Scenic River Cruising

Scenic Europe river cruises take place on the cruise line’s boutique vessels – its custom-built Space-Ships, so named for their expansive guest cabins as well as their superb dining and entertainment venues. The former serve delicious cuisine, much of it inspired by the places you visit or pass by. These superb ships also feature top-deck pools and wellness centres with treatment rooms, a fitness area and a beauty salon.

Scenic has been voted the number 1 river cruise company by consumer champion Which? for three years in row and as an ABTA and ATOL member offers the highest possible consumer protection for its guests.

We’ve looked at what you can expect when you hop aboard one of these magical and award-winning outings.

The Rhine

Scenic Rhine River cruises are a fantastic way of exploring this highly sought-after region in true, unabashed luxury. In France, they allow you to discover the old Alsatian town of Strasbourg with its half-timbered houses and tempting winstubs with their traditional cuisine and local wines, the vineyards of nearby Mittelbergheim and Zotzenberg, and Colmar by guided bike tour.

In Germany you can tour part of the Black Forest (inspiration for the fairytale Hansel & Gretel) including the Black Forest Open Air Museum, take a confectionary tour of the prestigious university town Heidelberg, discover the Hockenheim Formula 1 racetrack, and enjoy a private concert inside the Baroque palace of Rastatt.

The Danube

Cutting a swathe through heart of Europe, the 2,860km Danube (the second longest river in Europe, flowing through 10 countries in Central and Eastern Europe) is lined by some the world’s most gorgeous landscapes and fascinating cultures.

Scenic’s Space-Ships take you between Germany and Hungary in unparalleled style, discovering the imperial wonders of the Austrian capital Vienna, the enigmatic Hungarian capital Budapest, and the pastoral Wachau Valley. You’ll also get to see some of Germany’s modern stunning castles and medieval architecture, historic Nuremberg with its World War II sites, Salzburg with its incredible musical legacy, ranging from Mozart to The Sound of Music, and Ceský Krumlov and the atmospheric Czech capital Prague.

Along the way, a number of Scenic Enrich experiences designed to truly get you under this skin of this destination include a exclusive concert in Vienna’s opulent Palais Liechtenstein, with music by Strauss and Mozart .

The Main

This river links the Rhine and the Danube but offers its own unique cultural highlights and an authentic look at life in this compelling southerly region of Germany.

Sailing between Bamberg and Mainz, you’ll stop off in Freudenberg to experience its unique take on the country’s world-famous Oktoberfest, with traditional oom-pah-pah music and tastings of local beers and traditional Bavarian meal. You’ll also discover Würzburg with its Bishop’s Residenz Palace, well-known Romantic Road and Riesling vineyards, Miltenberg with its medieval houses. and Bamberg with its World Heritage-listed centre, home to the 14th-century Altes Rathaus and the Franconian Brewery Museum. Scenic has e-bikes to help you get the most of your sightseeing.

From Bamberg, the Main flows into the Rhine-Main Danube Canal, before continuing to as Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau and Austria with its staggering natural beauty.

To book your Scenic river cruise or for more information and/or a quote, call your Travel Counsellor today.

Top tips for those new to cruise

22 April 2024

Seeing the world, or parts of it, by cruise is more popular than ever as people realise just how fantastic it can be to float from place to place, discovering more than one destination in a single trip. As Travel Counsellor Dinah says, ‘There’s a cruise ship to suit everyone, and yes you can get off at every port, as many times as you like!” If you’re in any doubt over whether a cruise is right for you, there are mini cruises of just a couple of nights that will help persuade you.

Discover the ultimate Greek Island escape with Domes

22 April 2024

Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring beauty of the Greek islands, where Domes’ 'Cool Inclusive' properties blend the essence of authentic Greece with the utmost luxury. Venture to their two Aulūs havens, located in the enchanting isles of Zante and Crete, where upgraded Cool Living areas elevate your holiday experience with a lavish array of extras, including access to exclusive serene spots.

Set sail for adventure with Star Clippers

22 April 2024

Celebrating over three decades of sailing history, Star Clippers is thrilled to unveil St. George's in Grenada as its newest departure port for the winter 2025/26 season. This announcement heralds the beginning of longer voyages aboard the magnificent 166-passenger Star Clipper, introducing guests to virgin territories like the untouched beauty of Charlottesville and the serene Castara Bay in Tobago.