Antara Cruises has relaunched its flagship MV Ganga Vilas and restored India–Bangladesh luxury river cruising, marking the return of one of Asia's few cross-border river cruise experiences. Following a major enhancement programme, the vessel now features the Ganges' first open-air sun deck pool, creating a new benchmark for luxury river cruising in the region.
KOLKATA, India, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Antara Cruises, India's pioneer of luxury river cruising, has recommenced its India–Bangladesh river cruise programme while relaunching its flagship MV Ganga Vilas following a major enhancement programme. The vessel now features the first open-air sun deck pool on the Ganges, marking a significant new addition to one of Asia's most distinctive luxury river cruise experiences. The new sun deck pool offers guests an entirely new perspective on the ever-changing scenery of the Ganges, bringing an amenity more commonly associated with ocean-going luxury cruise ships to India's river cruise sector.
The relaunch represents Antara Cruises' latest investment in India's growing luxury river cruise sector, reflecting continued confidence in growing demand for experiential travel across India's inland waterways. The India–Bangladesh itineraries are among the very few luxury cross-border river cruises in Asia, offering travellers the opportunity to experience historic destinations, cultures and landscapes that were shaped by—and are best experienced from—the river.
The recommencement of these sailings once again opens access to an extraordinary itinerary linking two countries through historic waterways, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wildlife habitats and vibrant riverside communities. Bookings are now open for Varanasi–Kolkata sailings in late 2026 and throughout 2027, with India–Bangladesh departures available from 2027. Further information on available river cruise itineraries can be found on the Antara Cruises website.
Originally inaugurated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India in January 2023, MV Ganga Vilas pioneered the world's longest river cruise and has since become an icon of Indian river cruising. Since its inaugural voyage in 2023, the vessel has attracted international attention, becoming one of the defining symbols of India's emerging luxury river cruise sector. Indigenously conceptualised and handcrafted from the hull plates to the tea tastings, MV Ganga Vilas is a celebration of India's post-independence design, combining mid-century furniture, Varanasi Gyasar textiles and contemporary abstract Tantric art to create interiors that reflect—and connect guests with—the landscapes and cultures of the Ganges.
The vessel offers elegantly appointed suites, automated panoramic bay windows, gourmet dining and personalised service, with the addition of the new sun deck pool further enhancing the onboard guest experience. Raj Singh, Founder & Chairman of Antara Cruises, said: "Luxury is about constantly evolving the guest experience. At Antara Cruises, our endeavour has always been to offer experiences that meet and exceed global standards. The addition of an open-air sun deck pool aboard MV Ganga Vilas is another step towards redefining luxury river cruising in India and reinforcing our commitment to providing world-class facilities and exceptional hospitality."
About Antara Cruises
Established in 2003, Antara Cruises pioneered the revival of luxury river cruising in India after more than a century. Today, the company operates award-winning voyages across the Ganges, Brahmaputra and other iconic waterways, combining boutique luxury, authentic cultural immersion and responsible tourism. Through its commitment to regenerating forgotten riparian communities and landscapes, Antara Cruises continues to showcase India's rivers as one of the world's most compelling river cruise experiences.
Media Contact
Vineet Arora, Antara Cruises, 91 8048673776, [email protected], https://www.antaracruises.com
SOURCE Antara Cruises
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