Scenic Group has finalized a long-term strategic partnership with Assam Bengal Navigation (ABN) to expand its ultra-luxury river cruise operations in India. The agreement gives the company access to the Brahmaputra River and sets a target for two Scenic ships to be operating in the country by 2029 or 2030.
ABN brings decades of experience to the partnership
The deal unites Scenic’s global expertise in all-inclusive cruising with ABN’s more than 20 years of operating experience on the Brahmaputra and Ganges rivers. The Brahmaputra offers guests access to remote riverside communities, ancient cultural traditions, and dramatic environments that differ from the typical coastal tourism of the region.
This expansion works as a natural complement to Scenic’s Hooghly River program in West Bengal, which is scheduled to begin in October 2027. The company plans to use the new partnership to offer a deeper and more diverse range of discovery options across the subcontinent.
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Partnership details were confirmed following a meeting in Delhi between Scenic Group Founder and Chairman Glen Moroney, ABN Founder and Managing Director Ashish Phookan, and Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal.
Scenic Aura launches in 2027 with a focus on land and water
The partnership announcement coincides with details regarding Scenic Aura, the first ultra-luxury ship in the Scenic fleet. The 44-guest vessel will commence cruising on the Hooghly River in October 2027. The 2027–28 season includes a 10-night cruise on the Hooghly followed by curated land journeys across India and Sri Lanka.
Guests on the inaugural program will visit busy cities, sacred sites, historic palaces, and artisan communities. The itinerary emphasizes culturally immersive experiences, all backed by the personalized service and inclusions the brand is known for.