Live Trip Report Scenic River Cruise Jewels of Europe August 2022

[Canal archive]

There was an absolutely horrific accident on the Maine before covid caused by the wheelhouse not being retracted low enough, so I for one am more than happy with the restrictions, although I know it’s annoying at the time.

[English Tim]

Today, most of the passengers went to Salzburg by bus, but we decided to take the train from Passat to Linz, then explore Linz, using our train ticket. We paid €23 each.

The journey  took about 60 minutes and was very comfortable.

The crew would like to be able to cruise from Passau to Linz, as it has been two months since the river has been high enough to do so.

 

When we arrived, we did a 20 minute walk up a pretty steep hill, to the botanical gardens, where we also enjoyed refreshment, including plum strudel.

 

We paid just under €3 each for entry.We paid just under €3 each for entry.

 

Next we took the bus to the station, then the tram to Postlingberg, about 500metres up. With wonderful views and a deer park.

 

Then we headed to the newly arrived ship for refreshment.

 

[English Tim]

Today, we docked at Melk, where most passengers visited the Abbey. I stayed on board and at noon we left for a cycle ride to Durnstein, about 35km.

 

Last night we had violent thunderstorms, so some much needed rain.

 

Tomorrow we visit Vienna.

 

The images show a caterpillar on Rosy’s helmet and a Weissbier the ship paid for at a refreshment stop.

[English Tim]

Today was our first of two days in Vienna, when we had a tour this morning and unfortunately it poured with rain, so I left the group to it and bought a local transport ticket and travelled around on the trams. This afternoon we had a long walk through the park and then returned to the ship by tram and the ships shuttle.

[Canal archive]

I love Vienna and especially the trams so easy to use.

[di-ski]

On 8/18/2022 at 7:26 AM, English Tim said:

My wife and I booked this cruise last Autumn, but it was recently cancelled and we were rebooked on Scenic Jade from Amsterdam to Budapest, departing August 17.

 

We flew British Airways from London Heathrow to Amsterdam on an early flight, which meant leaving home at 04.00. Now that we are Scenic Platinum we are entitled to free transfers from our home in Dorchester to any airport. The journey was quick and being BA gold, we could check in at the First Wing, which meant were soon in the lounge having breakfast with champagne.

 

The plane was late leaving and arrival at Amsterdam was delayed, plus immigration was delayed, meaning a slight delay in arriving at ship, in pouring rain. When we arrived at our cabin our shoes and socks very wet!

 

After a quick buffet lunch we went in search of a canal tour from near Central Station. This cost 10 euros each and was very informative.

 

We decided not to fully unpack our clothes, as we are due to change ships due to the low water levels on the river Rhine.

 

Dinner was very good, but portions were small. Austrian wine was excellent.

 

We had an early night as it had been a long day.

Wondering about the situation with low water. We are booked on Viking Budapest to Amsterdam leaving Oct 3.  How has your trip been impacted by this situation 

[English Tim]

On 8/30/2022 at 3:28 AM, di-ski said:

Wondering about the situation with low water. We are booked on Viking Budapest to Amsterdam leaving Oct 3.  How has your trip been impacted by this situation 

Two days before we were due to cruise, we received notification from Scenic that we would have to change ships twice, due to problems with low water levels.

 

We stayed at Amsterdam for the first two nights, then Düsseldorf instead of Cologne for the 3rd night. Rhine gorge wasn’t passable, so we were bussed to Frankfurt to our new ship, then luckily didn’t have to change again. 
 

It’s touch and go around Regensburg and will continue to be so until there is a lot of rain.

[English Tim]

On our second day in Vienna, we took an ebike tour, which was excellent, using quieter areas of the Danube island and the amusement park. We spotted a red squirrel and they were many attractive sights.

 

On the day of arrival in Vienna, most passengers went to a concert at the Schonbrunn Palace. This is one of Scenic’s signature events and is excellent, with a good look around prior to the concert. We had heavy rain, so don’t forget your coats and umbrellas.

 

as we had been before, I didn’t take any photographs, but found one from three years ago on our previous visit.

 

In the afternoon, we used the E bikes on our own and cycled into the city, where we enjoyed apple strudel and coffee. It was very good and was great to enjoy one of our favourite dishes.

 

One thing to be aware of when in Vienna, is that currently it is mandatory to wear masks when using public transport.

 

After returning to the ship, we enjoyed some social time with our new Canadian friends around the pool, with plentiful supplies of sangria.

 

Next day we were at our final destination of Budapest, where we enjoyed a morning visit to some famous spa pools, with thermal healing quality. There were about 15 different pools of varying sizes and temperatures, including a large pool with swimming lanes, which Rosy enjoyed. I spent most of my time in the warmer waters of the thermal pools and in a couple of saunas.

 

In the afternoon, we were able to use our 24 hour transport ticket on some of the trams. This was very good value at around €4. However, with all the place names on the map in Hungarian, it was very difficult to work out any sort of plan and we soon gave up and returned to another sangria session on the pool deck, before packing and the farewell dinner.

 

The final day, which was for disembarkation, was a bit sad but the process was very efficient and we were soon at the airport and checked in.

 

We travelled to the airport with a lady who uses a walking frame and she said that the cruise was very unsuitable for people with physical disabilities. It was also very challenging for her when she got to the airport and we wondered how she thought she could manage a large heavy suitcase as well as her walking frame, so we accompanied her and handled her luggage. I arranged with an airport employee for her to be assisted and they kindly allowed her to the front of the line, where we said goodbye and walk to the adjacent terminal to check in our luggage.

 

We tried to use fast track security, but were told that British Airways don’t pay for this facility, so no problem we went through the normal channels and when we went to the lounge, we were told that as it was a Plaza lounge, we needed to use an American Express card for access unless we wanted to pay. Apparently the traditional airline lounge was hidden around the corner and whilst we were there we noticed lots of people get turned away.

 

We had an excellent flight home and fortunately the driver was waiting for us and we also had a good journey on the motorway.

 

In conclusion, we feel that Scenic are cutting back on their offering. Reduced wine pairings at the Table La Rive dinner were a good example. It was a much changed experience from our June cruise on the river Rhône.

 

There was no printed drinks menu, so unless you knew what you wanted, it was quite challenging, especially if you like to look through the cocktails list before ordering.

 

Whilst the cruise director was excellent, the entertainment staff were somewhat lacking and there were very few exercise classes, or evening events.

 

this is the first time we have returned from a scenic cruise, wondering if we will take another one.

 

 

[Canal archive]

English Tim send your thoughts to the boss man Glen Moroney, usual email with his name or to the U.K. site for forwarding to him. My Australian contact told me to do this if I thought things were not as they should be.

It might or might not help but you’ll feel better.

[Croooser]

Nicely done review. Thanks for the effort it took to do it.

[Mecha-man]

Hi English Tim just finished enjoying  reading  about your Danube trip on Scenic. We are  booked to do the same in June this year and planning on using the thermal baths in Budapest. i wondered if I could ask you which thermal baths Scenic visits  and if towels are provided. Many thanks .