India’s largest city possesses an energy and gusto that few cities can imitate. On cruises from Mumbai, a stay in the city provides an experience that combines thousands of years of history with a modern, bustling hub for business, leisure, and more than a dash of glamor. Sip a gin cocktail in one of the city’s many speakeasy lounges, then tour the ornate Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, one of the city’s most fashionable addresses. Don’t miss a stroll or a car ride along Mumbai’s Marine Drive, also known as the Queen’s Necklace, where you’ll be able to enjoy views of the Arabian Sea and the Mumbai skyline.
On our cruises from Mumbai, you can lay out in the sun on the sandy serene shores of Goa or get a healing Thai massage in Phuket. Visit the iconic blue-roofed Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, built on beautiful Beira Lake. Take in sweeping panoramic city views from the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur. Stroll through the manicured flower beds at the Mirijjawila Botanic Garden in Sri Lanka, and shop for trinkets at the famous Chinese Clan Jetties in Penang. You’ll enjoy the best of Asia on luxury cruises from Mumbai with Celebrity Cruises.
Take a trip to Wat Chalong, a spectacular Buddhist temple that houses a fragment of bone in its Grand Pagoda which is said to be from Lord Buddha himself. Head to the fashionable Surin Beach, for a day of sun, sea, sand or a delicious meal at one of the many fine restaurants in the area. Don’t miss a trip to see the massive Big Buddha statue, which towers at nearly 150 feet tall, and overlooks Kata Beach and Karon Beach from its perch atop the Nakkerd Hills.
Penang is an island rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Explore its UNESCO-protected shops and antique small buildings with colorful facades in Old George Town. Pay a visit to the Kek Lok Si Temple to marvel at its majestic seven-story pagoda which towers over the gold-colored sweeping roofs on the Chinese-style worship halls below. Go for dinner and drinks on the lively Gurney Road, then take a scenic stroll along the waterfront for great views of the modern city center.
On an overnight stop to Colombo, you’ll have lots of time to take in lots of sightseeing at a relaxed pace in comfort and style. Visit the Gangaramaya Temple, the city’s most revered Buddhist site of worship that houses an incredible relic chamber, library, and museum. To learn more about the history of Sri Lanka and its culture, head to the National Museum, featuring over 100,000 national heritage items on display. Wander the vibrant, bustling streets of Pettah neighborhood, where you’ll find tasty local street food, markets, and bazaars.
Cruises to Mumbai with Celebrity bring you comfort, luxury, elegant surroundings, and attentive, intuitive service. You’ll sail on the revolutionized Celebrity Millennium, where you’ll find the best in exclusive dining and all-suite accommodations at The Retreat. Indulge in relaxing treatments at The Spa before heading for some fresh air and cocktails at Millennium’s Sunset Bar, overlooking the ship’s wake.
Celebrity’s itineraries for cruises to Mumbai offer a diverse selection of some of the most exciting cities, ports, and islands in Asia. You’ll be awe-struck by ornate temples in Phuket and Colombo. Dip your toes into sparkling blue water on the palm-shaded beaches in Goa. Shop for luxury brands in Kuala Lumpur before heading up over 80 stories to the panoramic observation deck at the Petronas Towers.
The commercial port and cruise terminal of Port Mumbai are both busy year-round, making this one of the world’s most serviced ports. Many cruise ships dock at Ballard Pier, from where you can take a taxi to some of Mumbai’s most important sights, rather than walk. Or book a shore excursion to learn more about this fascinating city. The cruise terminal is also equipped with amenities like restrooms, wifi, and duty-free shopping for souvenirs.
For an afternoon in true opulence, head to the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, which has been an icon of the Mumbai cityscape since opening in 1903. The hotel is linked with decades of Mumbai history, which you can learn about on a guided tour through the grounds. Stay for drinks and a five-star dinner in luxe style.
Take a ferry from the stunning Gateway of India on the way to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on an island, and stand in awe of the 5th and 6th century cave temples honoring Hindu deities. The island is scattered with archaeological remains that provide an insight into its rich history.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, previously known at the Prince of Wales Museum, is one of Mumbai’s enduring heritage sites, which contains collections and exhibits of art, artifacts, and textiles dating back thousands of years. Art lovers can’t miss this museum during their Mumbai cruise.
