Reviewed by: Julie Travadi

Cruise Line: Scenic

Size of ship and passenger capacity: 2721 gross tonnage, 169 passengers

Built / Refurbished: 2015

Where the ship cruises: Danube River, Europe

Currency onboard: Euro

Embarkation/Disembarkation: We embarked in Passau, Germany. Despite passengers arriving from different flights and checking in at varying times, the process was amazingly smooth.

Main features: Scenic Amber is a fabulous new river ship. It has contemporary furnishings and is very luxurious. The Sun Deck is a great place to relax, have a drink and watch the spectacular views as you cruise. There is a small pool on this deck which would be wonderful in summer.

The balcony cabins have what’s known as a ‘sunlounge balcony’ that can be closed off to operate as a balcony or opened to extend the cabin. This makes it an all-weather space and an ideal location to sit and enjoy the scenery. The window can also be opened to let in some fresh air.

The free wifi is mostly good however it can be a little erratic in some places.

E-bikes (electronically assisted) are available in certain ports plus if you want to exercise some more, there is a small gym aboard to run off the delicious meals.

Most suited to: Scenic Amber is most suited to couples and singles who are 50 years plus.

Atmosphere: The atmosphere is inviting, contemporary and comfortable.

Encounters with Service Staff: Staff are amazing – very friendly and helpful. The service was consistently good and no request was too much.

Staterooms: The beds are very comfortable, the balcony allowed fresh air and there was plenty of storage under the bed for suitcases. Drinking water is provided along with a mini bar. A butler service is available for all passengers to assist with any queries, additional requests, room service including morning coffee in your cabin! Category C and D cabins were of a good standard and come with a window however I would recommend staying in a balcony cabin if possible.

Dining options: The food was of a great standard with lots of choices. Watch out as it is easy to eat too much! Breakfast is a buffet and you can also get a la carte eggs and pancakes. Lunch is also a buffet and available to those who don’t go ashore. Dinner is not overly formal but passengers do dress up a little. Dinner is at least three courses based on the produce of the port you are in. You have at least two or three choices for each course with all drinks included. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is available in the restaurant and also in the cafe. The cafe is a great option when returning to the ship if you want a snack, pizza, sandwiches and cakes. Some evenings a late night snack is available after you have been ashore. There is a fabulous coffee/tea machine in the Lounge which is always stocked with yummy biscuits. The Portobellos Italian restaurant is another dining option and my favourite. All guests eat at this venue at least once during the cruise. Table La Rive is a dining venue for passengers on the Diamond deck and offers a degustation with paired wines!

Entertainment: A port talk by the Cruise Director before dinner to discuss the excursions the next day is highly informative. Also performers are sometimes brought onboard such as Viennese Waltz dancers, sand artists, singers and musicians.

Activities: Scenic offers a choice of excursions in all ports. My favourite was Bratislava in Slovakia and the fabulous ‘Sound of Music’ experience in Salzburg. Tailormade GPS devices provided whilst touring allow everyone to hear the guide’s commentary directly through the headsets.

Family Facilities: No specific facilities for families however families are welcome.

Inclusions: Accommodation, meals, beverages, shore excursions and entertainment are included.

Exclusions: Nil.

Self Service Laundry: There is no self-service laundry available. A limited amount of clothes will be laundered free of charge for Diamond deck passengers.

Insiders Tips: The dress code is smart casual overall however a little more formal for dinner and Scenic Enrich excursions. Scenic Enrich excursions are unique Scenic events which take you behind the scenes to places inaccessible to the ordinary traveller. I experienced a concert at Palais Liechtenstein during my cruise which was rather special.

A final but important hint is that Australian and European sockets are available in each cabin!