Scenic Sapphire South of France

[Canal archive]

We have just returned from our superb cruise on the Scenic Sapphire down the Saone & Rhone. We travelled on the Eurostar to Lyon and on to Chalon sur Saone by train a word of warning the steps at Chalon station, transferred to Sapphire by car with others took about 15 minutes. Welcomed on board with a glass of bubbly then escorted to our cabin, this is our fourth cruise with Scenic so home from home. Altogether a splendid cruise, the tours and tour guides were excellent the wine tasting all very good the Paul Baccus Institute superb. There were so many highlights the staff very good the company excellent. The food was mostly excellent just a couple of hiccups the choice of wine on board wide and of the various regions we passed through. We passed the stricken Viking boat with blue tarpolin covering her injuries. The weather was mostly hot between 28 and 31 at one point 35 so the earlyish starts were appreciated. We had one very wet day our last which curtailed our last evening cruise because of an orange warning placed on the river. We couldn't have seen anything in any case. Any questions just ask.

Trying to decide where to go next. CA

[Host Jazzbeau]

Thanks for posting. Glad you had a great trip!

[cruiseryyc]

Scenic Sapphire was my first river cruise and now I'm looking forward to doing the Scenic Gem in September. Can't say enough good things about Scenic.

[Hows the Serenity]

Lovely to read your review, we leave in 30 days for our July 22 Budapest to Amsterdam cruise on the Opal - cant wait

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[sunsetbeachgal]

Thanks for the review. We have booked our first river cruise on Scenic, Rhine in June of 2016. Very excited!

 

One question, my husband loves the entertainment on cruise ships and is concerned that there is nothing to do on a river cruise at night after dinner. Can you comment on what, if anything, is offered.

Edited June 16, 2015 by sunsetbeachgal

[Im_not_creative]

Thanks for the review. We have booked our first river cruise on Scenic, Rhine in June of 2016. Very excited!

 

One question, my husband loves the entertainment on cruise ships and is concerned that there is nothing to do on a river cruise at night after dinner. Can you comment on what, if anything, is offered.

 

It is certainly very low key. The only on-board entertainment on Scenic Jade was a piano player/singer (he also played the accordion). He normally played from about 9pm until most people had gone to bed.

 

Almost every day there were also some local entertainers (usually dancers), which was sometimes before dinner, sometimes afterwards, but never lasted more than30-45 minutes.

[moatenote]

We're taking this same cruise in mid-May, 2016, and it will be our first Scenic cruise. How was the Sun Lounge balcony I've been reading so much about?? Also looking forward to the Tailormade GPS system they have. Getting excited already!!!

[poss]

Thanks for your review. We're long-time ocean cruisers and looking to perhaps try a first river cruise. I wish I could get a clear handle on the significant differences among Scenic, Tauck and AMA. It wasn't difficult to learn the differences among the several luxury ocean cruise lines, but somehow it seems more difficult in the case of river cruising. (If one of the high-end lines had wider beds than the others, that'd be a decider for us, but all seem to be around 62")

 

Also trying to figure out whether Seine or Rhone would be a better bet for us (but I've asked that question in another post).

 

Can you tell me, please, about what time in the morning the land tours begin?

 

Thanks-- and nice that you've found your niche.

[Host Jazzbeau]

If one of the high-end lines had wider beds than the others, that'd be a decider for us, but all seem to be around 62"

 

I thought I remembered a thread about this issue a while back, so I did some searching -- and discovered that it was you who wanted to know then too! I thought I had an answer for you, that Scenic has very wide beds -- but I see it was you mentioning a rumor that needed to be verified [and now that I think about it 79" sounds like the length, not the width]. I take it that it wasn't true or never was confirmed.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=41815111&postcount=18

Edited June 18, 2015 by Host Jazzbeau

[poss]

I've spoken a few hours ago with a Scenic Rep. He says that the beds are noted as "queen," but also says they are 190 cm (74"). 74" would be terrific, but it's certainly not a queen size. I guess labels like "queen" and "king" don't say a whole lot; nor "very wide." But, wow, if the 74" is accurate (and no reason to suspect not) that certainly sets Scenic apart. Now I just have to do more homework on comparisons among the various river cruise lines.

[Im_not_creative]

Our bed on Scenic Jade last week certainly seemed very wide to us.

[cleo737]

Our bed on Scenic Jade last week certainly seemed very wide to us.

 

We have a "king" bed at home and found the bed on Sapphire to be plenty big enough.

