Scenic Wonder Magazine - 2016 Winter Edition

WINTER 2016

SPECIAL 30TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION ISSUE

CHRISTMAS MARKETS UNWRAPPED

• 2017/18 AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND BROCHURE • INSIDE MARINA BAY SANDS HOTEL, SINGAPORE • INTRODUCING THE SCENIC AURA • SCENIC UK WINS PRESTIGIOUS CRUISE CRITIC AWARD

CONTENTS

WINTER 2016

FEATURES

6 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US

find us on facebook Join the other readers who are following us on Facebook; we’d love to hear what you think of this issue.

Facebook.com/ScenicUK

12

18

28

34

CHRISTMAS MARKETS UNWRAPPED

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

MARINA BAY SANDS HOTEL, SINGAPORE

CUSTOMER MOMENTS

Discover the very best of Europe’s Christmas Markets.

Explore Australia & New Zealand like never before in our new 2017/18 brochure.

Complimentary stopover at the sensational 55-story hotel.

Read fellow Scenic Club members’ stories and experiences.

PAGE 2

FEATURES 16 CRUISE CRITIC AWARD 2016 Find out which prestigious award we’ve won.

12

18

Welcome to our winter edition of Wonder, and the last of 2016.

24 SCENIC AZURE Embark on an odyssey through the Douro Valley.

In this issue we’re celebrating 30 years of luxury travel, beginning with an interview with chairman and founder of Scenic, Glen Moroney.

26 DEVOURING THE DOURO Explore the tastes of the Douro with travel writer Louise Goldsbury.

32 SCENIC AURA Introducing a new way to sail the Irrawaddy.

36 RIVER EVENTS 2017 See what seasonal events are taking place along the Rhine, Main and Danube in 2017.

As the festive season draws closer, we’ll get you in the spirit with our Christmas Markets feature as we reveal why a river cruise is the best way to experience them.

26

Read about two of our new ships, the Scenic Aura on the Irrawaddy in Myanmar and the Scenic Azure on the beautiful Douro in Portugal.

Both of which enjoyed their inaugural sailings in 2016, as we continue to expand and invest in our fleet of ships.

REGULARS 4 WHAT’S NEW Find out what’s going on in the world of Scenic.

23 TOP TEN: Things to do on a stopover 24 CITY GUIDE: Singapore

Editor’s letter

28

32

25 RECIPE: Singapore Noodles 34 SCENIC SPOTLIGHT: Get the inside scoop from Scenic HQ.

Follow us on a journey down-under to celebrate the launch of our brand new Australia and New Zealand brochure. Discover our new collection of escorted touring holidays, while getting upclose-and-personal with one of our favourite stopover destinations, Singapore.

2016 has been wonderful to us, with our 30th birthday the pinnacle and it’s our hope that this great issue will leave you feeling inspired for the future.

Happy reading and we wish you all a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

35 COMPETITION CORNER: One question. One prize.

It’s that simple.

Nichola Absalom Brand Manager, Scenic UK

PAGE 3

what’s

NEW

2 0 1 7 AU ST R A L I A & NEW ZEALAND BROCHURE OUT NOW Find out what you can expect from an Australasian adventure with Scenic in our 2017/18 Australia and New Zealand brochure. Request your FREE copy today and discover what wonders await you, from The Great Barrier Reef, to Milford Sound.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS There’s nothing we love more than encouraging our guests to immerse themselves in the culture and lifestyle of the destinations they visit. Our Christmas Market itineraries invite festive travellers to sip Glühwein and indulge in these sensory wonders for themselves. Read about how Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Cologne and Vienna continue this vibrant tradition each year.

PAGE 4

INTRODUCING S C E N I C AU R A

2016 has been an exciting year for Scenic, as we celebrate 30 years of luxury travel.

September 2016 saw us extend our South East Asia itineraries with the launch of Scenic Aura. Setting sail on its maiden voyage along the Irrawaddy, this luxurious ship is purpose-built to sail the majestic waterway. This cruise and touring holiday is the perfect way to get to the heart of an enchanting part of the world.

The launch of Scenic Aura, purpose-built to set sail on the Irrawaddy, has expanded our South East Asia itineraries, while Scenic Azure embarks on the Douro to introduce guests to the outstanding beauty that Portugal possesses.

CRUISE CRITIC We are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the ‘Best Shore Excursions’ title for 2016 by the world’s leading cruise review website, Cruise Critic. Our Journey Designers work hard to provide our guests with the best possible experiences across all our itineraries and we couldn’t be happier with the recognition. At Scenic, we are dedicated to providing oncein-a-lifetime, enriching experiences, as well as flexible excursions, tailor-made to suit the individual, in the hope that we will create lasting memories with every passenger.

SINGAPORE A cosmopolitan city where colonial architecture works in harmony with the modern skyline, you can’t visit Singapore without visiting the Skydeck of the impressive Marina Bay Sands Hotel and taking advantage of the wonderful cuisine. In this edition of Wonder Magazine, learn what it is that makes this forward-thinking city a must-visit for intrepid explorers.

PAGE 5

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US! From our humble beginnings in 1986 to being recognised as one of the world’s leading luxury cruise and tour companies - the past 30 years have been a wondrous journey.

To survive three decades in any industry is not easy, and over the next four pages we will celebrate this milestone event with stories from Chairman, Glen Moroney.

From a river cruise along Europe’s historic waterways, to a Canadian adventure through the spectacular Rockies and a tour of South America’s many icons, we invite you to share it all with us in 2017. Thank you for your continued support and here’s to the next 30 years.

THIRTY YEARS

In his own words Glen Moroney, the man behind Scenic’s success looks back on 30 years of growth and adventure.

Scenic has certainly travelled a long way since that first coach trip along Australia’s spectacular Great Ocean Road. Celebrating 30 years this October, the Scenic of 2016 can rightly lay claim to being one of Australia’s most successful business stories in travel.

Founded in Newcastle, Australia, by Glen Moroney, the company began with coach tours around Australia before expanding to New Zealand, Norfolk Island and Southern Africa in the 1990s. By the turn of the century Scenic had cemented its place as a key player in the Australian travel market with its tours to Canada and Alaska offering guests trips of a lifetime.

The expansion continued throughout the early 2000s with Europe, Russia, Asia, the Americas and Antarctica included as destinations for Scenic guests. However, the real game-changer arrived in 2008 in the form of the all-inclusive Scenic SpaceShip. Exclusive, luxurious and tailor-made for Scenic guests, these ships changed the face of river cruising and ensured Scenic’s place internationally as the premiere luxury river cruise company.

These days you can find these beautiful Space-Ships cruising the waterways of B

A

Europe, from the Rhine to the Seine, the Douro to Danube. And in 2016, a brand new river cruising chapter began in South East Asia with ships launched on the Mekong and Irrawaddy rivers.

Not content to rest on its laurels, Scenic continues to power forward with the launch of Scenic Eclipse in 2018. The World’s First Discovery Yacht promises an ocean cruising experience unlike any other. As we push the boundaries of ship design to a whole new level and introduce our guest discovery experiences, Scenic Eclipse promotes a new direction for Scenic.

We sat down with Glen, Chairman and Founder, to discuss the fascinating Scenic Story.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN ‘After leaving school I went to university to study a commerce degree, and after a break working at Newcastle steelworks to pay for the degree I realised that university wasn’t for me so I left in my third year. My father at that time was involved in property development and after assisting with the redevelopment of Belmont Caravan Park and the Sundowner Hotel near Ipswich, I was asked to “see what could be done” at the Riverside Gardens Motel in Warrnambool.

The hotel was empty at the time and I was informed that they used to have many coach groups staying for extended periods. As our hotel was well out of town, off the main road and didn’t have a liquor licence it seemed like coach tours provided the best option to revive the hotel.

A Glen Moroney, Chairman, Scenic Group B An early Scenic tour group in Warrnambool

PAGE 7

A

A Great Ocean Road, Victoria B Scenic Balcony Suite C Scenic Tours Australia tour to The Olgas

B

C

I packaged a tour that stayed six nights at the hotel visiting the local sights and then sold it to a number of senior citizen and Probus groups initially in the Newcastle and Central Coast region and then afterwards to Sydney and beyond.’

