Viking River Cruises has announced plans to introduce new itineraries in India as part of its extensive river cruise offerings, set to launch in late 2027. This initiative has garnered considerable enthusiasm from travel advisors, who believe that India could emerge as a premier river cruise destination.
The highlight of Viking’s expansion is the upcoming 15-day Wonders of India itinerary, scheduled to debut in December 2027. This tour will encompass a comprehensive land journey alongside an eight-day cruise on the Brahmaputra River aboard the newly designed Viking Brahmaputra, equipped to accommodate 80 guests. Notably, many departure dates during the inaugural year have already reached full capacity.
While Viking is not the first to offer river cruises on the Brahmaputra, with companies like Antara Cruises already providing sailings, its entry signifies a growing interest among travelers keen to explore India’s waterways. Viking’s roundtrip journey from Delhi will feature iconic sites including the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, and Kaziranga National Park.
In announcing this itinerary, Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, noted that the company’s ocean cruise guests have expressed interest in Indian destinations. The river cruises, he mentioned, would facilitate immersive experiences that go beyond standard tourist offerings.
Angela Hughes, CEO of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel, commended Viking’s expansion, emphasizing that she considers India to be the “next emerging destination for river cruises.” Hughes remarked, “It’s not a new concept for India, but it’s a new concept for the American market,” highlighting the increasing desire among affluent travelers to visit unique destinations.
The 40-cabin Viking Brahmaputra will reflect Viking’s trademark Scandinavian design, which Hughes views positively. “Viking has built their brand on consistency,” she explained. “Whether you’re on the Danube or the Mekong, you know what it’s going to feel like.”
Becky Walters, a top Viking seller at Vincent Vacations in Oklahoma City, echoed Hughes’s sentiments, noting that reliability in Viking’s offerings instills confidence among clients looking to explore new destinations. “I have clients who have traveled extensively and are seeking out unique experiences,” she said, mentioning that her customers are already inquiring about Viking’s India itinerary.
The potential expansion of river cruises in India could prompt other operators to follow suit. Jillian Everhart from Ever Ready Travel in Michigan noted that as the largest river cruise company, Viking’s move might encourage other lines to consider similar offerings, thereby attracting more American customers to India.
Additionally, Ann Morin from Your Dream Vacation in Florida emphasized the significant impact of Viking’s offerings on her sales, indicating that this new itinerary presents a valuable opportunity for travel advisors to promote India to clients who may be hesitant to visit the region.
Despite the excitement surrounding Viking’s entry into the Indian river cruise market, challenges lie ahead. Viji Krishna, Managing Director for the India subcontinent at Rothschild Safaris, highlighted that the Brahmaputra is a notoriously “moody” river, known for its unpredictable conditions. Krishna stated, “Viking will have to manage operations during droughts and floods,” which could present navigational difficulties even for seasoned operators. Meanwhile, India’s Ganges River offers a more stable sailing environment.
Nevertheless, Krishna expressed optimism about the new itinerary. “It’s a beautiful journey along the Brahmaputra that showcases local village life,” she remarked, emphasizing that Viking’s established clientele would likely be drawn to this unique travel experience that provides an authentic view of India’s culture.
