Explore India’s rivers in the newly launched Antara Luxury River Cruises

A welcome getaway to the beautiful waterways of India, Antara Cruises recently announced the launch of its fleet of luxury river cruises. A sub-brand of Heritage River Journeys, which has a strong foothold in the industry for over 15 years, Antara is co-founded by renowned Indian wildlifer Raj Singh and Hemant Mediratta, Ex-Senior Vice President of Oberoi Hotels.

Two of Antara’s cruise ships stationed in Kolkata, are now open for bookings this October – Antara Ganges Voyager 1 and Antara Ganges Voyager 2. Additional two cruises will launch by the end of 2020, with newer routes across the country.

The existing itineraries on Antara’s website list a diverse selection of river cruising, across the holy Ganges and Benaras to Murshidabad, Mayapur, Sundarbans and the calm waterscapes of Dhaka, Bangladesh. However, due to Covid and safety regulations, Antara Cruises will only be available as bespoke charters, to be rented out completely by guests for 2 to 7 days. Overall, a maximum of 56 guests can be accommodated onboard.

Giving a head start to luxury river cruising tourism in India, Antara’s voyage packages also include (optional) immersive shore excursions to historical monuments, landmarks and colonial-era buildings.

Sardar Bari in Sonargaon, Dhaka

Each ship follows an environmental-friendly and a state-of-the-art design philosophy and offers only an ‘all-suite’ five-star like accommodation to its guests. Spacious rooms, a mix of modern-vintage furniture, French balconies and a laid-back interior set-up spells comfort and an ultra-luxurious holiday escape on the waters, like no other.

Besides its 28 opulent suites, the guests can enjoy personalised butler services, a sundeck lounge, yoga with a view, fitness and spa centres and entertainment spaces that host exclusive cultural performances onboard.

Next, fine dining awaits. The Michelin-inspired dishes bring alive the magic of local ingredients and regional recipes, coupled perfectly with finest tipples served at the ship’s in-house bar. Once onboard Antara River Cruises, celebration of luxury, comfort and everything picture-perfect takes the fore at all times.

“The modern-day Indian luxury consumer is incredibly dynamic, undergoing radical changes, they are seeking luxuries that were never available before and we aim to introduce them to the Antara experience – imagine an ultra-luxury ship that is all yours, for you and your loved ones to enjoy,” says Raj Singh, Chairman of Heritage River Journeys.

He adds, “Weddings or pre and post-wedding parties onboard and spiritual retreats along the holy river, the cruise makes for such a special destination, as do theme parties. Our experts along with the guests, customize each aspect of the ship and every experience on and offboard from the route, décor to delectable gastronomical fares from across the world. Our layers of personalization and attention to detail are exceptional.”

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