GROWING THE COMPANY ‘After the initial success of our Great Ocean Road tours, we expanded our Australian tours to include trips around the country, including being the largest coach operator taking guests to the historic Melbourne production of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ and trips to World Expo’88 in Brisbane.

We introduced innovative double-door coaches which improved access to the coach resulting in more time for guests to spend in the locations we travelled to. Putting our guests first has always been a priority, as has our dedication to innovation.’

TAKING ON THE WORLD ‘After our early success in Australia, we listened to the needs of our guests and expanded even further afield. The 1990s saw the first Scenic tours to New Zealand, Norfolk Island and Southern Africa regions we still continue to visit. Witnessing the majesty of Milford Sound, the history of Emily Bay or the awe-inspiring experience of a safari in Africa has created memories of a lifetime for our guests and I am very proud that we are able to take them to these incredible destinations on a luxury Scenic tour.’

CANADA AND ALASKA ‘Thanks to a decade of strong growth and with an excellent team working with me, dedicated to providing our guests with incredible experiences, it seemed like a natural

PAGE 8

progression to branch out into Canada and Alaska at the turn of the century. Renowned for incredible natural beauty, outstanding hospitality and astonishing wildlife, Canada and Alaska have been two of our most popular destinations ever since those first tours and we’re still the number one Australian tour operator, offering experience others can’t.’

RIVER CRUISING ‘After identifying a potential opportunity in the market, we began chartering ships on the rivers of Europe in 2006. Our guests loved the experience and we were fully-booked for the first two seasons. It made me realise that this kind of tourism offered guests the best of both worlds, the chance to cruise along beautiful rivers with the ease of regular shore excursions into historic and beautiful locations, along with the experience of staying in a floating luxury hotel.

D

E

"We still aim to provide our guests with experiences they can’t get anywhere else and innovation continues to be at the heart of all that we do."

D Scenic Eclipse, Caribbean E Royal Panorama Suite, Scenic Jasper

The great response from our guests prompted us to thinking innovatively yet again and we began our next phase – that of building our own ships.’

SHIP BUILDING ‘Our first Scenic Space-Ship was launched in 2008 and we’re widely acknowledged as building the finest ships on Europe’s waterways. Our fleet of Scenic Space-Ships are designed to provide the best in passenger comfort, boasting unrivalled public space and luxurious amenities.

At 135 metres, Scenic Space-Ships allowed for cabin length balconies, whilst also creating space in the lounge area for a second restaurant. In 2012 we introduced our Scenic Sun Lounges, allowing our guests to enjoy their private balconies in all weather at the touch of a button.

SCENIC ECLIPSE

TURNING 30

‘Scenic Eclipse is unlike any other ocean cruising ship in the world and we have spent a great deal of time planning and testing the safety and efficiency of the ship to ensure we will be giving our guests a whole new world in terms of luxury and discovery.

‘After 30 years Scenic is still one hundred percent Australian-owned and employs over 1,600 staff around the world which I am immensely proud of. We still aim to provide our guests with experiences they can’t get anywhere else and innovation continues to be at the heart of all that we do.’

We’re now in the ship building phase which is incredibly exciting and our Journey Designers are working hard to put together itineraries that will provide the perfect complement to our on-board discovery elements. Imagine soaring above a volcano in our helicopters or diving below the Antarctic ice in our submarine? It’s all possible on Scenic Eclipse and when combined with our extraordinarily luxurious ship interior, it truly will eclipse all other ocean cruises.’

PAGE 9

THE FUTURE ‘Ah now, I need to keep some things secret.

Let’s just say that I have lots of plans and high hopes that Scenic will continue on for many more years providing our guests with experiences of a lifetime.’

latest

OFFERS Europe River Cruising

GUARANTEED SAVINGS

of £1,500 per couple

On all 2017 Europe river cruises

Gems of the Danube Exclusive Stay for 10, pay for 7 nights and enjoy 3-FREE nights in Prague

Plus or

Bordeaux Affair Exclusive

Stay for 10, pay for 7 nights and enjoy 3-FREE nights river cruising

BOOK BY 31 DECEMBER 2016 Terms and Conditions: Offers are valid on new Europe River Cruise bookings only made between 1 December and 31 December 2016. No fly options are available on selected departures. ^75 mile restriction applies for door-to-door transfers. £2 per mile excess will be charges thereafter. UK mainland only. Platinum and Diamond members who already receive door-to-door transfers will received additional discounts please call for details. For full terms and conditions please visit scenic.co.uk/scenic-offers/2017-europe-river-cruise-offers. All drinks are included on board except for a small number of fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits. Inclusions vary for Russia river cruises.

PAGE 10

South East Asia Mekong River Cruises

Get to the heart of Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar with Scenic, as part of journeys which combine river, road and rail, and immerse you in local traditions and daily life in the most authentic ways possible.

GUARANTEED SAVINGS OF

£1,300

per couple FREE 2 NIGHT INBOUND STOPOVER AT THE MARINA BAY SANDS HOTEL, SINGAPORE Worth up to

£1,200 per couple

Only applicable on our Mekong River Cruises.

PLUS SAVE £1,500 PER COUPLE ON IRRAWADDY RIVER CRUISES

BOOK BY 31 DECEMBER 2016

Terms and Conditions: Offers are valid on new South East Asia river cruise bookings made between 1 December and 31 December 2016. Free 2-night stay at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore is available on Mekong cruises only and subject to hotel availability. Free stopover not valid when travelling between the 23 December 2016/17 & 2 January 2017/18. For full terms and conditions please visit scenic.co.uk/scenic-offers/ southeast-asia-special-offers or the full South East Asia River Cruise & Luxury touring brochure 2016/7.

Australia & New Zealand Touring Holidays

From the vast outback and snow-capped mountains, to coastal cities and natural spectacles, Australasia’s enchanting lands offer a world of wonder that has, until now, only existed in imagination.

GUARANTEED SAVINGS OF

BOOK BY 28 FEBRUARY 2017

£1,000 per couple

FREE HOTEL ROOM UPGRADE

Worth up to

£825

FREE 2 NIGHT INBOUND STOPOVER

Worth up to

£798

per couple

per couple

Terms and Conditions: Offers are valid on new Australia and New Zealand bookings made between 1 December and 28 February 2016. Worth up to £798 is based on stays in Bangkok, Singapore, Sentosa Island, Jumeriah Beach & Dubai City. Free stopover not valid when travelling between the 23 December 2016/17 & 2 January 2017/18. For full terms and conditions please visit www.scenic.co.uk/scenic-offers/australiaand-new-zealand or the full Australia and New Zealand 2017/18 brochure.

The Americas Touring Holidays

From the majesty of the Canadian wilderness and the frontier lands of Alaska, the bright lights and big cities of the United States, to the iconic attractions of South America we'll take you places you've always dreamed of.

GUARANTEED SAVINGS OF

£1,000 per couple

DOUBLE LOYALTY POINTS Only applicable to those that have previously travelled with Scenic.

BOOK BY 28 FEBRUARY 2017 Terms and Conditions: Offers are valid on new Americas bookings made between 1 December and 28 February 2016. For full terms and conditions please visit www.scenic.co.uk/scenic-offers/americas-touringoffers or the full Americas 2017 brochure.

PAGE 11

Europe

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Embark on your very own Christmas adventure

S

ince the mid-16th Century, Christmas markets have become a welcome occurrence during the depths of a cold winter. Originating in Germany, row upon row of wooden stalls, adorned with twinkling lights, would become the stage from which local tradesmen were invited to sell their produce. Mainly wooden ornaments to give to loved ones or decorations to hang in the home, these uniquely-crafted gifts and gingerbreadlike kiosks are what have given the markets their signature appearance.

While the tradition of the Christmas market has remained authentic, the buzz of these fantastically festive bazaars has spread throughout the world, with many a city, town and village taking inspiration and recreating their own. Festive explorers are lured by the intoxicating scent of Glühwein as it fills the frosty air and awakens the mind with thoughts of joyful frolicking. Hunger-inducing bratwurst sizzles patiently, while the sweet satisfaction of roasted chestnuts leads foodies on a festive forage.

Scenic offer two wonderful opportunities to see some of the world’s best representations of the centuries-old custom, the first

being our Christmas Markets river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. This 15-day festive quest invites you on-board one of our luxurious Space-Ships, departing 30 November 2017, to soak up the beauty of the Rhine, Main and Danube and stopping off to peruse many a market along its path.

