FAQs

Q. Is tipping included on the cruise and land portions of the tour?
A. Yes, all tipping on the land and cruise portions is included.

Q. Is there a laundry service on board?
A. There is not a self-serve laundry facility; however passengers can pay for laundry service. Guests will find an order form complete with pricing in their cabin.

Q. Is there a gym or bicycles on board?
A. There is a gym on board the Scenic Crystal and the Scenic Jewel but not on any of the other Scenic ships. There are however bicycles available on board all Scenic ‘Space Ships’ to be utilized at each port. New in 2013 bikes will be motor-assisted. There is also a walking track located on the Sun Deck. Please note that on certain parts of the rivers, this top deck will be closed due to low clearance of bridges. Nordic Walking sticks are also available for guests use both on and off the ship.

Q. Is there a hairdresser located on board?
A. There is a hairdresser located in the Wellness Area on the Moselle Deck. In the wellness area, massages, facials, pedicures and manicures will also be offered.

Q. Is there a doctor on board?
A. There is not a doctor on board. Ship staff are first-aid trained. In emergencies passengers will be taken to the nearest hospital.

Q. Can passengers get married on board?
A. Passengers are unable to get married on board as this union is not recognized and on board staff are unable to perform marriage ceremonies.

Q. Is wine included at lunch and dinner?
A. Yes, all beverages on-board the ships are included New for 2013! (with the exception of a few premium spirits and high-end wine). This is not limited to meal times; it is at any time of the day.

Q. Is internet access available on board?
A. Internet access is available. New for 2013 there will no additional charge for Wi-Fi. Please note that access may be interrupted while the ship passes through locks and under bridges.

Q. Is there coffee/tea service available throughout the day on board?
A. We have self serve tea and coffee 24 hours a day. The coffee is a bean to cup service. Lattes and cappuccinos are also available here. For our tea drinkers we offer a wide selection of loose leaf quality teas.

Q. Is there a dress code for dining?
A. There is no special dress code on board. A casual atmosphere prevails during the day either on excursion or on-board the ship. For the evening meal there is no requirement for formal jackets or ties and casual evening attire is welcomed. However as the welcome and farewell evenings are more formal occasions you may wish to dress accordingly. There also will be entertainment nights that you may wish to dress up for. Please note shorts are not appropriate for the evening meal.

Q. Is there a specific time or seating arrangements for dining?
A. Dining in the evening is open from one set time, seating will be flexible from tables of two to eight guests (Captain’s table may be ten guests on some occasions) and they will be seated by the maitre 'd just as a fine dining restaurant would offer. Guests may choose their seating preferences each evening or reserve a table during the day with friends. Portobellos, our exclusive Italian restaurant, is also available on selected evenings. This fine dining Italian restaurant seats just 30 guests. Authentic cuisine, premium Italian wines and outstanding views from the front of the ship make this an outstanding experience. No supplement is payable.

Q. What entertainment is there on board?
A. Every evening in the lounge, a piano player will perform for your enjoyment. We will also welcome special guest performers on board to entertain you.

Q. What are the cabin sizes for each category cabin?
A.
Moselle Deck - Category E & D - 160 square feet
Rhine & Danube Deck - Category BJ, S & RJ Junior Suites - 250 square feet
Danube Deck - Category R Royal Suites - 315 square feet
All sizes except Categories E & D include a full, outdoor, private balcony

Q. What are the bathroom sizes for each category cabin?
A.
Moselle Deck Category D & E staterooms - 1.95 m2 = 7 square feet
Rhine & Danube Decks Category A, B, C & P Balcony Suites - 2.53 m2 = 8 square feet
Rhine & Danube Decks Category BJ, RJ & S Junior Suites & Royal suites - 4.02 m2 = 13 square feet

Q. What are the differences between the Suites?
A.
Royal Suite(R & RA): Full balcony, butler service, with bath and separate shower.           
Royal Suite (RS): Full balcony, butler service, with shower but no bath.
Junior Suite(S): Wrap-around balcony, butler service, with combinable bath and shower.
Junior Suite (RJ & BJ): Butler service, RJ cabins located on the Danube deck and BJ cabins located on the Rhine Deck, with balcony and combinable bath and shower. BJ 202 (on Crystal & Jewel) and RJ302 (on Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, Ruby) are equipped for physically challenged passengers and do not have a bath.
Balcony Suite (P, PP, PD, PA, & A): Balcony cabin, Danube deck, with butler service. (Shower only)
Balcony Suite(C, BA, BB,BD & B): Balcony cabin, Rhine deck, with butler service. (Shower only)
*Levels of butler service vary depending of category of stateroom.

