Review: Ganges Voyager II

The facts: There are 28 suites, each with a French balcony. Although the 10 Signature and 13 Colonial Suites can be configured as either twins or doubles, the most premium accommodation (the two Heritage, two Viceroy and one Maharaja Suites) each boast a classy four-poster bed, which complements the rooms’ traditional Indian design. The vessel is crowned by its sophisticated Sun Deck, which hosts port talks and yoga sessions, as well as daily afternoon teas and cocktail hours. The spacious outdoor area has plenty of sofas and sunloungers, and a bar can be found inside at the Governor’s Lounge. Guests can also use the small gym and the spa, which has two treatment rooms. The main dining room is the base for breakfast and lunch buffets, served dinners and culinary demonstrations, and can be found on the Main Deck.

Ideal for: Sailings on board Ganges Voyager II tend to be most popular with baby boomers. However, it’s worth noting that those with limited mobility may struggle, as embarking and disembarking the ship isn’t always a smooth experience. A small sailboat is sometimes deployed as a tender, while certain ports are little more than a rickety boardwalk with a makeshift handrail held up by the crew. While I found this only added to the authentic experience, it may not be ideal for older or less mobile guests.

Explore: Sailing along the Ganges offers a different perspective of India, away from the busy tourist hubs. As we sailed, I loved sitting back and observing life in the towns we passed – people swimming in the river or playing cricket on the banks would often stop to wave at us. We visited small villages rarely frequented by tourists, such as Kalna and Chandannagar, with the chance to explore sacred temples and witness the hustle and bustle of life in modest flower markets. Visiting rural places may pose a sanitation concern for some clients, but the crew take this issue very seriously. Hand sanitiser is offered frequently, both on shore and on board, and our shoes were cleaned every time we re-embarked. During extended periods of sailing, the guides and crew host a range of activities to keep guests entertained – these include cooking classes, sari-wrapping demonstrations and lectures on local life.

Wow: On the final night of our sailing, we were treated to a performance from two local dance troupes on the Sun Deck. After half an hour of captivating performances that told the story of the Hindu deity Krishna, all guests were invited to join in with the festivities. As traditional music filled the air, everyone – including members of the ship’s crew – let loose, enjoying the chance to dance and laugh together. A special evening to end a special week.

Book it: Uniworld’s 12-night India’s Golden Triangle and the Sacred Ganges itinerary starts at £6,249 per person based on two sharing. This includes seven nights’ all-inclusive on board, flights, transfers and activities.
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