Open Access
The longest river cruise in the world runs from Varanasi to Dibrugarh, covering over 3,200 km in 51 days. It passes through India and Bangladesh, stopping at major cities, historic sites, and national parks. If you’re looking for a slow, scenic way to explore the region, this might be the most unique option out there.
Key Insights
The MV Ganga Vilas operates the longest river cruise in the world, covering 3,200 km in 51 days across India and Bangladesh.
↓ Jump to insight
The cruise passes through 27 river systems.
↓ Jump to insight
The ship carries 36 guests across 18 suites, with prices ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 per day, or about ₹20 lakh (US $24,000) for the full journey.
↓ Jump to insight
The U.S. river cruise market was valued at $197.9 million in 2024, with projected growth at a 14.5% CAGR through 2030.
↓ Jump to insight
The Ganga Vilas cruise includes stops at over 50 destinations.
↓ Jump to insight
Overview of MV Ganga Vilas
Built in 2022, the Ganga Vilas is a modern, handcrafted riverboat designed for comfort, culture, and unforgettable journeys. With just 18 suites across three decks, it offers an intimate and luxurious cruising experience for up to 36 guests.
It operates the world’s longest river cruise, covering around 3,200 km across India and Bangladesh. The journey takes 51 days and passes through 27 river systems. The route connects the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers through regions like Varanasi, Kolkata, Dhaka, the Sundarbans, and Assam, ending in Dibrugarh.
The ship has 8 suites on the Main Deck near a gym, two massage rooms, and 10 suites on the Upper Deck. There’s a lounge bar at the front and a dining area at the back. The Sun Deck has shaded seating, tables, and loungers with open views of the river.
The design uses bold colors inspired by India’s post-Partition art scene. Bright pinks, blues, and yellows match the local culture and scenery along the way.
The cruise runs on sustainable principles, with technology that reduces pollution and controls noise, helping preserve the ancient rivers and environments along the way.
Onboard, guests enjoy personal butler service, enriching cultural performances, interactive cooking classes, and talks from experts. Whether you’re relaxing after a day’s excursion or getting a massage, the staff goes out of their way to make the experience memorable. With one of the best crew-to-guest ratios in the industry, someone is always there with a smile and a helping hand.
The rooms on the Ganga Vilas are thoughtfully designed. Inspired by the color studies of Josef Albers, each room plays with light, contrast, and simplicity. You’ll find everything you’d expect in a modern cruise ship room:
- Big windows to watch the river roll by
- A seating area for reading or relaxing
- Built-in wardrobes to store your stuff
- A flat-screen TV with preloaded movies
- A minibar stocked with soft drinks
The bathrooms are clean and modern, with quality fixtures and all-natural bath products. It is a nice touch for long travel days and scenic cruise experiences.
The Route Breakdown
The MV Ganga Vilas sets sail from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, covering a remarkable 3,200-km journey over 51 days, eventually docking in Dibrugarh, Assam.
With a capacity of just 36 tourists, this luxury cruise ship offers an intimate travel experience across India and Bangladesh. The vessel, operated by Antara, features three decks and 18 elegant suites. On its maiden voyage, 32 guests from Switzerland joined the full cruise experience.
Key Stops Along the Journey:
- Patna, Bihar
- Sahibganj, Jharkhand
- Kolkata, West Bengal
- Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Guwahati, Assam
- Ending in Dibrugarh, the gateway to Eastern India
What You’ll See Along the Way:
- Spiritual ghats of Kashi (Varanasi)
- Serene national parks like Kaziranga National Park and the Sundarbans
- Bustling river ports and remote villages
- Over 50 destinations across culturally rich regions
From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to historic temples and colonial towns, the Ganga Vilas cruise is a blend of natural beauty, Indian heritage, and modern-day comfort. Witness the legacy of Bengal’s zamindars, explore Assam’s Ahom dynasty, and sail past the mangroves of the Sundarbans, all while enjoying five-star hospitality.
Ticket Prices and Booking Info
A trip on the MV Ganga Vilas doesn’t come cheap but offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Per day cost: Between ₹25,000 and ₹50,000 (approx. $300–$600 per day)
- Full journey (51 days): Around ₹20 lakh per person (approx. $24,000 total)
- Passenger capacity: 36 guests
How to Book a Ticket
Tickets can be booked through the official website of Antara Luxury River Cruises. The next journey is expected to start in September, with bookings likely to open soon. If you’re planning ahead, keep an eye on the Antara site for availability.
Why River Cruises Are on the Rise
River cruises are booming, and not just in India. The launch of the world’s longest river cruise isn’t happening in isolation. River cruises are growing in popularity around the world, especially in the U.S., where travelers are looking for slower, more scenic alternatives to big ocean liners.
In fact:
- The U.S. river cruise market was valued at $197.9 million in 2024
- It’s expected to grow at a 14.5% CAGR between 2025 and 2030
- More people are ditching planes and highways for relaxing, all-inclusive experiences on the water.
Unlike ocean cruises, river cruises offer something quieter and more personal. The ships are smaller, the shore is always in sight, and the pace is slower, which makes the whole journey feel more connected to the places you’re passing through.
Most river cruises move from one destination to the next overnight, so you wake up somewhere new and have the whole day to explore. Some routes also include daytime sailing, giving you uninterrupted views of riverside life, forests, and changing landscapes.
It’s this mix of comfort, scenery, and access that’s driving more people, especially in the U.S., to choose river cruises over big-ship vacations.
Bottom Line
The MV Ganga Vilas is not only the longest river cruise in the world, but it’s also one of the most ambitious. Covering 3,200 km in 51 days, this journey crosses 27 river systems through India and Bangladesh, with stops in cities like Varanasi, Kolkata, Dhaka, and Guwahati.
With room for just 36 guests, prices range from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 per day (or around ₹20 lakh/$24,000 for the full trip). It’s a luxury experience, but one that offers deep cultural insight and access to places you wouldn’t see on a typical tour.
And as interest in river cruises grows globally, especially in the U.S., where the market is now worth $197.9 million and rising, journeys like this are only becoming more popular.
Fair Use Statement
You’re welcome to share this insightful article for noncommercial purposes, but please link back to this page at RetirementLiving.com.
Sources:
- MV Ganga Vilas. Wikipedia. Evaluated April 6, 2025.
Link Here - Antara Ganga Vilas – Our Ships. Antara Cruises. Evaluated April 6, 2025.
Link Here - U.S. River Cruise Market Size Report. Grand View Research. Published 2024. Evaluated April 6, 2025.
Link Here - MV Ganga Vilas Cruise Ticket Price & Booking Details. Livemint. Published Jan. 4, 2023. Evaluated April 6, 2025.
Link Here