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
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
- 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.
- 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 7.0
- 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.
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
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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.
Photos
Inside and out
Destinations 1

Luxembourg Gardens in Paris.
More photos 3

Sacre Coeur in Paris, France. 
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.
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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.”
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