Scenic Jasper Review

4.5 / 5.0
158 reviews

Budapest to Amsterdam - A magical experience on the Scenic Jasper

Review for Europe River Cruise on Scenic Jasper
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Light03
First Time Cruiser • Age 60s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Jul 2019
Bathroom
The Jasper lounge where we spent a lot of time
Corridor to our cabin
Scenic buses followed us for part of the trip. They were used for shore exc

Wowee! What a magical experience. I cruised on the Scenic Jasper from Budapest to Amsterdam leaving 31 July and was blown away by this trip. The combination of friendly relaxed passengers, fun and professional crew, the experience of gliding down the river, the places we visited, the food, the entertainment – everything made it just fabulous. I was taken aback by how difficult it was to leave on our last day. Everything is included in the fare so you don’t have to worry about anything – what a luxury.

All the passengers interacted in an open and fun way and I think Scenic are very good at choosing the perfect crew to make the cruise extra special. DJordje (Hotel Manager) is an excellent leader and worked with the passengers, the leadership team and the crew to create a warm and fun vibe. Thankyou Yevgeny (Captain) - who got us through some very shallow water, DJordje, Szilvia (Cruise Director), Istvan (Head Chef) and the entire crew. I wish I was cruising, cruising, cruising!

I was asked by a friend to join her on a river cruise with Scenic cruises. This was my first river cruise and we joined the Scenic Jasper at Budapest for a Jewels of Europe 15 day 14 night trip to Amsterdam. We were originally scheduled to be on the Scenic Crystal but were informed a week prior that that we were assigned the Scenic Japser. We arrived from Australia a day prior to our departure and stayed in the Budapest Marriott - the recommended Scenic hotel. The hotel is in a great location on the Pest side and within walking distance of many sights. The hotel room was spacious and had everything you need. A bonus was the fabulous view of the Danube and the sights on the Buda side. The window took up almost the entire wall of the room.

Cabin Review

Cabin BA

Our cabin was a balcony suite on the Sapphire deck. As we were friends travelling we had a twin bed configuration and had more than enough space. The Scenic ships have the advantage of giving extra room in the cabin – with the flick of switch you have a balcony and sun lounge or extra room in an enclosed cabin This part of the cabin had two chairs and table and there is a black out curtain that comes across to separate this area from the main cabin. I was amazed at how much storage space there was - your case is stored under your bed and there was enough room to have had a side of the wardrobe each plus shelving and drawers. The beds were very comfortable and the bathroom had the best shower. A full length mirror, plus mirrors on the dressing table were enough for us. There is a TV with news channels, current movies and TV programs. We used it primarily to track our progress on the rivers, check Wi-Fi coverage, the daily schedule and to see view from the camera on the front of the ship. There is a mini bar which is refilled every day. I loved our cabin though I didn’t spend much time in it! It was serviced every day by our wonderful crew.

The cabin was located toward the back of the ship about 200 steps from the reception area. If you have mobility issues it may be useful to book a cabin closer to the reception area. It was fine for me – it did get my steps up.

I viewed the single cabin which was across from ours and it looks perfectly formed. Half the size of ours but with all the amenities – plenty of room for a single traveller. Friends stayed in a standard suite on the jewel deck. They reported that it was cosy but that this was not a problem as the majority of their time was spent in the public areas and exploring at the various stops.

Port Reviews

Budapest

Love Budapest - so much to see. It was easy to take public transport and walk around.

Vienna

The Scenic Jasper was docked by the underground train and we chose to do our own thing. Lots to see here and will be back

Durnstein (Krems)

The Scenic Jasper was docked within an easy walking distance. Explored the Monastery and wandered through the cobbled streets. Durnstein is gorgeous - one of my favourite places.

Regensburg

Took a walking tour through Regensburg to the Thurn und Taxis palace. Enjoyed it but on reflection would have liked to have the free time to wander.

Nuremberg

Did the WWII tour which was really interesting. I will return to Nuremberg as there is lots to see.

Bamberg

A beautiful, beautiful place. Did the walking tour here - loved it.

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