Scenic Crystal Review

Scenic Tour's launched the 167-passenger Scenic Crystal, its sixth new riverboat in four years, in April 2012. Crystal cruises Europe's famous inland waterways, including the Rhine and Danube.

While Scenic Crystal is quite similar to fleetmates such as Scenic Pearl, Scenic Emerald, Scenic Diamond, Scenic Ruby and Scenic Sapphire, it features some additional innovations. Prime among them is a new balcony concept. Dubbed the "sun lounge" balcony, these are actual step-out verandahs, complete with chairs, with a glass window that can be fully raised in case of inclement weather. The line is also introducing a "Chef's Table" concept in the main restaurant.

Another new concept introduced on Scenic Crystal is a new cabin category: The 225-square-foot Deluxe Balcony Suite, of which there are 20.

In line with its sisters, Crystal's cabins and suites range from 160-square-foot riverview accommodations to 315-square-foot suites. Cabins are equipped with 27-inch or larger Apple TV monitors, a wide range of thermostat temperature settings, wireless Internet, Egyptian linens, large walk-in showers, L'Occitane products and a glass-front bar fridge.

Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style. Dinner is offered in a single seating at 7 p.m. There are two dining venues, the main restaurant (with room for everyone) and Portobello's Italian Restaurant, a surcharge-free alternative option at which passengers can eat at least once per cruise. The Chef's Table experience, which features a seven-course tasting menu, is held in the main restaurant, where 10 passengers occupy a table with a view of the galley.

Standard bicycles and electric-assist bicycles are provided free of charge and there is a 24-hour fitness center onboard.

Scenic offers one of river cruising's most inclusive product. Gratuities and airport transfers, which most operators don't include, are part of the fare, as are the more commonly included shore tours, and all drinks beginning in 2013 -- butler service will also be provided free of charge from 2013.