22 September 2026: Scenic Group has announced a strategic partnership with Assam Bengal Navigation (ABN) as it expands onto India’s Brahmaputra River and commits to having two ultra-luxury Scenic river ships operating in India by 2029–30.
The long-term agreement combines ABN’s more than two decades of experience operating river cruises on the Brahmaputra and Ganges with Scenic Group’s global expertise in all-inclusive ultra-luxury cruising and international operations.
The partnership was confirmed following a meeting in Delhi involving Scenic Group Founder and Chairman Glen Moroney, Assam Bengal Navigation Founder and Managing Director Ashish Phookan and Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Brahmaputra expansion broadens India plans
The Brahmaputra expansion will complement Scenic’s upcoming inaugural 2027–28 Hooghly River programme in West Bengal. Scenic said the Brahmaputra would give guests access to distinct aspects of India, including dramatic landscapes, wildlife, ancient cultural traditions and remote riverside communities. The company said the expansion would extend its ability to offer deeper and more diverse discovery of the subcontinent.
Glen Moroney, Founder & Chairman of Scenic Group, said:
“India offers extraordinary potential for luxury river cruising. 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. Scenic Aura is the first step in what we expect will be a long-term commitment to India.”
ABN brings established river experience
Assam Bengal Navigation has operated river cruises on the Brahmaputra and Ganges for more than two decades.
The partnership brings together ABN’s operating experience and knowledge of India’s rivers with Scenic’s global luxury cruise expertise, brand and international distribution.
Ashish Phookan, Founder & Managing Director of Assam Bengal Navigation, said:
“ABN has spent more than two decades developing river cruising on the Brahmaputra and Ganges. This partnership brings together our operating experience and knowledge of India’s rivers with Scenic’s global luxury cruise expertise, brand and international distribution. We believe it can significantly expand India’s position on the global river-cruise map.”
Scenic Aura prepares for Hooghly debut
The Brahmaputra announcement follows Scenic’s previously announced plans for Scenic Aura to begin cruising on the Hooghly River in October 2027.
Designed for 44 guests, Scenic Aura will operate an inaugural collection of all-inclusive ultra-luxury river cruises and land journeys through India and Sri Lanka.
The 2027–28 programme combines a 10-night Hooghly River cruise through West Bengal with carefully curated land journeys across India and Sri Lanka. The itineraries feature vibrant cities, sacred sites, historic palaces, artisan communities and culturally immersive experiences.
Scenic said demand for the inaugural programme had been exceptionally strong, with limited availability remaining.
Long-term India strategy develops
Scenic said the response to Scenic Aura had reinforced the opportunity to grow its presence in India.
Together with the planned Brahmaputra expansion, the Hooghly programme will form the foundation of a broader long-term strategy covering new luxury river-cruise and land-journey experiences across India and the wider region.
Guests and travel advisors can obtain information on remaining availability for Scenic Aura’s inaugural season and pre-register for updates and priority bookings for the future Brahmaputra programme through Scenic’s Reservations team and preferred travel advisors.
Source: Scenic Group official press release, “Scenic Group Announces Long-Term Expansion in India,” issued 22 September 2026
