SCENIC AZURE Review
Scenic Azure on the Douro. Photo courtesy of Scenic.
SCENIC AZURE Overview
Scenic Azure was purpose-built to sail Portugal’s Douro River for Scenic. Carrying 96 guests and a crew of 36, Scenic Azure offers guests a nearly 1:2 staff-to-guest ratio, and a full 87 percent of all staterooms onboard feature Scenic’s “Sun Lounge” open-air balcony concept for better views of the wine-producing Douro River Valley.
SCENIC AZURE Staterooms
Scenic Azure’s 48 staterooms come in five separate categories:
- Standard Suites feature fixed picture window views and measure 172 square feet. There are six of these staterooms situated on Jewel Deck (the lowest passenger-accessible deck onboard), and feature a private bathroom with shower.
- Riverview Suites, or Category C1, are slightly larger at 183 square feet. This is the first category to feature a retractable Scenic Sun Lounge balcony system. There is only one of these staterooms onboard – 221 – and Scenic notes that it “is fitted with a Scenic Sun Lounge but does not include an external balcony.”
- Private Balcony Suites are located on Sapphire and Diamond decks and feature a full-length outdoor balcony along with expanded living area and bathrooms complemented by a luxury vanity and sink area and a separate shower. These suites measure 215 square feet.
- Junior Suites are situated on Sapphire and Diamond decks and measure 247 square feet. These Category RJ and BJ rooms are basically expanded versions of the Private Balcony Suites (detailed above), with a full-length outdoor balcony and an expanded bathroom.
- Royal One-Bedroom Suites, or Category RP, are the largest suites on the ship at 420 square feet apiece. There are two of these suites onboard Scenic Azure, both of which are located on Diamond Deck and are numbered Suites 322 and 323. Situated all the way aft, they have separate sleeping and living areas, a private outdoor Scenic Sun Lounge balcony, and an enlarged bathroom featuring both a separate tub and shower.
SCENIC AZURE Public Areas
Although smaller than Scenic’s “Space Ships” that ply rivers like the Danube and Rhine, there are still plenty of areas aboard Scenic Azure for guests to relax and enjoy the passing views of Portugal’s Douro River Valley – itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Panorama Lounge and Bar functions as the social hub of the ship where guests can enjoy a drink, read a book, or participate in daily lectures and briefings from the ship’s onboard Cruise Director. The nearby River Café offers up lite bites throughout the day, which you might want to take with you up to the expansive Sun Deck that most guests retreat to on nice days to admire the scenery.
The Panorama Deck is sheltered from the elements at the bow of the ship and features comfortable chairs and, naturally, shade from the sun, which can be particularly stifling during the summer months in this region.
Scenic Azure also has a small Fitness Center and Wellness Area, along with a Reception Lobby that can handle any questions you might have about your voyage.
Meals are served in the ship’s main Crystal Dining Room, which also features Scenic’s signature Table D’Or specialty dining experience. Another venue, Portobellos, is adjacent to the River Café up on Diamond Deck, not far from the main lounge. Scenic’s Sun Deck Barbecue is also offered once per week (weather permitting) and room service can be ordered from the comfort of your stateroom.
River Cruisers Should Know!
- Nearly all staterooms feature Scenic’s Sun Lounge balcony concept.
- Scenic Azure has a passenger elevator that travels from Jewel to Diamond Deck, but does not reach the Sun Deck.
- Gratuities, on board and ashore, are included on all Scenic Cruises.
- Complimentary wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffees, teas and soft drinks.
- In-Suite mini-bar is restocked daily.
- 24/7 Room Service is available to all guests.