Our later cruise offers revellers an insight into the way other countries spend the festive period. Departing on the 14 December 2017, our 16-day itinerary begins in Amsterdam and ends in Budapest. Guests will visit Germany’s most prestigious markets and have the opportunity to attend midnight mass in a centuries-old church where music and singing will add that extra element of magic to your stay. All before spending the big day celebrating with fellow guests on-board as you sail towards Vienna.

Vienna, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Bamberg and Cologne are all recognised for their valiant efforts in transforming their much-loved churches, squares and market places into the extravaganzas that we now come to expect of them, with each one making their mark on such a highly-anticipated celebration.

PAGE 12

“The buzz of these fantastically festive bazaars has spread throughout the world.”

With many markets ceremoniously opened by the illustrious Christkind, a traditional giver of gifts, you can expect to see her officially open the annual event which is greatly anticipated by all, her prologue, from the church of Our Lady, unchanged for decades.

REGENSBURG UNESCO World Heritage-listed Regensburg was once described as having ‘the loveliest’ Christmas market, set up in four different locations across what is noted as one of Germany’s best-preserved Medieval cities.

The grounds of 500-year-old Neupfarr Church and the former city guardhouse are surrounded by a glittering assortment of festive decorations as well as a nativity scene with carved figurines and stalls boasting a unique array of toys and gifts.

Weaving your way through narrow streets, enigmatic passageways and courtyards will lead you a short distance to Lucreziamrkt.

A Festive Glühwein B Traditional Christmas decorations C Nuremberg D Regensburg E Christmas Tram, Budapest

A

Festive explorers flock to indulge in the intoxicating Glühwein, the scent of which fills the frosty air and awakens the mind with thoughts of joyful frolicking.

B

C

D

Craftsmen and creative types display their handmade dolls, pottery and marionettes in all their glory, while the scent of baked sweets like gingerbread and cookies invites you to taste for yourself.

The courtyard of Thurn und Taxis Palace invites you to experience the Romantic Christmas Market. A fairy tale-like atmosphere boasts a themed events program and Her Highness Gloria of Thurn und Taxis performs the ‘Christmas Story’ and Regensburg’s ‘Christkindl’ recites her poem.

Overlooking the cathedral, the Spitalgarden market makes up the city’s fourth. The wonderful scenery creates an enchanting atmosphere and offers regional dishes like mulled wine and wild ragout.

NUREMBERG

E

PAGE 13

You can expect to see the Christkind officially open ‘her’ market at Hauptmart Square in the Old Quarter. The market itself has Medieval charm and is known as the ‘Little Town from Wood and Cloth’ inspired by the red and white fabrics that adorn each wooden stall. Collect a souvenir of the ‘Nuremberg Plum People’, little figurines made of prunes, and try the Nuremberg roast sausages and mulled wine.

A

Craftsmen and creative-types display their work while the scent of gingerbread and cookies invites you to taste for yourself.

BAMBERG In the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Bamberg, the Christmas markets come in four forms of different shapes and sizes. The traditional Christmas market on the Maxplatz Square has a nativity scene telling the story of Christmas. A medieval Christmas market at Geyerswörth Palace puts on a program of cultural events, while Bamburg’s oldest district, In the Sand, invites craftsmen to congregate around the Church of St. Elizabeth on the first week of advent. The ‘Route of Nativity Scenes’ links churches, museums and public buildings with diverse Christmas cribs and creates a festive atmosphere as Christmas approaches.

Music concerts in churches and town musicians make this time of year truly unforgettable.

COLOGNE Consisting of seven markets altogether, Cologne Cathedral, Alter Markt, Neumarkt and Rudolfplatz make up the largest, with the Cathedral site being the most impressive with the iconic building acting as an imposing backdrop. Beneath the Cathedral is where you’ll find the Christmas tree and over 160 wooden stalls. Drink mulled wine out of decorated mugs and indulge in local sweets and delicacies. Great for children, a roundabout, puppet theatre and Santa’s grotto entertain and impress, helping the

B

PAGE 14

‘Heinzelmännchen’ legend of the gnomes responsible for Christmas splendour, live on. Angel’s Christmas Market is held on the Neumarkt, Cologne’s oldest, and adopts a mesmerising ‘Stars at Night’ theme. Look up and gaze at the beautiful light display above, or visit Rudolplatz and be transported to the world of the Brothers Grimm, as large figurines catch the eyes of children.

VIENNA You would be forgiven for immediately imagining Germany when thinking of Christmas Markets. But Vienna’s first Christkindlmarkt dates back to the 16th century. With six variations, expect to find chestnuts, pretzels, Christmas ornaments and children’s train rides, as well as a workshop to teach baking, candle decorating and more. The largest of these is the Vienna Christmas Market, situated in front of the City Hall, while a Christmas Village at Belvedere Palace, Maria-Theresien Platz, the former General Hospital and Spittelberg, also promise to delight during an advent full of nostalgia, romance concerts and nativity displays,. Not forgetting celebrations at Schönbrunn Palace which spill into a New Year extravaganza too.

LET’S GO...

CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND 16-day river cruise See Amsterdam > Budapest Page 10 for offer Was from £4,495pp details Now from £3,745pp S ave £1,500 per couple OFFER ENDS 31 DECEMBER 2016 Departing: 14 December 2017 DOUBLE LOYALTY DISCOUNT: TAKE AN ADDITIONAL £200pp OFF OUR LISTED PRICES

English Channel

Amsterdam

Netherlands Germany

Rhine

Poland

Main-Danube Canal

Cologne

15

Belgium Rüdesheim

Bamberg

Freudenberg Würzburg Rothenburg

Czech Nuremberg Republic

Regensburg

France

Danube Passau Slovakia Dürnstein Bratislava

Melk Vienna Salzburg Austria

Switzerland

Slovenia Italy

A B C D E

Gingerbread cookie decorations Vienna City Hall Christmas market Browse the stalls in Vienna Flavours of Christmas Cologne Christmas market

D

C

E

MEMBER OFFERS You must quote “WONDER” at the time of booking to receive these offers. All prices quoted are inclusive of all applicable offers.

Terms and conditions apply see page 39.

PAGE 15

Hungary

Budapest

Proud winners of…

BEST SHORE EXCURSIONS AWARD 2016

FROM CRUISE CRITIC We’re very proud of the experiences we offer as part of our all-inclusive promise, which is why we were thrilled to receive the prestigious award for ‘Best Shore Excursions 2016’ from leading cruise review website, Cruise Critic. In honour of this, we have picked a selection of our favourites, to highlight why we were rewarded with such an accolade. From Vienna’s Spanish Riding School, to shopping with your on-board chef in Bordeaux.

SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL - VIENNA

SZÉCHENYI THERMAL BATHS – BUDAPEST

Set in the beautiful Baroque surroundings of the Imperial Palace, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Spanish Riding School is the only institution in the world where classic equestrian skills have been preserved and are still in practice in their original form. Famed for its Lipizzan ballet, performed by Lipizzan stallions, you’ll be invited to tour the stables and meet the stallions. An unforgettable experience that promises to leave a lasting impression.

Built in 1913, the Széchenyi Baths boast 15 thermal baths and three swimming pools. It is the most-visited attraction in Budapest and the biggest green park in the city. The only capital city in the world that is rich in thermal waters, the neo-baroque palace that houses the Turkish baths, was built specifically for hosting them and has since become famous for its naturally-heated springs and their healing properties.

The perfect place for relaxing with friends and loved ones.

Featured on:

Featured on:

15-day Jewels of Europe River Cruise - from £2,495 per person 8-day Gems of the Danube River Cruise - from £1,895 per person

8-day Iconic Danube River Cruise - from £2,340 per person 8-day Gems of the Danube River Cruise - from £1,895 per person

PAGE 16

SHOP WITH A CHEF – BORDEAUX

WINE TASTING – SAINT ÉMILION

This exclusive experience offers guests the opportunity to peruse local food markets with your on-board chef in a variety of locations.

Specifically, during your time in World Heritage-listed Bordeaux, you will enjoy learning about local ingredients from the experts, taking in the sights and sounds, while shopping like a local. Then head back to the ship for a cookery lesson using the ingredients bought that day, as part of our Scenic Culinaire experience.

