We (my husband, 72 and I, 67) had cruised with Scenic before, two years ago and we have been on numerous ocean cruises. Scenic (which attracts mostly Brits and Australians with some Canadians and Americans) makes the trip so easy and enjoyable. Embarkation went like a dream - we were met at the Basel airport, transferred to the ship, fed lunch and relaxed in the lounge until the cabins were ready at 3pm. The ships are amazingly spacious, the food is incredible and the crew is never without a smile - always accommodating and pleasant. Ports and shore excursions are well chosen and the local guides are knowledgeable and fun. Perhaps best of all, a cruise on Scenic is truly ALL inclusive. Tips are included (even for the local guides and bus drivers), drinks (top shelf spirits and wines) are included and always very generous - even one load of free laundry is included on a two week cruise. They even include bottled water with every excursion and a map of the destination as well.
The dining room is lovely with great views. We enjoyed the food very much and we are "foodies". Breakfast and lunch were buffet with a wonderful selection and you could always order off the menu as well. Food was always hot and delicious with many local specialties. You can have a mimosa with breakfast and wine/beer is served with lunch.
Dinner was to order and generally offered four courses with vegetarian and healthy choices as well. Over the course of the two weeks we had beef, duck, chicken,many types of fish, pork and lamb. Everything was beautifully presented and delicious. There is also a cafe on the lounge deck which offers early/late breakfast and light lunch, along with fruit and pastries during the day. Always available in the lounge are various coffee drinks and many types of tea.
Response from FionaB, The Scenic Team
Our balcony cabin (232) was a feat of design, utilizing every square inch of space. There was a bit of engine noise as we were aft. The balcony can be shut off from the room or left open (the tri-fold glass wall folds flat the the wall) and contains two chairs and two small tables. The room has more than adequate shelves, drawers and hanging space (with lots of hangers!). A safe and mini-bar (replenished daily) are in the closet wall area. Also provided in the cabin are plush bathrobes, slippers, a large umbrella,shoe shine packets and ear plugs, seven outlets (most are European/Australian), a digital alarm clock, a flat screen tv (many stations and movies, radio and even a fireplace screen) that doubles as a computer screen (wifi coverage is not fast, but was almost always available). There is also a small desk area with a small chair. The lighting is great, including the bedside reading lamps. The bathroom is very spacious with plenty of storage and the shower is amazing with three jets. In the bath there is a shaver outlet, a hair dryer, q-tips and cotton pads and a lighted, magnified makeup mirror. Great plush towels every day and L'Occitaine shampoo, conditioner, bath gel and hand lotion.
Bus tour of the Alsace wine area, stop for a tasting