Canal archive

Talk to Scenic, 2 years ago we cruised the Soane and Rhone with them and one of our fellow passengers used a mobility scooter, we were all amazed how and where he managed to reach. The scooter was stored and plugged in at reception each day. The crew were outstanding and unstinting with their help even to drying it off when we were caught in an absolute deluge on one day.

I hope you find a cruise and enjoy yourselves, you'll be hooked. CA

This air problem or should I say challenge seems a bit strange to me we booked with Scenic early August last year and got our air bookings with our return details from which we could have upgraded or chosen our seats if we wished. I really don't think I would be happy going through the travails that Viking customers seem to encounter. I'm not knocking Viking they were so exceptional with my very good friend when her husband was extremely ill, although I would not travel with them myself for this instance they went above and beyond. Happy cruising whoever you travel with CA

Spring forward and Fall back, okay an Amaricanism Fall not Autumn but a great way to remember. English a language of many differences and yet we still seem to understand each other. Mind you with Greenwich Mean Time and European time on short cross channel flights it can be a tad disconcerting to arrive before you left. Happy cruising CA

There are few ifs here, which river are you cruising? The time of year etc. Scenic have only recommended taking bug spray on one of our cruises but the tour guides on the coaches also offered it, supplied by Scenic. I am usually very susceptible to mosy bites but no problem on that cruise which if I remember correctly was the Seine. Anywhere near any water source can be attractive to the little devils. Funnily enough no problem whilst on the boat but when we were touring. Just take some with you for your peace of mind and have a great cruise. CA

I have only ever traveled on Scenic but regardless of the outside weather the in cabin air con can be set to however you require so no problem with having to change the duvet etc. Just enjoy your cruise. CA

As far as I can see your luggage should go direct to Amsterdam Schipol but you will have to go through passport control and it will depend on what they are doing security wise if it is in Frankfurt or Amsterdam. It easier with both being in the Schengun agreement. Have a great cruise. CA

Floatinrocks, If your not spending to much time in Budapest you will find that the Euro is widely accepted, although taking a few with you would not do any harm and you will have peace of mind. Look for Praprika in Vienna I wish I could remember the name of the restraunt there they served the most fantastic goulash. We are doing the same trip as yourselves in June with Scenic and apart from either a massage or hair do which you could put on your c/card you don't need any cash. Have a great cruise CA

Check on the phases of the moon when you book your Bordeaux cruise if it's full you are almost certain to have your cruise itinerary moved around. A full moon means a higher tide and therefore no way to get under the Napolian bridge. The water level must be very low to navigate under the bridge and the captain must be very highly qualified. On Scenic last year their youngest captain returned from holiday to oversee the operation at only 23 he is even more qualified than his father who is also Captain for Scenic. Although our itinerary was moved around all went smoothly and we didn't miss a thing. All together an excellent cruise. CA

Scenic built their Scenic Gem at 110metrs specifically to cruise the Seine and dock in Honfleur. It did take some time for them to get the required documentation from the French authorities to dock in Honfluer but this is not unusual in France. Scenic Gem does dock in Paris centre well within sight of the Eiffel Tower. We were on the inaugrial cruise and it was wonderful. CA

Oh come on the Delta Works is the most amazing feat of engineering, superb photo opportunitys one of the modern sights of The Netherlands and Europe. Okay just my humble opinion one experience not to be missed. CA

Thank you FuelScience, just on the Scenic side there are some very, very slight differences from country to country. There is also a new category, 'Emerald' an additional £50.00 per person off your next cruise + £50.00 credit for the Wellness Centre, upgraded hotel where available, multiple access to all dining venues and a welcome home hamper for trips of over 20 days.

Hope this helps your excellent list, of perks that we pay for, oops is that cynical or what. CA

Us Brits arnt the only ones glad of the fact we don't have to work out the tipping bit. Will never forget the working out of tips the many times we visited the states, although we enjoyed the visiting experience.

