Indo-British river cruise company, Assam Bengal Navigation has announced its newest ship, RV Raj Mahal will commence cruising the Ganges River from mid-February 2014.

Carrying only 44-passengers at double capacity, the 22-cabin vessel was designed especially for Indian cruising conditions. The ship was built with an extra-shallow and reduced air draught to allow for easy navigation in the river’s low water levels and its shifting sand banks and bridges.

The new vessel also features spacious cabins with French balconies, an onboard spa, saloon, dining room and sundeck.

She will be used on seven and nine day cruises along the legendary Upper Ganges, as well as a cruise to the Lower Ganges to visit terracotta temples, lofty palaces, old ruined cities and local villages.

Assam Bengal Navigation’s Australian representative, Active Travel is now taking bookings for the new ship and will throw in a complimentary night at Kolkata’s Oberoi Hotel for the first night on bookings made by 31 March 2014.