India’s cruise industry finds sea legs as younger travellers, easier access drive demand

Antara Cruises offers wildlife cruises in Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park as well as luxury all-suite river cruises on the Ganges and Brahmaputra, offering 2-20-day cruises and increasingly shorter, experience-led holidays focusing on heritage, culture and nature. “Demand has evolved from curiosity to belief. Travelers are looking for privacy, service and authentic experiences rather than traditional cruises,” said Vineet Arora, chief operating officer of Antara Cruises.

The company surpassed its previous financial performance by returning to pre-pandemic travel volumes in 2024. During FY26, it conducted 65 expeditions on the Ganges and 33 expeditions in Bhitarkanika National Park, all with full occupancy. Revenue grew 10% in FY24, 15% in FY25 and 22% in FY26, and bookings are already open through 2027. Antara has launched two new luxury river cruises for the Brahmaputra as it expands into shorter domestic heritage cruises.