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air draught, she will be able to<br />
cruise further upstream than<br />
any of her competitors, making<br />
her the only riverboat to<br />
access the ghats of Varanasi.<br />
ABN Rajmahal has 22<br />
spacious, air-conditioned<br />
cabins over two decks, all<br />
with floor-to-ceiling sliding<br />
windows and French balconies.<br />
In addition to the double/twin<br />
cabins on both decks, there<br />
are 4 single cabins for which<br />
no supplement is charged.<br />
The decor is stylish and fresh,<br />
using hand-blocked cotton<br />
textiles with traditional Indian<br />
motifs, while the floors are<br />
polished teak. There is a<br />
comfortable saloon and bar<br />
as well as a dining room and<br />
a spa. The very large sundeck,<br />
with both open and shaded<br />
areas, offers generous<br />
amounts of seating in both<br />
comfortable rattan chairs and<br />
teak steamer chairs.<br />
ABN SUKAPHA<br />
ABN Sukapha was built in<br />
Kolkata in 2006. She has 12<br />
air-conditioned cabins (10<br />
x twin-bedded, 2 x doublebedded)<br />
with large sliding<br />
windows.<br />
In an effort to conserve<br />
India’s forests, the interiors<br />
are bamboo-paneled, airconditioned<br />
and roomy with<br />
en suite bathrooms. There is a<br />
spa and a saloon with a library.<br />
The dining room is on the main<br />
deck and a spacious sundeck<br />
at the very top.<br />
Fabrics on board have been<br />
handwoven by Bodo tribal<br />
villagers; the comfortable<br />
rattan chairs are locally<br />
sourced and made; and our<br />
gift shop stocks only arts and<br />
crafts made by local artisans.<br />
18<br />
LIFE ON BOARD<br />
ALL ABN CRUISE SHIPS<br />
Enjoy a cup of tea on the sundeck in the early hours<br />
of the morning when the sun has just risen and rural<br />
life begins to unfold on the banks. While sailing times<br />
vary, guests are able to watch lush scenery glide<br />
by as they dig into a hearty breakfast. Excursions<br />
differ each day but there is usually plenty of time for<br />
relaxation; return the waves of village children on their<br />
way to school or enjoy a glass of beer on the sundeck<br />
from the honesty bar.<br />
Our chef’s talents are much appreciated, whether for<br />
the continental dishes usually served at lunchtime or<br />
for the varied Indian cuisine at dinner. Most guests<br />
tend to have a drink beforehand in the saloon - a<br />
good time to chat over the day’s experiences and<br />
to discuss the next day’s programme with our<br />
guide. Those wishing to unwind further can indulge<br />
themselves at the spa on board (on our Ganges<br />
cruises). Coffee in the saloon, accompanied by a<br />
liqueur, is a fitting prelude to a comfortable night far<br />
from the hurly-burly of modern life.