SCENIC Opal Review
Scenic Panorama Suite. Photo Courtesy of Scenic.
Overview
The Scenic Opal, one of Scenic’s newest “Space Ships,” began sailing in June 2015. The vessel is 443 feet long and carries 169 guests and 53 crew members. Along with its sister ship, Scenic Jasper, the Scenic Opal has some of the largest suites in the industry. A couple of suites measuring up to 475 square feet are available.
Unlike many river cruise ships, Scenic Opal offers full, step-out balconies in place of more traditional French balcony staterooms. And 85 percent of its cabins have private balconies.
SCENIC Opal Staterooms
There are 14 different stateroom categories aboard the Scenic Opal. Categories are further differentiated by their relative positions on the ship and their square footage:
Jewel Deck (Deck 1)
- Category D is a Standard Stateroom. There are 9 staterooms available located Forward on the ship. This category features windows that do not open. Stateroom size is 160 square feet.
- Category E is a Standard Stateroom. There are 4 staterooms available located Forward on the ship. This category features windows that do not open. Stateroom size is 160 square feet.
Sapphire Deck ( Deck 2)
- Category BJ is a Junior Balcony Suite. There are 2 staterooms available (#204 and #204) located Forward on the ship. Stateroom size is 240 square feet.
- Category BLJ is also a Junior Balcony Suite. There is one suite available (#201) located Forward on the ship. Stateroom size is 240 square feet.
- Category BS is a Single Balcony Suite designed for Solo travellers. There is one suite available (#224) located Midship. Stateroom size is 225 square feet.
- Category BD is a Deluxe Balcony Suite. There are 11 suites available located Forward and Midship. Stateroom size is 225 square feet.
- Category BB is a Balcony Suite. There are 8 suites available located Midship. Stateroom size is 205 square feet.
- Category BA is a Balcony Suite. There are 9 suites available located Midship. Stateroom size is 205 square feet.
- Category C is a Balcony Suite. There are 4 suites available located Midship. Stateroom size is 205 square feet.
Diamond Deck ( Deck 3)
- Category A is a Balcony Suite. There are 4 suites available located Aft. Stateroom size is 205 square feet.
- Category PA is a Balcony Suite. There are 6 suites available located Aft. Stateroom size is 205 square feet.
- Category PP is a Balcony Suite. There are 12 suites available located Midship. Stateroom size is 205 square feet.
- Category PD is a Deluxe Balcony Suite. There are 7 suites available located Midship. Stateroom size is 225 square feet.
- Category RP is a Royal Panorama Suite. There are 2 suites (#336 and #337) available located Aft. Stateroom size is 475 square feet.
- Category RJ is a Junior Balcony Suite. There is 1 suite (#301) available located Forward. Stateroom size is 240 square feet.
- Category RR is a Royal Suite. There are 4 suites (#303, #304, #305 and #306) available located Aft. Stateroom size is 360 square feet.
All staterooms feature flat-panel televisions, safes, wireless internet access, complimentary minibars, L’Occitane bath amenities, hairdryers, plush bathrobes, and Scenic’s own “Scenic Slumber Beds,” featuring crisp Egyptian linens. Be sure to see Ralph’s A Comprehensive Look At Suites & Staterooms.
Cabins located on the Sapphire and Diamond decks have “Sun Lounge” balconies, which feature floor-to-ceiling retractable windows. See related article and video about Scenic Sun Lounges.
SCENIC Opal Public Areas
Aboard Scenic’s “Space Ships,” several comfortable public areas are available for passengers to relax and mingle in.
The Panorama Lounge and Bar is situated all the way forward on Diamond Deck and features floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for spectacular views of the passing scenery; a distinguishing feature of river cruising.
There are also several dining options available on the Scenic Opal. On the Sapphire Deck, you’ll find the Crystal Dining Room, which features a buffet-style breakfast, an à la carte menu and buffet for lunch and a full menu for dinner guests. The Table La Rive, which is open to guests in select stateroom categories, is also located on the Sapphire Deck.
Portobellos Restaurant, featuring a traditional Italian cuisine, is open for dinner; and the the River Café, for casual dining and snacks, is open between breakfast and dinner. Both are located on the Diamond Deck.
And on the Sun Deck, the Riverview Terrace provides an open-air, Al-Fresco dining experience.
For guests who prefer In-Suite Dining on occasion, this option is also available for select stateroom categories.
Other public areas for guests to enjoy include a Vitality Pool, Fitness Center and Hair Salon on the Jewel Deck. And a Spa Service is available on the Sapphire Deck.
River Cruisers Should Know!
- Scenic’s “Space Ships” feature full, step-out balconies. There are no French balcony staterooms onboard.
- Private Butler Service is provided for all stateroom categories, including 24-hour room service.
- An elevator for passenger use is available.
- 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.
- Onboard stateroom power is 220 volts; North American cruisers will require a power adapter.
Read other articles about the Scenic Opal.
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