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18 | www.travelweekly-asia.com East India Dining Room on Ganges Voyager II. CRUISE India is emerging as a sought after destination for river cruising with new vessels coming on stream to cater for growing demand. In January next year, river cruise specialist Uniworld will take the plunge with its 12-night Golden Triangle and the Sacred Ganges cruise. The first departure will be January 6, one of 16 departures being offered in 2016. The tour starts with a five-night land segment, visiting New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, and continues with a seven-night cruise on the lower Ganges, Kolkata- Kolkata. Land accommodation in the three cities is at Oberoi hotels. "India is a fascinating destination and has the elements that appeal to our core customers – rich history, traditions and culture," says Wesley Bosnic, Uniworld senior vice president, revenue management and strategic development. There was a quick take-up for the Golden Triangle and Sacred Ganges tours, with January-March fully booked and other cruises 80% sold for 2016. Cruise accommodation is on the Ganges Voyager II, a newly built, all-suite ship that accommodates 56 guests in a one-of-a-kind Maharaja Suite, two Viceroy Suites, two Heritage Suites and 20 Standard Suites. Guests staying in the Viceroy Suites will have daily butler service, laundry service, and one complimentary spa treatment per person. Guests staying in the Maharaja Suite will be treated to in- suite dining and scented baths in the in-suite deep-soaker tub. "The cruise is a stark contrast to big city life. It is an exciting and authentic cruise experience. An exotic adventure through a 5000-year-old civilization," said Bosnic. "You gain access to remote villages and people that rarely see foreign visitors. There is very little commercial traffic on the river, providing the opportunity to take in and enjoy the full beauty of the destination and its people." Another highlight is Varanasi, considered one of the holiest and oldest cities in the world. A visit to UNIWORLD MEANDERS ALONG THE GANGES By Ian Jarrett Varanasi is offered as a two-night post cruise extension. Uniworld has set up the programme with Haimark, a supplier partner that has local contacts and experience operating in India. Haimark has handled the land services for Uniworld's South-east Asia programme for several years. Bosnic said together with Uniworld's vice president of product, Wanda Kowalczyk, he travelled to India for a personal inspection and experience of the Ganges as a river cruise product. "We felt right away this was going to be a perfect product for our customers," he said. Uniworld believes there is more potential for river cruising in India with the government of India planning to invest in developing its waterways. "This will hopefully result in new cruise and travel possibilities," Bosnic said. Guests staying in the Maharaja Suite will be treated to in-suite dining and scented baths.