Apr 29, 2021
As the world starts to open up again, we’re able to begin looking forward to doing the things we’ve missed so much over the past year. Stop dreaming about your favourite food and wine destinations, the fairytale festive markets and immersive cultural experiences, and start living them once again. With our 2022 Europe River Cruising Preview pricing and offers coming to an end on the 31 May 2021, there’s never been a better time to take a look at what we have on offer at Scenic which includes all this and much more, and to allow yourself a little inspiration to plan your next journey.
Your health, safety and wellbeing is our number one priority, so by inviting you on board we assure you that you can join us with complete peace-of-mind. Our enhanced cleaning protocols surpass the latest regulatory requirements, and our intimate Space-Ships promise to afford you plenty of space to relax, unwind and indulge. What’s more, our Flexible Booking Policy means you can defer or cancel your travel plans up to 60 days prior to your cruise with no Scenic Group fees*, plus with our complimentary Deposit Protection Plan (DPP) your deposit is fully protected should anything change.
Now is the time to allow yourself to be inspired, as below we share insights along with our favourite destinations and itineraries. Let us help plan and create the wonder you can look forward to in 2022.
Craving Diverse Cuisine in France
Food and cooking have been at the focal point of many of our home lives over the past 12 months, therefore it’s not surprising there has been particular interest in our new France Culinary Cruises. Scenic guests crave the indulgent flavours and food experiences of Europe, and you can join us in the South of France or Bordeaux to tantalize your taste buds. Europe River Cruising Journey Designer Janelle Maher says, “We have definitely seen a shift towards the culinary cruises in France for 2022. It seems Scenic guests have a thirst for world-class wines in grand chateaux, and a hunger for the freshest ingredients and delicious cuisine.” With summer in full swing, July is a great month to shop with a chef in the outdoor markets, as they are stocked with seasonal produce and fresh cheeses.
Celebrating the Festive Season in Europe
Many Scenic guests are choosing to spend the festive season on a river cruise along the historic waterways of Europe, where Christmas feels that little bit more magical. The atmosphere at this time of year is simply enchanting and you will feel as though your childhood storybooks have come to life. Wander under the twinkling lights of the vibrant Christmas markets, sample gingerbread, roasted chestnuts and mulled wine. You can even end 2022 on the Christmas & New Year river cruise where you will arrive in Budapest at dinner on New Year's Eve and celebrate New Year on board with the unmistakable parliament building as the backdrop.
Europe in the Spring
Another popular time of year is proving to be springtime, when the towns and countryside comes to life with colourful vitality. There are many stunning gardens and historic properties with beautiful grounds that you can visit during a Scenic river cruise in the spring. In 2022, visit the once-in-a-decade Floriade Expo as part of our Windmills, Tulips and Belgian Delights river cruise, or add it as a pre or post cruise stay on selected Europe itineraries. The expo runs from April to October 2022, but we are seeing great interest in the springtime departures in April and May 2022 when the tulips are at their most wondrous.
A Desire to Walk in the Locations of Historic Moments
A river cruise in Europe is the perfect way to step back in time and walk in the locations of key moments in European and world history. From the mid 20th century, rivers were the financial, cultural and commercial centres of Europe. Scenic Space-Ships dock right in the centre of towns and villages, placing you a short stroll from both ancient and modern history. Proving to be immensely popular particularly for travel in October 2022, is the Romantic Rhine & Moselle river cruise which has several Scenic Freechoice touring options that take in significant WWI and WWII locations such as Ypres and Passchendaele, the Arnhem Airborne Museum and the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial.
Destinations With a Difference – the Lower Danube
Scenic guests are also looking for some destinations with a difference and ones they may not have considered visiting before, such as those along the lower Danube. The Danube River holds the relics of centuries of history that have occurred along its banks, making for an incredibly fascinating history lesson. April and May 2022 have been incredibly popular times for bookings along the lower Danube and Black Sea. Find yourself walking the cobblestone streets of places such as Osijek in Croatia or Silistra in Bulgaria and cruising through the magnificent Iron Gates on one of our intriguing itineraries that visit these destinations.
Intimate Space-Ships
Our Scenic Space-Ships hold a maximum 163 guests, creating a spacious but intimate river cruise experience, with our award-winning Scenic Gem on the River Seine in northern France holding just 124 guests, and Scenic Azure which cruises Portugal’s Douro River just 96.
Travelling by small ship is the perfect way to get right into the heart of your destinations. You can dock in tiny towns and villages, and get up close and experience local culture just moments after disembarking each day. On board, Scenic Space-Ships offer a more personalized and intimate environment, allowing you to make yourself at home, meet like-minded travellers and enjoy our promise of truly all-inclusive luxury without ever compromising on space. This year already, we have seen many Scenic guests naturally drawn to the “small ship experience” for 2022 with bookings popular for Portugal in July, August and November and along the historic Seine in April, July and August.
We hope this has helped to reignite your passion for travel, why not take a look in more depth at our river cruise destinations and speak to our experts today about your 2022 Europe river cruise with Scenic.
*For full terms and conditions including our Flexible Booking Policy, please visit https://www.scenic.ca/offers/2022-europe-river-cruise