Visit World Heritage-listed Saint Émilion, a charming Medieval village located in the heart of the Bordeaux wine region. A unique place where world-famous wineries blend magnificently with beautiful architecture. A must-see for wine-lovers, spend the evening celebrating the two-thousand-year history of wine, enjoying a glass in the red glow of the sunset at the exclusive estate of Château Siaurac. The Monolithic Church and its underground catacombs are also a definite highlight and not to be missed.

Featured on:

Featured on:

8-day Bordeaux Affair River Cruise - from £2,945 per person 11-day Beautiful Bordeaux River Cruise - from £3,595 per person

11-day Beautiful Bordeaux River Cruise - from £3.595 per person

PAGE 17

Australia & New Zealand

PAGE 18

A

Explore Australasia Like Never Before

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND A proud continent steeped in tradition, Australasia is home to two of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world. Australia and New Zealand may be close in proximity, but what each have to offer is something so spectacular, a simple description will not do it justice.

That’s why, at Scenic, we have produced a range of unrivalled touring itineraries that offer our guests the opportunity to see it all via river, road and air.

Take the Scenic route through Australasia as you navigate a diverse path through remote towns and desert landscapes.

Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture, become acquainted with the local wildlife and marvel at the juxtaposition of the cosmopolitan cities that offer their very own sensory experiences.

The launch of our brand-new 2017/18 Australia and New Zealand touring

B

brochure celebrates the wonderful itineraries and exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that a Scenic guest can look forward to. Be inspired by the wonderful imagery and prepare for an adventure like no other.

YOUR PERSONAL JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY One of the many wonderful things about a Scenic touring holiday is that every memory made is carefully thought out by our seasoned Journey Designers who seek to add depth to all our adventures by hand-picking every wonderful experience.

These Enrich experiences are exclusive to our guests and consist of unforgettable opportunities to see and do things that seem unimaginable, not forgetting, they’re all included in the price of your trip. Choice is a beautiful thing and, as part of our tailormade promise, you are entitled to do as much or as little as you please, thanks to our flexible Freechoice program which unlocks a world of sightseeing, dining and educational activities. Visit historic landmarks, peruse famous museums and surround yourself with culture, at a pace that suits you.

STOPOVERS Break up a long journey and beat jet lag at one of our complimentary stopover A Sydney Opera House, Australia B Mount Cook, New Zealand

PAGE 19

A

LET’S GO...

GRAND AUSTRALIA 26-day fully-inclusive tour Perth> Sydney Was from £5,795pp Now from £5,295pp

See Page 11 for offer details

destinations. With a choice of Singapore, Dubai, Honk Kong or Bangkok, your once-in-a-lifetime adventure starts before you reach your destination. Vibrant city locations, luxurious beach resorts and deeprooted cultural experiences are waiting to whet your appetite for further exploration.

ave £1,000 per couple S FREE Hotel Upgrade FREE 2-Night Inbound Stopover OFFER ENDS 28 FEBRUARY 2017 Departing: October 2017 > April 2018 LOYALTY DISCOUNT: TAKE AN ADDITIONAL £100pp OFF OUR LISTED PRICES

Thala Beach 2

Northern Territory Western Australia

Alice Springs

Great Cairns 3 Barrier Reef

Queensland

2 1 Uluru

Field of Light

Perth

New South Wales

3

Swan River

2

Winery Tour

Margaret River

A B C D

‘Field of Light’, Uluru, Australia Traditional Maori culture Kangaroo Island Milford Sound

Victoria

4

Sydney

3 Melbourne Phillip Island

AUSTRALIA We provide guests with unique memories, heightening their sense of wonder and aiding in the discovery of why cultures function the way they do. Dine in the glow of thousands of small bulbs under the watchful eye of the divine Uluru, board a helicopter over the Great Barrier Reef to observe its technicolour displays of marine life, and participate in an ‘Australiana’ evening at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. You’ll learn about the indigenous way of life, through interactive performances and an authentic dining experience. Co-exist with numerous forms of wildlife on day trips to Phillip Island where you can feed the penguins, or visit a Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs, for a guided tour though the untouched land, as they wake from their slumber.

PAGE 20

NEW ZEALAND The ‘land of the long white cloud’ boasts unrivalled displays of natural wonder as both New Zealand’s North and South Island work harmoniously to sweep explorers off their feet. Wellington and Auckland provide city-dwellers with vibrant nightlife, while Tane Mahuta provides a majestic surrounding for the telling of Maori tales from your tour guide. Rotorua’s spouting geysers provide a dramatic introduction to the country’s geothermal activity and the South Island’s breath-taking mountains, glistening waterways and ivory glaciers fill in the gaps between towns and cities. Find out for yourself why Milford Sound was once described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, and experience a modern slice of the ice age on a trip to Franz Josef.

TASMANIA Tasmania’s rugged coastline and remote magnificence is often something overlooked by travellers who choose to explore mainland Australia only. Our eye-opening 19-day tour of this island state takes you on

B

LET’S GO...

VERY BEST OF AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND 31-day fully-inclusive tour Melbourne > Auckland Was from £6,995pp Now from £6,495pp

See Page 11 for offer details

S ave £1,000 per couple F REE Hotel Upgrade FREE 2-Night Inbound Stopover OFFER ENDS 28 FEBRUARY 2017 C

Departing: October 2017 > February 2018 LOYALTY DISCOUNT: TAKE AN ADDITIONAL £100pp OFF OUR LISTED PRICES 2 Kewarra

Great Barrier Reef

Northern Territory

1 Uluru

3 Cairns Queensland

Auckland

Brisbane 2

What Australia and New Zealand offer is both extraordinary and magnificently diverse.

2 Rotorua 2

New South Wales Victoria 3

Melbourne

North Island

3 Sydney

South Island Franz Josef 1

Milford Sound Lake Wakatipu

2 Christchurch

3 Queenstown

both an historic and geographical journey of discovery. Visit the capital, Hobart, World Heritage-listed Port Arthur and walk the pink granite mountains and white sandy beaches of Freycinet National Park

D

SPECIAL STAYS

bungalow. The Milford Mariner provides guests with the ultimate experience of New Zealand’s Milford Sound. Spend a night on-board this magnificent vessel and cruise the fjord, viewing its spectacular waterfall and surrounding rainforest, mountains and wildlife.

Our inner-city dwellings do not disappoint also. In Sydney, the Four Seasons hotel is located centrally, with fantastic views of the Harbour Bridge, while the Waterfront Sofitel in Auckland is a landmark destination, offering a unique maritime experience between the vibrant Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

We want every part of your journey to be as authentic as possible, that’s why we choose iconic hotels in remarkable locations that offer a richer cultural experience.

In the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, the Sails in the Desert hotel offers a wonderful contrast between Uluru’s outstanding natural beauty and a truly luxurious outback experience. Gum trees line the swimming pool and each room is inspired by the country’s indigenous roots. In contrast, the eco-friendly Thala Beach Nature Reserve is located between Cairns and Port Douglas, acting as a paradisiacal buffer between the rainforest and the ocean, where you can nestle into your tropical

All three wonderful destinations make up six inspiring itineraries, tailor-made to suit your preferences and all are included in the price. From flights and internal transfers, to each excursion, with Scenic, your Australasian adventure is certain to be one never to forget.

MEMBER OFFERS You must quote “WONDER” at the time of booking to receive these offers. All prices quoted are inclusive of all applicable offers.

Terms and conditions apply see page 39.

PAGE 21

HOW TO

BEAT JET LAG Venturing to far-flung destinations across the globe is a truly unforgettable experience, and one you’ll want to savour each and every minute of — so don’t let jet lag stand in your way.

Take advantage of our top five tips on how to avoid feeling the effects of changing timezones, so all you have to think about is what’s up next on your wonderful itinerary.

STEP 1 CATCH UP ON SLEEP

STEP 2: CONSIDER A STOPOVER

The more sleep you have leading up to your journey, the better you’ll cope with staying up until night time at your destination. Ensure you’re fully rested and feel the rewards of a significant energy boost.

If you’re concerned about the effects of jet lag, break up your long haul flight with a stopover. This will help you to catch up on sleep, plus you’ll have the opportunity to see another wonderful location.