From tasty street eats to beautiful clothing and fabrics for sale, the Colaba Causeway is arguably Mumbai’s most famous shopping experience. You’ll want to take home a bit of everything with you as you navigate the tightly-placed stalls. Vendors selling jewelry, books, and bargains bring an authentic charm to this bustling commercial way. Carry a few extra rupees and remember that haggling is all part of the fun here.
The bayside promenade of Marine Drive is one of Mumbai’s most famous attractions, providing a killer view of the Arabian Sea from start to finish, and art deco architecture dating back to the 1930s. As you watch the sunset along Marine Drive, you’ll understand why it’s dubbed the “Queen’s Necklace” when the streets light up at night.
Take a step out of the urban, cosmopolitan side of Mumbai and into the Hanging Gardens. This tranquil oasis is a green space where people jog, stroll, practice yoga, and take in the sights. There are some great views of Marine Drive from the top of the hill, and many pleasantly aesthetic sculptures and topiary in the shapes of animals dotted around the gardens.
Harbour Bar
Address: The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Colaba, Mumbai
For a swanky evening cocktail, you can’t beat Harbour Bar, located within the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai. Stop in for drinks at the lounge and stay for tapas. The mood is romantic, and the bar offers a look back at Mumbai history. Try one of Mumbai’s famous gin cocktails here.
Udipi Shri Krishna Boarding
Address: 1st Floor, LBS Market Building, Lakhamsi Napoo Road
For a quick lunch while on a Mumbai cruise, Udipi Shri Krishna Boarding is a must-try. The menu hasn’t changed since it opened in 1942. It’s an old-school spot for South Indian cuisine, specifically thali, which are traditional South Indian dishes served in a platter style. All dishes are served on banana leaves. Enjoy some cold, refreshing mango juice with your lunch.
Colaba Social
Address: 24, B K Boman Behram Marg, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai
Aptly named, the Colaba Social is a no-frills pub that aims for visitors to socialize with the help of drinks and simple food, which ranges from traditional Indian dishes to comfort foods like grilled cheese sandwiches and burgers and fries.
Bombay Canteen
Address: Unit-1, Process House, S.B. Road, Kamala Mills, Near Radio Mirchi Office Lower, Parel, Mumbai
Bombay Canteen is one of Mumbai’s most bustling spots and offers options for those looking for just drinks, dinner, or a delicious Sunday brunch. Try the slow-braised oxtail or the pork vindaloo taco. If you’re craving sweets, there’s the tamil nadu dosa waffle, served with fresh whipped cream and coffee ice cream.
Until recently, Mumbai was known to many as the city of Bombay, and today it’s one of the biggest and most populated cities in the world, with a population of 20 million. Mumbai wears many hats; it’s the center of the Bollywood film industry, a tech hub, and also maintains India’s strong financial pulse. The official language spoken is Marathi, but residents in Mumbai often speak English, Hindi, and other regional dialects. Life’s pace here is fast and furious, but Mumbai’s best quality is how passionate city dwellers are about their events, festivals, film, and cuisine.
There isn’t a great deal near the cruise port beyond the area’s plentiful duty-free shopping. Once you get into Mumbai, Colaba Market is a popular spot for clothing and jewelry shopping, while Chor Bazaar is famous for fine Indian antiques. Crawford Market is a must to purchase fruits, vegetables, and other food items, even if you just want a light snack or an intriguing photo opportunity. This bustling market will give you a true sense of Mumbai’s chaos.
Traditional taxis and ride-sharing app Uber are available in Mumbai. You’ll want to haggle on the fare with your driver if taking a conventional yellow taxi or a rickshaw. Taking a taxi is one of the easiest ways to get around and there are plenty of drivers waiting near the cruise terminal. Destinations like the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel are only a 10-minute ride away.
The Indian rupee (INR) is the country’s official currency. You’ll also find U.S. dollars are commonly accepted, but you’ll get a better exchange rate when you use rupees. ATMs are scattered throughout Mumbai. If you have great taxi service, you can round up to the nearest bill or leave an extra rupee for them. Otherwise, tipping is 15-20% for servers and other services based on the quality of the service you receive. Haggling in markets and souvenir shops is common.
Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns