Scenic Pearl Review

4.5 / 5.0
116 reviews

SCENIC PEARL Disappoints

Review for Europe River Cruise on Scenic Pearl
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richard@acadianrow.com
2-5 Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Jun 2016

Scenic was highly recommended by our travel agent. We found it less than remarkable. Misrepresentations included the role of the so called "butler" - we never saw or heard from him, and nightly local entertainment on board - there were two such events, including the "Crew Show". The on-board entertainment that was provided (piano player/singer) was stale and off-key. It is difficult to say which was worse, the food or the on-board dining room service. Both were bad. Our best meal was a dinner at a hotel in Budapest before we joined the cruise. We have better coffee at home.

The ship was comfortable. However, the shower in our room was uncomfortably small. The view from our balcony was awesome when we were able to use it, which was not often as the ship was bolted to another ship virtually every afternoon, night and morning. Excursions were rushed and schedules inflexible. Scenic is not responsible for rising water on the river and the subsequent inability to reach intended ports.(We reached our day #6 port on Day #8 and disembarked from there).

However, Scenic could have done a MUCH better job adjusting land trips so that guests were not on a coach for 7 hours for a 1 hour city tour. Find a closer venue. Leave earlier so that there is more time at the venue. I would not sail on Scenic again, certainly not before trying some of the others out there. We could have done better on our own, spending a handful of days in Budapest, Vienna and Prague. Our next trip will be un-escorted.

Cabin Review

don't drop the soap whilst in the shower!

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