Scenic Jade 2014 European river cruise program released

Due to unprecedented demand and an overwhelming response to their 2014 Europe River Cruising launch, Scenic Tours announced in May this year the commission of another new Scenic 'Space-Ship' to be delivered in 2014. Bringing their world-class fleet of Scenic 'Space-Ships' to nine, Scenic Jade will sail along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.

Since this decision was made after the 2014 Europe River Cruising program was launched, the Scenic Jade sailing dates are not listed in the printed brochure so Scenic Tours is excited to announce the release of these departure dates. Scenic Jade will be operating on the Scenic Tours flagship itinerary only, the 15 Day Jewels of Europe River Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest and from Budapest to Amsterdam with City Extensions to Paris and Prague. These sailings take place from 14 May – 12 November 2014 with the last sailing departing on 29 October 2014.

Scenic Jade will feature all of the exceptional embellishments that have made Scenic 'Space-Ships' the most popular on the market. These include private butler service, the finest luxury suites, which boast the largest private balconies fitted with Scenic 'Sun Lounges', complimentary mini-bar stocked daily, and 32 inch Samsung HD TVs linked to Mac mini computers with complimentary internet access. Unlimited complimentary beverages handpicked by the company's sommelier will complement the exceptional range of cuisine prepared from fresh local produce in all dining venues including the River Café for casual fare and dégustation at Table La Rive.

For more information visit scenictours.com.au or call 1300 SCENIC (1300 723 642).

Award of Excellence for Scenic Cruises

Scenic Cruises, the cruising division of Scenic Tours, has received an 'Award of Excellence' from renowned author Steven B. Stern after being ranked in the highest class category for river cruise ships in his book, 'Guide to European Riverboats and Hotel Barges'. Stern has sailed on over 790 cruise ships, river cruise ships and hotel barges, visiting every major port of call in the world, and personally inspecting virtually every ship currently in operation. He has evaluated every vessel based on comfort and luxury.

In the comprehensive guide, Stern has ranked 16 different river cruise companies into four categories, Deluxe, Premium, Standard and Economy. The river cruise ships have not been categorised based upon price or clientele like ocean cruising. Instead Stern says, "Some riverboats offer more than others, and therefore, I have assigned class categories to reflect which are in the best condition, are most well-appointed, and offer the most common facilities, the best dining and service, and the most comfortable accommodation. Those that are all-inclusive and include all alcoholic beverages, all tours, and other amenities will receive the highest ratings."

Scenic Cruises is proud to announce that they were one of two companies in the world and the only Australian based River Cruise line (out of 16) to have all their river cruise ships classed into the highest category (Deluxe).  Scenic Cruises Managing Director, Glen Moroney, says "This award recognises our efforts to ensure high standards and consistency of these standards right across the Scenic fleet. We want our guests to enjoy the same luxurious experience regardless of what ship they sail on."

The awards comes after the recent announcement of being named the 'Best Luxury Cruise Line' by the prestigious New York Travel Writers Society (NYTWS), the 'Best Luxury Tour Operator'  by Luxury Travel magazine's 2013 Gold List, and the 'Best River Cruise Line' by Cruise Passenger Magazine.