Scenic Ruby Review

5.0 / 5.0
107 reviews

5 Stars? Not by Ocean Cruise Standards.

Review for Europe River Cruise on Scenic Ruby
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Scotken
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Jul 2014

My wife and I are experienced travellers and have been on 17 Ocean Cruises mainly at the 4 or 5 star luxury end of the market. We had decided to try a river cruise, taking a seven night cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg sailing up the Danube River with Scenic Cruises who promote themselves as offering “The Ultimate river cruise experience”. Originally we were to be on the Scenic Diamond but a couple of weeks before departure it was changed to the Ruby, apparently due to low water levels in the river.

Pre-cruise didn’t get off to a great start as little information is provided on ship port timings or schedules for tours nor how long they lasted. I like to organise my days and know what ‘free’ time I’m likely to have in port or while cruising. Also despite complaints we were given outward flight schedules with a transfer time of only 40 minutes in Amsterdam. We made it, as our flight was on time, but it was a rush and somewhat stressful. Not how you would wish to start your holiday.

Transfer at Budapest was disappointing and we had to wait over an hour before the bus arrived to transfer us to the boat. No information was given for the delay although after about 40 mins. I asked and was told that some people’s luggage had gone missing. After continuing to wait I asked why the twenty or so people waiting could not be sent to the ship and the others transferred later, once they had clarified the position on their luggage. This eventually was what happened and we arrived at the boat over an hour late at around 18.30. A buffet dinner was already underway and we were told that after check-in could we go straight to the buffet as it was closing at 19.00! They offered to continue it until 19.15 as we had arrived late!! Some people who arrived later than us after the buffet had closed were told that they could get something off the room-service menu. After complaining they were offered the A la carte menu in the dining room.

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