Q. What are the bed sizes?
A. The Scenic Slumber Bed measurement provided here is ‘mattress only’ and it will be larger with the bed head and frame, however, on all occasions we are larger than a queen size bed.  We have an exclusively designed pillow top that is much more quilted and offers ultimate support.

Twin Size 95cm x 200cm
Queen Size 190 cm x 200 cm
Please note that all beds (except in cabin RJ302 on the Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, Ruby & Pearl and cabin BJ202 on the Crystal & Jewel) may be separated into two twin beds.

Q. What type of power plugs are used on board?
A. On board electricity is 220 volt. Your cabin is equipped with European power points in both your cabin and bathroom plus features one Australian power point.

Q. Is there a CD player in each cabin?
A. No CD player or radio is located in the cabins. Video and music channels can be accessed on the in-cabin infotainment system.

Q. Is each cabin individually climate controlled?
A. Yes, individual air-conditioning is in each cabin.

Q. Is there a fridge in each cabin?
A. A bar fridge is located in each cabin.

Q. Are there tea/coffee making facilities in each cabin?
A. There is no tea/coffee making facilities within cabins. There is 24 hour tea/coffee making facilities in the common area. Tea/coffee may be provided to all balcony staterooms.

Q. Do you have adjoining cabins?
A. No

Q. Do you have cabins with a separate bedroom?
A. No

Q. Will there be an opportunity to change pillows in the cabins, if allergic etc?
A. Pillow menus will be located in the cabins to select the appropriate pillow for the client’s pleasure

Q. Will there be bathrobes in each cabin?
A. Yes, bathrobes will be available in all staterooms and suites

Q. How large are the balconies?
A. Balconies on our Balcony suites are approximately 36 square feet and are furnished with 2 chairs and a table. Our Royal suite balconies are approximately 49 square feet and have 2 sun loungers as well as 2 teak chairs and a table.

Q. How does the butler service work?
A. Butler service for 2013 is available to all guests and operates on a tiered level, therefore the Services they will provide varies depending on the category of stateroom booked. 

Q. Can optional onshore excursions be purchased?
A. Scenic Tours do not have Optional tours. All excursions are included in the tour cost. A choice of excursion is also available in selected ports of call – again included in the tour cost.

Q. On your coach tours, how many passengers fit on the coach?
A. Our coaches seat 40 passengers on all tours of 7 days or more. This is designed for maximum guest comfort. With our 3 & 4 day city extension for guest comfort we limit group sizes at approximately 44.

Q. How do clients get from the ports/docks to the centre of town?
A. Scenic has reserved the very best docking points in our ports of call. Where we do require them, coaches are available for any town sites requiring transportation. They are waiting for us at the dock with our Meet and Greet staff.

Q. On days when there are Scenic FreeChoice options, can you also have time to do something on your own?
A. This is strictly based on the timing of the options you select. Some excursions are one hour; some are half day and others full day. This will be fully explained by your cruise director when you make the selection on board.

Q. Do I need to select all these options in advance?
A. No, only selected Scenic FreeChoice, usually just the first needs to be advised at time of booking or at final payment.

Q. Is there sightseeing narration while on board the ship?
A. New for 2013 We are introducing our 'Scenic Riverview' program. Each guest will be equipped with a hand-held device that taps into the ship's GPS. This will trigger region-specific commentary.

Q. What about if I want to explore on-shore on my own? Are there any sightseeing aids that might help me?
A. New in 2013 we have a new GPS Guided Tour System that will allow you to tailor your itinerary around your specific interests - whether it be history, wine, food or anything else. Upon embarkation each guest will be supplied with your own hand-held device, giving you flexible and independent sightseeing options for the duration of your river cruise. Or you can use your own iPad or iPhone with a specifically designed Scenic Tours App. This app can be downloaded for no charge. This app allows you to tour at your own pace and explore the places that interest you. This does not replace the organized tours - it is merely a way for you to pass some free time on your own.

Q. Where is the engine room located?
A. Engine room is located on the Rhine Deck at the stern end of the ship. Engines are sound-proofed for passenger comfort.

