Scenic Group is expanding its luxury river cruise presence in India with plans to have two river ships operating in the country by 2029-30.
Scenic has entered a long-term partnership with Assam Bengal Navigation (ABN), which has more than two decades of experience operating river cruises on India’s Brahmaputra and Ganges rivers. The partnership will give Scenic access to ABN’s local operating expertise as the company develops its presence on the Brahmaputra.
The expansion will complement Scenic’s upcoming Hooghly River program aboard Scenic Aura, which is scheduled to begin in October 2027.
Scenic Sets Its Sights on the Brahmaputra
The Brahmaputra will give Scenic guests access to a different side of India, with itineraries focused on the river’s landscapes, wildlife, cultural traditions and remote riverside communities.
“Our partnership with Assam Bengal Navigation gives us the benefit of deep local expertise and an established operating platform, while allowing Scenic to bring its international experience in luxury cruising to the market,” said Glen Moroney, Founder and Chairman of Scenic Group, in a media statement. “Scenic Aura is the first step in what we expect will be a long-term commitment to India.”
ABN founder and managing director Ashish Phookan said in a press statement that the partnership combines the company’s experience on India’s rivers with Scenic’s international luxury cruise operation and distribution network.
“ABN has spent more than two decades developing river cruising on the Brahmaputra and Ganges,” Phookan said. “This partnership brings together our operating experience and knowledge of India’s rivers with Scenic’s global luxury cruise expertise, brand and international distribution.”
India Program in 2027
The Brahmaputra expansion builds on Scenic’s previously announced plans for Scenic Aura, a 44-guest ship that will begin cruising the Hooghly River in West Bengal in October 2027.
The ship’s inaugural 2027-28 program will combine a 10-night Hooghly River cruise with land journeys through India and Sri Lanka. The itineraries will feature cities, sacred sites, historic palaces, artisan communities and other cultural experiences.
Scenic says demand for the inaugural season has been strong, with limited availability remaining on some departures.
The partnership with ABN gives Scenic a pathway to expand beyond the Hooghly and into the Brahmaputra, while establishing a broader long-term strategy for luxury river cruising and land journeys in India and the surrounding region.
Further details on the future Brahmaputra program, including opportunities to pre-register for updates and priority bookings, are expected from Scenic as plans develop.
For more information, visit scenic.cruises.com.
