Scenic Space-Ships Life on the Rivers

Locked Rivers

To make traversing the rivers of Europe accessible and seamless, water locks were added. A lock is an elevator with which ships can be raised or lowered to overcome the water level disparities between different sections of the river. Europe’s waterways are filled with locks and the Main-Danube Canal alone has 16 locks, some as high as 25 metres. The invention of the water locks is a true engineering marvel with Italian scientist and artist, Leonardo da Vinci, providing clever designs to perfect the process. Watching your Captain expertly manoeuvre through these narrow locks is a treat.

Le Mascaret, Bordeaux’s Waterways

The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean creates an inland tidal bore known as “Le Mascaret”. It is a fascinating natural phenomenon that results in waves and has been known to attract surfers. Le Mascaret may guide you through the beauty of the Bordeaux region and may impact the order of the itinerary as it sweeps up the twin rivers.

Constant State of Flux

Our state-of-the-art Scenic Space-Ships are designed to convert easily to slide under bridges and cruise shallow waters. However, despite detailed planning, some days Mother Nature simply doesn’t cooperate. High or low water levels lead to lock closures and difficulties passing under bridges. Our local offices in Europe monitor levels closely to handle all navigation issues in a timely and efficient manner to minimize disruptions.

Itinerary Deviations

A deviation can be a minor inconvenience, a prolonged change or an extended disruption depending on the specific circumstances on the rivers at that time. These generally occur when a ship can’t pass through or stop in a section of the river due to water levels, a closed lock or river obstruction.

What does an itinerary deviation look like?

How could it impact my trip and how might I be compensated?

Minor Disruption

Coaches transfer guests from their original Space-Ship to a new one on the other side of the obstruction. These ‘ship swaps’ are performed with the least impact possible with your Cruise Director accompanying you onto the new ship with all belongings. You will be accommodated in a suite of the same type and value; should this not be possible you will be compensated the difference in the value of the suites.

Prolonged Disruption

Coaches may be used to transfer guests to included sightseeing locations, while continuing to be accommodated on your Scenic Space-Ship. A prolonged disruption may also require the Space-Ships to continuously cruise without stopping for touring. Under Scenic’s River Cruise Cover you will be compensated between $100-$200 per person, per day of the disruption should we not be able to fulfill the sightseeing listed in the itinerary.

Extended/ Major Disruption

Accommodation may need to be provided off-ship in hotels with all meals provided. To the best of our ability, we ensure hotels are of similar standard to your Space-Ship. Meals will be included, however, alcoholic drinks and amenities such as butler service, may or may not be included. Touring is by coach.

As we understand this experience will not be same as being on board a Space-Ship, under Scenic’s River Cruise Cover you will be compensated based on the suite category booked, between $300-$800 per person, per day for up to seven days. Alternatively, a full refund for the remainder of the cruise may apply should you choose to disembark and end the journey.