Q. Are the cruises wheelchair friendly and do you have a disabled cabin?
A. There is a specially equipped cabin located on the Danube Deck - cabin 302 RJ Suite - on the Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, Ruby and on the Rhine deck – cabin 202 BJ Suite on the Crystal and Jewel. This cabin includes a wider door, support rails and a barrier free shower.  A stool for the shower is also provided.  Please note that these tours are not suitable for wheelchair-bound passengers as the docks are not conducive to board/disembark the ship easily. As a result we can now only accept collapsible wheelchairs and we cannot accept electronic wheelchairs.  The coaches/attractions in Europe are not equipped and designed for wheelchair bound passengers and many of the streets are cobblestones.

Q. Is there an elevator on board to access all levels?
A. There is an elevator on board which can be used to access the Danube & Rhine Decks. Stairs are used to access the Moselle Deck and the Sun Deck.

Q. What type of weather can I expect throughout each month our cruises depart?
A. June-August is summer throughout Europe and the average temperature ranges from 21 Degrees Celsius to 26 Degrees Celsius. Layers of clothing should be worn to avoid over-packing. September to November is autumn throughout Europe and average temperatures range from 18 Degrees Celsius to 8 Degrees Celsius, when warmer clothes are required. Guests on the Christmas cruise will need a warm winter jacket as winter in Europe is much colder than we experience in Australia.

Q. Do we pay cash on board or use our credit card, if cash - is it Euros or some other currency? Can we use traveler’s cheques?
A. All expenses are charged to an on board account which passengers will pay at the end of the cruise in Euros by cash or credit card only. The credit card company will apply the appropriate currency exchange rate.

Q. Is there a shower in the Royal suite over the bath or is it a separate stall?
A. Royal suites have a separate bath and shower.

Q. Can the chef accommodate special dietary requests?
A. Yes. It is extremely helpful to have special dietary needs noted at the time of booking, and passengers should also inform the staff upon embarkation of the ship. Kosher meals are regrettably not available.

Q. Why do you need an emergency contact number?
A. Our cruise directors, in the case of an emergency, are required to contact this person. Passengers may be incapacitated and unable to provide this information if required in an emergency.

Q. What is this medical form that you send me when I make a booking?
A. This is a standard Scenic form, that we kindly request that clients fill out in advance and place in a sealed envelope. In the case of an emergency, it is provided to a medical professional.

Q. Is afternoon tea offered?
A. Tea and coffee will be served with cake or pastries each day.

Q. Is there a meet and greet person at the airport?
A. Yes there is, and this is the reason why we require passenger flight details, to ensure that our meet and greet staff are there to welcome our guests. We will provide complimentary transfers to and from the airport on the day the cruise starts and finishes. If passengers book pre/post accommodation through us, we will also provide complimentary transfers to and from the airport and to and from pre and/or post tour accommodation.

Q. Are the transfers to and from the airport private?
A. Yes they are exclusive to Scenic. To qualify, private transfer refers to a transfer operated by Scenic; this can be for 2 or more passengers, based on flight arrivals and departures.

Q. What happens with passports, do we hand them in when you board the river cruise?
A. Be advised that the front desk, will safeguard passports, for the duration of the cruise, as the different countries may require access to this information.

Q. If clients arrive independently in Amsterdam or Budapest, is there is central transfer point in either city for transfer to the ships?
A. There will be a central meeting point in the city for transfers to the ship in the afternoon. Meeting points will be advised in guest documentation; this will be sent to guests 2-3 weeks prior to departure.

Q. Are there safes in the cabins?
A. Yes

Q. Is smoking permitted?
A. Smoking is not permitted inside any of the motor coaches or on board the Scenic River Cruise Ships. Inclusive of the public areas, smoking is not permitted in the cabins or on the private balconies. A small designated area on the Sun Deck is available for those who require this facility.

Q. What is the staff to guest ratio?
A. 3.5 guests to each staff member.

Q. What languages are spoken on the ship?
A. The official language on board is English. All staff, crew and local guides speak fluent English. All announcements and lectures will be presented in English.

Please note that all information is correct at time of publishing but is subject to change.

Q. Is tipping included on the cruise and land portions of the tour?
A. Yes, all tipping on the land and cruise portions is included.

Q. Is there a laundry service on board?
A. There is not a self-serve laundry facility; however passengers can pay for laundry service. Guests will find an order form complete with pricing in their cabin.

