Scenic Tours has launched
European river cruises with
fares including drinks, Wi-Fi,
butler service and other new
experiences.
IN a world first, Australian travel company
Scenic Tours has revealed it will introduce “allinclusive”
cruising in Europe next year, as well
as a range of new options for dining and land
touring.
Releasing its 2013 Europe River Cruising
portfolio, the company announced several
new onboard inclusions, such as unlimited
complimentary drinks (including alcohol),
private butler service for every passenger and
free Wi-Fi internet access.
Every ship (except Scenic Emerald) will have
a new River Café for “all-day grazing” and
Table La Rive, offering a degustation dinner.
Other new dining experiences include high
tea, served on the terrace, and themed
dinners with regional food and live
entertainment.
Personalised GPS guided tour system devices
have also been created to allow guests to
choose between independent walks and
cycling tours exploring food, wine, history or
other personal interests.
On shore, 18 tours have been added to
Scenic’s selection, including the Hockenheim
Formula 1 Track in Heidelberg and a private
dinner and concert at Rastatt Palace.
Scenic Tours Managing Director Glen
Moroney said these changes would further
elevate the standard for river cruising in Europe.
“We are redefining the term ‘all-inclusive
luxury’ with the addition of unlimited
complimentary beverages available at any
time throughout the ship,” he said.
“There is basically nothing more to pay
except for personal expenses,” he added.
Moroney said the company’s other major
point of difference was the new all-day café
(with no surcharge) so that passengers could
have a snack or espresso coffee between meals.
Scenic ‘Space-Ships’ are also set to receive
technical upgrades including a ‘silent drive’
system, which significantly reduces noise and
vibration, and more sophisticated
air-conditioning.
Scenic Tours fares will continue to include
shore excursions, airport transfers, tipping
and gratuities, Moroney said.
Meanwhile, the company also announced
the launch of a 14-day South of France trip,
starting from Paris before transferring to
Chalon-sur-Saône for a cruise to Arles along
the Saône and Rhône rivers onboard Scenic
Emerald.
A seventh vessel, Scenic Jewel, will join the
European fleet in 2013, operating along the
Rhine, Main and Danube rivers from
Amsterdam to Budapest.