STEP 3 STAY HYDRATED

STEP 4 4 HOURS SLEEP ON ARRIVAL

STEP 5 EMBRACE DAYLIGHT

Dehydration can exaggerate the effects of jet lag, so be sure to drink plenty of water during your flight. This will also help you to fall asleep. Avoid caffeine or alcohol as these will do the opposite.

Once you’ve touched down in your destination, try to get as much sleep as possible within 24 hours. Even if you feel awake, just four hours during the night will reduce your jet lag.

Though it might feel unnatural, it’s important to expose yourself to daylight.

This will help your body adapt to the new time zone faster, so try and stay awake throughout the day until it gets dark.

PAGE 22

4

7

Hong Kong

Bangkok Floating Market Tour

Hong Kong Island Tour

Explore Damnoen Saduak where local vendors sell their produce from rowing boats. Smaller markets like Tha Ka and Ampawa also offer the chance to discover more local flavours.

View the city’s skyline from The Peak, bargain shop at Stanley Market, take in the natural beauty of Repulse Bay, and stop off at Aberdeen Harbour for an optional sampan ride.

Featured on: Australia & New Zealand escorted tours from £4,195 per person

1

8

TOP TEN

Dubai Dubai City Tour Tour Dubai’s main attractions, as its glamorous shopping malls, fine-dining and quality hotels make the city one of the most exciting places in the world to visit.

Featured on: Australia & New Zealand escorted tours from £4,195 per person

THINGS TO DO ON A STOPOVER

9

Singapore Gardens by the Bay

Singapore

Home to a multitude of plants and species, marvel at the 35-metre-tall indoor waterfall and the Flower Dome showcasing exotic plants from five continents.

Featured on: Australia & New Zealand escorted tours and selected South East Asia River Cruises from £3,885 per person

2

Dubai Burj Khalifa – At The Top Observatory Soar a magnificent 555 metres to the 125th level of the world’s tallest building and enjoy 360 degree views of Dubai.

Featured on: Australia & New Zealand escorted tours from £4,195 per person

3

Hong Kong Symphony of Lights Harbour Cruise Experience Honk Kong’s Victoria Harbour at night on a traditional junk boat, enjoying a laser show, magnificent views and complimentary drinks.

Featured on: Australia & New Zealand escorted tours from £4,195 per person

Featured on: Australia & New Zealand escorted tours from £4,195 per person

Night Safari View nocturnal animals on this Night Safari.

Weave through habitats designed specifically to replicate their natural environment and view some animals at close quarters.

Featured on: Australia & New Zealand escorted tours and selected South East Asia River Cruises from £3,885 per person

5

Singapore City Tour

Tour Singapore and visit the city’s Civic District, including the historic Parliament House, Merlion Park, Thian Hock Keng Temple and Singapore’s Botanic Gardens.

Featured on: Australia & New Zealand escorted tours and selected South East Asia River Cruises from £3,885 per person

6

Bangkok Grand Palace Tour The city’s most-famous landmark, the Grand Palace is a proud example of creativity and craftsmanship, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom.

Featured on: Australia & New Zealand escorted tours from £4,195 per person

PAGE 23

10

Bangkok Rice Barge Excursion Journey up the river on a long-tail boat, passing many attractions, before boarding a converted rice barge for a Thai fruit buffet and ice-cold cocktails.

Featured on: Australia & New Zealand escorted tours from £4,195 per person

Europe

SCENIC AZURE Learn about the only Space-Ship sailing the Douro The latest addition to Scenic’s 5-star fleet of Space-Ships is here to help you uncover the beauty of the country’s Douro region. With the same all-inclusive luxury experience that has become synonymous with a Scenic Space-Ship, guests can enjoy a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere as they take in the breath-taking views that line its banks.

DISCOVER THE DOURO IN 5-STAR LUXURY Situated north of the country, Portugal’s Douro Valley is best known for the production of Port. However, with Scenic you’ll be able to discover so much more, including the history, culture, cuisine and architecture that makes it the spectacular tourist destination it is today.

Purpose-built to traverse the Douro’s 300km stretch, Scenic Azure provides an intimate and relaxed setting from which guests can indulge in the sights, sounds and tastes of their enchanting journey.

ANOTHER SPACE-SHIP FIRST Launched in 2016, the Scenic Azure is the 14th member of our fleet and is the only one to sail the Douro. Custom-built specifically for the winding Douro Valley, it has all the features you’d expect from a Scenic SpaceShip, with most suites boasting our bespoke Sun Lounge, an innovative feature which transforms your balcony into an all-weather conservatory-style space.

The spacious Royal One Bedroom Suite reaches an impressive 39m2 (420ft2), and the ship’s luxurious communal lounge area and

PAGE 24

exclusive dining options, including Table d’Or, give it its own personal identity. (Find out more about Scenic Azure’s food and drink on pages 26-27).

Guests will also be able to make the most the Portuguese sun on the Sun Deck, taking in the view from the Vitality Pool or while enjoying some food alfresco, in the Riverview Terrace. And, as always guests will experience exceptional service from our dedicated crew, on-hand at all times.

A Scenic Azure Panorama Lounge and Bar B Scenic Azure Sun Deck C Dom Luis Bridge, Porto

A

“It’s hard to imagine a better way to cruise the Douro in Northern Portugal than on Scenic Azure, a smaller version of Scenic’s much-admired Space-Ships but with all the excellent features the company is renowned for including sun lounge-style balconies and several alternative dining venues. The degustation menu served in Table d’Or received rave reviews and I especially love that the cuisine in Portobellos has been changed to reflect local tastes.”

Jane Archer, Cruise Journalist

SEEING THE BEST OF THE DOURO With a relaxing setting to retire to, guests are able to enjoy the beautiful and unique sights of the Douro on each day of their cruise.

From the rolling vineyards to grand historic structures, magic waterscapes to endlessly engaging vistas, Portugal’s charm will dance into your consciousness, seducing you slowly without you realising it.

By the time you’ve fully explored the Douro’s wondrous valleys and friendly village communities, you’ll find yourself completely and hopelessly in love.

C B

PAGE 25

DEVOURING THE DOURO Cruise Critic editor Louise Goldsbury discovers Scenic Azure’s culinary delights The epicurean pleasures of Portugal extend far beyond port, sardines and custard tarts.

Even a small ship like Scenic Azure has six dining options for its 96 guests. Like a little local flavour? The crew are Portuguese, so you can be guaranteed a great selection of authentic specialties using fresh, local produce. Of course, there’s plenty else to tantalise the taste buds. Here are a few of the food and wine delights to devour on the Douro.

CRYSTAL DINING The main restaurant is your dining room away from home, staffed by the friendliest chefs and waiters in Europe. But don’t fill up on the breakfast buffet – save your appetite for lunch and dinner! This is where you’ll

find your first delicacies of the region: Bacalao Pil Pil (cod fish confit in olive oil and vegetables), rojoes (braised pork stew with pickles and potato), bifanas (bread with sliced meat), caldo verde (green soup with cabbage and chorizo), as well as suckling pig, grilled octopus, salami, cheese and desserts from around the country.

TABLE D’OR Known as Table La Rive on other Scenic Space-Ships, Table D’Or is derived from Douro, which means ‘gold’ – and what a first-class experience it is. Exclusively for 12 diners, the six-course degustation with matching Portuguese wines is served by the ship’s butlers. The evening starts with a Murganheira Vintage sparkling wine,

B

before a terrine of foie gras, fig chutney, LBV Burmeister port caviar and onion pie.

Asparagus cream soup is followed by lobster and mushroom risotto, then a slow-roasted beef tenderloin, pumpkin jam and walnuts, with a sweet trio of Valrhona chocolate mousse, mint port strawberries and bourbon vanilla Crème brûlée to finish.

Designed by executive chef Claudio Sousa, Table D’Or is offered once per cruise to guests staying on the Diamond Deck or in a Junior Balcony Suite on the Sapphire Deck.

PORTOBELLOS

A

Unlike the Portobellos on other Scenic Space-Ships, Azure’s version specialises in local cuisine -- not Italian, as the name suggests. It’s a pun on Porto, from where Scenic Azure sails round-trip and the ingredients are sourced. However, the dishes are not the traditional fare you may expect: rockmelon cocktail, zucchini soup, salmon fillet, beef sirloin, Atlantic Sea scallops with red beet air, and a choice of chocolate cake or banana yoghurt with nuts and cream.

