Scenic Crystal Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We chose this cruise for a number of reasons: great reviews, great incentives for booking early (price, $500 flights from Canada (we went with the recommended KLM), two complimentary $100 Euro pre-paid Mastercard cash cards, lots of cabins to choose from when we booked, exciting itinerary, truly all-inclusive (did not pay extra for any excursion or drinks and food on the boat, and Scenic has a no tipping policy), 7-nights option (ocean cruised, but never riverboat sailed before and wanted to try it out for a shorter amount of time), and able to book a night in Zurich and a night in Amsterdam with Scenic hotel partners which included all transfers needed (airport to hotel, hotel to boat, boat to hotel, hotel to airport).
The booking incentives were great. But we will definitely consider booking another vacation with Scenic because of the actual vacation experience.
What did we love about Scenic? Everything.
Cabin Review
Port Reviews
Kiel
On our map and literature this port is spelled Kehl (but we are assuming it is the same). We chose the Black Forest area outing. First we were bussed to Gengenbach. It's an incredible, picturesque little town featuring very old structures: a town hall that becomes an advent calendar prior to Christmas, full timber houses, a public baking oven, monestary and more. Then we were bussed to Winzerhof Sester. We saw grapes growing and orchards on the hillsides as we did a short hike in this Black Forest foothills area. When we reached the farm, we were served Schnapps made at the farm and then delicious homemade Black Forest cake with home-pressed apple juice and coffee. The farm had old, well-maintained buildins, deer, rabbits, chickens and beautiful flowers. The farm owners were so hospitable. We loved this excursion!