Scenic Jasper Review
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We booked this late April trip because it coincided with tulip season in Amsterdam's Keukenhof Gardens and because we had wanted to see the Moselle River valley. Even in April, this river cruise was very pleasant even though it wasn't grape harvesting time. The weather was quite nice (around 9-14C degrees), with no rain while sightseeing. Deciduous trees had leafed out and grape vines were just starting to show leaf growth. At this time of year, there was no issue about water levels, so common a post on this website.
We are repeat customers of Scenic so we knew how wonderful the ship, the food, the crew, and the excursions would be. We were not disappointed. The itinerary on this 15 day Moselle River also had ports of call that were different from the Rhine River cruises and were of interest to us especially excursions to medieval Bruges, Holland's Delta Works Project, Zollverein coal plant, Roman Trier, and WWII site in Arnhem (Bridge too Far). A special evening outing is always included and on this trip it was to attend a concert at Rastatt Palace and to see some of its rooms. Another reason we return to Scenic river cruises is that there are no additional costs after one has paid the cost of the cruise like tips for crew and guides, cost of cocktails and specialty coffees, and excursions. We also find that even when airfare is included and arranged by Scenic, the company works with its customer to provide a flight they are happy with - time of flight, airline, and any deviations wanted at no additional costs. Scenic's documentation provided to customers is excellent from invoices to trip overview packages. We also like the number of discounts that can be used against the cost of the cruise like the $200 credit voucher per person received right after the trip and vouchers for attending information sessions.
CABIN REVIEW:
Cabin Review
We had a regular balcony cabin, mid-ship, top level. The room was quiet at night. I liked that the window could be opened for fresh air as I am not a fan of air conditioning. The room has lots of room for storing personal belongings. We like the extra sitting room that the balcony provides as the glass fold-up doors are rarely closed. The 2 mesh chairs on the balcony are just fine for sitting on and look smart too. The tiled shower is spacious with a rain shower head and detachable shower head, and a retractable clothes line, but the size of the sink in the bathroom limits hand washing to delicates. Although there is no coin laundry onboard, the ship does provide laundry service - paid per item, but also 1 kg bag of clothes for free one time only. The bed and feather pillows are comfortable. We store the suitcase under the bed as it is high enough off the floor. Cabin stewards come in the morning and during suppertime to tidy up. A butler is assigned to each cabin whose duties include some ironing of clothes, polishing shoes, bringing room service meals/drinks. I enjoy having a computer supplied by the company in my room with acceptable WIFI. This computer also provides TV programs, movies, music, the day's program on it. The room includes the use of a terry robe and slippers per person. There is a large umbrella in the cabin plus walking/hiking sticks. Wine glasses, drinking glasses, ice bucket, of course, are at hand as well. The room has electrical outlets for both American appliances and for other outlets that need the 2 pronged round adapters. There were sufficient outlets for all of our handhelds.
Port Reviews
Cochem
Our excursion included transportation up and down the hill where the castle was located. For me that was Cochem's main attraction and a good one to visit. We got early admittance. Enjoyed seeing how this castle on the hills of Moselle looked inside. The other attraction is to take the cable car ride up another hill - good views over the river, but nothing else to do up there if not hiking. Shopping is not good as the town caters to locals with many second hand shops/antique shops that don't look inviting.