Cruises to Mumbai (Bombay)

63 Reviews
Mumbai (Bombay) (Photo:saiko3p/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Mumbai (Bombay)

Mumbai is a massive metropolis of more than 20 million people, and it's defined by its exuberance, energy and sheer madness. Unlike other destination cities in India, it's not known for its great monuments, arts or sights. Its appeal for visitors is its friendly people, cultural diversity and vibrant markets making it a top choice when cruising to India.

Chaos does not even begin to describe Mumbai, where people do daily battle with who knows how many motor vehicles. Indeed, the cacophony of hooting horns is a constant, and just crossing the street is risky business. Bustling crowds add to the lively atmosphere and never-ending assault on the senses.

Parts of the hit film "Slumdog Millionaire" were filmed there, and, as you travel through the city, you can't help but see the squalid shacks that millions call home. These slums are often in the shadow of the high-rise homes of Mumbai's growing middle and upper classes. As you explore this sprawling city, you'll see that none of these neighborhoods is immune from the noise, air and water pollution that come with such rapid growth and widespread poverty.

Where Mumbai stands now there were once seven islands that formed part of the kingdom of the Emperor Ashoka. They passed into the hands of various Hindu and Muslim rulers and in 1534 were seized by the Portuguese, who named them Bom Baia, meaning "Good Bay." They became British in 1661, and the name morphed into Bombay. In 1668, Bombay was leased to the East India Company, the islands were joined through land reclamation projects, and the city became an important trading port under the British Raj.

The region gained independence from Britain with the rest of India in 1947. The city's name was changed to Mumbai in 1996. Some claim that was its name before the British arrived, and others say that it's derived from "Mumbadevi," the patron goddess of the Koli fishermen, who were the islands' earliest known inhabitants. Whatever the truth, you'll find many locals still call it by its British name.

The British did not waste their years there but spent it building grandiose buildings that would turn the city into a little England. Among them are the Victoria and Albert Museum, built in 1872; Crawford Market, completed in 1869; and its Victorian-styled clock tower, the Victoria Terminus, reminiscent of St. Pancras station in London. The first train in India departed from this station in 1853; these days, millions of commuters use it daily.

All these places are must-see sights for visitors, along with Mumbai's numerous ornate temples, bustling bazaars, instructive museums and, yes, even its slums. And of course you can't miss the Gateway of India, actually quite a small edifice by today's standards, but the jewel in Mumbai's sightseeing crown for many people.

  • More about Mumbai (Bombay)

  • Why Cruise to Mumbai (Bombay)?

  • Mumbai (Bombay) Cruise Port Facilities?

Loading...

We found you 65 cruises

Loading...
Loading...
Cruise Critic Favorite
Riviera
Riviera

16 Night
Repositioning Cruise

782 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • Fare Insight
Silver Whisper
Silver Whisper

17 Night
Africa Cruise

232 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • Fare Insight
Azamara Onward
Azamara Onward (Photo: Azamara)

156 Night
156 Night Europe - Northern Cruise

75 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Reviews
  • Fare Insight
Cruise Critic Favorite
Seabourn Encore
Seabourn Encore

17 Night
Arabian & India Pearls

138 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • Fare Insight

14 Night
Spice Route Cruise

2,871 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • Fare Insight

14 Night
India, Sri Lanka & Thailand

1,739 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • Fare Insight

13 Night
India, Sri Lanka & Thailand

1,739 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • Fare Insight

12 Night
India, Sri Lanka & Thailand

1,739 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • Fare Insight

15 Night
15n Ultimate India, Sri Lanka & Malaysia

1,675 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • Fare Insight

20 Night
Southeast Asia Cruise

75 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Reviews
  • Fare Insight

11 Night
Indian Ocean Cruise

22 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Reviews

16 Night
Africa Cruise

353 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • Fare Insight

22 Night
Southeast Asia Cruise

319 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • Fare Insight

17 Night
Southeast Asia Cruise

150 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • Fare Insight

12 Night
India, Sri Lanka & Thailand

1,739 Reviews
Leaving:
Cruise Line:
No prices currently available for this sailing.
  • Itinerary
  • Ship
  • Reviews
  • Fare Insight

More about Mumbai (Bombay)

Why Cruise to Mumbai (Bombay)?

Pros:

Modern, air-conditioned terminal with duty-free shops on the edge of a pleasant neighborhood

Cons:

Public transport from the port can be dirty and chaotic, while heavy traffic fills the streets

Bottom Line:

It's in a good location, which offers a quick taxi ride to the city center and Chowpatty Beach

Mumbai (Bombay) Cruise Port Facilities?

In a word, don't. There is absolutely no reason to hang around the port area, so head out sightseeing as quickly as possible.

Good to Know?

People hustling or begging for money are unfortunate facts of life in Mumbai, especially around the Gateway of India. Many are just selling things like postcards and giant balloons, but there also are lots of others begging for money to feed their babies or help an orphanage or other good cause. In general, steer clear of both. Often, beggars with infants in their arms will follow you for blocks. The best strategy is to ignore them in silence and walk on. For some reason, saying no only makes them more insistent.

You'll also get hassled by taxi drivers, especially if you try to walk out of the port. Usually a polite "no thank you" works, but some can be very persistent, and it can get very tedious.

Although Mumbai has many beaches, avoid getting into the water. Raw sewage and toxic waste from businesses and industries flow directly into the ocean.

