Scenic Group Announces Long-Term Expansion in India

Vancouver, British Columbia, September 22, 2026 – Scenic Group has announced a strategic partnership with Assam Bengal Navigation (ABN), marking its expansion onto the Brahmaputra River and a commitment to have two ultra-luxury Scenic river ships operating in India by 2029–30. 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, operating river cruises on the Brahmaputra and Ganges. 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, 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 Scenic Group Founder and Chairman Glen Moroney, Ashish Phookan, Founder and Managing Director of Assam Bengal Navigation and Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Glen Moroney, Founder & Chairman of Scenic Group, said: “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.”

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.”

Strong Demand for Scenic Aura’s Inaugural Season

The Brahmaputra announcement follows the previously released plans for Scenic Aura to commence cruising on the Hooghly River from October 2027. Designed for just 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. Guests will experience a diverse selection of vibrant cities, sacred sites, historic palaces, artisan communities and culturally immersive experiences. This will be provided with personalised service and unrivalled depth of inclusions for which Scenic is known. 

Demand for the 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. 

Further details on remaining availability for Scenic Aura’s inaugural season, as well as the opportunity to pre-register for updates and priority bookings on the future Brahmaputra program, are available through Scenic’s Reservations team and preferred travel advisors.

Contact us directly in Canada at scenic.cruises, (866) 689-8611, or email: info@scenic.ca.

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About Assam Bengal Navigation

Founded in 2002, Assam Bengal Navigation is a pioneer of long-distance river cruising in India, launching operations on the Brahmaputra in 2003 and subsequently expanding to the Ganges. ABN today operates three luxury river vessels — ABN Charaidew II, ABN Rajmahal and ABN Sukapha — on the Brahmaputra and Ganges, alongside private houseboat experiences. The company also owns and operates Diphlu River Lodge at Kaziranga National Park, with new hospitality projects in the pipeline at Manas National Park, Gangtok and Jorhat. ABN specialises in immersive journeys combining river cruising, wildlife, culture and local experiences.

About Scenic Group

Founded by Glen Moroney in 1986, Scenic Group is an international luxury travel and cruise company operating through the Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises & Tours brands. The Group operates more than 20 river vessels across Europe and Asia, alongside a fleet of ultra-luxury ocean and expedition yachts sailing internationally. Scenic Group also owns **MKM Yachts in Rijeka, Croatia, where its ocean vessels are developed and built.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Andrea Mancini, PR & Media Relations

Email: ScenicGroupCA@casacom.ca