There’s nothing worse than touring a beautiful destination along European riverbanks only to be encumbered by a heavy Quietvox or Whisper device dangling on your neck with a tangled mess of cord and an uncomfortable earpiece. I had not previously experienced a Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours trip, but as soon as I did, I was immediately impressed by the brand’s solution to this problem.
Enter Scenic VoiceGuide, a mobile app that allows clients to use their own pocketed smartphones as receivers to easily connect via Wi-Fi and use their preferred headphones, including wireless varieties. Suffice it to say, between my iPhone and AirPods, I had an enjoyable time listening to local guides share details during our Bordeaux Affair cruise in France onboard Scenic Diamond.
Scenic Diamond in Bordeaux
The eight-day itinerary roundtrip from Bordeaux is full of wine tastings in Saint-Emilion, Libourne, Blaye, Medoc and Cadillac, and the food and libations back on the ship are just as appetizing, particularly because of the line’s all-inclusive nature. Every shore excursion (dubbed Scenic Freechoice), as well as the use of e-bikes, is bundled in the rate. In addition, exclusive Scenic Enrich events — such as a private string quartet concert at the regal Chateau d’Agassac castle befitting Cinderella herself — plus many more extras onboard are also included.
Gratuities, butler service, a bag of laundry (always a welcome inclusion), multiple dining options and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks — even those in guest staterooms and suites — are all complimentary, as well. The only things that cost extra are retail purchases and spa treatments, as even the riverboat’s Fitness Center, unique Salt Therapy Lounge (a trio of loungers basking in halotherapy) and refreshing Vitality Pool are free to use.
Cabins and Other Onboard Features
Carrying up to 149 passengers, the line’s France-based “Space-Ship” is indeed very spacious, offering plenty of room in the main Panorama Lounge & Bar and other restaurants, as well as on deck and at all the public venues.
Only the cabins felt a little cramped by comparison. Measuring in at 205 square feet, my Balcony Suite featured an extremely comfortable bed; a small but serviceable vanity counter and chair; and enough storage. There was no additional sofa or table, probably because the space is instead used for the line’s signature Sun Lounge — a patio room with two chairs and a small table with a sliding-glass window. Butler-delivered room service is a nice offering not generally available on other river cruises, although there was not a lot of space to enjoy a meal.
Meanwhile, in the bathroom, the space around the toilet and sink is adequate, but the shower enclosure dimensions are a bit tight and rather constricted.
Abundant Dining Options
Elsewhere, Crystal Dining, the main restaurant, features exceptional regional cuisine. I was especially pleased by a savory version of creme brule filled with foie gras. Also nestled in the main dining room is Table La Rive — a chef’s table and a marvelous tasting menu reserved for guests in top suites, and Scenic Culinaire, featuring an action station during buffet breakfasts and lunches that turns into a demo area for cooking classes in the afternoon. (Learning how to make crepes Suzette from the ship’s pastry chef was especially enjoyable in this intimate setting.)
Food on Scenic Diamond is seemingly overflowing, as barbecue is served once a cruise on the sun deck, and the River Cafe provides alternative snacks — such as great pizzas, another rarity on the river — for the better part of the day. L’Amour Restaurant picks up at dinnertime, for those with reservations, to offer a five-course set menu prepared on the spot and served by the friendly butlers.
In fact, across the board — from the knowledgeable and fun-loving cruise director to attentive cabin stewards — Scenic’s service is top-notch. This is, perhaps, not surprising given that many staff members have come over from Crystal Cruises after that line folded and changed ownership.
Overall, even with so many outstanding choices in the luxury river cruise market, Scenic Diamond’s in-house hardware, exceptional service and stylish and contemporary decor make it a real standout.
