Amanda PhillipsWhen our dedicated cruise specialists aren’t designing tailor-made cruise packages for our customers, they are cruising the world themselves. Recently our Senior Cruise Consultant, May, embarked on a luxury river cruise on board the Scenic Diamond during one of its Bordeaux itineraries.
Firstly, both Graeme and I would like to say thank you for our recent Scenic River Cruise. It was lovely to be able to travel together and get to experience this product as passengers.
And so our Adventure began on Friday 23rd September 2016. Flying to Bordeaux, transferring by private taxi organised by Scenic to the beautiful Scenic Diamond. On receiving our ticket wallet, two rucksacks and flight packs we knew we were going to experience a quality product.
Antonio met us at the ship and assisted us on with our luggage. Captain Jeremy Dike and his staff were there to welcome us personally and introduce themselves.
Our Butler – Daniel – came to our Junior Suite number 201 to introduce himself. He let us know that he will be offering a daily shoe shine service, 2 items of clothing pressed daily and will take our laundry to be washed and pressed. Very impressed with this service (which, believe me, we certainly made use of).
We were lucky enough to be given Junior Suite number 201. The cabin is particularly spacious with plenty of wardrobe and hanging space, your own personal safe, minibar/fridge, dressing table area and flat screen tv with an array of tv channels.
Bathroom was very spacious with a bath and shower and L’Occitane en Provence bathroom products replenished daily (a very nice touch indeed). Private balcony which was a great size. We received canapés and chocolates served in our suite daily.
Eating all the food
All premium branded drinks are included with Scenic, even the minibar in your suite is replenished daily.
The choice of food is endless: from a relaxed buffet to mind blowing culinary delights. You can also have your butler serve you croissants and coffee on your balcony first thing in the morning or go for a mid-morning snack in the River Café.
Lunch – which is buffet style – what a choice of food you have. Then dinner in the Crystal Dining Room. I would recommend booking dinner in L’Amour which was some of the best food I have eaten.
Also, being in a Junior Suite or higher grade you get a personal invitation to Table la Rive – what a dining experience certainly one to remember and recommend. The standard of food on board the Scenic Diamond is just spectacular and nothing was too much bother for any of the restaurant staff who were all friendly and helpful.
Our Entertainment for the trip
After dinner you can relax and listen to the background music of the resident musician Tamas in the bar. We also had a jazz band and an acoustic guitarist come on board for 2 evenings which was particularly nice. Plus, the bar staff are all very knowledgeable and helpful and cannot do enough for you.
Graeme and I were particularly privileged to be invited to dine with our Captain, Jeremy. We all met up at the bar and had canapés and champagne before being escorted to the Crystal Dining room. I felt very special as Jeremy asked me to accompany him to our table and the meal was just fantastic. Plus Jeremy and the Cruise Director Anita were great hosts and made it a very special and memorable evening for us and our fellow table guests.
The beautiful cities
Your Free Choice excursions are included (what a saving this is for customers) and the standard of excursions is just fantastic. From wine tasting in beautiful chateaus like Sauternes to Oyster tasting in Archachon – which has the most beautiful beach to chill and relax for a couple of hours and recharge the batteries.
We also went shopping with our Hungarian Chef – Tivadaar Toth. We walked through a local French Market and he explained the foods on offer and we got to taste wonderful cheeses. If you’re a Cognac lover there’s a trip to the amazing Remy Martin property with special tasting just for Scenic River Cruise guests (all of this is included in the price!).
We were lucky enough to be able to participate on one of the Enrich Excursions: Chateau Giscours. On this we got to experience the finest French cuisine in this very grand Chateau with classical music playing softly in the background. A perfect sunny evening: stunning location, the stuff memories are made of.
Later, we got to spend some nights in the beautiful city of Bordeaux which was just lovely. We sat in a wine bar – we found a great one Vin Bar outside the Museum – and just watched the world go by.
We got to sample the trams (a very easy way to get around the city) and walked back along the the river. Each time you came back to the ship you were welcomed with a refreshing cool towel and a smile from the staff – they really did make you feel at home.
Whether you want to spend your time on board relaxing or take the opportunity to explore with Scenic excursions or on your own, it was all so relaxing and no trouble to any of the team on board the ship.
Scenic went way above and beyond my expectations from the initial welcome on board. It was an amazing experience and one that I will certainly recommend.