Review Of Scenic Cruises
Scenic Group is the parent company of three travel brands – Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Evergreen Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises .
Scenic Group’s subsidiary company “Scenic Cruises” is a brand that operates mainly riverboats on all biggest European rivers – Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, including in France , Russia , Portugal , and Southeast Asia .
In February 2018, Scenic Group announced the purchase of Mayflower Tours. The company was renamed “Mayflower Cruises and Tours” and continued to operate as a separate entity. Mayflower is based in Downers Grove .
Scenic Tours also owns the brands Emerald Waterways and “Emerald Yacht Cruises”, which in 2021 were merged into “Emerald Cruises”. In July 2020, Scenic Group became a member of IAATO .
In May 2021, Scenic Group moved its headquarters from Boston MA to Hollywood . The company’s current executive team includes Rob Voss , Benny Weidacher , Lisa McCaskill , Joni Rein , Colin Downing , Ann Chamberlin , Donna Kurtz , Nancy Iovino .
Book A 2023 Jewels Of Europe River Cruise And Save 50% On Your Prague Extension**
Jewels of Europe is Scenics most spectacular river cruise along Europes historic waterways. Be enchanted by beautiful cities including Nuremberg, Vienna, Salzburg and Dürnstein. With this exclusive and limited offer available on selected departures, extend your journey into Prague for 3 nights, a gothic masterpiece of the Czech Republic. *Prague extension 50% Saving. Prices now start from $990pp, twin share and include:
- 3 nights accommodation in Prague at NH Collection Prague Carlo IV Hotel
- Transfers and touring with a Scenic Tour Director to guide and assist
- Breakfast daily and one dinner
- Valid for selected departures from May to August 2023
See below for terms and conditions** Learn more about our Prague extension here or view itineraries through the following links:
Brand New Itinerary Among 24 Voyages Plus A New Croatia And Slovenia Extension
Scenic is holding 2022 prices for its European River Cruise program in 2023 as part of its newly released Super Earlybird Offers.
The Australian-founded luxury cruise company has unveiled its 2023 European River Cruise Preview brochure which offers 24 itineraries in Europe, France, Portugal and Russia, including a brand-new voyage and a new five-day land extension of Croatia and Slovenia.
Voyages in the 84-page brochure are spread across 13 ships including Scenic Jasper, Scenic Opal, Scenic Amber, Scenic Crystal, Scenic Jewel, Scenic Jade, Scenic Ruby, Scenic Pearl, Scenic Diamond, Scenic Sapphire, Scenic Gem, Scenic Azure and Scenic Tsar. A number of back-to-back itineraries on sister-ships are also spotlighted in the collection.
to keep up to date with everything in the luxury cruise space.
Sailing from Frankfurt to Basel is new for 2023, the 8-day Charming Castles & Vineyards of the Rhine and Moselle, exploring medieval towns, vineyards and castles in destinations including Koblenz, Bernkastel, Rastatt and Cochem.
There are three departures on the voyage in each direction, all aboard Scenic Opal, and priced from $4,845 per person twin share.
Scenics Super Early Bird Offers are valid until 5 April 2023, unless sold out earlier.
For 2023 Europe River Cruise bookings, Scenic provides its Book with Confidence Inclusions, which include
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Learn More About Scenic River Cruises
Scenic Cruises was founded by an Australian businessman in the year 1987. Scenic did not initiate its operations until almost 20 years later when they opened an office in United Kingdom in the year 2008. Their first cruise that took to the waters debuted in the year 2009 and Scenic Cruises have never looked back since then. Scenic River Cruises is not just a cruise operator that only takes on cruise in the river ways but they also offer a variety of tour types for you. These tour types include River Cruises, Ocean Cruises and Escorted Tours. Their escorted tours are also very popular amongst travelers who are on a vacation to a specific location for the first time and need an expert travel escort to guide them throughout their journey so that they don’t miss out on anything in that trip. They have various sorts of trip personalizing options available for you. Through these options you can personalize your own trips. The personalization of a trip can have some limitations but the staff at Scenic will help you and guide you to personalize a trip according to your own wish.
