hey everyone welcome to popular cruising i'm your host jason leppert here with a deck by
deck tour and review of scenic luxury cruises and tours scenic diamond this is my first ever
trip with scenic sailing in the famed bordeaux wine region of france remember to stay tuned
until the end of the video to see our evaluation of the riverboats overall pros and cons let's
start with the vessel's specifications scenic diamond is an all-inclusive luxury riverboat
and one of the brand's so-called space ships as originally launched in 2008 its guest capacity
is 149 and its crew capacity is 55 which results in an impressive guest to crew ratio of 2.71 to 1.
as for its accommodations we stayed in one of the riverboats 205 square foot balcony suites
which featured a very comfy and plush bed that was undoubtedly human and teddy bear approved
albeit with not much more in the way of furnishings beyond
nonetheless storage not to mention a fully stocked complimentary mini fridge
is plentiful with lots of closet drawers shelves and hanging space a free bag of laundry that
can be sent out per cruise is another great perk open side cubbies are also a nice touch
just be aware all plugs are european style with no usb charging ports at either nightstand with
no artwork the room is rather stark but dedicated reading lights are welcome extras
bathroom wise there is good padding around the toilet and sink for maneuverability
however the shower itself is quite small and difficult to turn around in
the multiple spray options are fine inclusions
but our body spray was just a trickle otherwise the line's logo looks handsome rendered in
terry cloth and the bathroom hooks are always handy just outside there's a narrow but usable
vanity counter and singular chair the in-room televisions are unique for including access to
the ship's free wi-fi connection the signature sun lounge with downward sliding window is neat
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now let's have a look at the riverboats activities followed by its dining and entertainment
illustrated deck by deck as we usually do now
up top on the sun deck is the alfresco deck itself to be enjoyed either under
shade or out in the open with plenty of inviting seating and loungers to go around
and surrounding it all is a walking deck to get those steps in
for additional exercise scenic diamond also carries a fleet of electronic bikes
to take ashore and explore while leisurely or more actively riding
my only unfortunate take from the upper deck is that the designated smoking area
is disappointingly positioned in the center upwind of half the deck seating
ensuring secondhand fumes for everyone lounging behind while sailing
much better by comparison is the awesome open wheelhouse policy
to understand the riverboats navigation and chat with the senior staff when it's safe to do so
and just in front is the vitality pool really a large whirlpool for taking a refreshing dip
it's certainly a nice addition to rejuvenate in after a long day of touring
down a level on the diamond deck is the forward panoramic deck observation area
for taking in the passing scenery outside while still comfortably under cover
inside from which is the main panorama lounge and bar area
with even cozier seating for checking out the vistas from inside
this is also the main social gathering space on board that hosts daily briefings and serves
both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages again free of charge
additionally there's a side library and coffee corner as well as some games
among cookies and a collection of loose teas to drink
in front of it all is the ship's small selection of gift shop offerings
including more teddy bear friends
an elevator to traverse split-level decks
and the reception area complete with cruise director's desk and guest relations
with a fantastic and friendly crew on board
down another level on the jewel deck is a wellness area and massage room offering a surprisingly long
list of spa treatments really the only thing that incurs an extra charge besides retail
altogether it's a much larger spa space than is found on most riverboats
especially when factoring in the bonus and complementary
to use salt therapy lounge for further wellness
also on board is a sizeable fitness center with various free gym equipment
of course once you burn some calories there are plenty more to ingest thanks to scenic's very
fine dining scenic culinaire is equal parts action station during breakfast and lunch
for the likes of omelets
plus the space for presenting cooking demos from the excellent chefs spaces are limited
so require advanced reservations but engaging sessions are free to attend
like the one where we learned how to make a citrusy crepes suzette
before tasting the sweet creation right on the spot
the larger crystal dining room is the riverboat's main open seating restaurant
a buffet line is centrally located and is used for self-service breakfasts and lunches
midday selections are a bit limited though to a carvery station salads and some more but the
fantastically labeled onboard cheese selection and desserts usually make up for any shortages
and come full service dinners courses save for only a few misses are mostly standouts i was
particularly impressed by a uniquely savory creme brulee additional colorfully plated appetizers
entrees such as tender duck prepared multiple ways
and excellent desserts like this one perfectly balancing passion fruit and chocolate
meanwhile reserved in the corner of the main dining room is table la rive
complimentary but exclusive to guests in the highest end suites
the executive chef's table and its six course meal is expertly presented
and wine paired by one of the ship's butlers and sommeliers
premium dishes include apps with caviar in a cone no less as well as those that are artfully plated
and the fine wines are decanted and flow throughout
also excellent are interim soups
and a palate cleansing sorbet
a master class in vintages is passionately conveyed in between
and before a rich and savory entree
and a final dessert send-off
of course there are more pre dinner drinks to imbibe back at the panorama lounge and bar
here once during our bordeaux river cruise
fresh oysters and the trimmings were additionally made available to guests
just off to the side is the more casual river cafe
for alternative meals and snacks throughout the day
for those hungry in between regular meal times
this is a wonderful inclusion and great place to get extra salads
cheeses sweets daily featured items
sandwiches and marvelous pizzas plus several ice cream choices either dished up or in bar form
many of these items are conveniently available for room service too
a further alternative for dinner just in front is l'amour restaurant
freely available to all guests after making a reservation
the french eatery serves a set five-course meal that is good but lighter overall
including the following smaller but still delicious dishes
lastly upstairs in front of the sun deck is the riverview terrace for taking in alfresco meals
especially a once a cruise outdoor barbecue beautifully and tastefully presented around the pool
as a bit of a departure from the french culinary focus it was nice to enjoy some german
comfort foods as well as is usually the case on riverboats onboard entertainment is more sparse
but there is a decent selection of on-demand movies and television shows to freely watch
in addition to the aforementioned internet connection available here
otherwise onboard offerings are usually live piano music and a dance floor to use
among some dj action for theme nights and a few guest musicians as well
all of which are very good but the entertainment highlight on our cruise
was visiting one of bordeaux's most scenic chateaux a cinderella style castle really
for an exclusive classical concert from a talented string quartet and never far from
wine they performed a beautiful set of popular and lesser known pieces all to our great delight
it made for a truly lovely evening
so many great shore excursions on scenic all of which are marvelously included by the way
extend all over the bordeaux region and of course several vineyards in their respective chateaus
an absolutely huge benefit to tours on this brand is a mobile app that replaces
cumbersome whisper and quietvox devices and their uncomfortable wired headsets instead you
can easily pocket your own smartphone connected via wi-fi to the guide's audio commentary and
use your preferred wireless earbuds to be completely free of any entanglements
before tasting the great wines naturally
another favorite along the way is chateau la grange which of course amused us fans of zz top
before exploring its lovely grounds and world-class winemaking facilities
and another very cool cellar to behold but as on an ocean cruise
some of the best moments on our river one are simply taken in while sailing checking
out everything from an occasional shipwreck to the architecture and nature along the riverbanks
when the suite sun lounges come in handy to watch a time lapse of our return to bordeaux itself
to get one last look at the fine french city
and now for our concluding scenic diamond pros and cons what we didn't care for on board are the
balcony suites small showers and lack of furniture beyond the cozy bed the presence of a smoking area
upwind from half of the sun deck and fewer buffet selections in the main dining room at lunchtime
but what we especially loved include the otherwise fantastic array of culinary offerings
the marvelous mobile app for unencumbered tour commentaries and of course all the luxurious
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