Q. Is there a gym or bicycles on board?
A. There is no gym on board, however bicycles will be available to be utilized at each port. New in 2013 bikes will be motor-assisted. There is also a walking track located on the Sun Deck. Please note that on certain parts of the rivers, this top deck will be closed due to low clearance of bridges. Nordic Walking sticks are also available for guests use both on and off the ship.

Q. Is there a hairdresser located on board?
A. There is a hairdresser located in the Wellness Area on the Moselle Deck. In the wellness area, massages, facials, pedicures and manicures will also be offered.

Q. Is there a doctor on board?
A. There is not a doctor on board. Ship staff are first-aid trained. In emergencies passengers will be taken to the nearest hospital.

Q. Can passengers get married on board?
A. Passengers are unable to get married on board as this union is not recognized and on board staff are unable to perform marriage ceremonies.

Q. Is wine included at lunch and dinner?
A. Yes, all beverages on-board ship are included New for 2013! (with the exception of a few premium spirits and high-end wine). This is not limited to meal times, it is at any time of the day.

Q. Is internet access available on board?
A. Internet access is available. New for 2013 there will no additional charge for Wi-Fi. Please note that access may be interrupted while the ship passes through locks and under bridges.

Q. Is there coffee/tea service available throughout the day on board?
A. We have self serve tea and coffee 24 hours a day. The coffee is a bean to cup service. Lattes and cappuccinos are also available here. For our tea drinkers we offer a wide selection of loose leaf quality teas.

Q. Is there a dress code for dining?
A. There is no special dress code on board. A casual atmosphere prevails during the day either on excursion or on-board the ship. For the evening meal there is no requirement for formal jackets or ties and casual evening attire is welcomed. However as the welcome and farewell evenings are more formal occasions you may wish to dress accordingly. There also will be entertainment nights that you may wish to dress up for. Please note shorts are not appropriate for the evening meal.

Q. Is there a specific time or seating arrangements for dining?
A. Dining in the evening is open from one set time, seating will be flexible from tables of two to eight guests (Captain’s table may be ten guests on some occasions) and they will be seated by the maitre 'd just as a fine dining restaurant would offer. Guests may choose their seating preferences each evening or reserve a table during the day with friends. Portobellos, our exclusive Italian restaurant, is also available on selected evenings. This fine dining Italian restaurant seats just 30 guests. Authentic cuisine, premium Italian wines and outstanding views from the front of the ship make this an outstanding experience. No supplement is payable.

Q. What entertainment is there on board?
A. Every evening in the lounge, a piano player will perform for your enjoyment. We will also welcome special guest performers on board to entertain you.

Q. What are the cabin sizes for each category cabin?
A. Moselle Deck - Category E & D - 160 square feet
Rhine & Danube Deck - Category BJ, S & RJ Junior Suites - 250 square feet
Danube Deck - Category R Royal Suites - 315 square feet
All sizes except Categories E & D include a full, outdoor, private balcony

Q. What are the bathroom sizes for each category cabin?
A. Moselle Deck Category D & E staterooms - 1.95 m2 = 7 square feet
Rhine & Danube Decks Category A, B, C & P Balcony Suites: 2.53 m2 = 8 square feet
Rhine & Danube Decks Category BJ, RJ & S Junior Suites & Royal suites: 4.02 m2 = 13 square feet

Q. What are the differences between the Suites?
A. Royal Suite(R): Full bath, balcony, butler service, with bath and separate shower.
Junior Suite(S): Wrap-around balcony, butler service, with bath and separate shower.
Junior Suite(RJ & BJ): Butler service, RJ cabins located on the Danube deck and BJ cabins located on the Rhine Deck, with bath, balcony and separate shower. RJ302 is equipped for physically challenged passengers and does not have a bath.
Balcony Suite(P): Balcony cabin, Danube deck, with butler service. (Shower only)
Balcony Suite(C & B): Balcony cabin, Rhine deck, with butler service. (Shower only)
*Levels of butler service vary depending of category of stateroom.

Q. What are the bed sizes?
A. The Scenic Slumber Bed measurement provided here is ‘mattress only’ and it will be larger with the bed head and frame, however, on all occasions we are larger than a queen size bed.  We have an exclusively designed pillow top that is much more quilted and offers ultimate support.

Twin Size 95cm x 200cm
Queen Size 190 cm x 200 cm
Please note that all beds (except in cabin RJ302) may be separated into two twin beds

Q. What type of power plugs are used on board?
A. On board electricity is 220 volt. Your cabin is equipped with European power points in both your cabin and bathroom plus features one Australian power point.