Choose Viking If You Want To Focus On The Main Highlights
In each destination, Viking’s included daily excursions take in all the main sights, such as Cologne Cathedral or a city tour with an overview of Hofburg Palace and the State Opera House in Vienna, which is ideal for people who have never visited Europe before. Viking is particularly good about providing the option of slow-paced walking tours for passengers with mobility issues .
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Scenic Vs Viking River Cruises
As the world’s largest river cruise line, Viking River Cruises is pretty much a household name, thanks to its extensive marketing and links with television programs such as Downton Abbey. If you’re thinking about taking a cruise in Europe — the heart of river cruise territory — you might also want to take a look at Scenic, the Australian-owned line that started life as a motor coach tour operator in its homeland in 1986. Since it entered river cruising in 2008. Scenic has offered similar itineraries to Viking on an all-inclusive basis.
Want to know the difference between Viking’s Longships and Scenic’s “Space-Ships?” Then read on for our Viking versus Scenic guide.
Scenic Embarks On Full European River Cruise Programme For The First Time In Two Years
Luxury all-inclusive cruise line, Scenic, has today set sail on the Rhine River from Amsterdam with its eight-day Rhine Highlights itinerary marking the first sailing in the brands return to its full Europe river cruise programme since 2020.
After operating a small number of sailings in the Bordeaux region, as well as on the Douro and Rhine rivers in summer 2021, this year will be the luxury cruise lines first full schedule since the onset of the global pandemic.
Scenic is set to operate more than 300 itineraries throughout Europe this year, sailing the Rhine, Main, Danube, Moselle, Seine, Rhône, Garonne, Gironde, Dordogne and Douro rivers. The 2022 season introduces two brand-new culinary cruises to Scenics collection in the 11-day Tastes of Southern France and the 11-day Flavours of Bordeaux itineraries.
Guests looking to join Scenic in Europe this year can join the eight-day voyage from Amsterdam to Basel, visiting Cologne, Koblenz, Heidelberg, Baden-Baden and Strasbourg en route. Guests will be welcomed to Germany with a ride on the countrys oldest cog railway, visit local wineries for mouth-watering tastings and be enthralled by a private concert within the Baroque Palace of Rastatt in Germany. Prices for the eight-day Rhine Highlights itinerary start from £2,595 per person based on 5 October 2022 departure.
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New Itinerary And Experiences Confirmed For Next Year
Scenic has officially unveiled its full luxury river cruise collection on Europes rivers for 2023 with a range of new itineraries and experiences, and for the first time, First Class airfare upgrade options.
With international borders re-opening and travel requirements easing, demand for small ship river cruising is on the rise and Scenic is encouraging Australians to book now as availability for 2023 suites and offers is limited.
Guests booking before 30 September 2022 can secure exclusive flight offers including Fly Business for $3,995 per person, Fly First Class for $11,995 per person and Economy Flights included.
A spokesperson for Scenic told LATTE the introduction of a First Class airfare upgrade to Europe comes in response to a trend for luxury consumers taking the ultimate trips now theyre travelling again and also looking for more space and comfort on their flights. Scenic will offer the First Class fares with the likes of Emirates and Singapore Airlines, with the specific airline confirmed at time of ticketing.
Guests who chose to pay 12 months in advance can also secure a Super Earlybird saving of $1,000pp on their suite.
to keep up to date with everything in the luxury cruise space.
New for 2023 and flagged first by LATTE in November 2021 is the eight-day Charming Castles & Vineyards of the Rhine and Moselle river cruiseSailing from Frankfurt to Basel and visiting Koblenz, Bernkastel, Cochem, Rudesheim, Rastatt and Breisach.
