Best International Cruise Trips from India

5 Best Luxury International Cruises from India

Travelling for leisure is something everyone wants to experience often. Nothing screams luxurious and leisurely travelling more than a cruise. A lot of people may consider cruising a waste of time (and money) as there's much less to do over a long time.

However, several feasible cruising options within and from India allow a taste of international cruising without costing a ton of money. Take a look at some of the best international cruises from India:

Chennai to Sri Lanka

This is among the most popular cruises from India. Thanks to its short duration and affordable pricing. Many ships sail from Chennai and sail through Hambantota, Trincomalee, Jaffna and then back to Chennai.

Kolkata to Bangladesh

This one is another short cruise option for people who want a budget-friendly international cruise. Starting from Kolkata, you can sail across the beautiful Sundarbans area through Kalna, Borisal, Chandpur, and Sonargaon to finally reach your destination port in Dhaka.

The entire journey takes approximately 2 weeks or 14 days (13 nights).

Kochi to Abu Dhabi

Kochi or Cochin is among the most popular seaports in India, allowing sea routes across the Arabian Sea, Laccadive Sea and the Indian Ocean. Many cruise ships offer 8-9 days long tours starting from Kochi and sailing through New Mangalore, Goa, Mumbai, Muscat & Abu Dhabi.

You can also join the cruise from Mumbai if the seaport is closer.

Mumbai to Oman

The seaport at Mumbai is among the busiest ports in the world, allowing for national and international transportation. Apart from cargo, many cruise lines operate from Mumbai, including an international cruise to Oman.

The cruise from Mumbai to Oman has a total duration of 29 days and follows the route through Mumbai, New Mangalore, Cochin, Male, Salalah and finally Oman.

Cochin to Singapore

This is a short international cruise for people who can't manage more than a week or two of travelling. Many cruise lines offer a week-long cruise from Cochin seaport between 6 and 9 days.

Cruises to Singapore from India usually follow the route through Cochin, Colombo, Langkawi (Malaysia), Port Klang, Kuala Lumpur and finally to Singapore.

Important Things to Know Before Booking an International Cruise

• Most tours don't cover any cost of deviation, i.e., additional expenses in case you choose to deviate from your tour group to do something outside your brochure.
• While several cruise packages from India cover visa and airport taxes, they usually don't cover visa costs. Make sure to check if these costs are included in your cruise package before selecting.
• Most international cruise operators arrange your visa to the destination country. The cost is generally included in the package, but make sure to confirm before finalising your package.
• A valid Indian passport is mandatory for international cruises. Get your passport in order, renewed or issued beforehand.
• Your tour will likely purchase travel insurance for your cruise trip. However, for complete coverage, make sure to have an individual travel insurance policy for your international cruise. It will come in handy in case of several trip-related emergencies.

Tips to Prepare for an International Cruise from India

Everything has its first time, and it is only natural to make some mistakes. If you're planning your first international cruise, some research and care will take your experience to another level. Here are some useful tips to prepare for your upcoming international cruise:

• Prepare all your travel documents, including passport validity and visa requirements, in case you plan to extend your plans after the cruise
• Arrange some local currency and credit cards for travellers
• Make a good planning list to avoid overpacking. Most cruises offer laundry services
• If you want to try speciality food, make advanced reservations
• Pack your power banks and chargers for any offshore excursions
• Don't forget to carry enough SPF

Finally,

Don't forget to secure your international trip with travel insurance plans. It will protect you from many financial issues, including trip cancellation, medical emergencies and more when abroad. Having a safety net during your cruise will provide much-needed peace of mind and save a lot of money.