Scenic Group has announced its strategic partnership with Assam Bengal Navigation (ABN), marking its expansion into the Brahmaputra River.

Following the partnership, the company’s India portfolio will expand with two river ships joining by 2029-30, building on demand for newly launched sailings in India and Sri Lanka.

The company said the long-term agreement marks the next step in the group’s expansion in the Indian market and will bring together ABN’s experience operating river cruises on the Brahmaputra and Ganges.

Glen Moroney, founder and 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,” added Moroney.

Ashish Phookan, founder and 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,” added Phookan.

Scenic said in a press release that the Brahmaputra River will offer guests access to distinct aspects of India and will complement Scenic’s upcoming inaugural 2027-28 Hooghly River program in West Bengal.

The Brahmaputra announcement follows earlier plans for the Scenic Aura to begin cruising on the Hooghly River from October 2027. The ship will operate an inaugural collection of sailings through India and Sri Lanka.

The Scenic Aura’s 2027-28 season combines a 10-night Hooghly River cruise through West Bengal with curated land journeys across India and Sri Lanka.

According to the press release, demand for the inaugural program has been strong, and 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 the 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.