Viking to enter Indian river cruise market with Dubai stays as cruise add-on option

Viking has announced plans to enter the Indian river cruise market, with an order for Viking Brahmaputra, a new 80-guest vessel that will operate on the Brahmaputra River in Assam, with pre- or post-cruise Dubai stays as an option.

The new river cruise ship is currently under construction and is scheduled to debut in late 2027.

The launch of Viking Brahmaputra will mark Viking’s first river operations in India and will sail between Guwahati and Nimati Ghat as part of a 15-day itinerary titled Wonders of India.

The itinerary combines an 8-day river cruise with a fully guided land programme featuring overnight stays in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.

These cities, known as India’s Golden Triangle, offer a wealth of attractions including Delhi’s Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Humayun’s Tomb; Agra’s iconic Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah; and Jaipur’s Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar.

“With its rich heritage, deep cultural traditions and fascinating natural wonders, India is a vast and vibrant country that has captured the imagination of explorers for centuries,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking.

“In recent years, our guests have particularly enjoyed visiting Indian ports on our ocean itineraries. We are now delighted to introduce a new way for curious travellers to explore the heart of this phenomenal country, in-depth and in Viking comfort,” he added.

The three-deck vessel will accommodate 80 guests in 40 outside staterooms, all of which will feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with verandas. Onboard amenities will include a Spa & Fitness Centre and an open-air Sky Bar.

The Wonders of India itinerary will operate roundtrip from Delhi and include 13 guided tours, giving guests the opportunity to visit up to 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On land, the programme covers India’s Golden Triangle, including the Taj Mahal in Agra, the streets of Old Delhi, and Jaipur’s Palace of Winds.

While sailing the Brahmaputra River, guests will visit temples in Guwahati, pass riverside villages, and explore wildlife at Kaziranga National Park, known for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses and water buffalo.

The cruise will also include a visit to Majuli, one of the world’s largest river islands.

Viking will also offer optional pre- and post-cruise land extensions, including two nights in Delhi, three nights in Dubai, four nights in Kathmandu, and five nights across Cochin and Mumbai. All options will be fully guided.

Viking’s entry into the Indian river cruise sector comes as the cruise line pursues robust expansion of its river operations in Egypt, with several new cruise vessels launched for its Nile River itineraries.