing India’s position as a premier destination for river cruising.

About Antara Cruises

Since 2003, Antara Cruises has been at the forefront of India’s river travel renaissance and regenerative travel, pioneering the revival of passenger river travel after nearly a century-long hiatus. From a single vessel to a fleet of nine—including 56-pax boutique ships, eco-catamarans in Odisha, and private river yachts—Antara is the largest and most innovative luxury river cruise operator in India. Focused on sustainability, personalized service, and cultural immersion, Antara crafts unforgettable journeys along India’s historic rivers, celebrating the country’s diverse heritage

About Serandipians
Serandipians is a global network of luxury travel designers and suppliers committed to offering bespoke, high-touch travel experiences. The network fosters connections between elite travellers and exceptional travel providers, ensuring personalized, exclusive, and memorable journeys of a lifetime.