Waterways Leisure Tourism was originally incorporated as ‘Waterways Leisure Tourism Private Limited’, a private limited company under the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 on November 2, 2020, pursuant to a certificate of incorporation dated November 5, 2020. The company was subsequently converted from a private company to a public company, pursuant to a resolution passed by its Board on February 24, 2025, and by its shareholders on February 25, 2025, consequent to which the name of the company was changed to ‘Waterways Leisure Tourism Limited’ on March 12, 2025. It is one of the domestic ocean cruise operators in India, offering luxurious and inherent Indian experiences. Its cruise experience is designed to cater to the preferences of Indian guests and international travelers visiting India, offering an immersive journey into India’s rich culture, cuisine, and warm hospitality. Every aspect of the voyage is curated to provide an authentic Indian experience, ensuring that guests feel the essence of India while sailing. 

The company offers a diverse culinary experience, providing a variety of food options such as pan-Asian, international, and Indian cuisine, including Jain food options. It also organizes live performances and themed shows inspired by Indian Cinema such as ‘Indian Cinemagic’, ‘Balle Balle’, ‘Burlesque - Bollywood Way’, ‘Razzmatazz’, and ‘Romance in Bollywood’. It offers a wide range of amenities for all age groups, including a children’s academy, gaming arcade, spa and salon, retail outlets, casino, fitness center, a rock-climbing wall, and swimming pools.

The company has strategically outsourced critical cruise operations to enhance efficiency and scalability. It leverages third-party expertise in areas such as food and beverages, housekeeping, crewing, and entertainment. This enables it to tap into their knowledge and resources, ensuring quality service delivery. This flexibility also enables it to scale its operations based on seasonal demand, manage resources effectively and maintain service standards. Outsourcing allows it to concentrate on its core activities, ensuring an enhanced customer experience and expanding its cruise offerings.

Business area of the company

The company is engaged in the business of cruise lines, shipping, organizing, and conducting cruises, tours, holidays, maintaining and providing related services. Its cruise vessel primarily sails to domestic destinations such as Mumbai (Maharashtra), Goa, Kochi (Kerala), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Lakshadweep, Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), and Puducherry.

Awards and recognitions

• 2023: Awarded the excellence award as ‘Most Promising Mice Destination’ by Business Leisure Travel and Mice (BLTM). 
• 2023: Awarded ‘Best Cruise and Expedition’ by The Economic Times - Travel and Tourism Annual Conclave and Awards (First Edition). 
• 2023: Awarded maritime excellence achievers award for ‘Promoting Water-Based Tourism’ by Global Maritime India Summit. 
• 2024: Awarded for ‘Best Cruise and Expedition’ organised by ET The Economic Times - Travel and Tourism Annual Conclave and Awards (Third Edition). 
• 2025: Certified as the ‘Great Place to Work’ in the category of mid-size organizations by Great Place to Work, India. 
• 2025: Received certificate of Honour in the category ‘High Sea and Coastal Cruises of the Year’ at the 7th edition of South Asia’s Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) awards organised by Yashobhoomi (India International Convention & Expo Centre), New Delhi. 
• 2025: Received award for India’s Best Wedding Future Leader at India’s Best Wedding Maker (IBWM) 2025-26 awards. 
• 2025: Received awards for the ‘Iconic Choice for Wedding & Corporate’ and the ‘Iconic Family Cruise Experience’ at the Times Hospitality Icons 2025 awards.

History and milestones

• 2021: Commencement of sailing from Mumbai port, post receipt of permission from the Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai for charting of the foreign flag passenger cruise ship, MV Empress. 
• 2023: Commencement of international cruise sailing by the company to Hambantota and Trincomalee ports (Sri Lanka). 
• 2024: Leased four new offices in India in Mumbai, Noida, Chennai and Gurugram region, respectively. 
• 2025: Its Subsidiaries entered into Bareboat Charter Agreements with Norwegian Sky Limited and Norwegian Sun Limited, respectively.
• 2025: The company entered into Time Charter Agreements with Baycruise IFSC for chartering new vessels, namely, ‘Norwegian Sky’ and ‘Norwegian Sun’, respectively.
• 2025: Commencement of international cruise sailing by the company from Chennai to Singapore.