ON BOARD THE SCENIC JASPER — A friend who recently sailed with Scenic Cruises had some advice when I told him about my next cruise: “Leave your credit card in your wallet. You won’t need it.”
He was right.
Scenic is the first of the river lines to offer fully inclusive vacations, and during this tour for travel agents, I didn’t once flash the ship’s card — never mind my credit card — while on the Scenic Jasper, making just her second cruise.
While others might come close to all-inclusiveness, Scenic goes all the way.
And my friend and I are not the only ones who noticed. Gene Sloan, cruise editor for USA Today, said of a recent Scenic trip: “I didn’t pay for anything during the entire cruise.”
Is all-inclusive for you? Some cruisers aren’t keen; they would rather pay as they go, whether it’s at the bar or for a special tour. But since Scenic is 94 per cent sold out for 2015, according to the line’s executives, it’s obviously a hit with many.
It’s worth comparing Scenic and Emerald Waterways, because both lines are owned by the same company. Emerald is less inclusive, and the difference in starting prices for peak summer 2016 on the Amsterdam to Budapest route is about $2,900. Emerald carries 182 passengers versus 169 for Scenic, a ship of the same size.
So what does all-inclusive really mean? In Scenic’s case here is mostly what it means:
• Queen-sized slumber beds with a pillow menu — seven choices
• High-end amenities
• Personal butler for every guest
• Unlimited laundry and pressing
• Unlimited complimentary beverages
• Scenic personal GPS tour guide
Sun Deck and the view from the Jasper
• Food and room service available all day
• Complimentary in-suite mini-bar that’s re-stocked daily
• All shore excursions and activities
• Exclusive Scenic Enrich experience
• Electric and natural bicycles
• All tipping and gratuities, on board as well as for all tours
This cruise’s passenger manifest was full of U.S. and Canadian travel agents. I asked the Canadians: “What do you think would be your customers’ favourite inclusive item?”
Quite a few chose the tips and gratuities, along with the tours. Others said the Scenic nights, where the cruise line takes you to an exclusive performance in a historic setting.
Honourable mentions went to unlimited beverages, the bicycle tours (42 of 169 passengers rode 36
Bikes for the Jasper’s passengers to ride from Durnsteing to Melk
kilometres on flat ground between Melk and Krems in Austria) and one kiddingly suggested that with my ailing knee, I should vote for the available walking sticks.
My ballot would be for the GPS. No matter where you are — on a tour, on your own, or floating down the river — it offers a commentary on historic or well-known places as you pass them. They’ve become smaller and by next season are expected to be the size of a large cellphone.
The all-inclusive formula is working so well that Scenic has ordered two new ships for next season. But being “all in” is always going to be a subjective thing: Do you need all-inclusive or would you rather pay for the extras on your own — your call?
Phil’s Pick of the Week
This 12-day Scenic cruise starts with an overnight in a magical city, Paris, and includes a ride on a high-speed TGV train, a cruise into wine country and $495 air per person, including taxes from select North American cities.
Departs: June 4
Ports: Cadillac (overnight), Libourne, Blaye, Paulliac, Medoc, Arcachon, Bordeaux (overnight)
Starting price: $6,390, per person based on double occupancy.
This cruise is not so much about the ports but more about the wine regions.
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