Fans of exotic river cruises have much to look forward to. Last week, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection announced a brand new addition to its fleet and its itinerary lineup in the form of the Ganges Voyager II. It’s an all-suite ship that, as its name suggests, will operate Uniworld’s first boutique river cruises in India.
Beginning in January 2016, Uniworld will offer a 12-night voyage through India that the line is calling India’s Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges. Comprised of a weeklong river cruise, the itinerary that travels from New Delhi to Kolkata will also include a five-night land portion that features luxurious accommodations at Oberoi Hotels and Resorts properties. These include The Oberoi, New Delhi; The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra; and The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur.
“India is one of the world’s most complex, colorful, and exotic destinations,” said Guy Young, President of Uniworld. “To experience a 5,000-year-old civilization first-hand and to explore its spiritual heartland, all while staying at some of the world’s most spectacular hotels and sailing onboard our new all-suite ship, is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our well-traveled guests.”
The new Ganges Voyager II will carry a maximum of 56 guests in four separate levels of accommodations. These range from the opulent, 400 square foot Maharaja Suite to the 20 Standard Suites that still measure a spacious 261 square feet. In between are two 360-square-foot Viceroy Suites and two 280-square-foot Heritage Suites.
Accommodations onboard include French balconies, cozy sitting areas, and flat-screen televisions. Bathrooms will feature rain showers, robes, slippers, and Molton Brown toiletries. For those staying in the Viceroy Suites, daily butler service, laundry service, and one complimentary spa treatment per person will be provided. Guest staying in the Maharaja Suite will be treated to additional amenities, including in-suite dining and scented baths in the in-suite deep-soaker tub.
Public areas aboard Ganges Voyager II include the Governor’s Lounge with onboard entertainment and cultural events, the observation deck with 360-degree views, a spa and fitness center, and the East India Restaurant with menus featuring both Indian-inspired cuisine and Western favorites.
Uniworld’s new voyages to India will feature shore excursions to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, along with visit to the Taj Mahal, ranked as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
“This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking exotic new horizons, something completely unlike anything else they’ve ever experienced,” said Young. “India is an amazing, unforgettable place. It’s a journey our guests will rave about the rest of their lives.”
On this itinerary, Uniworld will also offer an optional extension to Varanasi, revered as the holiest spot on India’s holiest river, as well as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. The two-night extension includes a city tour, a scenic boat ride to observe a Ganga Aarti fire ceremony at sunset, and a private boat ride along the river at sunrise.
Uniworld’s new India program will officially open for bookings on October 15, 2014.
