Scenic Sapphire Review
Rating by category
Additional details
Recommendation of friends who were on their third SCenic cruise. This was my second SCenic river cruise so, obviously compared it with the Danube cruise I went on last year.
It was a good experience (not quite as good as the DAnube cruise I did last year)? The entertainment was good but only for two nights, the rock group was excellent, a great night. the Pope's palace concert good as was the evening drinks visit to castle of Tournon. Although Pianist Richard did his best he was not quite 'in tune' with his audience. The shore excursions were very good except for the village of Oignt where we were promised crafts shops and coffee shops, none of which were open! We wondered why we were only give 45 minutes there, just enough to visit the disgusting toilets!!!
Dining was very good but breakfast buffet could have been a bit more efficient, often scrambled egg, potatoes etc. All gone and not replenished very quickly. Wine with meals excellent and special requests fulfilled. Bar service during the day also very good, although not so go up on top deck in the afternoons, seemed to be only one attendant on duty and not to be seen regularly. Captains, senior staff etc.very 'visible' and approachable.
Cabin Review
Single passenger so, although cabin was just what was described it certainly did not live up to five star standard in my opinion. I felt very clostrophobic and disappointed there was so little space from the end of bed to shelf housing all my belongings. No room (or indeed supplied) a chair which would have been good to use during the cruise. I did request one last cruise where there was enough room to accommodate one. On this cruise there was not enough room to sit comfortably anywhere except on the bed; nowhere to rest one's back whilst enjoying a gin and tonic before dinner. There was nowhere to put a toilet bag in the bathroom whilst searching the contents, certainly not enough room either side of the wash basin. However,there was plenty of under sink room.Everywhere was clean and well service by the staff who were good, except for replenishing the mini bar and towels. All of which I was able to ask for on board but felt it should have been done without having to ask!
The stairs down to D deck were a constant hazard very narrow and winding. The deck was noisy with staff quarters and engine noises constantly obvious. I felt strongly (not Scenic's fault I know) that I had paid more than some of the people enjoying 'top deck' comfort just because they were married/with partners. It's not my fault I am widowed but I am constantly penalised where travel is concerned. Why can't there be more single occupancy cabins? I had a double bed which I did not need as did my travelling companions another cabin. We like our own spacend would have found it very difficult to share a cabin.A little more thought into accommodation and it's maths as well as needs could benefit everyone. L'occitane products were much appreciated as was soft fluffy towels etc. Beds were very comfortable, pillows soft. Bar staff were excellent, restaurant staff good.