ON THE RHINE RIVER
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When I was in Europe three weeks ago, temperatures were hovering around 3 C and snow was falling in many areas, including Venice. Changes have come quickly 鈥� the temperature is now a balmy 16 C. Snow is becoming an endangered species and Europeans are finally feeling winter鈥檚 wrath is done.
That welcoming warmth is just in time for Scenic Tours鈥� maiden voyage of its latest river cruiser, the Scenic Jewel, a seven-day trip on the Rhine from Mainz to Amsterdam.
Scenic Tours is an Australian company that, after commissioning the Jewel, will turn its attention to a smaller ship in 2014, the Gem. As river cruise lines go, this one is unique, the first in Europe with separate balconies. The Jewel also has a folding glass door, providing more sitting space inside during inclement weather and opening to the outside with a press of a button.
Also new is a GPS audio system that allows you to sit on the Jewel鈥檚 top deck and hear details of the area you are passing. It also points out highlights as you walk the streets of towns and cities along Europe鈥檚 major rivers. And finally, no more door-handle cards 鈥� just two small switches in your room for 鈥淒o Not Disturb鈥� or 鈥淗ousekeeping鈥� that alert the outside to your needs. Ahh, technology solves the most inconsequential of problems.
The Jewel is 138 metres long, about the maximum length for sailing through locks on the Rhine, Main and Danube, and carries 169 passengers, compared to, for example, Viking ships that carry 190 in the same space.
There鈥檚 more public space and lots of room for more creature comforts. That includes a small gym, hairdressing and salon areas and electrically assisted bikes, either on an escorted bike tour or on your own.
The staterooms are spacious and most have balconies.
The Jewel鈥檚 main dining room can handle everybody at once, but there is a separate restaurant called Portobello, seating 24.
The river caf茅 is open most of the day for desserts, sandwiches and other light fare.
The most important decision Scenic Tours made in 2013 was to go all-inclusive, a decision made by Australian owner and founder Glen Moroney. Now transfers, gratuities, all beverages and dry-cleaning are part of the all-inclusive package. The only items you have to pay for are high-end wines and liquors. All tours are included, including a special one on every cruise. On this inaugural, it was an evening-long visit to Marksburg Castle, complete with dinner and entertainment.
This is Scenic鈥檚 eighth ship. No. 9, the Gem, will carry 128 passengers and is designed to sail rivers of France, for example. The rebuilt Scenic Tsar fits on the rivers of Russia.
And more ships are coming.
Evergreen Tours (part of Scenic) has been marketing the rivers of Europe from Australia and is about to expand.
Two new ships are being built in Holland and will be marketed in sa国际传媒 under a new name. Ships will be launched next year.
And one final note this week: Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge and one of the most popular Royals, will be christening Princess Cruises鈥� Royal Princess in Southampton in June.
I assume she will bring Prince William, the other half of the dynamic royal duo, to this fitting ceremony. It was his mother, Princess Diana, who christened the original Royal Princess in 1984.