Do not drink any liquid unless it's in a container with a sealed top. Also do not drink anything with ice unless you're in a first-class hotel. Stay away from street vendor food and seedy restaurants, or you'll probably end up with "Delhi belly" or diarrhea that will spoil at least a few days of your holiday.

Americans should remember that Indians drive on the left, as drivers do in the U.K. If crossing a road, be warned that drivers don't stop for pedestrians but, rather, weave around them. In most parts of Mumbai, stop signs and traffic lights seem to be invisible to drivers; however, in South Mumbai, where many tourist attractions are centered, traffic lights are taken a bit more seriously. A good tip is to look for locals crossing the road and walk with them.

Getting Around?

There are more than 70,000 registered yellow-and-black taxis in Mumbai and another 8,000 posher taxis with air-conditioning. As you exit the port, you'll probably feel all of them are lying in wait for your business.

Because the city is big and there's a lot to see, your best bet is to hire a taxi driver for the day, but you'll need to haggle over the price. As a rough guide, you should be paying around Rs 600 for two hours, but how much you actually pay depends on your negotiating skills.

You'll get a better deal the closer you manage to get to the port exit; the drivers start to get desperate for business if it seems you're going to escape. You will get an even better deal still if you find a taxi out on the street or at taxi stands around hotels. They're required to have working meters and are very affordable, compared with fares charged in most major cities. However, steer clear of unregistered cabs (with no sign). They might be cheap, but they are also potential death traps on wheels, as drivers don't need to keep them serviced. Another option is to book in advance one of the excellent car and driver services for about Rs 1,500 for a full day. Most drivers speak limited English, but they know enough to get you to major attractions.

Both taxi and limo drivers appreciate a bit extra at the end as a tip, especially if they have done a good job as a guide.

Most taxi drivers and guides will want to take you to a super-clean tourist store like the Bombay Store, where goods are highly priced. (They might earn commission on anything you buy.) If you want to go, fine. If not, be firm about it. Remember: It's your sightseeing day.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

The national currency is the Indian Rupee (Rs), which is divided into 100 paise. The Rupee exchange rate has been volatile recently, dropping significantly against the euro, pound and dollar. Visit www.xe.com for up-to-date currency conversions.

Plan to use cash when shopping in the markets and bazaars. Keep small denominations of Rs 20, 50 and 100 on hand for small purchases and cab and rickshaw fares. Many drivers and merchants are unable or unwilling to change Rs500 bills. Tourist hotels are good places to get change for larger bills and do foreign exchange. Credit cards are accepted in big outlets and at good restaurants and hotels. There are ATMs in the main shopping areas, but they are not 100 percent reliable. Remember never to carry too much cash at a time.

Language?

Marathi is the official language of Mumbai. However, English is widely understood and used for national, political and commercial communication. Cab and rickshaw drivers will likely speak or understand only limited English.

Where You're Docked?

Cruise ships dock at the commercial port on the western side of the city. It looks like an easy walk to the Gateway of India, but don't be fooled. It might be easy -- it's a straight road, so you can't really get lost -- but it's a long way along a very busy road. And that's just one attraction. To really see anything, you'll need to take a ship's excursion, get a taxi or rent a car.


Mumbai (Bombay) Cruise Reviews
Mumbai is extremely busy and not very clean. Book a shore excursion.Read More
User Avatar
Couple very early 40s
Had oceania transfer which went smoothly and hotel .was very nice, We took our own trip through get your guide, which was excellent.Read More
User Avatar
veggieonboard
Chaos! What a change from UAE! Dirty, traffic nightmares, honking horns….but wonderful historical sights if you can put up with the rest! CC is not offering me option to review Agra/ Taj Mahal……it was breathtakingRead More
User Avatar
catahoochie
Great city with a lot to see, not to mention the people. We went out to Elephanta Island on a put-put boat, Interesting ride and the the island is a fabulous archaeological site.Read More
User Avatar
davidh68

Related Cruises

Cruises to Newport

Cruises to Newport

261 Reviews
Cruises to Amsterdam

Cruises to Amsterdam

1,057 Reviews
Cruises to Rouen

Cruises to Rouen

121 Reviews
Cruises to Saint John (New Brunswick)

Cruises to Saint John (New Brunswick)

449 Reviews
Cruises to Kauai

Cruises to Kauai

628 Reviews
Cruises to Gdansk (Warsaw)

Cruises to Gdansk (Warsaw)

120 Reviews
Cruises to Marseille

Cruises to Marseille

936 Reviews
Cruises to Izmir

Cruises to Izmir

187 Reviews
Cruises to Adelaide

Cruises to Adelaide

106 Reviews
Cruises to Lima

Cruises to Lima

110 Reviews
Cruises to Rangiroa

Cruises to Rangiroa

30 Reviews
Cruises to Labadee

Cruises to Labadee

2,137 Reviews
Cruises to Penang

Cruises to Penang

134 Reviews
Cruises to Phuket

Cruises to Phuket

149 Reviews
Cruises to Hakodate

Cruises to Hakodate

26 Reviews
Cruises to Picton

Cruises to Picton

165 Reviews
Cruises to Cinque Terre

Cruises to Cinque Terre

355 Reviews
Cruises to Bernkastel-Kues

Cruises to Bernkastel-Kues

37 Reviews
Cruises to Kinderdijk

Cruises to Kinderdijk

8 Reviews
Cruises to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

Cruises to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

290 Reviews

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.