Our first sight of Scenic Sapphire was of an impressively sized modern river cruiser moored up at Le Quay de Messeries in Chalon sur Saone , central France on the River Saone. With the afternoon sun reflecting off the glass and polished steel she looked very inviting indeed. The staff were busy loading important items such as champagne, fine wines and lots more that is all included in a Scenic cruise. It was only when we were being escorted to our cabin by one of the butlers that we realised how long, and how wide, these elegant queens of the rivers are. 74 cabins and 10 suites on three decks accommodate the 167 guests with a ships crew of 50 to look after them. All the cabins are decorated in a smart modern style with quality furnishings throughout. The beds were really comfortable with lovely sheets and duvets and the air conditioning ensured a good nights sleep. Everything seems to have been thought of from Scenic branded adjustable walking sticks to umbrellas, a stocked mini bar with drinks and snacks to help yourself from, a TV that does everything from giving you a view of the boat's passage, access to the Internet, a review the weeks excursions to having a look at your next Scenic holiday. Afternoon tea beckoned at the more casual River Cafe where snacks are available from early bird breakfast to late afternoon. We enjoyed smoked salmon sandwiches with a glass of Stella for me and a cup of Earl Grey for my wife. There are several categories of cabins or staterooms from the Royal suites and balcony cabins to the 6 standard staterooms that apart from not having a balcony are otherwise all decorated and equipped to the same high standards.

During our afternoon tea we were invited to join in with the welcome party and probably all the passengers who had now returned from their various trips to Beaune and other parts of Burgundy's delights who had gathered to meet with Cruise Director Anita who after only 24 hours on board with the new arrivals had already converted them to friends. She welcomed everyone and then explained some of the workings of river cruise life and the wide choice of excursions available and all included in the holiday cost.

Next it was lifeboat drill before our departure from Chalon to the next port of call, Tournos, a leisurely 3 hour afternoon cruise down the Saone River. The pace of river cruising is far more gentle and relaxing than ocean cruising and another difference is there is always something to see with the river banks only ever a stone's throw away, in fact there are sights and secrets that are only revealed from the river. A sunset cocktail was being offered on deck as we set off...well it would be rude not to. All drinks, anytime, are included in a Scenic holiday. Read more