Booking April 7 departure by Dec. 31 saves $1,800 per couple

Boston, December 2013 - This spring, Scenic Cruises sets sail on a spectacular springtime journey that explores Holland and Belgium during the height of flower season. Departure dates for the eight-day roundtrip Dutch Sights and Belgian Delights itinerary are April 7 and 14 at fares ranging from $3,485 to $4,660 per person, double. A special offer, exclusive to residents of the United States, includes savings of $1,800 per couple on the April 7 departure, if booked by Dec. 31, 2013 - subject to space available, new bookings only.

A highlight of this itinerary is a visit to Keukenhof Gardens. Claiming to be the largest and most beautiful spring garden in the world, the 80-acre garden is filled with the colors and fragrances of more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. The special theme for the 2014 season is 'Holland' and visitors can expect to see a bulb mosaic depicting Amsterdam's canals, with a tulip the size of a canal house. The design features 60,000 tulips and muscaris and symbolizes the 'tulip mania' during the Golden Age, a period in 1637 during which prices for bulbs of the newly introduced tulip reached extraordinarily high levels and then suddenly collapsed. This itinerary also features tours of the picturesque canal city of Bruges and the diamond capital of the world, Antwerp.

Guests take in the sights of Europe through the company's signature "Scenic FreeChoice" activities, which combine the camaraderie of groups with the flexibility of individual travel. One of many examples of the company's shore excursion flexibility is in Amsterdam, where guests can experience a canal cruise highlighting the city's 17th-century architecture or travel to the village of Zaanse Schans to visit a working windmill and enjoy traditional clog and cheese-making presentations. Other "Scenic FreeChoice" activity options are also available in Antwerp, Brussels, Veere and Middelburg.

Those seeking greater independence can head off on a self-guided walk or use one of the ship's electric-assist bicycles while taking advantage of Scenic Cruises' new and exclusive "Scenic Tailormade" system. This GPS-guided handheld device includes full audio and mapping and comes preloaded with tours that include a growing range of possible themes - food and wine, gardens and nature, history, arts and culture, architecture and more, and direct you back to the ship from wherever you end up.

All Scenic Cruises itineraries are truly all-inclusive. This means that every guest enjoys unlimited beverages (from premium alcoholic to non-alcoholic selections); all meals at any of five dining options including the River Café for casual fare, the Italian-based Portobello Restaurant, and dégustation at Table La Rive; daily minibar replenishment; personal butler service; all excursions, events and entertainment; Wi-Fi throughout the ship and airport transfers - all at no additional cost. It also includes all tipping and gratuities, both on board any of Scenic Cruises' luxury 'Space-Ships' and during shore excursions.

Scenic Cruises was recently named "Top Luxury Cruise Line" by the New York Travel Writers Association and received an "Award of Excellence" from renowned guidebook author Steven B. Stern after achieving the highest rank of any river cruise company in his book, Guide to European Riverboats and Hotel Barges. Scenic Tours, parent company of Scenic Cruises, offers all-inclusive escorted tours in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Americas and elsewhere. 

Additional information on these and other cruises, brochures, and reservations can be obtained via travel agents; the company's visitor-friendly website, www.sceniccruises.com; phone (855)-517-1200; or e-mail: info@sceniccruises.com.

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Elliot Gillies
Gillies and Zaiser
10 Nytko Drive
Pomona, NY 10970-2646
SC-21-December 2013