Raj Singh grew up boating on the reservoirs and waterways of Rajasthan, an image starkly different from the arid landscape that the state draws to mind. Years later, in 2009, he started Antara Cruises, hoping to reconnect travellers with the ancient, spiritual, and cultural significance of India’s rivers. Almost two decades later, India is also focussing on capitalising on its extensive waterways and coastal prowess by doubling down on cruise tourism.
While lavish voyages were once the domain of the West, major cruise players across the world are now tapping into the unrealised market potential in Southeast Asia, especially India, which has become the second-largest cruise market in Asia. India too, is catching up to this reality, with the central government recently announcing the five-year Cruise Bharat Mission, aiming to boost cruise tourism in India to 1 million passengers and create 400,000 jobs by 2029. Singh, who is the pioneer of luxury river cruising in South Asia, hopes India, with its vast coastline and rich cultural heritage, will become a significant hub for cruise tourism.
He speaks to us about Antara Cruises, the evolution of cruise tourism and the future as he can see it: Can you share the story behind Antara Cruises? What inspired you to enter the luxury cruise industry in India?Rivers like the Ganges are not just natural features—they are integral to India’s spiritual and cultural identity. Through river cruising, I wanted to offer travellers a more in.