Q. Is there a CD player in each cabin?
A. No CD player or radio is located in the cabins. Video and music channels can be accessed on the in-cabin infotainment system.

Q. Is each cabin individually climate controlled?
A. Yes, individual air-conditioning is in each cabin.

Q. Is there a fridge in each cabin?
A. Bar fridge is located in each cabin.

Q. Are there tea/coffee making facilities in each cabin?
A. There is no tea/coffee making facilities within cabins. There is 24 hour tea/coffee making facilities in the common area. Tea/coffee may be provided to all balcony staterooms.

Q. Do you have adjoining cabins?
A. No

Q. Do you have cabins with a separate bedroom?
A. No

Q. Will there be an opportunity to change pillows in the cabins, if allergic etc?
A. Pillow menus will be located in the cabins to select the appropriate pillow for the client’s comfort

Q. Will there be bathrobes in each cabin?
A. Yes, bathrobes will be available in all staterooms and suites

Q. How large are the balconies?
A. Balconies on our Balcony suites are approximately 36 square feet and are furnished with 2 chairs and a table. Our Royal suite balconies are approximately 49 square feet and have 2 sun loungers as well as 2 teak chairs and a table.

Q. How does the butler service work?
A. Butler service for 2013 is available to all guests and operates on a tiered level, therefore the Services they will provide varies depending on the category of stateroom booked. 

Q. Can optional onshore excursions be purchased?
A. Scenic Tours do not have Optional tours. All excursions are included in the tour cost. A choice of excursion is also available in selected ports of call – again included in the tour cost.

Q. On your coach tours, how many passengers fit on the coach?
A. Our coaches seat 40 passengers on all tours of 7 days or more. This is designed for maximum guest comfort.

Q. How do clients get from the ports/docks to the centre of town?
A. Scenic has reserved the very best docking points in our ports of call. Where we do require them, coaches are available for any town sites requiring transportation. They are waiting for us at the dock with our Meet and Greet staff.

Q. On days when there are Scenic FreeChoice options, can you also have time to do something on your own?
A. This is strictly based on the timing of the options you select. Some excursions are one hour; some are half day and others full day. This will be fully explained by your cruise director when you make the selection onboard.

Q. Do I need to select all these options in advance?
A. No, only the first Scenic FreeChoice needs to be advised at time of booking or at final payment.

Q. Is there sightseeing narration while on board the ship?
New for 2013 We are introducing our 'Scenic Riverview' program. Each guest will be equipped with a hand-held device that taps into the ship's GPS. This will trigger region-specific commentary.

Q. What about if I want to explore on-shore on my own? Are there any sightseeing aids that might help me?
New in 2013 we have a new GPS Guided Tour System that will allow you to tailor your itinerary around your specific interests - whether it be history, wine, food or anything else. Upon embarkation each guest will be supplied with your own hand-held device, giving you flexible and independent sightseeing options for the duration of your river cruise. Or you can use your own iPad or iPhone with a specifically designed Scenic Tours App. This app can be downloaded for no charge. This app allows you to tour at your own pace and explore the places that interest you. This does not replace the organized tours - it is merely a way for you to pass some free time on your own.

Q. Where is the engine room located?
A. Engine room is located on the Rhine Deck at the stern end of the ship. Engines are sound-proofed for passenger comfort.

Q. Are the cruises wheelchair friendly and do you have a disabled cabin?
A. There is a specially equipped cabin located on the Danube Deck (cabin 302 RJ Suite). This cabin includes a wider door, support rails and a barrier free shower.  A stool for the shower is also provided.  Please note that these tours are not suitable for wheelchair-bound passengers as the docks are not conducive to board/disembark the ship easily. As a result we can now only accept collapsible wheelchairs and we cannot accept electronic wheelchairs.  The coaches/attractions in Europe are not equipped and designed for wheelchair bound passengers and many of the streets are cobblestones.

Q. Is there an elevator on board to access all levels?
A. There is an elevator on board which can be used to access the Danube & Rhine Decks. Stairs are used to access the Moselle Deck and the Sun Deck.

Q. Do we pay cash on board or use our credit card, if cash - is it Euros or some other currency? Can we use traveler’s cheques?
A. All expenses are charged to an on board account which passengers will pay at the end of the cruise in Euros by cash or credit card only. The credit card company will apply the appropriate currency exchange rate. Travel Cash Passports are not accepted on any Scenic Ship.

