The Diwali Cruise – Antara Cruises – 25 Oct 2024 – Cruise Traveller

The Diwali Cruise – Antara Cruises

Cruise Line
Antara
Ship
Ganges Voyager
Package Departs
25 Oct 2024
Package Duration
7 Nights
Embark Ship
Kolkata (Calcutta)
Disembark Ship
Kolkata (Calcutta)
Signature Suite Colonial Suite Heritage Suite Viceroy Suite
US $3,290
per person
US $3,548
per person
US $3,808
per person
US $4,325
per person

Diwali Cruise only package includes:
*Celebrate Diwali by lighting earthen lamps and enjoy a cultural performance onboard.
– Transfer from the airport or local hotel to the jetty*
– 7 night river cruise aboard Ganges Voyager I from Kolkata return
– Expertly trained culinary team providing buffet breakfast, buffet lunch & seated multiple course dinners
– Special meal requests like vegan, gluten/lactose free etc. can be arranged with advance notice
– Complimentary water, tea, coffee, fruit juices & soft drinks
– Cultural performance, educational talk, cooking class, movie show & ship tour
– Welcome & farewell receptions
– All natural luxury bath amenities
– Drinking water replenished daily
– Welcome fresh fruit upon arrival
– Mini bar with non-alcoholic beverages & ice bucket (replenishment upon request)
– Complimentary wireless internet in all public areas
– Indoor board games and books to read in the lounge
– Gym facilities
– Waterways/Jetty Passenger Service Fee USD175 per person
– Taxes 5% GST (subject to revision without notice)
– Transfer from the jetty to the airport or local hotel*

– Complimentary shore excursions including:
– Shore excursion program series including entry fees
– Shoe cleaning after excursions
– Welcome drink and cold towel service following excursions
– Individual VOX listening devices for shore excursions
– Maximum 20-24 guests per guide on all excursions
– Private motor coach on all excursions where applicable

Additional amenities for Maharaja and Viceroy Suites
– In suite kettle for tea/coffee
– Butler Service including:
– Nightly turndown service
– Assistance with pillow menu selection
– Assistance in onboard amenities
– Entertainment system assistance
– Polish and condition shoes upon request
– Packing and unpacking luggage upon request

DISCOUNTS:
The fares shown here are full brochure fare. Please contact us for your best offer. All rates in USD. Single pricing available upon request, subject to availability.

Not included:
– Airfare to/from Destination
– Alcoholic beverages
– Shipboard gratuities
– Laundry
– All incidentals

Special Conditions

*Conditions Apply: All prices shown here are per person share twin (unless stated as single) in USD, based on best available cruise fare at time of publication (18Jan24). Some cabins may have obstructed views. All airfares/taxes are due in full 24 hours from reservation and strict cancellation/change fees apply. Selected routing and airlines apply to package offers - any variances requested by guest will incur surcharges. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Travel agent service fees may apply. Special conditions apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Please note that the prices shown here are not shown in real time. While we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ from the prices in our booking system at time of reservation. Transfers only included if guests are arriving/departing by air at specific airports or local hotels on exact package dates. Offer subject to availability at time of booking. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty.

Special Validity Dates

Special is valid from 18 Jan 2024 to 18 Oct 2024 or until sold out/withdrawn.

Cruise Itinerary

DateActivityArriveDepart
25 Oct 2024
Kolkata (Calcutta)
25 Oct 2024
Bandel, West Bengal
25 Oct 2024
Kalna, India
26 Oct 2024
Matiari, India
27 Oct 2024
Khushbagh, India
28 Oct 2024
Baranagar, India
28 Oct 2024
Murshidabad, India
29 Oct 2024
Mayapur, India
30 Oct 2024
Chandernagore, West Bengal
30 Oct 2024
Kolkata (Calcutta)
31 Oct 2024
Kolkata (Calcutta)
01 Nov 2024
Kolkata (Calcutta)

All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

Please select your preferred category and cabin configuration/price. Then scroll down and select Continue to provide your contact details and preference. Our cruise specialists will check availability and respond to you as soon as possible.

Category Twin Per Person     Single Per Person
Signature Suite
   
Colonial Suite
   
Heritage Suite
   
Viceroy Suite
   
Maharaja Suite
   

Please select your preferred category and cabin configuration/price. Then scroll down and select Continue to provide your contact details and preference. Our cruise specialists will check availability and respond to you as soon as possible.

Day 1: EMBARKATION: 12:00 PM ARRIVE KOLKATA, EMBARKATION – BANDEL – KALNA (L/D)
Arrival in Kolkata and transfer to the jetty for embarkation. Begin sailing upstream to Bandel enjoying lunch onboard. In the evening visit the Hooghly Imambara, a famous Shiya pilgrimage centre that provides housing for pilgrims as well as classrooms. We sail onward to Kalna.

