Scenic Invests in Rebuilds

Feb 19, 2013

Scenic Cruises has announced that five of its six European ships are being nearly completely rebuilt to match the newest features of last year’s Scenic Crystal and the soon-to-launch Scenic Jewel. Scenic said that the near complete rebuild includes everything but the walls of the ship, the ceilings and the wet cells.

Staterooms have been redone from floor to ceiling, including wallpaper, marble desk tops and side tables, furniture, carpets, etc. and Scenic Sun Lounges have been installed, allowing guests to glass in their private balconies at the touch of a button. New furniture is being added throughout the ship and 32-inch high-definition televisions are linked to Mac Mini computers for in-cabin Internet access.

Steelwork has extended the floor plans of all Royal and Panorama Suites, and the interiors are being gutted and rebuilt to Crystal/Jewel specifications. The lounge has a new upgraded bar and additional coffee machines and Eurocave wine dispensers. Reception has been completely renovated, and the ships are receiving new carpet, curtains and designer furniture in public rooms. A new upgraded Wi-Fi system uses both aatellite and UMTS mobile technology for faster speeds, and there is new equipment such as pizza ovens in the galleys for serving the new dining venues.

Scenic is also raising the level of onboard inclusions, adding unlimited complimentary beverages (top-shelf brands are additional), private butler service for every guest and three new dining venues on most ships: River Cafe (all-day offerings), Table La Rive (degustation), high tea on the Terrace and 24-hour room service in addition to enhanced Portobellos Restaurant. New themed dinners with entertainment will include Hungarian and Bavarian specialties. Ships will also be outfitted with Scenic Riverview, a personal GPS guided tour system that provides commentary on passing sites while the ship sails.

Shoreside offerings include Scenic Enrich experiences such as a private dinner and a concert at Rastatt Palace; Scenic FreeChoice, which offers 18 new tours, including the Hockenheim Formula 1 Track in Heidelberg; and Scenic Tailormade, an exclusive handheld GPS-guided tour system with full commentary, allowing guests to choose from independent walks or cycling tours exploring interest areas such as food and wine or history.