One thing became apparent after I stepped aboard the new Scenic Crystal this afternoon in Rudesheim, Germany.
The age of luxury river cruising is well underway.
Consider the following, in photos, on Scenic Crystal:

Balcony Suite 332, measuring 205-square-feet, with a step-out balcony and Scenic Sun Lounge (we will get to that later in this post). These staterooms feature Queen-size slumber beds with Egyptian cotton linens.

Wall-mounted iMacs that double as in-stateroom infotainment/entertainment centers with Apple TV. Scenic Crystal offers free WiFi throughout the vessel.

One of two closets, with complimentary mini-bar, replenished daily. Also, complimentary pressing of up to two garments per day.

Breakfast room service brought to me by my butler at no additional charge. Yes, Scenic features butler service in all cabins.

iPod/iPhone docking stations and Scenic FreeChoice tours, multiple complimentary tours offered in most destinations.
A few more Scenic hallmarks that we’ll experience this week:
- The “Scenic Sun Lounge,” remote-activated sliding hydraulic sealed windows that can be opened during warm weather and closed during cool weather.
- Complimentary use of electronic-assisted bicycles.
- Shore excursions, or as they are known in the river cruise industry, tours. Scenic, which is also a tour company, brands its tours as Scenic FreeChoice, offering multiple complimentary tours in many destinations.
- Enrichment experiences ashore, such as the classical evening at Rastatt Palace, which I’ll report on later this week.
Coming to Scenic in 2013
- Unlimited complimentary beverages
- Personalized airport transfers. No waiting for a group to fill a minibus or motor coach.
- Scenic Tailormade, a GPS guided tour system that allows guests to tour on their own. Will also be downloadable as an app for Apple and Android devices.
Do you have cruises in June 2022?