Scenic Group has announced a strategic alliance with Assam Bengal Navigation (ABN), marking its expansion to the Brahmaputra River and its commitment to having two Scenic ultra-luxury riverboats operating in India by 2029-2030.
The long-term agreement represents a significant step in Scenic Group's expansion in the Indian market and will bring together ABN's more than 20 years of experience operating river cruises on the Brahmaputra and Ganges rivers with Scenic's international expertise in all-inclusive ultra-luxury cruises, international operations, and immersive experiences that allow passengers to connect with the destinations they visit.
The Brahmaputra River will offer Scenic passengers the chance to discover a different side of India, marked by spectacular landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, ancient cultural traditions, and remote riverside communities. The new program will complement Scenic’s upcoming inaugural Hooghly River itinerary in West Bengal, scheduled for 2027-2028, and will further enhance the company’s ability to offer a deeper and more diverse exploration of the subcontinent.
The alliance was confirmed after a recent meeting held in Delhi between Glen Moroney, founder and chairman of Scenic Group; Ashish Phookan, founder and CEO of Assam Bengal Navigation; and Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, India's Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Glen Moroney, founder and chairman of Scenic Group, said: “India offers extraordinary potential for luxury river cruising. Our partnership with Assam Bengal Navigation allows us to benefit from their deep local knowledge and established operating platform, while Scenic brings its international expertise in luxury cruising to the market. Scenic Aura is the first step in what we hope will become a long-term commitment to India.”.
Ashish Phookan, founder and CEO of Assam Bengal Navigation, said: “ABN has been developing river cruises on the Brahmaputra and Ganges for over two decades. This partnership combines our operational expertise and knowledge of India’s rivers with Scenic’s global experience in luxury cruising, its brand, and its international distribution network. We believe it can significantly contribute to consolidating India’s position on the global river cruising map.”.
The announcement about the Brahmaputra comes after Scenic unveiled its plans for the Scenic Aura to begin operating on the Hooghly River from October 2027. Designed to accommodate only 44 passengers, the ship will offer a first collection of ultra-luxury, all-inclusive river cruises and land tours of India and Sri Lanka.
The 2027-2028 Scenic Aura season will combine a 10-night cruise on the Hooghly River through West Bengal with carefully selected land excursions in India and Sri Lanka. Passengers will discover vibrant cities, sacred sites, historic palaces, artisan communities, and diverse cultural immersion experiences. All of this will be accompanied by personalized service and a comprehensive all-inclusive program, a hallmark of Scenic.
Demand for this inaugural program has been particularly high. With availability already limited, the company encourages travel advisors, clients, and passengers to secure their preferred departures before the first season's seats sell out.
The positive reception of Scenic Aura has reinforced the opportunity for Scenic Group to expand its presence in India. Together with the planned expansion to the Brahmaputra, this project forms the basis of a long-term strategy to introduce new luxury river cruise and land travel experiences in India and other destinations in the region.
Those interested can check with the Scenic Reservations team and their usual travel agencies for remaining availability for the inaugural Scenic Aura season, as well as options to register and receive information and access priority bookings for the future Brahmaputra program.
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