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No such thing as optional tour on Scenic
Wednesday, 08 May, 2012
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At Scenic Cruises, there are no charges for shore excursions and experiences. And that’s one of their major selling points.
"Though many cruise lines apply the term ‘all-inclusive’ to their offerings, Scenic Cruises truly lives up to that promise," the company says in a press release.
But at the same time, cruisers get many choices and options.
Scenic's "Enrich" program is a portfolio of activities that allow passengers to go well beyond the role of onlooker, while "Free Choice" programs offer guests the opportunity to customize vacations to their specific tastes in many of the major ports.
"Free Time" caters to passengers who prefer independent exploration, as Scenic provides an audio device and map - a customized GPS of sorts. And coming in 2013, Scenic will introduce "Tailormade," which provides a GPS map unit with full audio commentary about dozens of sites along a walking or cycling tour.
On the "Berlin, Baltic States and Imperial Jewels of Russia" cruise, for example, an Enrich experience means attending a Chopin concert in Lazienki Palace in Warsaw; on the "Romantic Rhine and Moselle River" cruise, it's a cake demonstration and visit to the world's largest cuckoo clock in Germany's Black Forest.
"FreeChoice" selections are unique to each destination. In Amsterdam they include a guided bike tour, a trip to the Anne Frank House or a visit to the Floriade in the nearby town of Venlo.
"FreeTime" tours are currently available in Vienna in Austria; Bamberg, Cologne, Heidelberg, Nuremburg, Regensburg, Strasbourg and Wurzburg in Germany; Budapest in Hungary; Amsterdam in The Netherlands; and Basel in Switzerland.
Scenic Cruises operates six ships during cruises ranging from seven to 21 nights.
Perks include private butler service in Junior and Royal suites. Meals are served in a choice of three dining venues with complimentary premium wines, beer and soft drinks.
By David Wilkening
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