Beginning in 2027, Viking will add another exotic river and destination to its global collection of cruises, which is good news for devoted Viking fans looking for new places to sail with the cruise line. Unlike a number of other cruise lines that offer cruises in India on the Ganges River, Viking’s new, purpose-built new ship will sail on the Brahmaputra River.
The aptly-named Viking Brahmaputra, with a modern design specifically built to navigate one of the largest rivers in the world with 80 guests, is currently under construction and debuts in late 2027.
Guests will be accommodated in 40 outside staterooms, and like all other Viking river, ocean and expedition ships, the Viking Brahmaputra will feature the cruise line’s signature Scandinavian design. All staterooms and suites will have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with a veranda. Guests on the three-deck Viking Brahmaputra will also enjoy a range of amenities, including a Spa & Fitness Center and an open-air Sky Bar on the Upper Deck.
Wonders of India Itinerary: River Cruise Plus the Golden Triangle
The Viking Brahmaputra will sail between Guwahati and Nimati Ghat in India’s northeastern state of Assam as part of Viking’s new 15-day itinerary, Wonders of India.
The new itinerary combines an eight-day river voyage on the Viking Brahmaputra with a fully-guided land tour of India’s famed “Golden Triangle,” one of the country’s most iconic travel circuits, connecting Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur in a triangular route. Each city offers a distinct cultural and historical experience that highlights the diversity and richness of India’s history, culture, architecture, and cuisine. Viking’s new itinerary includes overnights in all three Golden Triangle cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
The 15-day Wonders of India itinerary program will operate round-trip from Delhi, with hotel stays in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur that bracket an eight-day Brahmaputra River voyage, sailing east or west, respectively. With 13 included tours, guests will be immersed in India’s cultural treasures and will have the opportunity to experience as many as 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Guests will delve into the rich history of India’s Golden Triangle, exploring Agra's fabled Taj Mahal, strolling through Old Delhi's winding streets and glimpsing Jaipur's ornate Palace of Winds. While sailing the Brahmaputra River, guests will see Guwahati's temple, encounter the thriving villages along its banks, search for the one-horned rhinos and buffalos of Kaziranga National Park and discover the cultures of Majuli, one of the world’s largest river islands.
Guests can opt into additional immersion opportunities via pre and post land extensions for Wonders of India, including Delhi (two nights), Dubai (three nights; fully guided), Kathmandu (four nights; fully guided) and Cochin & Mumbai (five nights; fully guided).
According to Viking, the new river cruise ship and its itinerary is in response to the popularity of Indian ports on the cruise line’s ocean itineraries. The combined river cruise and land program of the fabled Golden Triangle allow travelers to explore the heart of one of the world’s most populous countries and get an in-depth introduction to its vibrant landscapes and unique culture – with all the details handled by Viking’s river and land teams.
Expert Tip: October to April is generally the best time for river cruising in India for the most pleasant weather.
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Image courtesy of Viking Cruises
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