Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Fodor’s Expert Review
Scenic Tours was founded in Australia in 1986 and in 2008 the company began building its own river ships, which it dubbed Space-Ships. The moniker is meant to invoke how spacious the experience is onboard, with indoor-outdoor balconies known as Scenic Sun Lounges added to the fleet in 2012 and an average of three guests for every crew member. Staff include butlers who are trained at an academy operated by Scenic. In 2014, sister brand Emerald Cruises began, which is a more casual alternative the luxury experience onboard Scenic.Read More
From the introduction of itineraries in Southeast Asia and Portugal’s Douro in 2016 to cooking classes in France in 2017, Scenic has continued to expand its geographic and culinary offerings. The cruise line took a huge step in 2019 when it debuted its first 228-passenger yacht, Scenic Eclipse; identical ship Scenic Eclipse II debuts in 2023. With the yacht product came more beverage and dining concepts, as well as oceangoing itineraries that span Antarctica, Greenland and even the Northwest Passage to Australia, Japan, and Polynesia.
Scenic is cruising experience for the discerning traveler. While price points can be steep, nearly everything for your vacation is included in the fare.
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What to Expect on Board
Presenting itself as a 6-star cruise line, Scenic does its best to impress with its gastronomical offerings.
Most ingredients are locally sourced, and vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets are all easily accommodated. Everything is included in the price of the cruise, so indulge in that extra splash of handpicked local wine — it’s on the house. In addition to fine dining and casual venues onboard river and yacht ships, there is also room service, a fully restocked mini-bar with snacks, and plenty of refilled still and sparkling water in the cabins. Gourmet cuisine is never far.
Space-Ship venues vary by ship but transcend a single main dining room to include a teppanyaki on Scenic Aura or a globally inspired Chef’s Table dining experience on Scenic Spirit. The flavors of other alternate dining venues lean toward French, Italian, and Portuguese influences. Guests booked in top-tier suites can enjoy their own private dining room.
There are multiple restaurant aboard each one of Scenic’s yachts, ranging from a casual cafe to sushi bar and contemporary French dining to a custom chef’s table experience.
River and small-ship cruises are not typically known for rowdy entertainment offerings, but Scenic does its best to amuse guests with music in the evening themed to your itinerary — for example, a French chanteuse in France or a Bavarian brass band in Germany.
Native performers are invited onboard river cruises for local color, such as a Hungarian folk ensemble or a glass-blowing demonstration. A once-per-cruise evening excursion is included in the cruise fare and provides an exciting sense of occasion for the entire ship.
Back onboard, culinary demonstrations and special lectures — like how river locks work — keep the mind sharp. In France, guests are treated to a full cooking class from a local chef. On Scenic’s yachts, there is an actual theater where performances take place, as well as guest lectures. There is also a full library and a full bar to keep idle cruisers busy.
Scenic touts “all-inclusive wellness,” which means its river ships feature a fully outfitted fitness facility as well as luxurious touches like a salt therapy lounge.
Select Space-Ships feature hydrotherapy in a Vitality Pool. Scenic yachts feature the stunning 5,920-square-foot Senses Spa, available to all guests, with indoor and outdoor plunge pools and Jacuzzi tubs, as well as a gym; yoga and Pilates studio; and thermal loungers and steam rooms to decompress. Massage treatments as well as facials and alternative therapies, like Tibetan bowl sound healing, are available for an additional charge on Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II.
Scenic passengers are encouraged to do as much or as little as they want throughout their vacation, with options available to cycle in port or participate in a guided hike.
Key cruising tips
Your shipmates
The guest list on a Scenic cruise consists primarily of affluent English-speakers, with a large contingency of retired couples or friend groups, but don’t be surprised to find lavish family reunions or posh honeymooners in the mix. Kids are a relatively rare sight onboard, but teens traveling with their parents aren’t uncommon.
Dress code
Daytime dress on a Scenic river or yacht sailing is largely dependent on the destination and your planned activities. Comfortable walking shoes are always advisable, as are a sun hat in the Amazon or long underwear in the Arctic. Packing lists tailored to your cruise are typically sent by post or email or can be found by visiting the Scenic website.
Onboard, however, requests smart casual dress for dinner, which translates to button-ups or Polos for with trousers and dresses. Jackets and ties are welcome, but not required.
Junior Cruisers
Children under the age of 12 are allowed onboard Scenic but discouraged — except for Christmastime itineraries on Europe’s rivers. Passengers under the age of 18 must share accommodations with another adult and be accompanied at all times.
Service
Scenic prides itself on white glove service, with its own butler academy that trains a team of experienced butlers who staff its river ships and yachts. Intuitive, personal service designed to impress is the goal across the Scenic brand, offering someone to cater to your every whim day or night, whether that’s a different pillow or an assortment of in-room canapes. Included with your designated butler are concierge services; garment laundering or pressing; shoeshine; and ensuite drink service. Guests on the Diamond Deck can receive in-room breakfast and top-tier suites can enjoy someone else doing the unpacking while they enjoy a complimentary bottle of Champagne.
Tipping
All tips and gratuities for hotel staff, porters, local guides, drivers, and waitstaff is included in the price of a holiday with Scenic. Tips for meals, drinks, taxis, and treatments outside of the itinerary are not included and left to the guest’s discretion, with a recommended 10 to 15 percent gratuity.
Past passengers
The Scenic Club loyalty program is a points-based system, with more points awarded based on upgraded accommodations and length of trip. Currently, membership is only available to guests with a permanent U.S. address. Participants are automatically enrolled as Gold members after their first cruise, earning a $200 future cruise credit; referral bonus; choice of backpack or satchel on all future sailings; and advanced notice of itineraries and cruise line news, with the help of a dedicated member booking agent.
There are additional Platinum, Diamond, and Emerald tiers. Platinum members jump to complimentary limousine transfers before and after travel, or a free hotel stay if transfers are unavailable; complimentary hotel on any trip 20 days or more; and premium luggage offerings, as well as members-only events. Diamond members also receive chauffeured limo service and a choice of a $100 Visa gift card or hard-sided suitcase. On Scenic Eclipse, Diamond members receive additional perks, like a spa treatment, included laundry service, and priority embarkation. Emerald members are the crème de la crème of Scenic guests, receiving all of the above loyalty benefits as well as upgraded hotel stays; a $300 future cruise credit; and a lapel pin, among other perks.