• Viking’s India Debut: Viking Cruises is launching its first-ever river cruise in India with a new, locally built 80-guest luxury ship, the Viking Brahmaputra, set to sail in late 2027.
• Focus on the Brahmaputra River: The new vessel will operate on the Brahmaputra River along National Waterway-2, showcasing the tourism potential of this scenic route.
• Strong Government Support and Infrastructure: India’s Inland Waterways Authority (IWAI) has significantly invested in developing terminals and navigation aids, fostering growth in the river cruise sector.
• “Cruise Bharat Mission”: The launch is part of a broader government initiative to expand river cruise circuits and triple the number of cruise passengers by 2027, promoting eco-friendly tourism.

India’s river cruise industry is embarking on an exciting new journey of growth and discovery, with the world-renowned Viking Cruises set to launch a new luxury vessel on the majestic Brahmaputra River. This wonderful development, announced by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, marks Viking’s debut in the Indian river cruise market and signals a growing global interest in the nation’s incredible inland waterways.

The new 80-guest ship, the Viking Brahmaputra, is being beautifully built in India and is scheduled to begin sailing in late 2027. This initiative is a testament to the successful efforts of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to enhance the country’s river cruise infrastructure, including the development of new terminals and round-the-clock navigation support. These improvements have created a world-class environment for both cruise operators and travelers.

This new voyage joins an expanding portfolio of popular river cruise circuits in India, including the Sundarbans and the backwaters of Kerala, which are captivating both domestic and international guests. With the government’s “Cruise Bharat Mission” aiming to significantly increase passenger numbers and promote eco-friendly tourism, the future of river cruising in India is incredibly bright. This is a fantastic time for travelers to explore the rich culture and stunning landscapes of India from a unique and serene perspective.