Blue River houseboat
A sharing houseboat (or cabin-sharing basis) is an affordable alternative to booking an entire private boat. In this setup, you book an individual air-conditioned room with an attached bathroom for your party, while the common areas—such as the lounge, dining space, upper deck, and sun deck—are shared with other travelers.
1. How Sharing Houseboats Work
- The Structure: Large houseboats (typically larger multi-bedroom vessels like 5-bedroom or 8-bedroom configurations) are utilized, where each couple or small group gets their own private lockable bedroom and bathroom.
- The Vibe: It functions very much like a floating boutique hotel—you have your private personal space to sleep and freshen up, but you share the cruising experience, dining tables, and scenic views with fellow travelers from around the world.
- Cost Efficiency: Instead of paying for an entire 1-bedroom or multi-bedroom boat exclusively (which usually starts at ₹10,000+ per night), sharing options significantly lower the barrier for solo travelers, couples, and budget-conscious tourists.
2. Typical Package Inclusions (Overnight Stay)
- Timings: Check-in at 1.00 PM and check-out at 9.00 AM the following morning.
- Cruise Route: Daytime cruising through the scenic canals, rivers, and lagoons of Alleppey or Kumarakom, followed by an evening halt by the shore.
- Meals: Full-board traditional Kerala meals cooked fresh on board by the resident chef—including a welcome drink, lunch, evening tea with snacks, dinner, and breakfast.
- Crew: Accompanied by a professional 3-member crew (boat captain, oarsman/guide, and chef).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Do I have to share my bedroom or bathroom with strangers?
No. Your bedroom and attached bathroom are entirely private and exclusively for your use. Only the open lounge areas, upper sun deck, and dining arrangements are shared.
Q2. How are meals served on a sharing houseboat?
Meals are typically served buffet-style or as a fixed traditional spread in the common dining area. While you share the dining space with other guests, there is plenty of seating available.
Q3. Who is a sharing houseboat best suited for?
It is ideal for budget-conscious travelers, solo explorers, and couples who want the classic Kerala backwater overnight experience without paying the higher cost of a private exclusive vessel.
Q4. Is air conditioning available in sharing rooms?
Yes, but standard sharing packages usually operate room ACs during restricted night hours (typically from 9.00 PM to 6.00 AM when the boat is safely anchored). Full-time AC options may require an additional upgrade depending on the operator.
Q5. Does the boat cruise all night?
No. Just like private houseboats, government regulations require all sharing houseboats to anchor by 5.30 PM and remain docked until 8.00 AM the next morning to protect local fishing nets.
Q6. Can I choose who I share the boat with?
Generally, rooms are booked independently by different travelers through tour operators. If you are traveling with a group of friends or family that fills up multiple rooms on the same boat, you will naturally share it entirely with people you know.