Reasons I Choose Scenic River Cruises + Special Sale

Scenic River Cruises stands out particularly in the luxury river cruise market by offering a truly all-inclusive, ultra-luxury experience that goes beyond what most competitors provide.  I love them for a number of reasons. First because I often have special pricing, which saves my guests thousands of dollars (more on this later), but also because of the experience both on and off the ship,

Here are the key features that make Scenic a top-tier choice for your next river cruise

Truly All-Inclusive Luxury

Scenic eliminates the nickel-and-diming common on other cruise lines. When traveling with Scenic river cruise it is RARE to have anything charged to your onboard account. Unless you get a massage on the ship, you will leave without a bill! The fact that there is a spa is another bonus, but more on that later.

Every time you travel with Scenic. The fare includes a plethora of extras. Pay upfront and forget about the rest!

• Unlimited premium beverages (including champagne, spirits, and specialty coffees)
• All meals across multiple dining venues
• Daily excursions (Scenic Freechoice and Scenic Enrich)
• All Gratuities
• airport or train station transfers
• Complimentary fast Wi-Fi
• Personalized butler service for every guest

There is nothing better than going on vacation and knowing that everything is included. With Scenic you do not need to worry about tipping your butler, your driver from the airport, or your tour after an awesome tour. Scenic takes care of it for you. Just go on vacation and enjoy. Relax by the pool with a drink, it’s included. Or go downstairs after dinner and listen to music while sipping a cocktail. Again, it’s included. Many cruise lines only offer 1 hour of happy hour each day with a limited menu. Scenic on the other hand delivers drinks all day long.

Exclusive Cultural Experiences & Awesome Excursions

Scenic curates immersive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. This isn’t another trip on viking where you go on a bus tour of the city or follow a flag in groups of 40 people. There is no charged upgrades for better tours. Scenic offers what I believe to be the best tours of any river cruise line through their Enrich program.

• Scenic Enrich: Private concerts, exclusive dinners, and cultural performances in historic venues
• Scenic Freechoice: A variety of daily excursions tailored to different interests and activity levels

Scenic Encrich tours happen on every river cruise in Europe and on select trips happen twice! These activites are designed exclusively for our Scenic Guests. Scenic Enrich events are once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will bring to life the rich cultural heritage of Europe’s waterways. You’ll have unparalleled access to the private chambers of historic castles, palaces, and châteaux and be treated to exclusive concerts and gourmet feasts. Imagine a private a cappella performance in Trinity Temple of Lyon. Visit the Palais des Papes (Pope’s Palace) and
enjoy a truly unforgettable experience at the prestigious Palais des Papes in Avignon. After the doors close to the public, be treated to an exclusive dinner and classical concert in one of the grandiose rooms. Available on select Rhône river cruises in the south of France.

Scenic Enrich trips are out of this would, private concerts in the best churches and historical sites across Europe. Many with a special dinner as well. Enjoy private events only open to Scenic guests. Visit places such as São Francisco Church of Porto, the Historical Baroque Palace of Rastatt, Gödöllõ Royal Palace of Hungary, visit and watch a performance in the Palais Liechtenstein, or go temple of St.Sava in Belgrade and enjoy a choir performance in the Temple Crypt. EVERY Scenic river cruise offers an enrichment activity you could never plan on your own!

In addition to these magical nights out and off the ship, Scenic offers several freechoice excursions in every city. You can choose between bike rides through vineyards, small hikes, city tours, local cooking classes, and more. Although some of these tours are more common among most river boat operators, I find Scenic small groups and tours to be a step above the competition. Scenic does a great job to ensure you experience the local culture.

Another unique part of Scenic French tours is they really focus on food. On river cruises across France, Scenic will offer several onboard cooking demonstrations. Ensuring you learn how to cook like a local and taste the local flavors of the famous French cuisine. This is a great way to spend a morning as the space ships move up and down the river. Plus the way to my heart is through my stomach!

Innovative “Space-Ships” + Awesome Dining Options

Scenic’s custom-designed ships, known as Space-Ships. Although nearly every longboat on the river are pretty similar, it’s how they are design which make Scenic river cruises better than the rest.

Larger-than-average suites with Scenic Sun Lounges—a convertible balcony that becomes an all-weather viewing area. Great for ALL season. Imagine a sunroom style balcony. Sit inside or outside and enjoy views of stunning Europe pass you by.

The ship is also design with your vacation in mind. There are pools on the roof of the boat that convert into cinemas at night. When in port, take an E-bikes for onshore exploration at your own pace!

Scenic is also one of the ONLY cruise line I know of that has wellness centers, spas, and even a Salt Lounge for therapeutic relaxation. The Salt lounge is a great place to relace for 20-30 minutes between tours. A standout in the industry for those looking for a holistic escape. You can also enjoy the small Fitness centers for exercise and the spa for massage services. Two things that many river boats leave out and utilize the space for more rooms instead of services.

Multiple dining options

Scenic also is one of the few river boats which offers multiple dining options. You can choose between fine dining and casual cafés. Most ships have one dining room which is utilize for everything, Scenic steps up the game by having 5 different venues on their ships. You can choose from the cafe for light bites and coffee, plus magnum ice cream bars. Or enjoy the mian dining room for all meals. Guests staying on the top floor aka the Diamond deck have first access to the a private multicourse custom meal.

The Table La Rive and Table d’Or (depending on country) is exclusively for Diamond Deck guests. Featuring a six-course meal, the exclusive Table La Rive and Table d’Or on European river cruises offers an intimate dining experience for only 10 guests per evening. Guests staying on the Diamond Deck for 10 nights or longer, as well as Royal and Junior Suite guests staying for up to nine nights, will be invited by our Executive Chef. Hence why the upgrade is worth it.

All other guests can also experience the smaller specialty restaurant as well. With up to only 32 guests an evening, the exclusive and intimate Portobellos or L’Amour showcase sumptuous regional specialties. The delicious five-course menu features either Italian, French, or Portuguese cuisine (depending on your cruise location), paired with elegant wines, and is available on all European river cruises.

Looking for something else or feeling peckish between meals. Scenic also offers room service all day, every day. Something many river ships do not offer. This is great for when you’re hungry at midnight or just want to dine in your room. Scenic really thinks of everything when it comes to food!

Scenic River Cruise Sale

Not only am I excited for my Spectacular South of France cruise in August, I want to share with you the private deal I have on Scenic River Cruises. Offering you up to 75% off Scenic prices. This way Travel Codex readers and guests of Scott and Thomas Travel can experience more and save more! If you are interested in any of these deals, just contact me via email for more information, pricing, and options.