Scenic Cruises unveils new pool concept for upcoming river ships

By Michelle Baran

Scenic Cruises plans to christen two river cruise ships in Europe next year, the 169-passenger Scenic Opal and Scenic Jasper.

The Opal and Jasper will introduce a new pool concept — a relaxation pool filled with warm water on one side, and a pool with a jet stream (enabling lap-like swimming) on the other.

The vessels will also feature a redesigned bar and lounge area and an indoor/outdoor extension of the Portobello restaurant, with the ability to enclose the area with a moving glass wall of windows.

The two new vessels will bring Scenic’s Europe fleet to 12, including the Scenic Gem, which is launching this year on the Seine in France.

In addition to launching two more ships, Scenic is adding several new itineraries in 2015, including a Bordeaux sailing and a Rhone-only sailing in France.

Other new sailings in 2015 will include a 16-day Vienna to the Danube Delta itinerary that traverses six countries, and a 21-day Jewels of Europe adventure that adds three nights each in Prague and Berlin to a 15-day Amsterdam-to-Budapest river cruise.

Scenic’s river cruises include complimentary beverages, wines and spirits at any time; open bar service in the lounges; complimentary mini-bar items; personal butler service in all cabins; a personal GPS commentary device, which serves as on onboard tour guide service; all airport transfers; all meals; all gratuities; and free WiFi throughout the ship.

Scenic Cruises is owned by Australian parent company Scenic Tours.