Day 2: KALNA – MATIARI (B/L/D)
After breakfast ride e-rickshaws through the town to visit the Rajbari Temple complex. The Nabakailas Temple contains 108 eight-slope-roofed shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other temples in the complex feature diverse architecture and terracotta plaques depict themes of Hindu epics and various aspects of day-to-day life. Return to the ship walking through the local vegetable market. Begin sail towards the shore-side village of Matiari, while having lunch onboard.

Day 3: MATIARI – KHUSHBAGH (B/L/D)
Early today walk in the village to see and experience the craftsmen at work. These master craftsmen utilize recycled copper to create exquisite pots, platters, and more from their workshops in the village. Return to the ship for breakfast and sail towards Khushbagh. Lunch onboard. In the evening walk through farmland to visit the Mughal-style Garden built by Nawab Ali Wardi Khan. It houses the Nawab’s private mosque and the tomb of the last Nawab of Bengal Siraj-ud-Daula whom the British East India Company defeated at the Battle of Plassey.

Day 4: KHUSHBAGH – BARANAGAR – MURSHIDABAD (B/L/D)
After breakfast explore the village of Baranagar, a lovely example of life in rural India. Visit the 18th-century Char Bangla terracotta temple, built by Rani Bhabani, the landlady of Natore. Return to ship and sail to Murshidabad. Lunch onboard. Thereafter visit the Hazarduari Palace which dominates the waterfront. Ride e-rickshaws to the Katra mosque, which has distinctive minarets.

Day 5: MURSHIDABAD – MAYAPUR (B/L/D)
After a restful morning, enjoying breakfast and observing the local life along the riverbanks, we arrive in Mayapur, the headquarters of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Post lunch stroll in the pilgrim’s bazaar, meet Krishna followers, and visit the temple, which is comparable in size to the Vatican. The temple has been largely funded by Alfred B. Ford, the great-grandson of car maker Henry Ford.

Day 6: MAYAPUR – CHANDERNAGORE – KOLKATA (B/L/D)
Today we sail to Chandernagore which was established as a French colony. Post breakfast explore the French colonial buildings along the promenade, including the former French governor’s residence, now converted into a museum that features an exhibition of items that depict life during this period. Also, visit the Sacred Heart Church which marks the beauty of the architecture during the French period. Return to the ship and continue our journey to Kolkata while enjoying lunch onboard. We arrive in Kolkata by evening.

Day 7: KOLKATA (DIWALI) (B/L/D)
After breakfast, a Panoramic Tour of Dalhousie Square’s heritage buildings; St. John’s Church and, Victoria Memorial. Return to ship for lunch. Thereafter visit the Mother Teresa’s Home and Tomb. Mother Teresa started the Missionary of Charity and worked here until her death in 1997. The permanent exhibition includes a visit to her personal room, where we learn her life story and see her charity that is still active. Return to the ship.

Celebrate Diwali by lighting earthen lamps and enjoy a cultural performance onboard.

Day 8: KOLKATA DISEMBARK (B)
Following breakfast disembark the ship and transfer for your onward journey.

Important Note: The itinerary may be readjusted due to local conditions and days of the week, to avoid closure of monuments/museums. Last-minute sailing adjustments may also occur.

The mighty river Ganges, also known as Ganga in Sanskrit, represents grace and timeless existence. For centuries, travellers have explored different parts of the country through the Ganges. Ganges Voyager offers travel experiences in the Indian Subcontinent by sailing in some of South Asia’s finest luxury river cruise ships. The epitome of elegance and luxury.

Enjoy picturesque views from a panoramic balcony-window aboard this all-suite ship featuring the largest standard accommodations in river cruising. Savour Michelin-inspired cuisine and exceptional service while discovering India’s glorious destinations.

With the highest staff-to-guest ratio and personalised butler service, experience true Indian hospitality. Warm and friendly service which sets the stage for an unforgettable journey.

Ship Profile & Stats

  • Length: 56.5 metres

Ship Facilities

  • Spa
  • Fitness Centre
  • Sun Deck
  • Lounge
  • Restaurant

Antara River Cruises has introduced luxury river cruising across India with an exceptional attention to detail. An invitation to take you to untouched destinations bringing unmatched hospitality and immerse yourself in unforgettable experiences.

Encompassing luxury in every nook and corner, the river cruises by Antara are designed to make sure you have the most enthralling journey on our rivers. From comfortable suite accommodation to high-end amenities, the cruises are equipped with everything you might need while sailing. Come on board and have a memorable journey.

Select the Cabin to view detail.

* Unless otherwise noted all pricing is on a per person twin share basis. All prices based on cash payment - credit card fees may apply. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Special conditions may apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. All passports, vaccinations and visas are the responsibility of the travelling guest to secure prior to departure from Australia. Any pricing not in Australian Dollars will be converted on the day of payment into the relevant currency based on our daily rate of exchange. Please note that many of the prices shown on this website are not shown in real time. Whilst we endeavour to keep our pricing as up-to-date as possible, the advertised prices shown here may differ slightly from the live prices in our booking system. All pricing and offers are subject to availability at time of booking. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change. We reserve the right to correct errors without penalty. Please submit any data errors/omissions you may notice on this site.

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