All passengers have – and should definitely take – the opportunity to dine in this intimate venue. Aside from the delicious food, enjoy the service, the ambience and the chance to watch the chef prepare your meals in front of you.

PANORAMA LOUNGE & RIVER CAFÉ The Panorama Lounge is the best place to socialise and relax with complimentary drinks. Be sure to sample Portuguese liqueurs, ports and wines, especially a refreshing port tonic (port wine, tonic water

PAGE 26

and lime), as well as your favourite cocktails, spirits and beers.

Behind the bar is a selection of cakes, tarts and sandwiches, available 24 hours. Also in the Panorama Lounge, the River Café is open from 6.30am for early risers until late afternoon for light snacks.

ROOM SERVICE

2017 ALMOST SOLD OUT

Room service is available around-the-clock, so you can privately indulge on your balcony, or in bed, anytime of day or night. There is a small menu of soup, sandwiches, burgers, salads and desserts, but if you ask nicely, the chef may prepare something special, such as peri peri chicken with extra-hot sauce.

LIMITED AVAILABILITY SUITES SELLING FAST - CALL FOR DETAILS

SPECIAL EVENTS A lunchtime barbecue is held on the sun deck (once per cruise, weather permitting), sizzling up the whole farmyard: chicken, pork belly, ribs, sausage, steak and seafood. Another highlight is an off-ship dinner at a cellar restaurant, with live music. On the last day of the cruise, join the walking tour to the fishing village of Afurada to eat salted sardines cooked on smoky grills outside on the street – just like the locals do.

D

C

LET’S GO...

UNFORGETTABLE DOURO 11-day river cruise Porto > Porto Was from £3,745pp Now from £2,995pp

See Page 10 for offer details

S ave £1,500 per couple OFFER ENDS 31 DECEMBER 2016 Departing: April > November 2018 E

DOUBLE LOYALTY DISCOUNT: TAKE AN ADDITIONAL £200pp OFF OUR LISTED PRICES

Portugal

Guimarães

Porto

Mateus Palace

Douro

Aveleda

Entreos-Rios Afurada

A B C D E D

Regua

Pinhão Pocinho

10 10 Ucanha Varosa Valley

Lamego

Tarouca

Scenic Azure, Douro Valley Atlantic Sea scallops, Portobellos Table D’Or, Scenic Azure Bacalao Pil Pil, Crystal Dining Enjoy Portuguese wine

MEMBER OFFERS You must quote “WONDER” at the time of booking to receive these offers. All prices quoted are inclusive of all applicable offers.

Terms and conditions apply see page 39.

PAGE 27

Spain

Provesende

Côa Valley

Salamanca

Vega de Terron

South East Asia

A

MARINA BAY SANDS HOTEL Singapore A sustainable, eco-friendly metropolis in the sky…

B

Located along the Marina Bay waterfront, the striking Marina Bay Sands hotel stands an impressive 55 floors high. The ultra-modern high rise was completed in 2010 in the hope it would become one of the city’s premier entertainment destinations.

D

Inspired by a deck of cards and pre-approved

by Feng Shui experts, three cascading towers are connected across the top by a one hectare roof terrace. Known as the Sky Deck, it is home to the world’s largest elevated swimming pool, as well as its very own tropical paradise. Relax atop of this modern feat of architecture while enjoying 360 degree views of the mesmerising cityscape.

Twelve suite varieties make this luxurious venue the perfect retreat. Enjoy relaxing in the contemporary comfort of a Premier Room, indulging in the deep bathtub and making the most of the exceptional facilities, including a 42” interactive flat-screen television, fully-stocked mini bar, 24-hour room service and in-suite internet, as standard. You are also entitled to access the infinity pool, SkyPark and Banyan Tree Fitness Club.

C

PAGE 28

LET’S GO...

See LUXURY MEKONG Page 11 12-day cruise & tour for offer Siem Reap > Ho Chi Minh City details Was from £4,140pp Now from £3,490pp Suite Grade: Deluxe Suite

Save £1,300 per couple FREE 2-Night Inbound Stopover at the Marina Bay Sands hotel OFFER ENDS 31 DECEMBER 2016 Departing: January > December 2017 LOYALTY DISCOUNT: TAKE AN ADDITIONAL £100pp OFF OUR LISTED PRICES

Laos

Thailand

Siem Reap 1

Kampong Kdei

Cambodia Kampong Tralach 7

Mekong

Phnom Penh

Vietnam

Kampong Cham

Tan Chau

1

Ho Chi Minh City

My Tho Sa Dec Cai Be

E

At the foot of the structure is the ArtScience Museum, where design, media, architecture, technology, art and science combine to form ever-changing exhibitions. In the shape of a lotus flower, the sustainable building harvests rain water to be recycled and used in the building’s toilets. Singapore’s commitment

to spreading eco-friendly living doesn’t stop there, Asia’s first and only sustainable light festival raises awareness of energy-saving light technology for the urban environment and is a three-week festival which illuminates the bay’s urban spaces. Designed by creative talents from around the world, it is certainly not to be missed and will be taking place between the 3 - 26 March 2017.

Dive into the hotel’s vibrant nightlife at one of the 23 restaurants, bars and nightclubs on site. Whether hip Chinese seafood and champagne at Yú Cuisine is to your taste, fusion Thai street food and top-shelf cocktails at Long Chim is more your style, or a decadent night of top DJs and A-list clientele at the Cé La Vi nightclub, at the heights of floor 57, is what you’re looking for.

Evenings out at The Grand Theatre and Sands Theatre offer fans of Broadway and the West End a wonderful opportunity to take in a blockbuster show, with Singin’ in the Rain,

The Lion King and Wicked! being just some of the successes enjoyed by theatre-goers in the past.

Make your way to the Event Plaza at the Promenade for an electric display of lights and lasers in the form of the Wonder Full show. An immersive tale of the journey of life, this 13-minute spectacle takes place by the waterfront with the lit-up Singapore skyline as the backdrop. The largest light and water show in South East Asia, it is popular with locals and tourists alike, exploring the beauty of the human experience through the use of original footage and locally-influenced music. Be swept up on this truly heartfelt journey.

No super hotel would be the same without a casino and this Las Vegas-style emporium does not disappoint. Boasting the world’s largest atrium, it is home to one of the largest Swarovski crystal chandeliers in the world.

Join in the fun at over 600 game tables and try your luck on one of the 1,500 slot machines.

Retail therapy is on your doorstep in the form of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. Over 300 stores boast designer favourites, such as Chanel, Cartier, Armani and Ralf Lauren, and a Venetian-style canal runs the length, along which guests can take rides on the gondolas.

Dine at one of the six celebrity-owned restaurants, including Cut by Wolfgang Puck.

The perfect eatery for steak connoisseurs, his signature dishes include porterhouse and rib-eye steak. Alternatively, Waku Ghin by Tetsuya Wakuda is universally acknowledged as one of Singapore’s best restaurants. His Euro-Japanese dishes are cooked in front of diners and his signature dishes are Marinated Botan Shrimp with Sea Urchin, and Oscietra Caviar and Poached Canadian Lobster.

Built in the hope that it would become a timeless landmark that distinguishes Singapore from any other city, the seamless combination of business and leisure makes the Marina Bay Sands Hotel a destination unlike any other.

A B C D E

Marina Bay Sands Hotel during iLight Festival Marina Bay Sands Hotel Lobby Infinity Pool at Sands SkyPark Marina Bay View from Bayfront Avenue

MEMBER OFFERS You must quote “WONDER” at the time of booking to receive these offers. All prices quoted are inclusive of all applicable offers.

Terms and conditions apply see page 39.

PAGE 29

CITY GUIDE

play

Singapore

Ultra-modern, wonderfully wild and oozing tradition, begin your time discovering Singapore as you peruse the 156-year-old Botanical Gardens, discovering why they are the only tropical gardens to be honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site.

Enjoy an unforgettable night-time safari at Singapore Zoo as you get up-close-and-personal with nature’s nocturnal force. Soak up the breathtaking views of the city atop the Marina Bay Sands, cocktail in hand, or explore the bustling mix of old and new in Chinatown.

stay Standing like an earthy sculpture and boasting fantastic views of the city, the striking Marina Bay Sands Hotel has a rooftop infinity pool, renowned spa facilities and many fabulous restaurants. While the contrasting Le Meridien is a beautiful retreat on the resort island of Sentosa.

