SCENIC SAPPHIRE Review

The reconfigured Scenic Sapphire operates on the Rhone and Saone rivers. Photo courtesy of Scenic

Overview

Scenic Sapphire measures 135 meters (442 feet) in length and carries 155 guests who are served by a crew of 53. In the spring of 2017, Scenic upgraded and reconfigured 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 and to add additional features.

In June of 2017, I sailed on sister ship, Scenic Diamond, in Bordeaux and found the ship (and destination) to be appealing. I particularly enjoyed the multiple dining venues, the ebikes, the excursions (including dinner one evening 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 even includes one bag of laundry in its all-inclusive offerings. Additional laundry can be done for a fee. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

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.

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.

Scenic Culinaire offers complimentary cooking classes focused on regional specialities such as Crêpe Suzette. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

Guests will still be treated to butler service across the board; unlimited complimentary beverages and spirits; and complimentary on-shore options like Scenic FreeChoice excursions and Scenic Tailormade, an interactive system that provides GPS-enabled commentary throughout Bordeaux, making it perfect for independent touring.

SCENIC SAPPHIRE Staterooms

There are 16 different stateroom categories aboard Scenic Sapphire. The majority measure 19 square meters (205 square feet) with full-length outdoor balconies featuring Scenic’s exclusive Sun Lounge systems. Two Royal Owner’s Suites are among the largest suites on any river cruise vessel operating in Europe, while at the small end of the spectrum stateroom 224 is perfect for single travelers.

Scenic Sapphire Owner’s Suite. Photo courtesy of Scenic

• Royal Panorama Suite – Measuring 30 square meters (325 square feet) and at the rear of the Diamond Deck, these two suites offer panoramic views of the passing scenery through floor to ceiling windows across two walls of each suite.
• Balcony Suite A – Measuring 19 square meters (205 square feet) and located on the Diamond Deck, the four balcony suites feature full-length outdoor balconies with the exclusive Sun Lounge systems.
• Balcony Suite PA – Measuring 19 square meters (205 square feet) and located on the Diamond Deck, the six balcony suites feature full-length outdoor balconies with the exclusive Sun Lounge systems.
• Balcony Suite PP – Measuring 19 square meters (205 square feet) and located on the Diamond Deck, the eight balcony suites feature full-length outdoor balconies with the exclusive Sun Lounge systems.
• Royal Owner’s Suite – Measuring 47 square meters (510 square feet), the two Royal Owner’s Suites on the Diamond Deck provides impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.
• Royal Balcony Suite – Measuring 29 square meters (315 square feet), the two Royal Balcony Suites on the Diamond Deck provides impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.
• Balcony Suite P – Measuring 19 square meters (205 square feet) and located on the Diamond Deck, the eight balcony suites feature full-length outdoor balconies with the exclusive Sun Lounge systems.
• Junior Balcony Suite – Measuring 23 square meters (250 square feet), these two suites located on the Diamond Deck, have private full-length balconies and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring large vanity basins, bathtubs with showers above.
• Balcony Suite C – Measuring 19 square meters (205 square feet) and located on the Sapphire Deck, the four balcony suites feature full-length outdoor balconies with the exclusive Sun Lounge systems.
• Balcony Suite BA – Measuring 19 square meters (205 square feet) and located on the Sapphire Deck, the seven balcony suites feature full-length outdoor balconies with the exclusive Sun Lounge systems.
• Standard Stateroom BS – Measuring 15 square meters (160 square feet), Standard Stateroom 224 is situated on the Sapphire Deck with a large picture window.
• Balcony Suite BB – Measuring 19 square meters (205 square feet) and located on the Sapphire Deck, the 10 balcony suites feature full-length outdoor balconies with the exclusive Sun Lounge systems.
• Balcony Suite B – Measuring 19 square meters (205 square feet) and located on the Sapphire Deck, the 10 balcony suites feature full-length outdoor balconies with the exclusive Sun Lounge systems.
• Junior Balcony Suite – Measuring 23 square meters (250 square feet), these two suites located on the Sapphire Deck, have private full-length balconies and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring large vanity basins, bathtubs with showers above.
• Standard Stateroom D and E – Measuring 15 square meters (160 square feet), Standard Staterooms are situated on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows.

Balcony Suite on Scenic Sapphire. Photo courtesy of Scenic

All staterooms feature flat-panel televisions, wireless internet access, L’Occitane bath amenities, plush bathrobes, and Scenic’s own “Scenic Slumber Beds,” featuring crisp Egyptian linens. A mini-bar (refreshed daily), hairdryer and personal safe are also included in every stateroom.

Related post: Scenic Jasper, Day 3, A Comprehensive Look At Suites & Staterooms

SCENIC SAPPHIRE 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.

Multiple Restaurants offer guests more dining choices than on most river cruisers. The Crystal Dining Room is situated forward on Sapphire Deck and serves up elegant fare in a comfortable setting. Table la Rive is situated within the main dining room and offers multi-course wine-paired degustation dinners.

L’Amour Restaurant occupies the forward space of Diamond Deck and is open evenings to serve French cuisine. River Cafe serves light snacks during the day. Room service is also available in all staterooms and suites.

Spa treatment room on Scenic Diamond, sister ship to Scenic Sapphire. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

An outdoor Sun Deck occupies the uppermost deck of the ship and features plenty of space for scenic viewing, in addition to an Open-air Lounge and a Walking Track. A Gift Shop, Salon, Spa Treatment Rooms, Salt Therapy Room (with lounge chairs for detoxification and to improve breathing) and Fitness Center round out the mix of amenities available on board.

River Cruisers Should Know!

• Scenic’s “Space Ships” feature full, step-out balconies. There are no French balcony staterooms onboard.
• An elevator for passenger use is available as well as one accessible stateroom.
• Tipping, both onboard and ashore, is included on all Scenic cruises.
• Complimentary wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffees, teas and soft drinks.
• Onboard stateroom power is 220 volts; North American cruisers will require a power adapter.

Read other articles about the Scenic Sapphire.

Scenic Ship Reviews