Enjoy European river cruising in style
The other day, I realized I could probably devote this column entirely to river cruising each week and still have plenty to talk about. River cruising — particularly in Europe — is such a huge thing right now that there is always something new and interesting happening that is worth mentioning, from new ship launches to creative itineraries to innovative partnerships.
Today, we get to talk about the latter. Luxury river cruise company Scenic (cruise.center/scenic) is kicking off its third season partnered with National Geographic Expeditions to create in-depth river-cruise journeys throughout Europe, Russia and Egypt. And for the first time, Scenic is making these exclusive journeys available to Canadian guests.
“This is a great opportunity for our Canadian guests to enjoy a truly experiential journey with some of the world’s leading experts and photographers,” says Lisa McCaskill, vice-president of sales and marketing with Scenic Group Canada.
Each of these new sailings in conjunction with National Geographic Expeditions will offer guests plenty of unique opportunities, from the ability to learn from National Geographic experts and photographers who deliver fascinating informal discussions and presentations to dedicated shore excursions — ranging from hikes and cycling rides through the countryside to in-depth learning experiences that focus on the culture, history and nature of that particular location.
For example, guests sailing on Scenic Tsar along Russia’s Volga River from Moscow to St. Petersburg will be treated to a guided tour of the famous Hermitage; meet with a real Russian cosmonaut at the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics; a visit at the country estates of Catherine and Peter the Great; a walk with a National Geographic photographer through the Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure; and a private Russian ballet concert at St. Petersburg’s Vladimir Palace.
Scenic is offering its sailings in conjunction with National Geographic elsewhere, including the Rhine, Danube, Main and Moselle Rivers, and Portugal’s Douro Valley (home to the production of port wine), as well as cruise tours along Egypt’s Nile River. In Europe, select departures are also available that explore the continent’s festive and scenic Christmas Markets.
Even if you don’t partake in one of Scenic’s new National Geographic-partnered river cruise journeys, there is still plenty to like about the company’s regular sailings that stretch as far as Southeast Asia, and will soon include Scenic Eclipse, Scenic’s inaugural ocean-going expedition cruise ship. Staterooms and suites are generously appointed, service is wonderful, and things like drinks and tips are inclusive in the price.
Scenic has also made a name for itself on the rivers of Europe. Its “Space-Ships” — so named for the amount of generous perguest space they offer — boast cool features such as on-board bicycles for guests to use while exploring Europe; and Scenic TailorMade — an innovative, GPS-enabled audio touring system that allows guests to conduct their own self-guided tour of major cities like Vienna and Amsterdam, but while still being able to move around independently without a group.
Of course, those who still want the group-touring option will find plenty of interesting shore excursions. It might be hard to pull yourself away from Scenic’s five-star splendour, particularly when the cruise line’s SpaceShips offer personal butlers and a variety of dining options on board. Both are rare in the world of river cruising, where space is always at a premium thanks to stringent restrictions on how long, tall and wide river-cruise ships can be.
With these new sailings crafted in conjunction with National Geographic Expeditions, now is a great time to plan ahead for the 2020 river-cruise season.
Happy cruising.
Visit portsandbows.com, sponsored by Expedia CruiseShipCenters, 1-800-707-7327, www.cruiseshipcenters.com, for daily updates on the latest cruise news, best deals and behind-the-scenes stories from the industry. You can also sign up for an email newsletter on the site for even more cruise information. Aaron Saunders may be contacted directly at portsandbowsaaron@gmail.com