Immerse yourself in carefree island life on this ‘offshore playground’, catering for history buffs, beach babes, spa-goers and adventure-seekers alike.

eat Once ranked the best city for street food, a plethora of traditional dishes lure your senses with vibrant colours, intoxicating aromas and unrivalled flavours.

shop Boasting more malls per square mile than any other country in the world, visit quaint boutique shops, outdoor markets and busy streets to find unique gifts and artefacts.

Try Laksa, Chilli Crab and the national dish of Hainanese Chicken Rice.

Find these favourites in the bustling Maxwell Food Centre in China Town, Kampong Glam or Makansutra Gluttons Bay.

Pay a visit to Little India, Bugis Street Market, Orchard Road and Haji Lane or, if malls are more your thing, Raffles City Shopping Centre and the Shops at Marina Bay Sands will certainly suffice.

PAGE 30

SINGAPORE NOODLES

Ingredients • 8-12 shrimp or prawns, peeled, deveined and butterflied • Rice noodles – about 2 cups after it’s been soaked • 2 eggs (optional) • 3 cups shredded Chinese cabbage • 1 carrot • 1 spring onion •

½ of a red onion

• 3 dried red chilli peppers • 1 Chinese Sausage (traditional sweet Lop Cheung), or ¼ cup sliced roast pork or ham • 1 tablespoon oil • 1 ½ tablespoons curry powder • 2 teaspoons salt • 1 tablespoon Chinese wine • ½ teaspoon sesame oil • ½ tablespoon soy sauce • Pinch of white pepper • Mushrooms for garnish

Method 1. Rinse the shrimp and pat dry. Soak the rice noodles in cold water for twenty minutes.

Drain the noodles just before you’re ready cook.

2. If you decide to use eggs in this, beat them in a bowl and make a thin omelette. Transfer to the cutting board and cut the omelette into thin strips about 2 to 3 inches long and set aside. Julienne the cabbage, carrot, and spring onion. Thinly slice the red onion and set aside along with the dried chili peppers.

Cut the Chinese sausage into thin pieces similar to the size of the carrots.

3. Heat the wok on the highest setting and add oil, sausage and shrimp and stir-fry for about 10 seconds. Add the dried chilli peppers, carrot, cabbage and onion and stirfry for about 30 seconds and then sprinkle the curry powder evenly over the mixture.

4. Add the rice noodles and while doing so, make sure you rip them into manageable 7 to 8 inch lengths for easy eating later. Add the salt and wine and mix well (about 1 to 2 minutes), making sure you firmly scrape the bottom of the wok with your spatula to prevent the noodles from sticking. A hot wok is a must to prevent sticking but ensuring that you scrape the bottom of the wok as you mix is an important technique.

Healthy, packed full of flavour, and quick to make, this deliciously authentic meal is sure to lure nostalgia and transport you to the stand of an inner-city street vendor, reminding travellers how countries come alive through gastronomy.

5. The noodles should be taking on the rich colour of the curry powder. Add the sesame oil, soy sauce, white pepper, spring onions and the cooked egg if you decided to include it. Mix thoroughly again for another minute, plate and serve immediately!

PAGE 31

South East Asia

WELCOME ON-BOARD

SCENIC AURA Exquisitely appointed and possessing an air of opulence not often associated with river cruising, Scenic Space-Ships have set the standard on some of the world’s most beautiful waterways. Pioneering technology and a keen eye for detail have aided us in the creation of our 5-star vessels and, this September, we welcomed the latest addition to our luxurious fleet of 16, Scenic Aura.

After much success with Scenic Spirit, which embarked on its maiden voyage along the Mekong in January, we are excited to be expanding our South East Asia river cruise itineraries further. On 19 September 2016, we invited 44 special guests to join us on-board for a 10-day adventure from Pyay to Mandalay to experience the unrivalled luxury of a Scenic Space-Ship, before anyone else.

Aleisha Fittler, GM Product Development, commented: “We are excited to be launching our second ship in South East Asia. Sales for the Mekong have been fantastic, showing us that our guests really want to explore this region with us and experience our signature brand of all-inclusive luxury river cruising outside of Europe.”

An intimate environment, boasting just 22 suites for 44 guests, this magnificent ship offers everything you would expect from that of a world-class hotel. Each Balcony Suite boasts a Scenic Sun Lounge, enabling guests to transform their balcony into an all-weather conservatory-style area, as well as separate bedrooms and living rooms. Sizes range from the 24m2 Balcony Suite, to the 70m2 Royal Panorama Suite, the largest on the Irrawaddy. Complete with an extra-large bath tub, rainfall shower and walk-in dressing room, as well as an outdoor, forward-facing deck, complete with daybed and Jacuzzi, these are purpose-built to meet our renowned standards as we continue to push boundaries with cutting-edge design.

The ship boasts a choice of dining venues offering a la carte fine-dining at the Crystal Dining restaurant, and something more casual at River Café, where every delicious meal is made with the freshest local produce.

PAGE 32

Enjoy world-class service as you spend your days relaxing in the spacious lounge area or enjoying a drink by the vitality pool, and make the most of the beautiful weather out on the Sun Deck, complete with open-air cinema. Complimentary food and drinks at all times, a private butler and a 1:1 staff-toguest ratio, ensure that your every need is catered for, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

As with all Scenic tours, guests will enjoy special Enrich events, created to heighten the experience and involve them further in the culture of the countries they visit.

Look forward to producing gold leaf in Mandalay, lunching with nuns at a monastery in Sagaing and taking part in the oil lamp lighting tradition at the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. Our exclusive Sundowner events take place at sunset, offering cocktail evenings in impressive locations. Enjoy

A

We are excited to have launched our second ship in South East Asia

A B C D

Crystal Dining Delicious local food on-board Lamp lighting, Shwedagon Pagoda U-Bein Bridge, Mandalay

B

drinks in boats under U-Bein Bridge during the famous sunset, or visit Clay Pot Mountain, relaxing with a drink and soaking up the magical views of the Began plain.

A word from our Chairman, Glen Moroney:

C

“We are excited to have launched our second ship in South East Asia. Guest feedback has been hugely positive, particularly on the quality of the ship which is very different to anything else in the region, and the fantastic crew. It has been a busy year for Scenic but we are pleased to have added four new river cruise ships to our fleet.�

All this, as well as airport transfers, tips and porterage, included in the price of your trip, so all you have to do is enjoy the inimitable Irrawaddy.

PAGE 33

D

Get in touch and share your Scenic experience with us

We love to hear about your experiences with Scenic, so would like to encourage you to send in your photos taken both on the ship and while out on your chosen excursions. Be sure to look out for yours in the next issue.

We’d also love to hear your feedback, so if somewhere has amazed and delighted you, let us know so others can be inspired to tick these locations off their travel wish list too.

Get in contact using: #wonderofscenic via: Facebook: www.facebook.co.uk/scenicuk Twitter: @Scenic_UK Instagram: scenic_uk

“

My wife and I have recently returned from an outstanding 10 night river cruise on Scenic Diamond which covered Bordeaux and the rivers Gironde, Garonne and Dordogne.

This was our first river cruise with Scenic and we were not disappointed.

Solent Richard, travelling in Bordeaux

“

Alternatively, email or write to us using the following addresses: Email us at: marketinguk@scenic.co.uk Write to us at: Wonder, Scenic, 111 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 2HY

There’s only one word to describe watching Aled Jones perform at the Arsenal in Vienna with Scenic Enrich, and that’s ‘majestic’. It was a very emotional evening and he brought tears to our eyes. It was a memory of a lifetime.

William Young, travelling in Vienna

PAGE 34

“

Send your photos via our Facebook or Twitter page so that other intrepid explorers can see the majesty of what a Scenic adventure entails.

Francesca Barone, travelling on the Rhine

“

The world of social media is making it easier to experience life’s most wonderful things, without even having to be there yourself.

“

Our Scenic Enrich experience was at Mannheim Palace (dates back to 1720) and included a cocktail reception, private tour and Classical Concert.

WOW WOW WOW!

