Ganga Vilas will be the world’s longest luxury cruise

Arushi Sakhuja 

If you’re a history junkie, this one’s for you. Set to be launched on January 13, January Ganga Vilas is India’s new luxury river cruise vessel with 18 suites and other associated facilities. Built with a unique design and futuristic vision, it is set to be the world’s longest river cruise (2,300-kilometre-long) covering 27 river systems in India and Bangladesh. The cruise will meander across various prominent destinations that lie along Kolkata’s River Hooghly to Varanasi’s River Ganges, and the journey is packed with visits to 50 tourist spots. The world’s longest river cruise will sail from Bangladesh to Dibrugarh and cross Patna, Kolkata, Dhaka, Dhubri, Guwahati, and Majuli Island.

Onboard amenities

The capacity of Ganga Vilas, according to the official website, is 80 passengers. Ganga Vilas has quite a few amenities to facilitate a complete experience for its guests – a restaurant, spa and sundeck. Its 40-seater restaurant, located on the Main Deck, consists of a few buffet counters serving Continental and Indian delicacies. The al fresco ambience of the Upper Deck features a bar furnished with Real Teak Steamer Chairs and coffee tables where you can simply lounge with your folks or enjoy your favourite drink. There’s also an area with comfortable sundecks to sunbathe and a well-appointed spa with professional therapists. The cruise also offers Michelin-inspired regional and international cuisine. Ganga Vilas pioneers the boutique experiences on the river by fusing traditional and contemporary conveniences with minimalistic decor.

Exclusive voyages 

What makes the cruise truly memorable are the exclusive voyages that include four to twelve-day tours across India. The fare starts at INR 15,000 for the River Sutra and goes all the way up to Rs 437,250 with the trail from Kolkata to Dhaka and Kolkata to Benaras.

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