Antara Cruises Launches Exclusive Tides of Celebration Journeys Along the Ganges Offering Luxurious Christmas and New Year Experiences

Published on December 6, 2025

Antara Cruises is redefining festive travel with the introduction of its “Tides of Celebration” programme, offering bespoke Christmas and New Year river cruises aboard its boutique vessel, MV Bengal Ganga. Designed for small groups, families, friends, and corporate gatherings, these three-night journeys combine luxury, cultural immersion, and scenic exploration, presenting a distinctive way to celebrate the year-end holidays along the Ganges River in West Bengal.

The Christmas cruise is scheduled for December 24th to 27th, 2025, while the New Year voyage will run from December 30th, 2025, to January 2nd, 2026. Both itineraries promise an intimate and personalized holiday experience, blending festive celebrations, curated cultural encounters, and relaxing river travel for travelers seeking a refined and memorable getaway.

MV Bengal Ganga reflects influences from traditional Burmese craftsmanship, featuring elegantly designed cabins with private balconies, a spacious dining room, a lounge bar, and a versatile sundeck offering panoramic views of the river and surrounding landscapes. The onboard experience emphasizes comfort and sophistication, with curated entertainment, gourmet meals, and options to customize portions of the itinerary to align with guests’ preferences. This combination of luxury and flexibility ensures a truly exclusive festive experience.

Travelers will journey along the scenic waterways of West Bengal, with stops at some of the region’s most iconic cultural and heritage sites. Excursions include visits to Tribeni Gazi Dargah, an important spiritual landmark; Bansberia Hanseswari Temple, celebrated for its intricate terracotta architecture; Phulia, a historic textile hub renowned for traditional handloom weaving; and Kalna, an ancient town home to centuries-old temples and architectural marvels. These stops provide guests with deep insight into the local history, culture, and artistry, creating an immersive travel experience.

In addition to onshore excursions, the “Tides of Celebration” cruises feature festive riverbank gatherings, a ceremonial Deep Daan ritual, sundeck yoga sessions, and other bespoke cultural activities. Each event has been designed to combine relaxation, mindfulness, and seasonal festivity, allowing guests to connect with both the river and the local traditions in a meaningful way.

The programme focuses on delivering more than just a holiday—it aims to create an all-encompassing experience that harmonizes cultural discovery, scenic beauty, and sophisticated hospitality. By blending immersive excursions with leisurely cruising, the journeys allow travelers to experience the Ganges as a living cultural corridor, rich with heritage and natural splendor.

Guests aboard MV Bengal Ganga enjoy fine dining experiences showcasing both regional specialties and international cuisine, while the intimate size of the vessel ensures personalized service and a sense of exclusivity. From quiet moments on private balconies to vibrant gatherings on the sundeck, every aspect of the voyage is crafted to offer comfort, elegance, and engagement with the surroundings.

The “Tides of Celebration” programme positions Antara Cruises as a premier option for travelers seeking a luxurious, culturally rich, and immersive way to celebrate Christmas and New Year. The cruises provide a unique alternative to traditional holiday experiences, merging the charm of river travel with West Bengal’s festive spirit, heritage, and natural beauty.

By offering these exclusive journeys, Antara Cruises highlights the transformative potential of river voyages as a platform for year-end celebrations. The programme emphasizes creating experiences that reflect the cultural and spiritual essence of the Ganges, offering travelers the opportunity to celebrate the season in an environment that combines elegance, relaxation, and enrichment.

“Tides of Celebration” turns the holiday season into a journey of discovery, serenity, and celebration, allowing travelers to connect with the river, the landscape, and the region’s vibrant traditions. Each voyage promises not only a luxurious festive escape but also a meaningful and unforgettable experience, capturing the timeless allure of the Ganges while welcoming a new year in style.