Scenic Gem 'Space-Ship' Designed & Built for "Gems of the Seine" River Cruise

In 2014, Scenic Cruises will launch the Scenic Gem, a brand new luxury river ship built specifically to sail the historic waters of France's Seine River. Celebrating the milestone that construction has begun on the new river cruiser, a ceremonial keel-laying event was held earlier this month. The newest vessel in a fleet of eight Scenic Cruises 'Space-Ships,' Scenic Gem will explore northern France on its Gems of the Seine itinerary - an 11-day voyage that takes up to 126 guests on a journey of historical, cultural and scenic discovery.

At 360 feet long, the ship epitomizes the luxury for which Scenic Cruises is known, offering such inclusions as six onboard dining selections and Scenic 'Sun Lounges,' which are private, full-size walk-out balconies that convert into all-weather sealed lounges with just the push of a button. It will also be the only river ship able to transit the full span of the Seine, making its way under Pont de Brotonne, the oldest bridge of its kind in the world, before docking in the port city of Honfleur. The Gems of the Seine sails between July and October 2014 with prices that range from $5,420 to $10,045 per person, double; early booking incentives include free flights or savings up to $1,300 per couple on select cabins and for select dates when booked at least 90 days prior to departure - the earlier the booking, the bigger the savings.

Indulging in the company's signature all-inclusive luxury, guests can experience the itinerary's many sights through "Scenic Enrich" and "Scenic FreeChoice" activities. "Scenic Enrich" events, which are exclusive to Scenic Cruises, include a private classical concert within the grandiose 16th-century Ch'teau-de-Champl'treux in Vernon. "Scenic FreeChoice" activities give guests the flexibility to choose from a variety of pursuits that most interest them. Examples among the 24 "Scenic FreeChoice" opportunities on this itinerary include, in Rouen, a choice of a tour of the city, which is renowned for its historical ties to Joan of Arc; a cooking demonstration and tasting at a French Baking and Patisserie Institute; or a hike of St. Catherine Hill to see the views that inspired Monet's "Panorama of Rouen;" and in Honfleur, a full-day excursion to the D-Day landing beaches of Normandy (2014 marks the 70th anniversary); or a tour of the playground of the rich and famous in Deauville, including a tasting of the regions renowned calvados. 

Those seeking more independence can head off on a self-guided walk or use one of the ship's electric-assist bicycles while taking advantage of Scenic Cruises' new and exclusive "Scenic Tailormade" system. This GPS-guided handheld device includes full audio and mapping and comes preloaded with tours that include a growing range of possible themes - food and wine, gardens and nature, history, arts and culture, architecture, and more. This system allows guests to enjoy points of interest at their own pace and ultimately directs them back to the ship.

All Scenic Cruises itineraries are truly all-inclusive. This means that every guest enjoys unlimited beverages (from premium alcoholic to non-alcoholic selections); all meals; daily minibar replenishment; personal butler service; all excursions, events and entertainment; Wi-Fi throughout the ship and airport transfers - all at no additional cost. It also includes all tipping and gratuities, both on board any of Scenic Cruises' luxury 'Space-Ships' and during shore excursions. There are absolutely no out-of-pocket expenses, with the exceptions of spa or salon services on board and personal gifts.

Dining aboard Scenic Cruises 'Space-Ships' has also taken on a whole new flavor - with more options than any other river cruise company. A fine dining French restaurant will debut on Scenic Gem; additionally, Table La Rive, reserved for guests of the Danube deck, is a chef's degustation experience of six courses with premium wines; the Crystal Dining Room offers multiple menu choices accompanied by high-end wines; the River Café features light fare all day; on select days, the Sun Deck turns into an open-air barbecue experience; and 24-hour room service is available to all guests.

Scenic Cruises was recently named "Top Luxury Cruise Line" by the New York Travel Writers Association and received an "Award of Excellence" from renowned guidebook author Steven B. Stern after achieving the highest rank of any river cruise company in his book, Guide to European Riverboats and Hotel Barges. Scenic Tours, parent company of Scenic Cruises, offers all-inclusive escorted tours in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Americas and elsewhere. Additional information on these and other cruises, brochures, and reservations can be obtained via travel agents; the company's visitor-friendly website, www.sceniccruises.com; phone (855)-517-1200; or e-mail: info@sceniccruises.com.