In the spring of 2017, Scenic upgraded and reconfigured its France-based ships, Scenic Diamond and Scenic Sapphire, both built in 2008. During an extended drydock, Scenic removed six staterooms on each ship to reduce the passenger count from 167 to 155 and to add additional features.

New on Scenic Diamond and Scenic Sapphire: two 47-square-meter (510-square-foot) Royal Owner’s Suites, expanded Wellness Centers, including the largest salons, gyms and spa treatment rooms I’ve see on the French rivers, and private cooking demonstration spaces where guests can take part in complimentary cooking classes.

I am currently sailing on Scenic Diamond in Bordeaux. I am finding both the ship and destination to be appealing. I particularly enjoy the multiple dining venues, the ebikes, the excursions (including dinner last night in a chateau), the all-inclusive offerings (including gratuities onboard and ashore), the staff and the €15,000 coffee machine (more on that later).

Scenic’s refit of the two ships coincided with the new Scenic Culinaire program that features an onboard cooking school that uses a new dedicated space in order to offer immersive courses that highlight the culinary delights of France’s Rhône, Saône and Bordeaux regions. Using fresh ingredients sourced from local markets, guests make regional recipes that are itinerary-specific, all under the guidance of experienced chefs.

I’ll be reporting more from this voyage during the week. Meantime, see my updated reviews for Scenic Diamond and Scenic Sapphire.

Also see

• A Bordeaux Affair: Cruising Scenic Diamond With Its New Cooking School
• Scenic River Cruises Invests $10 Million in Refitting Europe Fleet
• Scenic Redesigns France-Based Ships With Larger Cabins, New Cooking School