Q. Is there a shower in the Royal suite over the bath or is it a separate stall?
A. Royal suites have a separate bath and shower.

Q. Can the chef accommodate special dietary requests?
A. Yes. It is extremely helpful to have special dietary needs noted at the time of booking, and passengers should also inform the staff upon embarkation of the ship. Kosher meals are regrettably not available.

Q. Why do you need an emergency contact number?
A. The emergency phone number for our Zug office is provided in guest documentation in the case of missed transfers or flights.

Q. What is this medical form that you send me when I make a booking?
A. This is a standard Scenic form, that we kindly request that clients fill out in advance and place in a sealed envelope. In the case of an emergency, it is provided to a medical professional.

Q. Is afternoon tea offered?
A. Tea and coffee will be served with cake or pastries each day.

Q. Is there a meet and greet person at the airport?
A. Yes there is in Paris, and this is the reason why we require passenger flight details, to ensure that our meet and greet staff are there to welcome our guests. We will provide complimentary transfers to and from the airport on the day the cruise starts and finishes.

Q. Are the transfers to and from the airport private?
A. In Paris transfers are organised by flight schedule, and transfers times are designated by passengers arrival time into Charles de Gaulle airport. At the end of the cruise in Nice one group transfer will be depart the ship in Arles for Nice airport. Guests must not book a flight before 3pm.

Q. What happens with passports, do we hand them in when you board the river cruise?
A. Be advised that the front desk, will safeguard passports, for the duration of the cruise, as the different countries may require access to this information.

Q. Are there safes in the cabins?
A. Yes

Q. Is smoking permitted?
A. Smoking is not permitted inside any of the motor coaches or on board the Scenic River Cruise Ships. Inclusive of the public areas, smoking is not permitted in the cabins or on the private balconies. A small designated area on the Sun Deck is available for those who require this facility.

Q. What is the staff to guest ratio?
A. 3.5 guests to each staff member.

Q. What languages are spoken on the ship?
A. The official language on board is English. All staff, crew and local guides speak fluent English. All announcements and lectures will be presented in English.

Q. What type of weather can I expect throughout each month our cruises depart?
A.

Q. Is the Scenic Tsar the same as the Scenic ‘Space Ships’?                                           
No, the Scenic Tsar is a small boutique style ship that sails in Russia only and cannot be compared to a ‘Space-Ship’.

Q. Is tipping included on the cruise and land portions of the tour?
A. Yes, all tipping on the land and cruise portions is included.

Q. Is there a laundry service on board?
A. There is not a self-serve laundry facility; however passengers can pay for laundry service. Guests will find an order form complete with pricing in their cabin.

Q. Is there a gym or bicycles on board?
A. There is a fitness centre located on the Moskva deck on the Scenic Tsar that all passengers can access; however there are no bicycles on board.

Q. Is there a hairdresser located on board?
A. There is a hairdresser located in the Wellness Area on the Moskva Deck. In the wellness area, massages, facials, pedicures and manicures will also be offered.

Q. Is there a doctor on board?
A. Yes, it is required by law that a doctor travel on board all river cruises in Russia.

Q. Can passengers get married on board?
A. Passengers are unable to get married on board as this union is not recognized and on board staff are unable to perform marriage ceremonies.

Q. Is wine included at lunch and dinner?
A. 2 complimentary glasses of beer, wine and soft drink per person are included with lunch and dinner. Additional drinks will need to be purchased for the rest of the day.

Q. Is internet access available on board?
A. Internet access is available. New for 2013 there will no additional charge for Wi-Fi. Please note that access may be interrupted while the ship passes through locks and under bridges.

Q. Is there coffee/tea service available throughout the day on board?
A. We have self serve tea and coffee 24 hours a day. The coffee is a bean to cup service. Lattes and cappuccinos are also available here. For our tea drinkers we offer a wide selection of loose leaf quality teas.

Q. Is there a dress code for dining?
A. There is no special dress code onboard. A casual atmosphere prevails during the day either on excursion or on-board the ship. For the evening meal there is no requirement for formal jackets or ties and casual evening attire is welcomed. However as the welcome and farewell evenings are more formal occasions you may wish to dress accordingly. There also will be entertainment nights that you may wish to dress up for. Please note shorts are not appropriate for the evening meal.