Interesting about the non drinkers! subsiding the drinkers across Europe usually soft drinks are usually quite pricey so not necessarily so. CA

Hi Lisa & Gary, wishing you a great Thanksgiving, yes already thinking of Christmas, quilting a table runner at the moment hope I will be finished on time. We have a few hours layover in Amsterdam on our return from Budapest. Still you lucky things your flying my favourite aireline and We've flown loads the choice is between British Airways and Singapore Airlines is very close. Mind you 6 hours is a long time. Hope you are in the lounge, those were the days before he who must be obeyed retired. CA

We did the South of France cruise with Scenic last year and I must admit I cannot remember Macon. I agree with Gary & Lisa, Lone Star, the Viking boats are deeper drafted then the Scenic vessels this could be the technical problem or the amount of available moorings there are far less then for example the Rhine or Danube at some points only one, there are more being built but these take time. It is a wonderful cruise and one I would happily do again but next time when the weather was cooler temperatures of 30 degrees and above for most of the time was both wonderful and tiring at the same time. Lyon is a superb city I really enjoyed our visit to the Paul Bocuse Institute. Regardless of the so called technical problems enjoy your cruise. CA

Hi Marister the spirits are in miniature bottles and the wine is half bottles, along with mixers & soft drinks. If you prefere a different selection just ask your butler for your preference and if it's available he will arrange it, your bar will then be restocked as often as you empty it! A friend we made on our last cruise requested something they didn't have but a couple of days later it appeared so I guess most things are possible. Have a great cruise CA

Thank you so much Solant Richard, brought back many memories and some new views as we did quite a few different excursions. CA

I think Scenic learnt a few years ago, on one of our early cruises it was very patchy getting on line, they soon worked out that the problem was so many cruisers using Skype. Since then internet connection has got better & better. Okay technology has vastly improved over time so even if you have to work you are usually fine. CA

An interesting comparison, although a bit difficult when Crystal have only one boat at the moment. Scenic, at least in the UK require £750 per person deposit for their river cruises.

Their wine list is extensive and changes with the area they are cruising in leaning heavily towards regional especially in France. I can't remember which cruise it was but there was a exceptional Spanish Rioja both white and red, a pleasant surprise. It will be interesting to see more reviews as Crystal get more established on the European rivers. CA

Each cabin has an HDTV with a Apple wireless keyboard and mouse for Internet access. Wifi is unlimited and free it can be a bit patchy when going through the mountains. Many people take iPads and other tablets also a few take laptops but not so many as even six years ago when we started cruising. Have a good cruise CA

From my cruising experience you would not enjoy an all inclusive like Scenic although they would be happy to sort out your individual requirements but they have the fantastic ear thingy' which tell you what in view as you cruise along. Try looking at barge cruises much smaller and more I would have thought your thing. Good luck in your search. CA

From the Scenic brochure, 24 hour cabin service, fully restocked mini-bar daily including snacks, late night menus for night owls, bottled water for all onshore excursions and chef-prepared picnics available, complimentary in-room still and sparkling water. There is also the River Cafe for all kinds of snacks during the day plus early breakfast and an alternative for lunch. There are tables for two but as has been said about other lines not many so the early bird gets the table. Hope this helps CA

Yes slippers, robes, walking poles and umbrellas. Have a great cruise. CA

On our Scenic South of France cruise last year one fellow passenger had a mobility scooter that he only used off the ship he was amazing the places he got to you would not believe. It was charged in reception when not in use. CA

Caviargirl I beg to differ you can request a table for two at LaAmour and you book it through the restraunt manager or your butler when you are on board. In the past we have actually been twice during a cruise once on our own and again with a group.

Aussie Gal we have done both the cruises you are doing both are wonderful in different was, enjoy yourselves, you will be old hands by the time you return home. CA

Take a look at Scenic, they have several 8 day cruises and bikes on board. They do escorted bike activities some fairly long and you can also request to use the bikes whenever you want. On our Bordeaux cruise this year on one of the excursions so many wanted to do the biking bit that there were not enough bikes so they hired more so that no one missed out. They do have electrically assisted bikes but I'm not to sure how many of each they also supply helmets. On our cruise last year quite a few couples used the bikes almost every day except the one day when it rained enough to rival the great flood. Whichever cruise you choose, enjoy. CA