Avalon Adds India’s Ganges River To Lineup

Avalon Waterways has added a new river to its extensive portfolio – The Ganges.

Starting in 2019, the line is adding the 56-passenger Ganges Voyager to its fleet.

Built in 2015, the Voyager will be offered as part of a two-week itinerary which also includes stays in deluxe hotels in Dehli, Agra, and Jaipur, allowing travellers to see some of India’s most famed and beloved attractions – including the Taj Mahal during a sunrise visit – before they board the Voyager in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta).

The six-night cruise will then take them at a leisurely pace to the cities of Kalna, Matiari, Murshidabad, Mayapur and Guptipara and back to Kolkata. Shore excursions included along the way have been designed to showcase some of India’s ancient and modern cultures – gold and silversmith workshops, a flower market, traditional sweet-making, a visit to Mother Theresa’s home, tea in a local home and more.

“This is going to be a wonderful way to experience India,” says Stéphanie Bishop of Avalon’s Canadian office. “Carefully planned shore excursions and sightseeing followed by the best of Indian and Western dining on board in the company of new friends. And there is nothing better than the leisurely pace of a river cruise, where the scenery simply glides by.”

As well as spacious, 260 square feet staterooms, the ship features a restaurant and bar/lounge, two small spa treatment rooms, a library and fitness room, a covered deck and open-air observation deck. The décor of colonial-era woods and lush carpets evokes times gone by, while a crew of 35 will look after the 56 passengers. WiFi will be free of charge.

There will be just seven departures of this special land/cruise vacation in 2019, priced from $8,067, excluding airfare – but early bookers can save $650 per person when booking select departures by April 24.

(https://www.avalonwaterways.ca, https://www.agentlingo.ca)