[Canal archive]

Will try to answer all in one go, as far as I can assertain the entertainment is not so spectacular on a river cruise maybe one reason there is no stage. This cruise there was the usual musician not as good as some but perfectly danceable to from the latest to ballroom. There where two different singers both very good and the best of all absolutely superb the Camargue gypsy guitarists and dancer, memories of Manitas de Plata. There was also a music quiz one evening I think a good two thirds of us were there and it was very hotly contested more fun than many thought.

We did the Scenic Gem inaugural cruise last year superb some full on days but worth it and as it now docks in Honfluer all the better.

The beds are plenty wide enough not the widest I've ever slept it that was in Lankowi you needed binoculars to see the other side.

Some of the tours started at 8.30 a few groans there but we realised why when arriving early at our destination before the crowds and walking and seeing in the relative cool before the heat of the day, more time in the local towns and back on board for lunch, perfect. Most tours started at 9.00 sometimes 9.30.

The Rhone or the Seine difficult the Seine is full on with some full days for WW1 and WW11 the Saone & Rhone is more relaxing. I'm glad I've done both and must admit I found the people of southern France to be more friendly and accepting of my extremely poor French they were also very helpful, I also found the architecture more attractive.

Hope this helps CA

Edited June 19, 2015 by Canal archive

[Canal archive]

Sorry forgot the balcony they are wonderful although a tad noisy raising and lowering them, there is plenty of light to read in the evening (two lights). There is a multi point socket in each cabin and although I took several adapters I managed without using them and with two cameras an iPad etc it worked. There is also an iPod docking station which of course also takes an iPhone for those who use them.

CA

[LoneStarCruisinCouple]

We have just returned from our superb cruise on the Scenic Sapphire down the Saone & Rhone. We travelled on the Eurostar to Lyon and on to Chalon sur Saone by train a word of warning the steps at Chalon station, transferred to Sapphire by car with others took about 15 minutes. Welcomed on board with a glass of bubbly then escorted to our cabin, this is our fourth cruise with Scenic so home from home. Altogether a splendid cruise, the tours and tour guides were excellent the wine tasting all very good the Paul Baccus Institute superb. There were so many highlights the staff very good the company excellent. The food was mostly excellent just a couple of hiccups the choice of wine on board wide and of the various regions we passed through. We passed the stricken Viking boat with blue tarpolin covering her injuries. The weather was mostly hot between 28 and 31 at one point 35 so the earlyish starts were appreciated. We had one very wet day our last which curtailed our last evening cruise because of an orange warning placed on the river. We couldn't have seen anything in any case. Any questions just ask.

Trying to decide where to go next. CA

CA,

Well I don't know whether to say welcome home or not as it looks to be after reading that you both had a very enjoyable time once again on Scenic. Glad to see that you are safe and sound and once again in The Planning stages of yet another Scenic Adventure!!

We ourselves are getting so excited and just can't imagine what it's going to be like when we actually get ready to leave. Having heard so much now about the Newly Redesigned Royal Panorama Suites on The Jasper and also The Opal.

Speaking of which I was rather disappointed in Scenic as The Opal was christened on the 17th of this month and have yet to see any posting or pictures or even videos. Have been following since the cutting of the Keel and now to have a A Highlight like this and Zip! Oh well.

So it sounds to me that they could still do some fine tuning as to entertainment but then again it isn't like a huge cruise ship. Do have a question to ask and don't know if you have the answer or not but shall ask.

In looking at photos and videos of the meals that are served at least to me they seem like such small portions. Yes I understand that I am in Europe and not back at home in Texas, but looks to me that one is certainly going to leave the table and still be hungry. Can one like on cruise ships order another plate? I'm I guess a Meat and Potatoes type of guy.Also you may not know but do they serve Iced Tea? Oh and how was the Coffee and Cappuccino Machine as I am a Big Coffee drinker and would be nice as not to get just a cup but a pot of coffee along with some orange juice to the cabins in the mornings when waking up and getting ready. Also when getting ready in the mornings, is it that you have to wake up at the crack of dawn as to get ready for the excursions that are planned for the day or can one sort of take there time as to wake up and sit out on the balcony and enjoy??

How were most on board dressed, as myself seeing that we are celebrating our Wedding Anniversary while on board and have made reservations at Portobellos will be wearing a Coat and Tie as if I figure that my wife can dress up for me and look beautiful I should at least make the effort in looking Spiffy also planning on wearing a coat when we go in Vienna to the Liechtenstein Palace..

Anyways hoping that you shall get another cruise in the making as it is always nice in reading your posts and from me to you thanks for all the help.

Lisa and Gary

LoneStarCruisinCouple

[sunsetbeachgal]

Thanks for the info on evening entertainment...it sounds like there will at least be something going on after dinner, and for us that will be just fine!

