Scenic Crystal Review

Amsterdam to Basel

Review for Europe River Cruise on Scenic Crystal
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Ken F
First Time Cruiser • Age 70s

Rating by category

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Value for Money
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Dining
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Entertainment
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Sail Date: Jul 2019

Our ship was changed from the Jasper to the Crystal a few days before we departed. Slight disappointment. They allowed us to board at 12:00 instead of 3pm as we had to be out of the hotel room by 11:00am. We enjoyed drinks and met other guests in the lounge and the room was ready by 1pm. The ship was excellent though. Very clean and comfortable. It had been updated. The state room was perfect for our needs. Plenty of storage room. The balcony with the ability to close the full glass sliding doors and able to close the power glass window on the railing, was wonderful. We were on the second floor and it was certainly not second class. In fact it was the best location for closeness to the main activities on the ship. I.e. Dining room, guest lounge. Staff was excellent, very friendly. Couldn’t do enough for you. The butler came to our room shortly after we got settled in and explained his services. He was there for our every need gave us his direct number to call anytime. Made us feel very comfortable.

The food and drinks were beyond excellent. Very professionally prepared and presented. Great variety of food with multiple choices. Smaller potions and that was nice, but you could ask for seconds on anything. There was always smaller print on the bottom of the menu that gave you the option for the simpler basic items. Burgers, meat and potatoes, etc.. The drinks, well anything you wanted. Just ask. Local beers were always available. Fancy cocktails made to order it you preferred. They had no set closing time. After the nightly entertainment we would sit around and socialize maybe too late some nights. We were never asked to leave but felt was likely last call after lifting out feet for the vacuum to go by. Late night, 11 to 12:30 am, visiting with the staff was most enjoyable. Learning about their way of life working on a cruise ship and family.

The on board nightly entertainment was very good. Nice variety through the 2 weeks. Something for everyone. Many opportunities for socializing and dancing. It was your option to partake, but get there early as the seating always ran out. The choice of excursions was excellent. From guided to self-guided tours. Local tour guides were good. E-bike tours were great, Sign up early. Only 40 E-bikes on board. The info explaining each tour before you signed up was good. Explained all aspects. What you would see and do and how much walking was involved. They always had a gently walking group.

Cabin Review

Cabin Balcony Suite

Very good, Plenty of stotage, very clean, service was excellent.

Loungers on sun deck were old and in poor shape. Need to be replaced.

6 Helpful Votes
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