Scenic sets course for India expansion with Brahmaputra deal

Scenic Group is expanding its river cruise footprint in India through a new strategic partnership with Assam Bengal Navigation (ABN), with plans to have two ultra-luxury Scenic river ships operating in the country by 2029–30.

The long-term agreement will see Scenic expand onto the Brahmaputra River, combining ABN’s more than two decades of experience operating cruises on the Brahmaputra and Ganges rivers with Scenic’s expertise in all-inclusive ultra-luxury cruising.

The Brahmaputra program will give Scenic guests access to a different side of India, characterized by dramatic landscapes, wildlife, ancient cultural traditions and remote riverside communities.

The expansion will complement Scenic’s previously announced Hooghly River program in West Bengal, which is set to launch in 2027.

The partnership was confirmed following a recent meeting in Delhi between 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.

“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,” said Moroney in a press release.

“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,” said Phookan.

Scenic Aura to debut in 2027

The Brahmaputra announcement follows Scenic’s previously announced plans to launch Scenic Aura on the Hooghly River in October 2027.

Designed for just 44 guests, the boutique ship will operate a collection of all-inclusive ultra-luxury river cruises and land journeys through India and Sri Lanka during its inaugural 2027–28 season.

The program combines a 10-night Hooghly River cruise through West Bengal with curated land journeys across India and Sri Lanka.

Itineraries will incorporate cities, sacred sites, historic palaces, artisan communities and other culturally immersive experiences, alongside Scenic’s all-inclusive amenities and personalized service.

According to Scenic, demand for the inaugural program has been “exceptionally strong,” with limited availability remaining.

The company said the response to Scenic Aura has reinforced its plans for further growth in India, with the future Brahmaputra program forming part of a broader strategy to introduce additional luxury river cruise and land experiences throughout India and the surrounding region.

Travel advisors and clients can contact Scenic’s reservations team for remaining availability aboard Scenic Aura and can pre-register for updates and priority bookings for the future Brahmaputra program.

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