Burgundy Rhone River And Provence River Cruise
Relax on a river cruise and unwind somewhere luxurious while you travel to Burgundy, the Rhone River, and Provence.
Wine lovers will enjoy tasting locally produced wine in Beaune and Burgundy, and food lovers will delight in the local cuisine offered in Lyon, France.
The cruise also takes you to Medieval Avignon the Roman remains in Arles, Vienne in France, and many other destinations that will make this river cruise one to remember.
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Choose Scenic If You Want More Fitness Amenities And A Spa
Scenic goes the extra mile on the fitness front. In addition to a walking track on the sun deck, its ships have small gyms with cardio equipment and free weights. Electrically assisted bicycles, which passengers can use on a first-come-first serve basis and on guided tours, are also available. There is a splash pool on the upper deck and a massage room, offering for fee treatments.
Scenic River Cruises Ships
Every aspect of a Scenic Space-Ship design has been considered at length. From the Port Laurent marble from Morocco to the handpicked art lining the wall, Scenic River Cruises meticulous attention to detail is visible from the moment you step on board. With a spacious Sun Deck, ample seating and a walking track, guests can unwind after an incredible day with a complimentary beverage and admire the neverending views that pass by. Elsewhere on board, guests have full access to the Wellness Centre, a gym, hair salon and special entertainment. Complimentary Wi-Fi is also available are e-bikes to help you get out and about while on shore.
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Adventures By Disney River Cruises
Partnering with AmaWaterways, Adventures by Disney offers cruises on the Seine, Rhine, and Danube Rivers, Disney style. Specially designed itineraries and Adventure Guides create experiences for parents, children, and teens, from active excursions to unique onboard activities. Adults-only dinners and wine tasting experiences along with teen programming, Disney movie nights, karaoke, trivia nights, and Junior Adventurer dinners provide entertainment for guests of all ages.
The eight-day Danube River Cruise starts in Budapest where excursions include a horse show at an equestrian park and a goulash-making competition for Adventurers. In Bratislava, Junior Adventurers can visit a petting zoo, and in the evening, there’s family karaoke. A tour of Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace, marionette show, concert, and strudel making are options the next day. A day in Salzburg ends onboard with “The Sound of Music” film and singalong. After an Oktoberfest celebration and captain’s farewell dinner, the cruise ends the next day.
River Cruises In Holland And Belgium
A cruise through Holland and Belgium will take you through the vast network of scenic canals and rivers. You will visit some of the most beautiful European cities and towns and enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Netherlands iconic windmills and tulips.
A Tulips & Windmills tour gives you the opportunity to easily explore some of Europes most dynamic and culturally rich cities from the luxury of the cruise ship. Indulge in cosmopolitan Amsterdam on an Amsterdam day trip and see world-renowned paintings and magnificent Gothic churches in Belgium.
Eight different destinations, spanning ten days, a Holland and Belgium cruise is not to be missed.
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Why Choose A River Cruise With Scenic
Luxury is having a butler at your call, crisp white sheets, and your own private balcony to watch the sun rise and set in a different country. Luxury is having chef-prepared meals and top shelf beverages*. Luxury is all-inclusive tours, events, experiences and having someone else arrange it all for you, to pick and choose as you please.
And luxury certainly is not having to reach for your wallet for any of it. Welcome to the Scenic experience, where truly all-inclusive means exactly that. This is the essence of the Scenic experience.
Discover Western Europe In Ultra
Trace the footsteps of great seafaring nations, explorers from a bygone era who were curious to set sail to unknown destinations in the new world.
As a Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse gives guests unrivalled access to the hidden corners and magical highlights of Western Europe, docking at smaller ports where most larger ships cannot access. Step directly off your ultra-luxury yacht walking the cobblestone laneways into fascinating villages.
On a truly all-inclusive luxury Europe cruise with Scenic Eclipse, youll experience our immersive Scenic Enrich excursions and the flexibility of Scenic Freechoice activities that cater to all fitness levels.