Q. Is there a specific time or seating arrangements for dining?
A. Dining in the evening is open from one set time, seating will be flexible from tables of two to eight guests (Captain’s table may be ten guests on some occasions) and they will be seated by the maitre 'd just as a fine dining restaurant would offer. Guests may choose their seating preferences each evening or reserve a table during the day with friends

Q. Does the Scenic Tsar have more than 1 dining area?               
A. There is just the 1 dining area on the Scenic Tsar, the Crystal dining room is a single seating area.

Q. What entertainment is there on board?
A. Every evening in the lounge, a piano player will perform for your enjoyment. We will also welcome special guest performers on board to entertain you.

Q. Is there a shop on board?                 
A. Yes there is a gift shop on board the ship that sells a range of items such as Baboushka dolls, typical Russia handicrafts such as shawls, serving platters, post cards, photobooks. These items are subject to change.

Q. What are the cabin sizes for each category cabin?
A. RS cabins = 31m² (including the balcony)
    R cabins = 28m² (including the balcony)
    P/PA cabins = 20m² (including the balcony)
    BA/BB/B cabins = 20m² (including the balcony)
    E cabins = 15m² (including the balcony)

Q. What are the bathroom sizes for each category cabin?
A. RS cabins = 3.3m²
    R cabins = 3.7m²
    P/PA cabins = 2.4m²
    BA/BB/B cabins = 2.1m²
    E cabins = 2.1m²

Q. How big are the windows in the E cabins?
A. Cabins 101, 102 & 103 have windows of 1.35m x 1.05m and cabin 104 has a window 1.35m x 1.05m plus an extra small window 0.82m x 1.04m

Q. What are the differences between the Suites?
A. Other than the size of the cabins that main difference is the location of each cabin category on the ship.

Q. Is butler service available on the Scenic Tsar?              
A. There is no butler service on the Scenic Tsar.      

Q. What type of power plugs are used on board?
A. Onboard electricity is 220 volt. Your cabin is equipped with European power points in both your cabin and bathroom. There are 5 220 volt power points in the cabin and 1 110 volt power plug.

Q. Is there a CD player in each cabin?
A. No CD player or radio is located in the cabins. Video and music channels can be accessed on the in-cabin infotainment system.

Q. Is each cabin individually climate controlled?
A. Yes, individual air-conditioning is in each cabin.

Q. Is there a fridge in each cabin?
A. A bar fridge is located in each cabin.

Q. Are there tea/coffee making facilities in each cabin?
A. There is no tea/coffee making facilities within cabins. There is 24 hour tea/coffee making facilities in the common area.

Q. Do you have adjoining cabins?
A. No

Q. Do you have cabins with a separate bedroom?
A. No

Q. What size are the beds?                  
A. The beds are 80cm x 200cm that can be connected to create a Queen size bed or separated to be Twin bedding.

Q. Will there be an opportunity to change pillows in the cabins, if allergic etc?
A. If guests have an allergy they will need to advise this at the time of booking and we will try to accommodate their request however there is no pillow menu on the Scenic Tsar.

Q. Will there be bathrobes in each cabin?
A. Yes, bathrobes and slippers will be available in all staterooms and suites

Q. What television channels are available on the televisions in the cabins?          
A. There are 6 English channels, Bloomberg, CNN, BBC, Discovery, Animal Planet & Eurosport.

Q. What amenities are in the bathroom?               
A. In each bathroom there is 1x Soap, 1x bottle of Shampoo, 1x bottle of Conditioner, 1x bottle of Bath & Shower Gel and 1x Hand & Body lotion. These items are from ‘The White Company of London’

Q. What size are the showers on board the ship?
A. Shower sizes differ slightly between cabin categories but as a rough guide see diagram:

Q. Can optional onshore excursions be purchased?
A. Scenic Tours do not have Optional tours. All excursions are included in the tour cost. A choice of excursion is also available in selected ports of call – again included in the tour cost.

Q. On your coach tours, how many passengers fit on the coach?
A. Our coaches seat 40 passengers on all tours of 7 days or more. This is designed for maximum guest comfort.

Q. How do clients get from the ports/docks to the centre of town?
A. Scenic has reserved the very best docking points in our ports of call. Where we do require them, coaches are available for any town sites requiring transportation. They are waiting for us at the dock with our Meet and Greet staff.

