Scenic Group Announces New 2027 India and Sri Lanka Journeys, Introducing Hooghly River Cruising

Scenic Group has announced the expansion of its luxury river cruise and land touring portfolio with the deployment of Scenic Aura to the Hooghly River in India. Launching in October 2027, the boutique ship will introduce an exclusive collection of newly curated itineraries across India and Sri Lanka.

Launch Announcement:
Scenic Group will deploy Scenic Aura to the Hooghly River in India, beginning operations in October 2027.

Inaugural Season:
Runs from October 2027 to March 2028, hosting a maximum of 44 guests for an ultra-luxury, all-inclusive river cruise experience.

New Program:
Five integrated itineraries (17–25 days) across North India, South India, Rajasthan, and Sri Lanka, anchored by a 9-night Lower Ganges River cruise.

Exclusive Experiences:
- Scenic Enrich: High Tea at Kathgola Palace, visit to Hooghly Imambara, immersive encounter at ISKCON Global HQ, artisan workshops in Matiari, and cultural tours in Nawabi-era Bengal.
- Scenic Freechoice: Curated excursions showcasing vibrant cities, sacred sites, and riverside villages.

Ship Design:
Scenic Aura will be redesigned by MKM Yachts for an intimate boutique experience. Details of the revitalized interiors will be revealed later in 2026.

Ultra-Luxury Inclusions:
Spacious suites with private balconies, multiple dining venues, beverages throughout the day, in-suite mini-bar, Wi-Fi, pool, yoga, wellness centre, fitness area, and self-service laundry. Land journeys include handpicked hotels, special stays, internal transport, gratuities, and small group sizes (max 25 guests).

Broader Expansion:
Scenic Group’s Asia growth includes Scenic Spirit II on the Mekong (2028), Scenic Eclipse II returning to Asia & Oceania, and Emerald Xara arriving in Asia.

Demand:
Early interest from Scenic and Emerald Rewards members signals strong demand. Exclusive Early Access bookings are now open, with full itineraries and pricing to be confirmed in November 2026.

Quote:
Adam Burke, Scenic Journey Designer, said: “The introduction of Scenic Aura on India’s Hooghly River is a significant milestone, designed entirely around what our guests are asking for. These itineraries provide unique and exclusive experiences that are culturally rich and showcase the best of India and Sri Lanka, all delivered with Scenic’s signature inclusions and personalized service.”