Scenic River Cruises offer a wonderful way to experience Europe in comfort and style. We were fortunate to sail from Amsterdam aboard Scenic Jewel, and from check-in through to disembarkation, the entire journey felt seamless and luxurious.
The butler service added an extra touch of comfort, while the overall onboard experience was polished, relaxed and exceptionally well organised. The crew were outstanding and played a big part in making the journey so memorable. They were always on hand to assist with anything needed, whether arranging laundry, delivering morning coffee or helping with special requests. Their genuine care, professionalism and attention to detail really enhanced the experience.
Amsterdam is an excellent city from which to begin a river cruise. It is flat, easy to navigate and ideal for exploring on foot, or by bicycle for those feeling adventurous. Our itinerary was a six-night return sailing from Amsterdam to Antwerp in Belgium and back again, offering a relaxed and enjoyable way to experience this beautiful part of Europe.
One of Scenic’s standout features is its truly all-inclusive offering. Guests can choose from a variety of included excursions in each port, explore independently or simply enjoy the ship. Every sailing also includes a Scenic Enrich experience, and in Amsterdam we were fortunate to visit Fabrique des Lumières, where the works of some of history’s greatest artists were brought to life through an incredible digital display of light, imagery and sound.
Our journey also began with a visit to the world-renowned Keukenhof Gardens, a must-see for anyone who loves tulips. We visited on just the second day of the season, and although the gardens were only beginning to bloom, they already showcased vibrant colour and beautifully designed landscapes that perfectly captured the essence of spring in Holland.
In Dordrecht, we travelled to the charming town of Delft, famous for its iconic blue-and-white porcelain. A visit to the Delft factory gave us fascinating insight into the craftsmanship and history behind this globally recognised art form, followed by a guided walking tour through the town’s picturesque streets and canals.
Our stop in Bruinisse provided a unique and authentic local experience. During a visit to a working oyster farm, we learned more about the region’s oyster, mussel and crayfish industry before sampling fresh oysters. While the flavour was different from Australian varieties, they were equally enjoyable and offered a wonderful taste of the region’s rich seafood heritage.
In Antwerp, our only Belgian port, the convenience of docking within walking distance of the city centre made sightseeing very easy. A guided walking tour revealed much of the city’s history and culture, with one of the highlights being Antwerp Central Station, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. Antwerp itself is a vibrant city, known for its impressive food and bar scene, which adds to its appeal as a cruise destination.
Our final port of call was Arnhem, located near the German border and well known for its World War II history. Rather than focusing on the military sites, we chose to visit Palais Het Loo, a former royal summer residence dating back to 1685. Now an impressive museum, it offers insight into the history of the Dutch royal family, with grand interiors, art collections and beautifully manicured gardens.
All shore excursions were included in the cruise fare, which is one of the key benefits of travelling with Scenic. This all-inclusive approach, combined with seamless transfers, including our departure airport transfer in Amsterdam, made the experience stress-free from beginning to end. Scenic also includes all meals, drinks, minibar items and excursions, allowing guests to enjoy the journey without worrying about additional onboard costs. The local guides on each tour were knowledgeable, engaging and informative, regardless of which excursion was chosen.
Overall, river cruising offers a relaxed and intimate way to travel. With smaller ships, fewer guests and a strong focus on both the destination and the inclusions, it represents excellent value. The journey felt effortless, immersive and genuinely relaxing, with the Scenic team taking care of every detail. It is an ideal way to explore multiple destinations in comfort while enjoying a high standard of service throughout.