Q. On days when there are Scenic FreeChoice options, can you also have time to do something on your own?
A. This is strictly based on the timing of the options you select. Some excursions are one hour; some are half day and others full day. This will be fully explained by your cruise director when you make the selection onboard.

Q. Do I need to select all these options in advance?
A. No, only the first Scenic FreeChoice needs to be advised at time of booking or at final payment.

Q. Is there sightseeing narration while on-board the ship?
Your Cruise director will point out key points of interest during her on board port talks and lectures.

Q. Where is the engine room located?
A. The engine room is located at the rear of the ship.

Q. Are the cruises wheelchair friendly and do you have a disabled cabin?
A. All guests must have a reasonable degree of fitness to travel on our tours. There is no disabled cabin on the Scenic Tsar. For guests with limited mobility please suggest a cabin as close to the front of the ship as possible. A collapsible wheelchair can be taken on tour for off-ship usage. Guests making use of a wheelchair must be travelling with a companion who is able to push and assist guest if necessary.

Please note that guests will need to be able to climb steps to access the gangplank onto the ship and there is a step to get into the shower in each cabin.

Q. Is there an elevator on board to access all levels?
A. There is an elevator on board which can be used to access the Neva, Volga & Moskva Decks. Stairs are used to access the Onega Deck.

Q. Do we pay cash on board or use our credit card, if cash - is it Euros or some other currency? Can we use traveler’s cheques?
A. All expenses are charged to an on board account which passengers will pay at the end of the cruise in Roubles by cash or credit card only. The credit card company will apply the appropriate currency exchange rate.

Q. Is there a shower in the Royal suite over the bath or is it a separate stall?
A. All cabins have a shower only – no baths.

Q. Can the chef accommodate special dietary requests?
A. Yes. It is extremely helpful to have special dietary needs noted at the time of booking, and passengers should also inform the staff upon embarkation of the ship. Kosher meals are regrettably not available.

Q. Why do you need an emergency contact number?
A. Our cruise directors, in the case of an emergency, are required to contact this person. Passengers may be incapacitated and unable to provide this information if required in an emergency.

Q. What is this medical form that you send me when I make a booking?
A. This is a standard Scenic form, that we kindly request that clients fill out in advance and place in a sealed envelope. In the case of an emergency, it is provided to a medical professional.

Q. Is there a meet and greet person at the airport?
A. Yes there is, and this is the reason why we require passenger flight details, to ensure that our meet and greet staff are there to welcome our guests. We will provide complimentary transfers to and from the airport on the day the cruise starts and finishes. If passengers book pre/post accommodation through us, we will also provide complimentary transfers to and from the airport and to and from pre and/or post tour accommodation.

Q. Are the transfers to and from the airport private?
A. Yes they are exclusive to Scenic. To qualify, private transfer refers to a transfer operated by Scenic Tours; this can be for 2 or more passengers, based on flight arrivals and departures.

Q. Do Royal Suite guests receive a private vehicle transfer from the airport to the ship?
A. No, all guests will be transferred to the airport according to their flight arrival times, royal suite guests are not guaranteed a private transfer.

Q. What time do guests need to disembark the ship?                  
A. All guests need to be of the ship at 9am

Q. Do we offer pre or post tour accommodation?  
A. No we cannot provide pre or post tour accommodation in Russia due to visa restrictions.

Q. Do all guests need a visa to enter Russia?   
A. Yes. At the time of booking all guests are to be provided a form that they must complete and send back to us for the Russian invitation letter. Once we have this issued we will send it back to the guests so they can use this to obtain their visa. Please note the Invitation letter is NOT the visa.

Q. Are there safes in the cabins?
A. Yes

Q. Is smoking permitted?
A. Smoking is not permitted inside any of the motor coaches or on board the River Cruise Ship. Inclusive of the public areas, smoking is not permitted in the cabins or on the private balconies. A small designated area on the Onega Deck is available for those who require this facility.

Q. What languages are spoken on the ship?
A. The official language on board is English. All staff, crew and local guides speak fluent English. All announcements and lectures will be presented in English.

Q. Are there heaters on the ship in the outside areas?             
A. There are no outdoor heaters on the Onega deck however all indoor space is air conditioned and at a suitable temperature for guests comfort.

Q. How wide are the hallways?                 
A. In some places the hallways are only 90cm wide, so this is important for guests who make use of a wheelchair as in some places they most likely won’t be able to use them on board.

Please note that all information is correct at time of publishing but is subject to change.