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Ship comparison

Scenic Crystal vs Scenic Sapphire

The verdict

Which should you choose?

Scenic Crystal is an intimate Scenic ship carrying 169 passengers, in service since 2011. Scenic Sapphire is an intimate Scenic ship carrying 167 passengers, in service since 2008.

Choose Scenic Crystal if you want better-rated staterooms, a lower starting fare or more cruises to choose from: it outscores Scenic Sapphire for staterooms (9.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, its cruises start from $3,820 (vs $5,002) and it has 54 cruises on sale (vs 16).

Choose Scenic Sapphire if you want a better-rated spa and gym: it outscores Scenic Crystal for spa & fitness (7.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.

Side by side

Specifications

marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.

Scenic CrystalScenic Sapphire
Cruise line Scenic Scenic
Ship size Intimate Intimate
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2011 (better) 2008
Gross tonnage 2,721 2,721
Passengers 169 167
Crew 51 51
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 3.3 3.3
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 16.1 16.3 (better)
Decks 4 4
Length 442 ft 442 ft
Beam 39 ft
Speed 14 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 9 / 10 (better) 8 / 10
Cruises on sale 54 16
Upcoming sailings 83 49
Cruise lengths 7–23 nights 7–15 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $3,820 (better) $5,002

Bliss scores

How they rate, out of 10

Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Scenic Crystal leads on 1 of the ten, Scenic Sapphire on 1, with 8 level.

  • Active Scenic Crystal: 8.0 Scenic Sapphire: 8.0
  • Adventure & nature Scenic Crystal: 7.0 Scenic Sapphire: 7.0
  • Cultural Scenic Crystal: 4.0 Scenic Sapphire: 4.0
  • Dining Scenic Crystal: 8.0 Scenic Sapphire: 8.0
  • Entertainment Scenic Crystal: 4.0 Scenic Sapphire: 4.0
  • Family friendly Scenic Crystal: 2.0 Scenic Sapphire: 2.0
  • Party Scenic Crystal: 5.0 Scenic Sapphire: 5.0
  • Romantic Scenic Crystal: 8.0 Scenic Sapphire: 8.0
  • Spa & fitness Scenic Crystal: 6.0 Scenic Sapphire: 7.0
  • Staterooms Scenic Crystal: 9.0 Scenic Sapphire: 5.0

Scenic

Scenic Crystal

The luxury river ship Scenic Crystal from the Scenic fleet voyages through the heart of Europe. The ship features outdoor balconies that convert into all-weather "Sun Lounges," newly designed guest rooms with 32-inch, flat-screen HDTVs as well as six onboard restaurants.

Highlights

  • All-inclusive pricing includes wi-fi, bottled water and tipping
  • Balconies transform into all-weather "Sun Lounges"
  • Six restaurants to choose from

Sailing now

54 cruises on sale, from $3,820.

Scenic

Scenic Sapphire

Enjoy cruising Europe's rivers and riverside villages aboard Scenic Sapphire. With a recent upgrade, this ship now features luxury suites with large private balconies and "Sun Lounges," HDTVs linked to Mac mini computers and complimentary Wi-Fi access.

Highlights

  • A range of dining options from informal to elegant
  • Personal butler service for every guest
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Sailing now

16 cruises on sale, from $5,002.

Questions

Scenic Crystal or Scenic Sapphire?

Which is bigger, Scenic Crystal or Scenic Sapphire?

They are the same size, 2,721 gross tons each. Scenic Crystal carries 169 passengers and Scenic Sapphire carries 167.

Which ship is newer, Scenic Crystal or Scenic Sapphire?

Scenic Crystal is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2011 against 2008 for Scenic Sapphire.

Which has more space per passenger?

Scenic Sapphire, with 16.3 gross tons per passenger against 16.1 on Scenic Crystal. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.

Which has more crew per passenger?

They are level, with one crew member for every 3.3 passengers.

Which is better for families?

They score the same for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 2.0 out of 10.

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