UK/Australian cruise operator the Scenic Group has partnered with India’s Assam Bengal Navigation (ABN) to establish an operating platform in India ahead of the planned October 2027 deployment of Scenic’s 44-guest ship Scenic Aura on the Hooghly River.
The agreement will combine Scenic’s international luxury-cruise business and distribution network with ABN’s local operations.
Glen Moroney, the Scenic Group’s founder and Chairman, said that the partnership with ABN, “gives...the benefit of deep local expertise and an established operating platform, while allowing Scenic to bring its international experience in luxury cruising to the [Indian] market.”
Moroney added that Scenic Aura will be the first part of a long-term presence in India. The partners are planning to invest about INR7.5 billion to INR8 billion (US$73 million to US$84 million) over the next decade, and part of the investment will be allocated for the introduction of two luxury vessels on the Brahmaputra River by 2029–30.
Scenic Aura will operate nine-night cruises on the Lower Ganges and Hooghly River. The Hooghly is a distributary of the Ganges running through West Bengal and Kolkata.
Scenic markets the vessel as an all-inclusive, five-star boutique ship. Her suites have private balconies and separate bedroom areas, while onboard facilities include a resort-style pool and up to four dining options.
The vessel previously operated in Myanmar and is being revamped by Scenic’s MKM Yachts team.
The river sailings will form part of 17- to 25-day itineraries combining cruises with land programs in North India, South India, Rajasthan and Sri Lanka. Planned destinations include Agra, Jaipur, Ranthambhore, Mayapur, Galle and Kandy.
Scenic has listed a 22-day and a 24-day cruise for 2027–28.
