TORONTO — Avalon Waterways is adding the 56-passenger Ganges Voyager to its fleet starting in 2019, with an early booking bonus available now offering savings of up to $650 per person.

The EBB applies to select 2019 departures.

Built in 2015, the newest ship will be offered as part of a two week itinerary which also includes stays in deluxe hotels in Dehli, Agra, and Jaipur, says Avalon. The itineraries allow travellers to see some of India’s top attractions, including the Taj Mahal during a sunrise visit, before they board the Voyager in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta).

“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.”

The six-night cruises call at Kalna, Matiari, Murshidabad, Mayapur and Guptipara and then head back to Kolkata. Shore excursions included along the way showcase everything from gold and silversmith workshops, to a flower market, traditional sweet-making, a visit to Mother Theresa’s home, tea in a local home and more.

The ship has 260-square-feet staterooms, a restaurant and bar/lounge, two small spa treatment rooms, a library and fitness room, a covered deck and open-air observation deck. WiFi will be free of charge and there’s a crew of 35.

Avalon says there will be just seven departures in 2019, priced from $8,067 excluding airfare. The early booking bonus expires April 24.