Scenic Tours christened Scenic Gem, the tenth of the renowned Scenic ‘Space-Ship’ fleet and the newest to be sailing the waterways of Europe, in the French town of Caudebec-en-Caux on Tuesday 4 August. Scenic Gem last week moved to French waters to begin sailing the 11 Day Gems of the Seine River Cruise – a new itinerary for 2014 that will exclusively sail a round trip from Paris to Honfleur.
Scenic Tours Founder and Chairman Glen Moroney, as well representatives from the De Hoop shipyard, the mayor of Caudebec-en-Caux, the president of the district of Caux Vallee de Seine, and the abbot of the Abbey St. Wandrille all attended the event. All guests undertaking the 28 July Scenic Gem departure also attended as well as one very
special past guest, Lillian Moroney, who was christened as the godmother of Scenic Gem.
Glen Moroney’s mother Lillian Moroney christened the Scenic Gem with the customary breaking of a Champagne bottle over the bow of the ship as she officially named the ship. During the godmother speech, Mrs Moroney said: “Herewith I christen you in the name of Scenic Gem. I wish you, your passengers and crew always enough water beneath your keel. I wish you always a good journey.”
Widely regarded as the finest fleet on Europe’s waterways, Scenic ‘Space-Ships’ are designed and built by leading Dutch specialist river cruise shipyard, De Hoop, and were the first river cruisers to offer luxury suites with private full-size balconies. The Scenic Gem continues to break new ground and is custom-built to sail to the port commune of Honfleur and the tidal stretch of river between Rouen. Thanks to a special design and the latest cutting-edge
technologies, the ship is certified to navigate further along the Seine than any other river cruise ship meaning Scenic
Tours is the only operator to offer this customised cruising itinerary. With the same space ratio as the other Scenic
‘Space-Ships’ but for just 126 guests, the Scenic Gem will be the most spacious river cruiser on the Seine.
The only 100 per cent Australian owned and operated river cruise line operating in Europe, Scenic Tours has the newest fleet of ships to sail the European rivers with a further two currently being built to sail the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers in 2015. The Scenic Opal and Scenic Jasper, will join the fleet as the next generation of river cruisers bringing the total to 12 – including boutique small ship, Scenic Tsar, which exclusively sails in Russia. Both ships will boast the largest suites on the rivers with the ultimate in private balcony accommodation – the 44m2 Royal Panorama Suites, and a new vitality pool for guests to enjoy on the Sun Deck.
Source: Scenic Tours