Viking Announces New River Voyages In India

Viking® (www.viking.com) has announced its first river voyages in India on the Viking Brahmaputra, a new 80-guest vessel designed specifically for the Brahmaputra River. Currently under construction and scheduled to debut in late 2027, the Viking Brahmaputra will set a new standard for modern river voyages in India. The ship will sail between Guwahati and Nimati Ghat in the northeastern state of Assam as part of Viking’s new 15-day itinerary, Wonders of India. In addition to an eight-day river voyage, the itinerary includes a fully-guided land program with overnights in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

“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 travelers to explore the heart of this phenomenal country, in-depth and in Viking comfort.”

The Viking Brahmaputra

The new Viking Brahmaputra will host 80 guests in 40 outside staterooms. Featuring the signature Scandinavian design for which Viking is known, 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

The 15-day Wonders of India itinerary program will operate roundtrip 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.

For additional immersion opportunities, Viking is also offering a variety of new 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).

Booking Details

From now through July 31, 2025, Viking is offering North American travelers savings of up to $5,000 per couple plus airfare from $999, with a $25 deposit, on Wonders of India. Call Viking toll free at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or contact a travel advisor for booking details.

Viking Named A “World’s Best” For Rivers, Oceans And Expeditions By Readers Of Travel + Leisure In 2025 Awards

Travel + Leisure readers have voted Viking® (www.viking.com) a “World’s Best” for rivers, oceans and expeditions in the 2025 World’s Best Awards, which were announced today. Viking was once again named #1 for Expeditions, a position it has maintained since its first year of eligibility in that category, and was voted one of the World’s Best river and ocean lines. Viking is also rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler. No other travel company has simultaneously received such honors by both publications.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards—an annual celebration of excellence across the travel industry. Since 1995, Travel + Leisure, the largest travel magazine brand in the U.S., has invited its discerning readers to cast their vote for the World’s Best in cruising with consideration in the following categories: cabins/facilities, food, service, itineraries/destinations, excursions/activities and overall value.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire Viking family around the world,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “From the beginning, we have chosen to do things differently. We remain committed to that philosophy as we continue to welcome more curious travelers to experience the Viking way of exploration around the world.”

The recognition continues to build on Viking’s accolades. In addition to awards from Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler, Viking was named Best Luxury Line, Best Line for Couples and Best Line in the Mediterranean in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Cruise Lines ranking for the fourth consecutive year. Viking’s ocean ships have also been rated and “Recommended” as part of the Forbes Travel Guide 2024 Star Awards, an annual independent evaluation for luxury travel brands. Additionally, Cruise Critic honored Viking with seven awards across the Luxury (Ocean), River and Expedition categories 2024 Best in Cruise Awards.