VANCOUVER — Scenic Group is expanding its river cruise presence in India with a new strategic partnership, paving the way for Scenic to operate two ultra-luxury river ships in the country by 2029-30.

The agreement with Assam Bengal Navigation (ABN) will see Scenic expand onto the Brahmaputra River, building on previously announced plans for Scenic Aura to begin sailing India’s Hooghly River in October 2027.

ABN brings more than two decades of experience operating cruises on the Brahmaputra and Ganges rivers. Scenic says the partnership will combine that local expertise with its own luxury cruise experience and international distribution network.

“India offers extraordinary potential for luxury river cruising,” said Glen Moroney, founder and 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.”

The Brahmaputra program will give guests access to landscapes, wildlife, cultural traditions and remote riverside communities, complementing Scenic’s upcoming Hooghly River sailings in West Bengal.

The partnership was confirmed following a meeting in Delhi between Moroney, ABN Founder and Managing Director Ashish Phookan and Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, India’s Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

“ABN has spent more than two decades developing river cruising on the Brahmaputra and Ganges,” said Phookan. “This partnership brings together our operating experience and knowledge of India’s rivers with Scenic’s global luxury cruise expertise, brand and international distribution.”

Scenic Aura’s Vitality Pool

Meanwhile, Scenic says demand has been strong for Scenic Aura’s inaugural 2027-28 season.

Designed for 44 guests, the ship will offer 10-night Hooghly River cruises through West Bengal, combined with land journeys in India and Sri Lanka.

Scenic says limited space remains for the inaugural season, with the response helping reinforce its longer-term plans to expand river cruise and land products across India and the wider region.

Lead image caption: The City Palace, Jaipur (photo credit Adam Burke)