India is a country where every one of your senses is turned up to the max. The vibrant colours, extraordinary people, layered history and a scale that takes time to fully absorb. Cruises call at coastal ports from Mumbai to Kerala, with the option to travel inland to the Golden Triangle, which can also be visited on a river cruise on the Ganges or the Brahmaputra. Voyages that call in Sri Lanka add another dimension.
India & Sri Lanka Cruises
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India & Sri Lanka Cruises
Uniworld River Cruises
India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges
From New Delhi to Kolkata
28 Sep - 10 Oct 2026 (12 Nights)
From £9,299 per guest
Uniworld River Cruises
India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges
From New Delhi to Kolkata
8 Oct - 20 Oct 2026 (12 Nights)
From £9,899 per guest
Uniworld River Cruises
India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges
From New Delhi to Kolkata
17 Oct - 29 Oct 2026 (12 Nights)
From £9,899 per guest
Uniworld River Cruises
India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges
From New Delhi to Kolkata
26 Oct - 7 Nov 2026 (12 Nights)
From £9,949 per guest
Our Insight
Highlights of a luxury India and Sri Lanka cruise
India's key entry port by sea is Mumbai, where the Gateway of India reminds you of its colonial past. The city has energy like nowhere else and from here you can travel inland by air or rail to discover Rajasthan.
Hugging the coast, you can visit the beaches of Goa with its Portuguese influence, and travel from there to Kerala and Kochi on the Malabar Coast. Explore Sri Lanka from Colombo or the historical port of Trincomalee, and travel inland to Kandy, Sigiriya Rock and the Temple of the Tooth.
On India's east coast, Chennai opens the door to the temples of Tamil Nadu. Sailing across the Andaman Sea towards Thailand and Malaysia, a stop at the Andaman Islands is another world again.
The rivers add a different dimension. The Ganges from Kolkata, the Brahmaputra in Assam, each offer a slower, more intimate view of India away from the crowds.
The small ship difference in India and Sri Lanka
Small ships reach smaller ports that larger vessels cannot access, giving you a feel for regions beyond the main tourist hubs. Shore excursions in smaller groups mean more direct contact with local culture, food, music and traditions. The welcome in India is genuinely warm and smaller group numbers make those encounters more personal.
Luxury small ship India and Sri Lanka itineraries
Small luxury ocean ships call at India and Sri Lanka as they reposition between Asia and the Persian Gulf, Africa or Europe, following ancient trade routes across the Indian Ocean.
Expect longer itineraries of 14-16 nights, often combined with other voyages into longer journeys. Mumbai is the natural turnaround point, where ships sometimes overnight.
- Rajasthan extensions - Before or after your cruise, a 5-7 night Rajasthan tour takes in Delhi, the Taj Mahal, Agra, Jaipur and Udaipur. From there you can extend to Nepal, Amritsar or Varanasi.
- River cruises - The Ganges from Kolkata offers a very different India, far from the coastal ports. Fly to Assam for the Brahmaputra, where you can see black rhino in Kaziranga National Park. For the more adventurous, Bhutan makes an exciting extension.
- Private India tours - With so much to see, we recommend planning a private tour. The hotels are exceptional and our local partner works with us to create bespoke programmes.
Luxury cruise lines sailing India and Sri Lanka
Our luxury cruise partners call at India as they reposition between Europe and Asia. Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Hapag-Lloyd and Crystal all sail these waters on select itineraries.
Oceania and Azamara are worth considering, and India sometimes features on world cruise itineraries. For river cruising, Uniworld's Ganges programme combines the river journey with the Golden Triangle and Varanasi.
The best way to compare options is to explore our India & Sri Lanka cruises or speak to us for tailored recommendations.
When is the best time to cruise India and Sri Lanka?
Ocean ships are in this region in November and March-April, which also works well for a Golden Triangle tour. River cruising runs from September to March.
Travel tips and FAQs for India and Sri Lanka cruising
What will the weather be like?
India is vast, so ask for advice on the specific destinations you are visiting. For the Golden Triangle, October to March is generally consider the best time with the most pleasant temperature levels.
What should I pack for an India and Sri Lanka cruise?
Light cottons and linens for keeping cool. Long sleeves and trousers for sun and insect protection. Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, insect repellent and sunblock.
What are the visa requirements?
A visa is required for India, and the type depends on your arrival port. In some places an e-visa is acceptable, but if your first port is the Andaman Islands you need a paper visa. Check requirements well in advance. For Sri Lanka, apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation. All destinations require six months validity on your passport.
What about health advice?
Take advice specific to your itinerary. Keep routine vaccinations up to date. Be careful with food and drink; hotel restaurants are safe, but avoid street vendors. Drink bottled water and keep your hands clean.
Should I extend my trip inland?
Yes. The Golden Triangle is strongly recommended. If you are interested in wildlife, consider Ranthambore National Park for tigers. Every region of India is different, so discuss extensions with your consultant.
Where should I stay?
India has some of the best hotels in the world. Oberoi, Aman, Taj and Six Senses all operate here. In Delhi, the Imperial is a reliable choice. Look out for tented camps in certain locations.
Any tips for Mumbai?
Get a guide to take you beyond the tourist hotspots. Exploring the different communities and markets gives you a feel for the real city.
cruise lines
Seabourn Cruises
The Seabourn fleet comprises Seabourn Quest, carrying just 458 guests, as well as the larger sister ships, 600-guest Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation. Purpose-built luxury expedition ships Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit complete the line up, and together they offer luxury small ship cruises across all seven continents.
Silversea Cruises
The Silversea fleet began with Silver Cloud - named after the famed Rolls-Royce - designed to the same exacting standards. Silversea now operates 12 ships on a range of worldwide itineraries, from the glamour of the French Riviera to some of the most remote locations on Earth, all whilst retaining their reputation for innovation, shown in an exceptional culinary programme and their adventurous expedition itineraries.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises gives you a choice of small to medium sized ships, from the 496 guest Seven Seas Navigator to the world's first all-suite all-balcony ships Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager, and the lavish Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Grandeur.
Crystal Cruises
Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony both relaunched in 2023 after an extensive refurbishment. The new Crystal Cruises team includes a number of those behind its previous successes, and together with an enhanced onboard experience, they have already made a triumphant return to the ultra-luxury cruise sector.
Uniworld River Cruises
These award-winning and intimate vessels - with an average capacity of just 130 guests - are beautifully appointed in an English country house style, unsurprising given that Uniworld is a sister company to Red Carnation Hotels. They provide a truly luxurious European river cruise experience and offer a number of itineraries further afield, including India, Vietnam, Cambodia and Egypt.
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