The Viking Brahmaputra River Cruise will transform how travelers explore Northeast India when it launches in 2027. Sailing between Guwahati and Nimati Ghat, the 80-guest ship marries Viking's minimalist Scandinavian style with Assam's lush floodplains. Two Hotel stays in Delhi bookend the voyage, creating a 15-day cultural deep dive that stitches India's Golden Triangle to one of Asia's most untamed waterways.
Key Points
- Eight-day Cruise plus Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur Hotel stays
- 80 guests, 40 veranda staterooms, spa, gym, sky bar
- Why it matters: first major U.S.-market Cruise on the Brahmaputra
- Up to ten UNESCO sites, including the Taj Mahal and Kaziranga National Park
- Introductory offer: save up to $5,000 per couple plus $999 air through July 31 2025
Snapshot • Assam's Living River
Fed by Himalayan snowmelt, the Brahmaputra stretches about 1,800 miles (2,900 kilometers) from Tibet through India into Bangladesh. In Assam, annual floods nourish fertile islands, create habitat for one-horned rhinos, and sustain vibrant river cultures. The itinerary taps that diversity with temple visits in Guwahati, wetland birding near Nimati Ghat, and cultural walks on Majuli, the world's largest river island.
Background • Viking's Assam Choice
Despite colonial-era tea estates and biodiverse wetlands, Assam has long sat off mainstream Cruise maps. Improved docks, upgraded highways, and India's push to develop inland waterways opened the door for expansion. The route pairs Viking's U.S. audience with Kaziranga National Park-home to roughly two-thirds of the planet's greater one-horned rhinos-and with UNESCO icons such as the Taj Mahal.
Latest Developments
Viking has begun building the 80-passenger Viking Brahmaputra, designed for the river's shifting sandbars and seasonal shallows. The vessel is scheduled to debut in September 2027, at the start of Assam's cooler, drier cruising season.
Ship Highlights
Staterooms measure at least 225 square feet, each with a private veranda. Public areas include a glass-walled lounge, an open-air sky bar, a spa, a fitness center, and a plunge pool-rare on Brahmaputra vessels. Décor blends Nordic minimalism with Assamese textiles and regional teak accents.
Stand-Out Shore Excursions
- Kaziranga Jeep Safari: Dawn drive to spot rhinos, wild buffaloes, and swamp deer
- Majuli Culture Walk: Meet Sattriya monks and watch traditional mask-making
- Guwahati Temple Circuit: Visit hilltop Kamakhya, explore silk-weaving districts, and sample steamed pitha rice cakes
Booking Details & Savings
The 15-day "Wonders of India" program is open for reservations. Travelers who book by July 31 2025 can save up to $5,000 per couple and secure trans-Pacific airfare from $999. A $500 deposit holds space; final payment is due 120 days before departure. Bookings are available directly through Viking or via a trusted Travel Advisor.
Analysis
Bundling hotels, transfers, and English-speaking guides simplifies a trip that often intimidates first-time visitors. The Cruise covers nearly 200 river miles (320 kilometers) otherwise linked by slow rural roads while guaranteeing wildlife permits in Kaziranga. The ship's small footprint and use of locally crewed tender boats reduce shoreline impact compared with larger vessels. Guests should prepare for daytime highs above 90 °F (32 °C) outside peak winter and for potential itinerary tweaks during the June-September monsoon. Comprehensive Travel Insurance that covers weather disruptions is advised.
Final Thoughts
With rhino safaris, living Hindu traditions, and Mughal masterpieces, the Viking Brahmaputra River Cruise promises a richly woven adventure along one of Asia's great rivers. Book early for launch-year savings, pack light layers for the tropical-to-temperate climate, and consider arriving in Delhi a day early to adjust before boarding. Whether you are a seasoned cruiser seeking a fresh route or a first-timer drawn by Viking's hand-holding approach, this new journey offers an immersive look at India in Viking comfort.