Scenic Azure

The 2016-built MS Scenic Azure cruise ship is deployed on the Douro River in Portugal, operating roundtrip departures from homeport Oporto. The riverboat is among the most luxurious and newest Douro River cruisers, and is sistership to Scenic Aria (2027).

The vessel is owned by Scenic Group and operated by its subsidiary and travel brand Scenic Tours.

Scenic is the first passenger shipping company to operate its own (fully-owned) boat on the Portuguese river cruising market. The company is considered one of the leading travel brands in Europe, offering a variety of itineraries and all-inclusive fares.

The vessel is Portugal-flagged (MMSI number 263673911) and registered in Lisbon.

Unlike the same-designed Scenic Aria (built by Scenic Group's own construction company, MKM Yachts, in Croatia), Scenic Azure's shipbuilder is WestSEA (a shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal).

Decks and Cabins

All Scenic Azure staterooms (48 total) have a maximum capacity of 2 guests per cabin. Except for the lower (Jewel Deck 1) cabins (located at water level), all other staterooms (88%) are balcony cabins, advertised as “Suite” accommodations with “Sun Lounges” - a private (step-out) balcony designed for all-weather use.

A signature feature of all Scenic Cruises "space ships" is the cabin balconies called “Sun Lounges”. These are outdoor terraces that easily convert into indoor lounge areas. Scenic Azure has a total of 48 cabins (all suites) in 10 grades across 4 passenger decks.

The ship's staterooms are all in Suite categories - Royal Suite (category RP, size 39 m2/420 ft2), Riverview Suite (C1, size 17 m2/185 ft2), Junior Suite (categories BJ, RJ, size 23 m2/250 ft2), Balcony Suite (categories B, BB, C, P, PA, size 20 m2/215 ft2), and Standard Suite (window cabins, categories D, E, size 16 m2/170 ft2).

The boat has 4 decks, of which 3 have cabins.

Shipboard facilities

Scenic Cruises' riverboats are all newbuilds and generally larger, but have smaller guest capacity compared to standard-design riverboats sailing in Europe. This design (patented as "Space Ships") allows for larger staterooms and more spacious and comfortable public areas.

All Scenic Azure's restaurants are complimentary and include Crystal Dining (main restaurant, full seating capacity, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, a-la-carte menus), Portobellos (Italian, 32 seats, serves regional specialities, 5-course menu featuring Portuguese cuisine), Riverview Terrace (alfresco/light bites, afternoon drinks), River Cafe (patisserie/light snacks and sweets), and Table la Rive/Table d'Or (10 seats, dinner-only, reservations-only, 6-course gourmet menu, exclusive to passengers in Diamond Deck cabins and occupants in Royal Suites and Junior Suites).

The ship's main facilities are the Panorama Lounge & Bar, Wellness Centre (Gym and Spa), Lobby Hall (ship entrances, Reception (guest services), Gift Shop (travel essentials, souvenirs), a spacious Sun Deck (shaded seating, Vitality Pool/swimming pool with a sunbathing area/padded loungers, walking track, games area for playing giant chess, shuffleboard, golf putting green, Riverview Terrace, Bridge/Wheelhouse).

On the Sun Deck, there is a bike station for storing electric-assisted bicycles. Bikes are complimentary, so passengers can use them on all guided excursions/tours or on individual tours onshore.

An elevator connects all cabin decks.

On all price-inclusive Scenic cruise tours and excursions ashore, guests receive GPS tracking devices ("ScenicTailorMade") with uploaded digital maps. These also function as listening devices for live narration by the line's local expert tour guides during group excursions.

Binoculars and bicycles are also provided complimentary so guests can fully enjoy the scenery along the cruise itineraries and land tour routes.

Scenic river cruise deals are among the industry's most all-inclusive. All meals, drinks (except French Champagne and the highest-end liquors), excursions, butler service, and Internet are included in the fares. Even the drinks in the cabins' mini-bars are complimentary.

Scenic Group's cruise ships traditionally attract travelers from Australia and the UK, with a steadily growing number of Americans, Canadians, and Germans. Passengers are typically aged 55+, financially comfortable, and well-traveled.

Scenic Azure's Douro cruise deals include Internet (Wi-Fi), all tours and excursions, ground transfers, hotel stays, gratuities, port taxes, and all beverages consumed onboard (coffee, tea, bottled water, soft drinks). River cruise fares also include alcohol - wine and beer at lunch and dinner, as well as cocktails and liquor served at the ship's bars.

Be sure to join the Scenic Cruises loyalty program named "Scenic Club". Scenic Club membership is free and offers numerous benefits, including exclusive deals, booking discount vouchers, members-only river cruise and tour itineraries, complimentary hotel packages and limousine services, unlimited laundry, Scenic-branded merchandise, gift cards, and special onboard events and competitions.

Depending on departure dates, itineraries, and special offers or promotions, Scenic river cruise prices may sometimes include airfare.