This is actually a review of the Jasper which was subbed for this itinerary, the ships are identical. We chose Scenic based on reviews, the itinerary, their cruise guarantee (which really paid off) and the all inclusive price. Our interruption started on Day 3 in to 4 when instead sailing to Passau we stayed in Regensburg due to low water levels. We toured Salzberg on Day4 from Regensburg, a minor inconvenience with a slightly longer bus ride. That night we were informed that we would not be moving. We had the choice of staying on the boat and taking our chances, leaving the cruise for good and getting a refund or taking a bus to Melk and the Abbey the next day and staying in a hotel. We chose that option. About 20 people left for good and another 30 or so stayed on the boat.

The next day was the biggest inconvenience, with a long bus ride to Melk and a night in a hotel. Fortunately that night we were informed that after a bus tour to Vienna the next day (and a wonderful concert at the Lichtenstein Palace that night) we would be meeting the ship again as they did a dam release and the ship was under way. We rejoined the boat that night to an enthusiastic "welcome back" and sailed to Bratislava the next day. When we disembarked, the ship took off to make up time and rejoined it that night by bus. The final day we sailed in to Budapest and they let us tour Budapest in the morning and come back to ship for lunch.

Given the circumstances beyond their control, Scenic could not have handled things better. Our wonderful Cruise Director worked tirelessly to keep the itinerary going and the staff went out of their way to keep us in good spirits. We received a refund of several hundred dollars a day for the four days we were inconvenienced. Read more