WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER FALL 2015 HD.pdf

We had a crew of 60, mostly Eastern Europeans,
catering to our every whim.
The Scenic Jade was launched two years
ago – and served as a model for its two
new sister ships: Scenic Jasper and Scenic
Opal, which launched this spring.
Eighty-five percent of cabins have balconies
– and their design is terrific: A
floor-to-ceiling fold-away glass door
opened our cabin to the balcony and
outdoors – making everything more
spacious. We could flip a switch to raise
or lower a window on the outside of the
balcony; it enabled us to inhale the scent
of fresh-mowed hay in the mornings,
and keep out bugs at night. Our balcony
became the perfect private spot for lazy
room-service breakfasts, post-shore-excursion
cocktails or for savoring sunset,
around 10 each evening.
Another cabin highlight: the river cruise
world's most amazing shower – three
heads, assorted pressures and a light
show.
Most river cruise ships are about the
same size; they have to be squat enough
to clear European bridges and narrow
enough to get through locks. At its widest
point, the Jade measures 11.54 meters;
locks are 12 meters wide.
Public areas aboard Scenic ships feature
contemporary décor and large picture
windows. Passengers congregate in the
Panorama Lounge or the dining room to
enjoy lavish multi-course meals as pastoral
scenes glide by. The ship’s chef and
galley crew present international dishes,
with daily themes – but focus on regionally
sourced ingredients: Dutch cheeses,
Norwegian salmon, French foie gras.
The Jade has a small spa/salon and fitness
area, but neither got much use
during our cruise. The new ships have
two pools: a splash pool and a resistance
swimming pool. On all ships, dress is casual
– no need for a tie.
As we floated through the heart of historic
Europe, a few feet from land, we
discovered surprises around every river
bend: too many medieval castles to
count along bluffs of the Rhine Gorge;
an old-fashioned traveling circus on a
bank of the Main, a pair of gleeful young
boys skinny dipping in the Danube.
Our days were as busy – or languid – as
we chose. There were daily choices of
shore excursions – all for free. The ship
38 Wine Dine & Travel Summer/Fall 2015