Scenic Sapphire

The Scenic Sapphire boat cruises on the Saone and Rhone rivers in Provence and Burgundy (wine regions in southern France). Departures are from Chalon (on the Saone River) and Tarascon (on the Rhone River). Itineraries including Paris (France) are inclusive of TGV (speed-train) travel to or from Chalon (for embarkation/disembarkation). Itineraries including Barcelona (Spain) are inclusive of air travel to or from Tarascon (for embarkation/disembarkation).

Cabins

Scenic Sapphire was launched in 2008 as a member of Scenic Cruises’ “space ships” fleet. The innovative “space ship” class design offers generous cabin and public space, as well as one of the highest passenger-to-space ratios in the industry. A signature feature of all Scenic “space ships” is the cabin balconies known as “Sun Lounges”, which make the staterooms feel larger and allow the balcony to be used even in inclement weather. These are outdoor terraces that can easily convert into indoor lounge areas. Additional amenities include television-Mac computers in every cabin, glass-enclosed showers, L’Occitane products, and plush bathrobes. The ship has a total of 85 cabins (including 70 balcony suites) in 14 grades.

Cabin Types/Categories (number, location), from highest to lowest:

• Suites - RA, R (x4, Deck 3), RJ, BJ (x6, Decks 2 and 3), A, B, BA, C, P, PA (x58, Decks 2 and 3), BS (x1, Deck 2)
• Window Staterooms - D, E (x15, Deck 1).
• More than 80% of the accommodations feature full-size balconies. Every room has a “Scenic Slumber Bed” that is queen-size, with fine linens and a pillow menu. Junior and Royal Suites offer butler service.

Shipboard facilities

All meals, drinks (except French Champagne and the highest-end liquors), excursions, butler service, and Internet access are included in the fare.

Scenic Sapphire restaurants include Crystal Restaurant, Portobellos (Italian), Riverview Terrace (alfresco), and Table la Rive (Sapphire Deck, for Suite passengers only). The ship also features a Panorama Lounge, River Cafe, Wellness Centre (Gym and Spa), onboard shop, and an elevator connecting all cabin decks.

On all price-inclusive Scenic cruise tours and excursions ashore, guests receive GPS tracking devices (called 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 Scenic river cruise itinerary.

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 Tours cruises traditionally attract travelers from Australia and the UK, with a steadily growing number of Americans, Canadians, and Germans. Passengers are typically 55+, financially comfortable, and well traveled.

Scenic Sapphire cruise prices are per person and based on double occupancy. These are only indicative of Scenic cruise rates. Prices may vary when booking Scenic Tours river cruise deals due to travel agency promotions, special offers and discounts, group bookings, or last-minute deals.

The riverboat Scenic Sapphire has as “Space-Ship” sisterships the same-designed fleetmates Emerald and Diamond.

Scenic Sapphire 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, and soft drinks). River cruise fares also include alcohol—wine and beer served at lunch and dinner, as well as cocktails and liquor available at the ship's bars.

Be sure to join the Scenic Cruises loyalty program called "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.

Note: You can see CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there.