Cruiseable Plan my cruise

Scenic

Scenic Sapphire

Intimate ship Bliss scored

Enjoy cruising the European river 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. Outside of the suites…

  • 167guests
  • 2,721gross tons
  • 16cruises now
  • $5,002fares from

Plan my cruise See cruises

Sacre Coeur in Paris, France.

At a glance

Scenic Sapphire is an intimate-size cruise ship operated by Scenic, in service since 2008. It carries 167 guests and 51 crew (3.3 guests per crew member) at 2,721 gross tons. It ties with 3 other ships as the 9th largest of 17 Scenic ships by guest capacity. On Cruiseable's Bliss scale it scores highest for active, dining and romantic (8/10) and lowest for family friendly (2/10). It is rated 4 out of 5 by Cruiseable, 3.5 out of 5 by Berlitz and 4.5 out of 5 by Cruise Critic. It has 16 cruises on sale, with lead fares from $5,002 to $14,525.

Builder's plate

Specs

Cruiseable
4 / 5
Berlitz
3.5 / 5
Cruise Critic
4.5 / 5
Guests
167
Crew
51
Gross tons
2,721
Decks
4
Length
442 ft
Maiden voyage
2008
Space ratio
3.3
Gross tons per guest
Guests per crew
3.3

Bliss scores

What Scenic Sapphire 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.

  1. Active 8.0
  2. Adventure and nature 7.0
  3. Cultural 4.0
  4. Dining 8.0
  5. Entertainment 4.0
  6. Family friendly 2.0
  7. Party 5.0
  8. Romantic 8.0
  9. Spa and fitness 7.0
  10. Staterooms 5.0

Our review

Scenic Sapphire: Personal service & attention on France's waterways

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. Outside of the suites, the ship now has two new dining areas — River Café and Table la Rive — as well as an upgraded bar, new artwork, carpet and furniture. 

Scenic also prides itself on all-inclusive luxury, going as far as telling passengers all they need to pack is their passport, leaving their wallets at home. Amenities include bottled water, Wi-Fi and tipping — all of which are included in the cruise price.

Where Scenic Sapphire sails 

Cruising the Rhône, Saône and Seine rivers of France, Scenic Sapphire stops at river ports including historic Lyon and Avignon, France. Paris is included in some add-on land tours.

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.

Luxembourg Gardens in Paris.
Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. Henrik Berger Jørgensen / Creative Commons BY-ND

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 Sapphire limits guest and cabin numbers 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

How about you? Have you sailed on Scenic Sapphire? Please share your experience!

Help improve this article. See anything wrong? What did we overlook? Be a co-creator!

Interested in a cruise on this ship?

Interested in a cruise on Scenic Sapphire? 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.

 

SEE ALL SCENIC SAPPHIRE SAILINGS

Photos

Inside and out

Destinations 1

  • Luxembourg Gardens in Paris.
    Luxembourg Gardens in Paris.

More photos 3

  • Sacre Coeur in Paris, France.
    Sacre Coeur in Paris, France.
  • The ornate, stained glass dome found above the perfume department in Paris' Galleries Lafayette department store.
    The ornate, stained glass dome found above the perfume department in Paris' Galleries Lafayette department store.
  •  The Ile de la Cite as seen from the Pont des Arts in Paris shortly before sunrise in this HDR image.
     The Ile de la Cite as seen from the Pont des Arts in Paris shortly before sunrise in this HDR image.

Sailing now

Cruises on Scenic Sapphire

Plan my cruise
  1. 10 Night Spectacular South of France 10 nights · from Lyon Next Sep 15, 2026 3 dates Fare on request
  2. 9 Night Idyllic Rhone with Highlights of Paris and Land Tour 9 nights · from Paris Next Sep 23, 2026 from $8,520
  3. 7 Night Idyllic Rhone 7 nights · from Lyon Next Sep 25, 2026 from $6,695
  4. 10 Night Tastes of the South of France a Wine 10 nights · from Lyon Next Oct 19, 2026 from $8,195
  5. 10 Night Spectacular South of France 10 nights · from Lyon Next Mar 27, 2027 14 dates from $6,397
  6. 13 Night Spectacular South of France with French Riviera and Land Tour 13 nights · from Lyon Next Apr 16, 2027 6 dates from $9,277
  7. 7 Night Idyllic Rhone 7 nights · from Nice Next May 3, 2027 Fare on request
  8. 15 Night Spectacular South of France with Paris and the French Riviera and Land Tour 15 nights · from Paris Next May 18, 2027 3 dates from $12,581
  9. 12 Night South of France a Wine with Highlights of Paris and Land Tour 12 nights · from Paris Next May 28, 2027 from $9,546
  10. 10 Night Tastes of the South of France a Wine 10 nights · from Lyon Next May 30, 2027 3 dates Fare on request
  11. 7 Night Idyllic Rhone 7 nights · from Lyon Next Jul 9, 2027 5 dates from $5,002
  12. 10 Night Idyllic Rhone with French Riviera and Land Tour 10 nights · from Lyon Next Aug 22, 2027 from $7,882
Show 4 more
  1. 15 Night Spectacular South of France with Paris and London and Land Tour 15 nights · from Paris Next Sep 13, 2027 from $14,525
  2. 13 Night Spectacular South of France with London and Land Tour 13 nights · from Lyon Next Sep 15, 2027 from $10,676
  3. 9 Night Idyllic Rhone with Highlights of Paris and Land Tour 9 nights · from Paris Next Sep 23, 2027 from $8,177
  4. 10 Night Spectacular South of France 10 nights · from Marseille Next May 10, 2028 6 dates from $7,291

Side by side

Compare Scenic Sapphire with

Overheard

“This sound river ship offers a well-programmed cruise experience. The cuisine is very good and it’s ‘all inclusive’, but ‘premium’ drinks cost extra.”

Berlitz: River Cruising in Europe

Thinking about Scenic Sapphire?

Tell us your dates and who is coming. Our partner travel agency replies with the sailings and cabins that fit.

Plan my cruise More Scenic ships