Scenic has unveiled its 2021 European truly all-inclusive luxury river cruise collection and new ‘Book with Confidence’ programme. Enabling guests to change their travel dates or itinerary up to 90 days before departure, the new system provides flexibility and peace of mind for agents to book 2021 holidays.
New for 2021 are visits to World War I sites in Ypres and Passchendaele and two culinary itineraries highlighting French gastronomic delights with the Tastes of Southern France on the Rhône and the Flavours of Bordeaux itinerary cruising the Garonne.
The new culinary cruises include an on board dinner prepared by Michelin star chef Didier Goiffon and a cooking class at three-star Michelin chef Georges Blanc’s restaurant. Guests can learn the family secrets of regional recipes with Scenic’s new ‘Ancestry of the Kitchen’ programme. The programme includes a series of authentic cooking classes held in the homes of locals including Dutch Apple Pie baking in Hoorn, Bulgarian Banica in Vidin and a traditional Portuguese bread-making experience.
For those seeking a shorter getaway along one of Europe’s most famous rivers, the brand has unveiled a four-night sailing from Vienna to Budapest cruising the majestic Danube river. With no shortage of amazing inclusions, the itinerary concludes with an exclusive classical concert at Budapest’s Godollo Palace.
Joseph Grimley, director of trade sales UK, The Scenic Group commented: “We’re seeing our loyalty members and new customers look to the future with high engagement levels on our digital marketing and upward trends in bookings. Our Book with Confidence programme offers flexibility and peace of mind combined with certainty, reassuring those ready to plan their Europe river cruise next year.
“While the world may have changed, we are confident consumers will increasingly look to smaller ship experiences like those on Scenic’s Space-Ships. There is also a clear trend towards true personalisation and once-in-a-lifetime moments, which is why we continue to enhance our Scenic Freechoice and exclusive Enrich experiences.
“Our entire feet of Scenic Space-Ships are perfectly suited for exploring the historic waterways of Europe. The innovative Scenic Sun Lounges in our spacious suites, up to five dining venues and a holistic range of well-being options, including the first on board Salt Therapy Lounge, provide a luxurious new perspective as European landscapes float by.
“Our global management team is also working closely with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and government health agencies around the world to continue to provide each and every guest with the uttermost confidence while on board with us.
“The cruising industry is used to adapting to change and here at Scenic we are agile enough to continue to ensure any new guidelines introduced are met, and our guest experience stays at the heart of everything we do, as we all navigate this unprecedented time.”
Bookings made before 31 July 2020 will enjoy guaranteed savings of £1,200 per couple, complimentary private door-to-door chauffeur transfers, and Scenic’s new Deposit Protection Plan included. An additional Early Payment Discount of £125 per person is available on 2021 bookings paid in full by 31 October 2020.
Scenic’s 2021 European River Cruising brochure launches 17 June 2020 and will be available online immediately.
