This was not my suite 🙁 Royal Panorama Suite 337 on Scenic Jasper. © 2015 Ralph Grizzle

In 2015, I spent six nights on Scenic Jasper, sailing from Budapest to Vienna. What I learned was that Scenic serves up a quality experience at a high level. The Australia-based company may already represent the most-inclusive river cruise company in the marketplace, though Scenic must contend with the likes of Crystal, Tauck and Uniworld. In addition to a long list of inclusives, Scenic bundles in all gratuities, even those for guides ashore. Scenic isn’t skimping on the inclusives either. Champagne is poured, not sparkling (except Prosecco in the alternative dining venue, Portobello), top shelf spirits are included, single malts, for example. You can belly up to the bar for a bottled European beer or a draft, at no extra charge. About the only thing you can dig into your wallet for is a massage.

Scenic Jasper on the Danube. © 2015 Ralph Grizzle

There are five dining venues on Scenic Jasper if you include room service, something rare on river cruisers. The company’s FreeChoice program offers guests a wide-range of excursions, all free of charge. And Scenic’s electric-assist bikes are arguably the best in the business. Yep, I like this company. Will next week’s cruise on Scenic Diamond measure up to my past experience on Scenic Jasper, or will it disappoint?

Follow my voyage beginning June 9 on River Cruise Advisor, @rivercruiser, Facebook and Instagram.

In the meantime, here’s a look back at my coverage for my 2015 voyage on Scenic Jasper: Scenic Jasper, End Of Cruise, Summing Up