Having done a lot of research river cruising we plumped for this itinerary travelling up the Rhine and then Danube, Amsterdam to Budapest. This was our first river cruise, having previously been on Ocean cruises. According to the advertisements it would tick all our boxes, alas that was not to be the case.
We never considered that there would be low water levels that would disrupt the whole ...
This was our first cruise with Scenic, having been influenced by their claim to provide “Luxury cruising” and wishing to enjoy a little more pampering. Not being wedded to any cruise line in particular, I do feel able to make comparisons with other companies, so let’s get started:
BOOKING
Booking our cruise was quick and easy. No surprise there, it’s always easier to gain attention when ...
The whole crew do everything in their power to ensure that everything goes smoothly and provide exceptional service, 5 star meals, snacks and many extra touches that really makes it a 5 star experience. Nothing is too much trouble for them. The optional activities are well thought out and handled very professionally. Can't fault them in any area. Top class. The whole experience from booking ...
First ever river cruise and Scenic went way beyond our expectations. The crew were so hard working, polite and respectful. The food and drink superb. We had a junior balcony suite which was just perfect for us. We went on all the excursions including the cycling ones. All were very well organised and executed.
The ship was kept exceptionally clean by the house keeping team.
Scenic tailor ...
So, let's start with the ugly. Scenic, as a company, is the worst at communication I have literally ever seen. We were, unfortunately, on our own to get to the ship since we arrived in Amsterdam 4 days early, and once you sent someone an e-mail they would answer you once and literally never answered you again (assuming they answered you). Even my travel agent was waiting on the phone for 2 ...
The whole event was a disaster form beginning to the end. Even when the Jade broke down with engine failure towards the end of our trip to see the Dutch tulip fields, it was not the worst problems with which had to engage.
My wife & I have traveled previously by sea & river, mostly thanks to Silversea & Uniworld both excellent. The vast majority of our unfortunate fellow passengers on the ...
The cruise started off really good and we were just getting into it, when the ship had engine failure. Whilst that is not necessarily the fault of Scenic as these things happen, its how it was dealt with. We had to immediately pack so that evening was completely ruined. We spent all the following day on and off the coach so the hotel could be sorted and we didn't know where we were going until ...
In 2015 we sailed with Scenic down the Danube from Budapest to Nurenberg and it was 5 star. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about this cruise. The difficulties began even prior to leaving home. Their website was basically out of commission for months, and phone contact was nearly impossible. When you were able to get through on the phone after waiting for hours, it was clear that Scenic ...
Unable to get hold of anyone at scenic prior to the cruise for some up to date information on Covid testing. Several emails and phone calls going unanswered but then email received one day prior to sailing. Too late to be helpful.
All aboard and then we had noise problems coming from somewhere in the boat (not other people) and had to change cabins on night 4 as the "fix" they tried after a ...
The Scenic Jade experienced a trip interruption due to mechanical failure 5 days into the cruise. I won't go into all the ensuing inconveniences, but even before that, we were unimpressed with the food and overall adherence to the schedule.
On the plus side, our cabin was comfortable and the complimentary laundry service was very good.
We only used the advertised butler service once, but it ...