By John Roberts
I sailed on Scenic Cruises luxurious and spacious Scenic Amber for a biking voyage on the Danube River in late 2018. This adventure was to experience the line's partnership with Trek Travel, as I joined a group of 16 avid cyclists on daily rides along the river and into the countryside of Europe.
While the challenging rides and time ashore were highlights of the trip, I also was blown away by the accommodations we were treated to on the cruise. Scenic Amber vessel is an all-suite ship that is part of the line's fleet of Space Ships, all of which feature expansive cabins, private butler service, large picture windows that open to innovative versatile balcony space.
Lately, Scenic has been making design enhancements to further improve the river cruise experience on its vessels. Many of these moves focus on wellness, fitness and adventure -- which is why we continue to say river cruising is the up-and-coming way to travel in a new and exhilarating way.
In 2017, Scenic introduced a new ship design for its two Space-Ships sailing on France's Saone and Rhone Rivers. The same concept of focusing on experiential and physical enjoyments by expanding the company's already well-rounded approach is now being brought to Europe's Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers for 2019. All eight of the Space-Ships on these waterways -- Scenic Ruby, Pearl, Jasper, Opal, Amber, Crystal, Jade and Jewel -- will be remodeled this winter.
Highlights include reducing the number of cabins/passengers to 81/161 (Ruby and Pearl) and 83/165 (on the six others) while keeping the same crew count for even greater personal service; two new 520-square foot Royal Owners Suites; larger wellness centers, which include the gym, massage services and hair dresser; and, unique to Scenic, a Salt Therapy lounge. Onboard yoga and stretching classes, given by the onboard wellbeing coach, help cruisers warm up and get limber for days that include new and more-active excursions such as bike tours on the ship's e-bikes and hiking up Buda Hill for an amazing view of Budapest. Every itinerary will offer a host of active excursions in 2019.
The three-station salt lounge offers a non-invasive way to feel energized and healthier while relaxing. The humidity and temperature-controlled room is handcrafted from salt bricks and creates a micro-climate of a natural salt mine. Its three inclined lounging chairs are separated by light curtains for privacy, and low-level lighting and calming music promotes the natural relaxing effects of the salt. The rooms are included in your fare, and you can spend up to a recommended 45 minutes in the peaceful environment. The negatively charged salt ions hold high kinetic energy and offer the same refreshing feeling that one might find when standing on a beach. The ions also are said to aid healing, improve respiration and skin conditions and boost the immune system.
Scenic's Space-Ships offer all-inclusive luxury experiences -- from private butler service and unlimited included beverages and spirits, including a minibar re-stocked daily, to large private balcony staterooms. All of the suites feature Scenic's innovative Sun Lounge technology -- the walkout open-air balcony can convert to an all-weather lounge with a push of a button, expanding the living area of the stateroom.
Passengers get multiple dining options, including wine pairing dinners at the chef's Table La Rive, fine dining at Portobello's and the more casual fare at the River Cafe. All Fares are all-inclusive (except salon and spa services). The hassle-free luxury cruising includes tips and gratuities, expert local guides, all "Scenic Freechoice" activities that allow for a more personalized vacation, plus Scenic Enrich events which are exclusive to Scenic and its passengers, transfers, meals and other treats and amenities onboard.
Thanks for reading,
JR
I sailed on Scenic Cruises luxurious and spacious Scenic Amber for a biking voyage on the Danube River in late 2018. This adventure was to experience the line's partnership with Trek Travel, as I joined a group of 16 avid cyclists on daily rides along the river and into the countryside of Europe.
While the challenging rides and time ashore were highlights of the trip, I also was blown away by the accommodations we were treated to on the cruise. Scenic Amber vessel is an all-suite ship that is part of the line's fleet of Space Ships, all of which feature expansive cabins, private butler service, large picture windows that open to innovative versatile balcony space.
Lately, Scenic has been making design enhancements to further improve the river cruise experience on its vessels. Many of these moves focus on wellness, fitness and adventure -- which is why we continue to say river cruising is the up-and-coming way to travel in a new and exhilarating way.
In 2017, Scenic introduced a new ship design for its two Space-Ships sailing on France's Saone and Rhone Rivers. The same concept of focusing on experiential and physical enjoyments by expanding the company's already well-rounded approach is now being brought to Europe's Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers for 2019. All eight of the Space-Ships on these waterways -- Scenic Ruby, Pearl, Jasper, Opal, Amber, Crystal, Jade and Jewel -- will be remodeled this winter.
Highlights include reducing the number of cabins/passengers to 81/161 (Ruby and Pearl) and 83/165 (on the six others) while keeping the same crew count for even greater personal service; two new 520-square foot Royal Owners Suites; larger wellness centers, which include the gym, massage services and hair dresser; and, unique to Scenic, a Salt Therapy lounge. Onboard yoga and stretching classes, given by the onboard wellbeing coach, help cruisers warm up and get limber for days that include new and more-active excursions such as bike tours on the ship's e-bikes and hiking up Buda Hill for an amazing view of Budapest. Every itinerary will offer a host of active excursions in 2019.
The three-station salt lounge offers a non-invasive way to feel energized and healthier while relaxing. The humidity and temperature-controlled room is handcrafted from salt bricks and creates a micro-climate of a natural salt mine. Its three inclined lounging chairs are separated by light curtains for privacy, and low-level lighting and calming music promotes the natural relaxing effects of the salt. The rooms are included in your fare, and you can spend up to a recommended 45 minutes in the peaceful environment. The negatively charged salt ions hold high kinetic energy and offer the same refreshing feeling that one might find when standing on a beach. The ions also are said to aid healing, improve respiration and skin conditions and boost the immune system.
Scenic's Space-Ships offer all-inclusive luxury experiences -- from private butler service and unlimited included beverages and spirits, including a minibar re-stocked daily, to large private balcony staterooms. All of the suites feature Scenic's innovative Sun Lounge technology -- the walkout open-air balcony can convert to an all-weather lounge with a push of a button, expanding the living area of the stateroom.
Passengers get multiple dining options, including wine pairing dinners at the chef's Table La Rive, fine dining at Portobello's and the more casual fare at the River Cafe. All Fares are all-inclusive (except salon and spa services). The hassle-free luxury cruising includes tips and gratuities, expert local guides, all "Scenic Freechoice" activities that allow for a more personalized vacation, plus Scenic Enrich events which are exclusive to Scenic and its passengers, transfers, meals and other treats and amenities onboard.
Thanks for reading,
JR
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