A Brand new fleet of Luxury

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – October 24, 2007 – Setting sail in early 2008, Scenic Tours River Cruising’s all new “space-ships” will be the highest standard river cruise ships ever built in Europe. Completely unrivaled on European waterways, the vessels feature large open-air balconies with over 25 sq. feet of space.  Passengers can enjoy luxurious five-star accommodations while cruising along Europe’s magnificent Rhine and Danube rivers.

“We are very eager to launch the first of four brand new vessels.  Working with Europe’s pre-eminent river ship designers and naval architects, we developed a totally new design in river cruise ships exclusive to Scenic Tours,” stated Vice President of Sales and Marketing, North America, Nicole De Wilde.  “These unique ships will undoubtedly make Scenic Tours River Cruising the ultimate river cruising experience.”

Passengers can relax comfortably onboard one of Scenic Tours River Cruising’s innovative “space-ships”, offering the largest staterooms in the market with 82 percent of all cabins featuring private balconies.  Four spectacular decks house standard cabins, suites, Royal suites, Junior suites, dining and observation areas complete with all the finer touches.  Each cabin and suite includes a flat screen TV, air-conditioning, internet access, mini-bar, hairdryer, personal safe, internet access and state-of-the-art in-room entertainment system offering a choice of over 1,000 movies on-demand. 

There are two full decks of Balcony suites that provide the ultimate in personal space, measuring 24 percent larger than average European river cruise cabins.  Guests in the Balcony suites, Junior suites and Royal suites on the superior Danube Deck enjoy the service of a private butler, summoned at the touch of a button.  Services provided by private butlers include complimentary serving of tea and coffee in guests’ suites, garment pressing (maximum of two per day), shoe shining, serving pre-dinner canapés and drawing baths for guests in Royal suites.

For guests’ enjoyment, the luxurious Scenic Tours River Cruising vessels include a spacious open-air lounge on the forward deck, as well as an on-board spa and gourmet restaurant.  Inclusive value fares include Scenic FreeChoice’s guided shore tours and sightseeing opportunities, gourmet meals, wine with dinner, airport and all gratuities.  Individuals can indulge in gourmet meals served up in the fine dining restaurant, offering large panoramic windows for the ultimate waterfront dining experience.  On-board meals include breakfast, lunch and dinner, complete with complimentary fine wines.

Since launching in 1987, Scenic Tours has become a well-respected leader in the international luxury leisure tour market.  The Australian-based company entered the European river cruising market in 2005 and has invested $100 million to introduce a revolutionary fleet of new ships in 2008 that will provide guests with the highest level of luxury accommodations, dynamic itineraries and unique dining experiences.  The Scenic Sapphire and the Scenic Emerald will sail the Rhine and Danube Rivers offering 20 percent more space than traditional river cruise ships.  Most cabins will have private balconies and all upper-deck accommodations will feature a private butler service. All cabins and suites will include roomy bathrooms, flat-screen televisions, mini-bars and internet accessibility.  Fares will include gourmet meals, guided shore tours and sightseeing opportunities.  For more information, visit www.scenictours.com.

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