Scenic Jewel Review
Rating by category
Additional details
I chose this cruise because I was intrigued by the idea of a cruise that really was all-inclusive - all excursions, drinks, entertainment, tipping were included, and nothing was to be paid while on board. And that's exactly how it was!
I was picked up at the airport and driven to my hotel, then the next day taken from the hotel to the boat (there were lock delays, so our embarkation location was changed from Basel, Switzerland to Breisach, Germany). Disembarkation was also very smooth - a number of us were taken by bus to the airport in Amsterdam with plenty of time - which we needed, due to rush-hour traffic, and a rather crowded airport.
Entertainment on the ship was great - approximately every other night entertainers were brought on the ship. This ranged from cowbell music, to a classical trio, to electric violin (my favourite!), to a klezmer band, and local styles of music. Once we also were taken to Schloss Rastatt for a concert - beautiful location for beautiful music! At the Delta Works in the Netherlands, we also had a Dixieland concert band to listen to.
Cabin Review
I really wanted a cabin with a balcony, and I found out through a travel agent about cabin 224, which is a single person cabin - i.e. a single bed, not a double, so it cost somewhat less than a regular two-person cabin. The reason for this is that the crew stairs are right in front of the cabin door, but this never caused a problem - there was no more noise than what would be usual in the hallways. There was some noise from my neighbours next door, especially if their balcony was open, but this is fairly normal.
The cabin itself was excellent! There was plenty of storage for hanging and folding, a small desk, a TV screen, a full-size bathroom - the only difference between this cabin and its neighbours was the single bed. Perfect for just one person!
Port Reviews
Cochem
Lovely castle! Tour guide was excellent and hilarious.
Bernkastel-Kues
Beautiful small town!