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New 2023 River Cruise Offers
Frightfully Good Halloween offers
Save an additional £200 per couple on 2023 Rhine, Main & Danube river cruises plus 2023/24 Scenic Asia river cruises.
It pays to book early for European river cruises… Enjoy Savings of up to 25%, plus FREE Private Door-to-Door Transfers. Enjoy an added extra £100pp off!
Book by 1st November 2022.
SOUTHEAST ASIA RIVER CRUISES
Book selected Southeast Asia river cruises and save up to £2,000 per couple plus receive a FREE Private Door-to-Door Transfers! Book your Mekong river cruise by 30th November 2022.
For the ultimate all-inclusive river cruise experience, it has to be Scenic River Cruises. With cruises in Europe, Asia and Russia, flexible itineraries and peerless service, Scenic River Cruises continues to grow its reputation for excellence.
Deposit Protection Plan: Where you cancel a tour or cruise prior to the invoiced final Payment Date, and the Deposit Protection Plan applies, Scenic will hold your deposit, less any third party cancellation and/or administrative fees incurred by them, for their tour products only, , then they will credit the remainder of the deposit towards an alternative tour product, if you book within 24 months of cancellation. The DPP is not combinable with any other exceptional discounts or offers, that may be promoted at the time you pay your deposit.
Passenger Shipping Pause 2020
Due to the Coronavirus crisis, all Scenic Group travel entities have suspended passenger operations by canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 14, 2020, through late-July 2021. Scenic Group’s operations resumed in August 2021, including the riverboats.
With rebooking, Scenic Group provided an FTC for all canceled departures. To each of the canceled bookings was provided 110% FTC , to rebook and travel by December 31, 2022. To all booked land tours during the suspension period was provided 100% FTC , to rebook and travel by December 31, 2022.
Scenic’s FTC was valid for travel departures through to December 31, 2022. The FTC can be applied to any existing booking within the Scenic Group travel companies and also when rebooking future travel. The FTC is fully transferrable to another customer.
Upon the expiry of the Scenic FTC voucher , unable to travel customers may request a cash refund equal to the amount paid. All customers with a booking that departs from July 1, 2020, and customers considering a booking after July 1st, have the option to transfer their booking to an alternate date without a fee. Scenic will waive all cancellation fees with the booking value applied as an FTC and we will review the timing for the full payment when rebooking. Please note, if you choose to cancel there may be third-party fees applicable, which will be at the customer’s own expense. This policy applies to all Scenic Group’s travel brands.
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Five Of The Most Scenic River Cruises In Europe
River cruises can be an excellent way to visit some of Europes most beautiful cities and towns. With the luxury of having someone else at the helm, you can sit back and relax. Indulge yourself and experience the sights, sounds and shorelines of Europes most beautiful rivers.
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Choose Scenic If You Enjoy Flexibility
In addition to the shore excursion program, which often provides passengers with several choices on the same day, Scenic offers GPS guided tours so independent passengers can explore using pre-programed walks and maps on personal audios devices. Available in more than 140 locations, they start and finish at the ship’s location so you’ll never get lost. Active passengers will also enjoy using the fleet’s onboard bicycles for guided or independent trips.
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Choose Scenic If You Want To Be Pampered
On Scenic, all passengers have butlers, with the level of service depending on the cabin category. Butlers in all cabins will shine shoes, arrange shore excursions and bring drinks, and services for passengers in higher suites include room service breakfast, laundry and suitcases packed and unpacked.
Choose Viking If You Worry About Cancellations
Viking has a more generous cancellation policy compared to Scenic. Passengers who cancel more than 70 days before a cruise forfeit their deposit, 50 percent of the fare for canceling between 30 to 69 days prior to departure and the total fare for cancellations less than 30 days before sailing
On Scenic, you’ll lose your deposit for cancellations more than 90 days before departure, 50 percent from 62 to 90 days and loss of the full fare for canceling 61 days or less before departure.
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