“

CUSTOMER MOMENTS

SCENIC CLUB BENEFITS

Be rewarded for doing what you enjoy most – creating memories with Scenic.

At Scenic, a little loyalty goes a long way, and a lot of loyalty goes even further.

So when you choose to travel with us, not only do you get to explore a world of wonder that will fill you with wonderful memories, you also collect privileges that will help you enjoy the experience even more.

Scenic Club Gold Upon returning from your first trip you will automatically become a Scenic Club Gold member. Benefits include: • A £100 discount to be redeemed on your next cruise or tour • Scenic Club Gold luggage, which you'll receive prior to every trip • Member competitions, offers and much more

Scenic Club Platinum

Scenic Club Diamond

Complete five paid tours or 50 days travel and be upgraded to Scenic Club Platinum. In addition to all the benefits of Gold your Platinum benefits include:

Complete 10 paid tours or 100 days travel and be upgraded to Scenic Club Diamond. In addition to all the benefits of Platinum your Diamond benefits include:

• Private transfers before and after you travel^

• A Scenic Club Diamond full-sized suitcase or a £75 gift card prior to each departure

• A complimentary pre or post night hotel stay for trips of 20 days or more • Scenic Platinum wheel-on overnight bag and luggage selection prior to every trip

^ Mileage restrictions apply.

PAGE 35

• Scenic Club Diamond trolley bag and selection of luggage prior to every trip • An extended distance allowance for private transfer service

River Events 2017 Hoorn 1

Amsterdam

Cologne

Antwerp

RHINE

Koblenz

Germany

MAIN DANUBE CANAL Bamberg

2

4

Freudenberg

Prague

Czech Republic

Trier

1 KEUKENHOF GARDENS

3

DANUBE

Regensburg

Strasbourg

Passau

Also known as the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof Gardens opens annually from March to May and is one of the world’s largest. 32 hectares of multicoloured land is home to seven million bulbs and 800 varieties of tulip.

Melk

Austria

Itinerary – Dutch Sights & Belgian Delights

10 May from £1,720 per person

2 TASTES OF OKTOBERFEST Scenic’s own version of Oktoberfest, look forward to joyous oompah-pah music, bright festive blue flags, and an abundance of fine beer. It’s also a great opportunity to meet the locals, see some regional arts and crafts and indulge in a Bavarian lunch with large servings of good humour and revelry.

Itinerary – Jewels of Europe

From £2,495 per person (2 October from £4,740 per person) Please note: Some of the events above may incur an additional cost

A trip along the Rhine, Main and Danube invites you into the grasp of some of Europe’s most spectacular towns and cities.

Home to iconic architecture and rich history, we’ve selected a few of our favourite events happening along the riverbanks in 2017, so you can make the most of each day you spend ashore.

Vienna

OVERLOOKING THE RIVER RHINE

3 REGENSBURG During Advent, the streets and squares of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, and one of Germany’s best preserved Medieval cities, are filled with sparkling Christmas lights. The castle-like towers of the mansions built by Medieval patricians look magical in the shimmering atmosphere, as does the Regensburg Christmas Market, which has been described as the ‘loveliest’. See page 12 to read more.

Itinerary – Christmas Wonderland

14 December from £3,745 per person

4 PRAGUE FRINGE FESTIVAL 2017 Inspired by Edinburgh, the Prague Fringe Festival invites actors from around the world to showcase their art. Taking place across eight venues, over 200 artists in up to 45 shows, produce a variety of work in dance, music, comedy and alternative theatre.

Itinerary – Gems of the Danube with Prague

From £2,395 per person (26 May from £3,545 per person)

5 DANUBE CARNIVAL

Slovakia

Contemporary dancers, international artists and traditional Hungarian folk dancers meet every June in Budapest to celebrate the joy of dance.

Itinerary – Gems of the Danube

5

Hungary

From £1,895 per person (12 June from £3,045 per person)

Budapest

LOWER DANUBE Romania

Belgrade

Serbia

Iron Gates

Mile 0

Giurgiu

SCENIC SPOTLIGHT

Rory Evitt works as the Product and Content Team Leader at Scenic HQ, find out how she helps to create our unforgettable escapes.

I’ve been working at Scenic for just over 3 years. I started in the Reservations team as a Reservations Consultant and was entrusted with taking care of every aspect of the customer journey. It was a really rewarding role as I arranged both everyday requests as well as those extra special requirements, such as anniversary surprises.

Since then, I’ve moved over to the operational side of the business, working in the Product and Content department as Team Leader. I’m now responsible for helping create the unique itineraries, like those included in our recent Australia and New Zealand 2017/18 brochure.

In this role, no day is the same. I could be sourcing the most exclusive hotels one day, and organising excursions and stopovers from around the world, the next, to make our itineraries truly unique.

I also work closely with our in-house marketing and design team to produce the brochures, using knowledge acquired from my previous position to accurately showcase our sensational escapes.

Since being part of the Product and Content department I have fallen in love with Australia, especially our Grand Australia itinerary which I would have to pick if given the chance to experience one of our escorted tours. This itinerary takes in all the sights of Australia, starting in Perth on the west coast. The 26-Day tour features Uluru (Ayers Rock) and gives guests the opportunity to attend our exclusive Field of Lights Enrich experience. Then it’s on to Melbourne and the Great Barrier Reef, before finishing up with a seaplane flight over the iconic Sydney Harbour bridge. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

PAGE 38

COMPETITION CORNER To help you celebrate Christmas in style, we’re giving away £200 Marks & Spencer vouchers.

In this edition of Wonder, we’ve talked about South East Asia, so our competition is based on this unique

destination.

Q. What is the name of the hotel in Singapore that Scenic guests stay at on their free inbound stopover with any Mekong cruise?

Congratulations to Steve Knight From Guildford, winner of an Amazon Kindle Paperwhite eReader from our last edition of Wonder.

HOW TO ENTER To be in with a chance of winning, simply submit your entry and contact details by post to Wonder Competition, Scenic, 111 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 2HY or email competitions@scenic.co.uk

TERMS AND CONDITIONS BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

COMPETITION TERMS & CONDITIONS

All prices shown throughout are per person, twin share in GBP based on two guests sharing, subject to availability. From prices indicate lowest cabin category available and prices correct at the time of going to print (Nov 2016). Offers and savings messages are for new bookings only and are not available in conjunction with any other offer. The free inbound stopover offer on South East Asia river cruising includes transfers and accommodation on a B&B basis. Single supplements are available on request – please call for details. Deposit is £750 per person for Europe river cruises and £1,250 per person for touring holidays and full payment is required 90 days prior to departure.

A 1.5% credit card charge (2.95% AMEX) will apply. Butler services apply to river cruise holidays only and vary by suite category. All drinks on board our river cruises are included except for a very small number of rare and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits. Inclusions vary and dependent on cruise and destination. Door-to-door transfers are complimentary for guests who book any balcony cabin on Europe river cruises only, valid for guests who live within a 75 mile radius of an airport where flights are available from, subject to availability. For guests who live outside of this 75 mile radius, an additional supplement of £2.00 per mile will be charged. Loyalty members who already receive door-to-door transfers will receive an additional discount – please call for details.

All offers include flights from London Heathrow. Flights are subject to availability, itineraries with discounts exceeding £750 per person may incur a minimum flight supplement of £95 per person.

Europe and South East Asia offers are valid until 31 December 2016 and Escorted Touring offers are valid until 28 February 2017. For full offer T&Cs please visit www.scenic.co.uk/specialoffers/ all-offers. Please note, this is not a brochure – for full itineraries, inclusions and T&Cs please refer to our main brochures or visit www.scenic.co.uk.

Prize draw is operated by Scenic UK. Registered address is 13th Floor, 111 Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 2HY. Winner will be chosen at random from a list of participants who correctly enter the competition and send in their answers via email or post. Entry is free of charge. One entry per person is permitted. Competition closes at midnight on Wednesday 14 December 2016. The winners will be notified by email or phone on or before Friday 16 December 2016. Prize is an £200 Marks and Spencer gift voucher which will be posted by Royal Mail Special Delivery once the winners have been notified. To enter please send full name, address, telephone number and email address via post or email.

PAGE 39

Call 0808 273 6449 scenic.co.uk Visit your local travel agent

ABTA No.Y6328

PAGE 40