{"id":4893,"date":"2012-04-26T05:40:45","date_gmt":"2012-04-26T11:40:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/?p=4893"},"modified":"2013-02-06T12:10:17","modified_gmt":"2013-02-06T19:10:17","slug":"embarking-scenic-crystal-first-impressions-day-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/2012\/04\/embarking-scenic-crystal-first-impressions-day-one\/","title":{"rendered":"Embarking Scenic Crystal: First Impressions, Day One"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"attachment_23457\" style=\"width: 522px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1306.jpg\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23457\" class=\" wp-image-23457 \" title=\"Glen Moroney, Scenic Tours Managing Director\" src=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1306-640x640.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"512\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-23457\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Launching the Scenic Crystal in Rudesheim, Germany: Glen Moroney, Scenic Tours Managing Director<\/p><\/div>\n<p>One thing became apparent after I stepped aboard the new <a href=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/cruise-companies\/scenic-tours\/scenic-crystal\/\">Scenic Crystal <\/a>this afternoon in Rudesheim, Germany.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The age of luxury river cruising is well underway.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Consider the following, in photos, on Scenic Crystal:<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23442\" style=\"width: 522px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-11971.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23442\" class=\" wp-image-23442 \" title=\"scenic_crystal_2012 1197\" src=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1197-640x4261.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-23442\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Balcony Suite 332, measuring 205-square-feet, with a step-out balcony and Scenic Sun Lounge (we will get to that later in this post). These staterooms feature Queen-size slumber beds with Egyptian cotton linens.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_23443\" style=\"width: 522px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1208.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23443\" class=\" wp-image-23443 \" title=\"scenic_crystal_2012 1208\" src=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1208-640x426.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-23443\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The pillow menu features several varieties of pillows.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_23444\" style=\"width: 522px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-12101.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23444\" class=\" wp-image-23444 \" title=\"scenic_crystal_2012 1210\" src=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1210-640x4261.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-23444\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Wall-mounted iMacs that double as in-stateroom infotainment\/entertainment centers with Apple TV. Scenic Crystal offers free WiFi throughout the vessel.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_23446\" style=\"width: 522px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1214.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23446\" class=\" wp-image-23446 \" title=\"scenic_crystal_2012 1214\" src=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1214-640x426.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-23446\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Apple wireless remote, keyboard and mouse.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_23450\" style=\"width: 522px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1232.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23450\" class=\" wp-image-23450 \" title=\"scenic_crystal_2012 1232\" src=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1232-640x426.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-23450\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">L<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_23448\" style=\"width: 522px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1219.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23448\" class=\" wp-image-23448 \" title=\"scenic_crystal_2012 1219\" src=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1219-640x959.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"767\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-23448\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">One of two closets, with complimentary mini-bar, replenished daily. Also, complimentary pressing of up to two garments per day.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_23447\" style=\"width: 522px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1216.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23447\" class=\" wp-image-23447 \" title=\"scenic_crystal_2012 1216\" src=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1216-640x959.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"767\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-23447\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Large bathroom with spacious shower.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_23449\" style=\"width: 522px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1220.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23449\" class=\" wp-image-23449 \" title=\"scenic_crystal_2012 1220\" src=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1220-640x426.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-23449\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">No need for privacy cards to hang outside the door.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_23452\" style=\"width: 522px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1242.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23452\" class=\" wp-image-23452 \" title=\"scenic_crystal_2012 1242\" src=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1242-640x959.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"767\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-23452\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Breakfast room service brought to me by my butler at no additional charge. Yes, Scenic features butler service in all cabins.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_23453\" style=\"width: 522px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1243.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23453\" class=\" wp-image-23453 \" title=\"scenic_crystal_2012 1243\" src=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1243-640x959.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"767\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-23453\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">iPod\/iPhone docking stations and Scenic FreeChoice tours, multiple complimentary tours offered in most destinations.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_23454\" style=\"width: 522px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1386.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23454\" class=\" wp-image-23454 \" title=\"scenic_crystal_2012 1386\" src=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1386-640x426.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-23454\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dining in one of six venues on Crystal Scenic.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>A few more Scenic hallmarks that we&#8217;ll experience this week:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The &#8220;Scenic Sun Lounge,&#8221; remote-activated sliding hydraulic sealed windows that can be opened during warm weather and closed during cool weather.<\/li>\n<li>Complimentary use of electronic-assisted bicycles.<\/li>\n<li>Shore excursions, or as they are known in the river cruise industry, tours. Scenic, which is also a tour company, brands its tours as Scenic FreeChoice, offering multiple complimentary tours in many destinations.<\/li>\n<li>Enrichment experiences ashore, such as the classical evening at Rastatt Palace, which I&#8217;ll report on later this week.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>Also notable,\u00a0tipping and gratuities are included on all Scenic cruises, even for shore excursions<\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_23445\" style=\"width: 522px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1213.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23445\" class=\" wp-image-23445 \" title=\"scenic_crystal_2012 1213\" src=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1213-640x426.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-23445\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Balcony with Scenic Sun Lounge.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Coming to Scenic in 2013<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Unlimited complimentary beverages<\/li>\n<li>Personalized airport transfers. No waiting for a group to fill a minibus or motor coach.<\/li>\n<li>Scenic Tailormade, a GPS guided tour system that allows guests to tour on their own. Will also be downloadable as an app for Apple and Android devices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_23455\" style=\"width: 522px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1413.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23455\" class=\" wp-image-23455 \" title=\"scenic_crystal_2012 1413\" src=\"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/scenic_crystal_2012-1413-640x426.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-23455\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Crystal Scenic, newly christened in Rudesheim, Germany.<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>One thing became apparent after I stepped aboard the new Scenic Crystal this afternoon in Rudesheim, Germany. The age of luxury river cruising is well underway. Consider the following, in photos, on Scenic Crystal: A few more Scenic hallmarks that we&#8217;ll experience this week: The &#8220;Scenic Sun Lounge,&#8221; remote-activated sliding hydraulic sealed windows that can [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[222,312],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4893"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4893"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4893\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4893"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4893"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4893"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}