Scenic Group has confirmed a major investment in India river cruising, forging a new “strategic partnership” with Assam Bengal Navigation, a leading operator of long-distance, boutique river cruises on India’s Brahmaputra and Ganges rivers. The alliance will enable Scenic to expand its India operation onto the Brahmaputra River with two ultra-luxury Scenic river ships operating in the country by 2029-2030.
Local media reports from last week suggest the deal is valued at approximately $100 million.
The long-term agreement marks a significant next step in Scenic Group’s expansion within the India market and will bring together ABN’s more than two decades of experience. This will align closely with Scenic’s global expertise in all-inclusive ultra-luxury cruising, international operations and unique immersive experiences, that connect guests with the unique destinations they visit.
The Brahmaputra River will offer Scenic guests access to distinct aspects of India, shaped by dramatic landscapes, wildlife, ancient cultural traditions and remote riverside communities. It will provide a natural complement to Scenic’s upcoming inaugural 2027-28 Hooghly River program in West Bengal (foreshadowed first exclusively by LATTE), while extending the brand’s ability to offer deeper, more diverse discovery of the subcontinent.
The partnership was confirmed following a recent meeting in Delhi between Glen Moroney, Scenic Group Founder and Chairman, Ashish Phookan, Founder and Managing Director of Assam Bengal Navigation and Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
“India offers extraordinary potential for luxury river cruising,” said Glen Moroney, Founder & Chairman of Scenic Group. “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,” he added.
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.”
The Brahmaputra announcement follows the previously released plans for Scenic Aura to commence cruising on the Hooghly River from October 2027. Designed for 44 guests, the boutique ship will operate an inaugural collection of all-inclusive ultra-luxury river cruises and land journeys through India and Sri Lanka.
Scenic Aura’s 2027–28 season combines a 10-night Hooghly River cruise through West Bengal with carefully curated land journeys across India and Sri Lanka.
Scenic reports demand for its inaugural program has been “exceptionally strong. With limited availability remaining, travel advisors, clients and guests are encouraged to secure their preferred departures before the inaugural season sells out.”
The strong response to Scenic Aura has reinforced the opportunity for Scenic Group to grow its presence in India. Together with the planned Brahmaputra expansion, it forms the foundation of a broader long-term strategy to introduce new, luxury river cruise and land journey experiences across India and the wider region.
