Scenic schedules new sailings along the Danube and Seine rivers, expands itineraries in France's Bordeaux region and lengthens Christmas Markets route; Offers free air on some routes

     Boston & Vancouver - July 2015 – Scenic, the award-winning operator of truly all-inclusive luxury river cruises in Europe, announces exciting additions to its 2016 itineraries, including the eight-day Iconic Danube, a river cruise that takes in the extensive history of the region - from Passau to Budapest; the 21-day Christmas Markets with Paris and Prague linking two great cities with a cruise full of holiday traditions; and the 21-day Gems of the Seine and Breathtaking Bordeaux, combining two of France's most breathtaking regions into one longer sailing indulgence. Details are laid out in Scenic's new 2016 brochure–downloadable from the company's new websites – www.scenicusa.com or www.scenic.ca, or in hardcopy form.  

     Scenic Freechoice land excursions are always included and feature a diverse selection of immersion-based activities, allowing guests to explore key cities and regions at their own pace. Sundowners, introduced in 2015, provides exclusive cocktail receptions to toast the days' end at some of Europe's most picturesque locations, including Austria's Wachau Valley and France's Tournon Castle. Pre- and post- trip packages are also available with each itinerary.

     The Iconic Danube kicks offin Munich before setting sail from the picturesque Passau, where the Altstadt contrasts the Italianate influences of early prince-bishops with modern makeovers on the western end; Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and setting for Scenic's newest Freechoice - the 'Best of Sound of Music and Salzburg Show' - an exclusive production of the timeless film of the same name performed in the rolling hills of Salzburg; and Vienna, for an enchanting evening of champagne and a private concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart in Palais Lichtenstein – an exclusive Scenic event. Early booking specials range from free air on standard suites (US) to $695 (CA) airfare inclusive of taxes on all suites with prices starting at US$3,245/CAN$3,595 per person, double.

     Christmas Markets with Paris and Prague spotlights centuries-old traditions, particularly evident in festive markets all along this 21-day holiday-themed journey that begins with three nights in Paris at the Marriott Opera Ambassador, a luxury hotel heart of the city's opera district. Guided excursions in Paris include the Louvre and Eiffel Tower followed by a dinner and show at the world-renowned Lido; in Wurzburg, the Bishop's Residenz Palace; in Freudenberg, an Oktoberfest celebration; in Nuremberg, WWII sites; and in Vienna, Schonbrunn Palace. The itinerary concludes with three nights in the Prague Marriott hotel, allowing guests to explore the city's Communist-era history or tour highly acclaimed Lobkowicz Palace, and celebrate with a sumptuous Czech dinner. Free air is available on all suite categories. Fare start at US$8,410/CAN$10,055. Canada Scenic is offering free flights to those booking early.

     Gems of the Seine and Breathtaking Bordeaux highlights the 17th-century architecture of Lyons-la-Floret, named one of the Most Beautiful Villages of the World; Normandy's D-Day beaches in Honfleur; the house and gardens of Impressionist painter Claude Monet in Giverny; the Palace of Versailles in Paris; winemaking traditions in the Sauternes and Medoc regions; and dinner at Chateau Giscours winery in Bordeaux. Canadian guests can book with free air. Fares start at US$10,700/CAN$12,230.

     Scenic has the newest fleet of ships to sail the European rivers, and offer some of the largest suites on the rivers they sail. Additionally, Scenic's signature all-inclusive luxury means that absolutely everything is included: personalized service with a 3:1 guest to staff ratio, butler service and unlimited complimentary beverages, full-size private balcony suites with exclusive Scenic Sun Lounges which allows guests to convert the balcony from open air to a sealed sun lounge with a press of a button, a choice of six dining options that include dégustation at Table La Rive, fine dining at Portobellos and more casual fare at River Café, plus on the newest Space-Ships - vitality pools on the Sun Deck. All Scenic river cruise guests enjoy included tips and gratuities, expert local guides, all Scenic Freechoice activities and Scenic Enrichspecial events. On-board river highlights and on-shore experiences are made exceptional by Scenic Tailormade handheld GPS guided tour systems, included and provided to every guest. Scenic's new laundry concierge service for 2016 entitles all river cruise guests in Europe and France to 1kg of laundry free on each cruise. The only thing that can be bought on a Scenic Space-Ship besides gifts to take home is a massage or a haircut/styling.

     Scenic also offers award-winning, 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; or in the US: www.scenicusa.com; phone 844-788-7985; or e-mail: info@scenicusa.com: and in Canada: www.scenic.ca; phone 844-788-7987; or e-mail: canada@scenic.ca.  Brochures can also be downloaded directly from the website.

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Gillies and Zaiser
www.gilliesandzaiser.com
media@gilliesandzaiser.com
SC-09-July 2015