[cruiseryyc]

CA,

Oh and how was the Coffee and Cappuccino Machine as I am a Big Coffee drinker and would be nice as not to get just a cup but a pot of coffee along with some orange juice to the cabins in the mornings when waking up and getting ready.

 

Just ask your Butler to bring you juice and a pot of coffee in the morning, nothing could be easier. We did that every morning. The cappuccino is great!

[Canal archive]

Hi Lisa & Gary your butlers the one to sort your morning coffee and orange juice and breakfast in your cabin if you want or you could then go to the restraunt for full breakfast which is a buffet so no problem with portions same as lunch if you feel dinner is a bit skimpy just ask your waiter/es they will see your okay, Scenic are extremely customer focused especially on board. Jacket & tie no problem although it was so hot this year the tie stayed in the cabin. For iced tea or iced water during the day go to the end of the lounge which in the evening becomes portabello's and there are jugs of both and a huge bowl of fruit. You can also graze at the river cafe. The coffee machine is wonderful wish I had one at home.

Each day there should be at reception a map of the town you are in but don't forget your Tailormade gizmos. Depends on what time your excursions leave as to how much time you have in the morning.

They surprised me with a birthday cake and card on the evening of our arrival what a surprise. Can't what for your cruise to hear how you get on.

CA

[LoneStarCruisinCouple]

Hi Lisa & Gary your butlers the one to sort your morning coffee and orange juice and breakfast in your cabin if you want or you could then go to the restraunt for full breakfast which is a buffet so no problem with portions same as lunch if you feel dinner is a bit skimpy just ask your waiter/es they will see your okay, Scenic are extremely customer focused especially on board. Jacket & tie no problem although it was so hot this year the tie stayed in the cabin. For iced tea or iced water during the day go to the end of the lounge which in the evening becomes portabello's and there are jugs of both and a huge bowl of fruit. You can also graze at the river cafe. The coffee machine is wonderful wish I had one at home.

Each day there should be at reception a map of the town you are in but don't forget your Tailormade gizmos. Depends on what time your excursions leave as to how much time you have in the morning.

They surprised me with a birthday cake and card on the evening of our arrival what a surprise. Can't what for your cruise to hear how you get on.

CA

Hello CA and thanks so much for the info as I am maybe just shy of 65 October 11 but sorry to say that I am still a Growing Boy. Sorry to say out and not up.

Happy Belated Birthday and what 29 once again Right!

I think instead of cake that they should have given you a Free Cruise. Now that would make it worthwhile as to sail on your birthday.

I appreciate ever so much all your info as you have been very very helpful in seeing that we are steered in the right direction.

How was the weather? I would imagine that it was really very nice.

Do have a question as to the Sun Lounger. Is it something on the order of like Ocean Cruise Lines that if you leave the door to the balcony open the AC shuts off. Just wondered if you could leave open or do you hear too much noise in going thru all the locks.

Yes it is getting closer and closer day by day and just can't believe that all the hard work as to the e-mails and phone calls and the going back and forth is getting ready I hope to fall into place. I guess with being that it is our Wedding Anniversary i just want it to be perfect for Lisa.

Oh just out of my own curiosity if you may be around on August 30th may try and give you a call. We are flying on British Airways and go from Houston to London and have a layover and change planes to go onto Amsterdam. Arrive I think somewhere early in the Morning I think around 7:30 or so.We are flying into Heathrow.

Oh well guess I shall say by for now and once again Thank You.

Gary

Lone Star

[Im_not_creative]

Do have a question as to the Sun Lounger. Is it something on the order of like Ocean Cruise Lines that if you leave the door to the balcony open the AC shuts off. Just wondered if you could leave open or do you hear too much noise in going thru all the locks.

 

Yes, if you have the outer window open on the balcony, then the air conditioning shuts off.

 

But not if you have the door from the bedroom area to the balcony open, so long as the balcony window is closed.

 

I think with the outer window open there would probably be too much noise from the locks if you are a light sleeper, but it certainly never woke me with it closed.

 

It did once or twice wake my wife, who is a lighter sleeper.

[Balloon Man]

I thought Scenic Emerald was the vessel for the Saone-Rhone cruise? Or is that not until 2016 - when we will be there!

Edited June 21, 2015 by Balloon Man

[Im_not_creative]

I thought Scenic Emerald was the vessel for the Saone-Rhone cruise? Or is that not until 2016 - when we will be there!

 

They have more than one vessel on most of the itineraries.

[Canal archive]

Scenic Sapphire joined Scenic Emerald on the Saone & Rhone at the beginning of this season 2015.

Gary 29 is long gone just a tad over you in years but close. Sorry will be cruising on our narrowboat around the end of August so don't know where on the canals we will be.

CA