Scenic Crystal
Intimate ship Bliss scored
Scenic Crystal was the sixth ship to join the Scenic Cruises fleet in April 2012 and 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.
- 169guests
- 2,721gross tons
- 54cruises now
- $3,820fares from
At a glance
Scenic Crystal is an intimate-size cruise ship operated by Scenic, in service since 2011. It carries 169 guests and 51 crew (3.3 guests per crew member) at 2,721 gross tons. It ties with 5 other ships as the 3rd largest of 17 Scenic ships by guest capacity. On Cruiseable's Bliss scale it scores highest for staterooms (9/10) and lowest for family friendly (2/10). It is rated 4.5 out of 5 by Cruiseable, 4 out of 5 by Berlitz and 4.5 out of 5 by Cruise Critic. It has 54 cruises on sale, with lead fares from $3,820 to $19,305.
Builder's plate
Specs
- Guests
- 169
- Crew
- 51
- Gross tons
- 2,721
- Decks
- 4
- Length
- 442 ft
- Beam
- 39 ft
- Maiden voyage
- 2011
- Space ratio
- 3.3
- Gross tons per guest
- Guests per crew
- 3.3
- Speed (mph)
- 14
Bliss scores
What Scenic Crystal is best at
Ten dimensions scored by our editors on a 10-point scale. The Cruiseable app ranks every cruise against the mix you care about.
- Active 8.0
- Adventure and nature 7.0
- Cultural 4.0
- Dining 8.0
- Entertainment 4.0
- Family friendly 2.0
- Party 5.0
- Romantic 8.0
- Spa and fitness 6.0
- Staterooms 9.0
Our review
Scenic Crystal: Luxurious sailing on Europe’s waterways
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.
Scenic Crystal also offers spacious Deluxe Balcony Suites, which are located at the front of the ship and offer private balconies and additional space.
Scenic prides itself on five-star luxury and truly all-inclusive pricing, which means that even the little things, such as port charges, bottled water for excursions, Wi-Fi and tipping, are all included in your cruise fare.
Where Scenic Crystal sails
The Scenic Crystal cruises the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, with destinations including Vienna and Budapest.
Read the full review
Dining
Aboard a Scenic Cruises river cruise, you have a range of dining options to choose from, including the informal all-day River Café, the intimate Portobellos Italian Restaurant, the elegant Crystal Dining Restaurant and the exclusive Table La Rive for Danube Deck, Junior and Royal Suite guests.
Drinks
You can find the English tradition of high tea on the ship's Riverview Terrace during the day and enjoy cocktails in the evening. While you’re onboard, all cocktails, spirits, beer and wine are complimentary; however, there are a few exceptions, including vintage wines, fine champagnes and spirits. You can also enjoy a mini-bar in your cabin any time, along with a large bottle of still and sparkling mineral water daily.
Service & space
With at least one member of staff for every three guests, as well as a personal butler, Scenic Cruises makes sure that each passenger gets great service.
- Butler service: This ship's butler service is available to every passenger. You will be welcomed aboard with a refreshing drink before being taken to your cabin. Whatever your cabin grade, your butler offers complimentary drinks and valet service. If you’re staying on the Rhine Deck or above, your butler can arrange cocktail drinks and serve early morning tea or coffee in your cabin. Danube Deck guests and Junior and Royal Suite guests can enjoy all this plus in-suite dining and pre-dinner canapés.
- Space: Scenic Crystal is referred to as one of the line's "space ships," meaning that guests and cabin numbers are limited to ensure that staterooms and public areas aren't crowded. Highlights include the Panorama Lounge, which is larger than most lounges found on river cruise ships, and the River Café, which offers great views. There are also outdoor areas including the Sun Deck.
Staterooms & suites
Scenic ships are some of the widest and longest on Europe’s waterways, with two decks of suites with balconies, all with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to your private outdoor balcony. If the weather isn't ideal, all balconies can be transformed into a "Sun Lounge," making sure you don't miss the scenery.
All rooms come with queen-size Scenic "Slumber Beds" with Egyptian cotton linen, individual climate control and a pillow menu. Your suite or stateroom includes a flat-screen HDTV and Mac mini system, plus complimentary mini-bar and Wi-Fi/Internet access. There’s also a personal safe for your valuables and a nightly turndown service.
Your take
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Interested in a cruise on this ship?
Interested in a cruise on Scenic Crystal? Contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773, or by email, to get additional information and to find the best rates and value for your vacation dollar.
On board highlights
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Royal Panorama Suite
-
Balcony cabins
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Deluxe Balcony Suite
Dining
Where to eat on Scenic Crystal
Photos
Inside and out
Destinations 6

Buda Castle in Budapest, Hungary. 
Closeup of St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, Austria. 
Hungarian National Museum in Budapest, Hungary. 
Explore Europe's charming riverside villages with other guests on a Scenic Cruises sailing. 
Explore Europe at your own pace through Scenic Cruises' Tailormade, which enables you to go on tours using exclusive GPS devices to learn about a place. 
City of Vienna Haas House at the Graben, Austria.
Dining 6

Couples checked into Danube Deck, Junior and Royal Suites can look forward to sumptuous dishes, chilled wine and a romantic atmosphere at Table La Rive aboard your Scenic sailing. 
Look for fresh fruit appetizers and fine wine in your all-inclusive cruise with Scenic Cruises. 
A pastry or a slice of cake to pair with your tea, an eclair to satisfy your sweet tooth and other desserts are offered on Scenic Cruises. 
Cap off your gourmet dinner with a glass of sparkling wine, whether inside your suite or in a dining room on your Scenic Cruises sailing. 
Riverview Terrace on Scenic Cruises is the perfect place for traditional English High Tea. 
Enjoy a fine dining experience with friends or with family at Table La Rive on Scenic Cruises.
On board 1

River Cafe on Scenic Cruises is a good spot for hanging out with friends while enjoying some snacks and cool drinks.
Staterooms 4

Scenic Cruises' Sun Lounges enable couples to enjoy beautiful scenery in a romantic setting from their own private balconies. 
Spacious, luxurious baths await guests on a Scenic Cruises voyage. 
Guests aboard a Scenic Cruises river cruise can enjoy the passing landscapes from a private balcony only steps away from their beds. 
Guests on Scenic Cruises will find accommodations with contemporary interiors, a flat screen TV, couch, large bed and space to relax and enjoy the passing views.
More photos 3

Balcony Cabin guests aboard Scenic enjoy magnificent views from spacious outdoor balconies, more than 20% larger than cabins of other river cruise ships. 
Access to a private balcony a step or two away from your bed is one of the luxuries you will appreciate on Scenic Crystal's Deluxe Balcony Suite. 
Spacious and lavishly furnished, the Royal Panorama Suite aboard Scenic Crystal is a favorite accommodation of guests of all ages.
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Overheard
“This river ship is just the ticket for a really fine cruise experience. Amenities include good, though small, wellness facilities and Scenic Crystal offers an ‘all-inclusive’ product, but ‘premium’ drinks cost extra.”
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