Viking has opened bookings for new India river voyage departures in 2027, 2028 and 2029, confirming a capacity boost on the Brahmaputra River with the arrival of a second purpose-built ship in 2028.
The cruise line said the new dates will include sailings on Viking Ganges, which is currently under construction and scheduled to enter service in 2028. The vessel will join sister ship Viking Brahmaputra, which is due to begin operations in late 2027.
Together, the two ships will operate Viking’s 15-day Wonders of India itinerary, sailing between Guwahati and Nimati Ghat in Assam in north-eastern India.
Viking Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Torstein Hagen said demand had been strong since the company first revealed its India river program.
“We have seen strong interest from guests eager to explore this remarkable region,” Hagen said.
“By adding a second ship on the Brahmaputra River in 2028 and opening 2029 departure dates now, we look forward to inviting even more curious travellers to explore India in Viking comfort in the years to come.”
Two ships to expand Brahmaputra capacity
Viking Ganges and Viking Brahmaputra will each carry 80 guests across 40 staterooms.
The sister ships will feature Viking’s signature Scandinavian-inspired design, with all staterooms and suites offering floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and a veranda.
The addition of Viking Ganges will effectively double the line’s capacity on the Brahmaputra from 2028, giving the company more scope to meet growing interest in river cruising through India.
Land and river experiences combined
Wonders of India will operate return from Delhi and combine an eight-day Brahmaputra River voyage with hotel stays in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
The itinerary includes 13 guided tours and gives guests the chance to experience up to 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Highlights include the Taj Mahal in Agra, the streets of Old Delhi and Jaipur’s Palace of Winds, alongside a river journey through Assam.
While sailing the Brahmaputra, guests can visit Guwahati’s temples, see riverside villages, spot one-horned rhinoceroses and buffalos in Kaziranga National Park, and explore Majuli, one of the world’s largest river islands.
New extensions add depth to the program
Viking is also expanding the itinerary with a range of pre- and post-cruise land extensions.
Options include a two-night stay in Delhi, a fully guided three-night program in Dubai, a fully guided four-night extension in Kathmandu, and a fully guided five-night Cochin and Mumbai package.
The new extensions are designed to give travellers additional time to explore more of the region before or after their cruise.
Viking builds on global growth
Viking continues to position itself as a major player in experiential travel, with a fleet of more than 100 ships operating across 21 rivers, five oceans and all seven continents.
The company said it remains focused on culturally rich itineraries tailored to travellers interested in history, science, cuisine and local experiences.
