Doin’ the deed on the Danube: Part 1
Personal butlers, exclusive excursions; French champagne at breakfast – here’s our review of Scenic Jasper.
It’s day three, we’re moving as slowly as the picturesque sun setting on the emerald Danube; I’m relaxing in the hot tub on the top deck when I decide I’m taking a river cruise for my honeymoon. Sure, I’m not even engaged, yet, but this river cruising virgin is hooked.
You’ve seen the headlines, sang (poorly) with the piano man; slurped the pina coladas – cruising is booming, yada yada yada … We get it, it’s a gargantuan travel industry success while other sectors are forced to consolidate or go niche, in simple terms, going up sh*t creek without a paddle.
You’ve most likely even stepped on the gangplank of one (or many) of these mammoth sized floating shopping malls that take the sea highway in and out of city harbours each summer.
However, what’s rare to be seen locally and therefore generally a blip on many potential cruisers’ radar, is the industry’s smallest-by-size but biggest-by-style secret weapon – river cruising.
Buoy, these nifty “little” vessels pack a punch, and could tip your client over from impersonal big ship cruising to trying something more bespoke; or even overcome a travel agent’s biggest hurdle, persuading land-only rovers to travel via waterways.
As a novice small ship sailor, I happily accepted an invite to attend the christening of Scenic’s newest jewel in the crown, Scenic Jasper in April. Sailing the Danube on a charter from Vienna to Budapest prior to the traditional bustling European river cruising season, as well as being one of the first to sail-test this brand new ship – Christmas had indeed come early.
At that time, the next-generation Jasper “Space Ship” also represented a new leaf for Scenic; coinciding with the Newcastle-based company’s entire brand relaunch featuring a sleeker, more sophisticated identity to fit with a revived luxury positioning to promote “A World of Wonder” – aka, wow moments. The christening also marked the first time an internationally acclaimed ‘Godmother’ had been appointed for the liner, the hilarious and arguably most-down-to-earth friend of George Clooney, Australian-author Kathy Lette.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I admit, I am a sizeist when it comes to cruising for fear of feeling like I was stuck in a floating coffin at sea: bigger equals space, and therefore better, or so I had thought. But seeing Jasper striking from bow to stern glistening on the Danube, its appearance framed perfectly against an equally stunning Vienna skyline, the notion of confined spaces was fast replaced with ooh’s and ah’s.
After the Veuve Clicquot is smashed on the bow by Jasper’s “Goddess” (as Lette preferred) and formal proceedings wrap, 100-or-so guests including Scenic’s sales team, handpicked Aussie travel agents and media venture on board for our 7-night exclusive stay.
Onboard:
4.5/5 stars
Whoever said first impressions count probably didn’t think the saying could be made when referring to an object, but here goes. Anyone who’s travelled on both river cruise and ocean liner will immediately agree – the boarding process on a river cruise is so, so much more civilised!
Gone are lengthy queues and tedious security checks; replaced with waiters in tuxedo’s serving pink champagne (the real drop) escorting you to the lounge (in Jasper’s case, the River Café) for canapés. Seated, you hand over your passport for the boarding process to take place “back stage” aka, who cares – you’re sipping champagne.
By now, the luggage you parted with at your hotel earlier in the day has been screened (travel irons are strictly forbidden on cruise ships of all sizes), and transferred to your suite, seamlessly and without hassle.
After a brief introduction by the ship’s Captain and Cruise Director, Frank, I’m introduced to my personal butler Kris, whom from that point will always be fondly remembered as “Kris-9-Jobs”, as I later find out, he’s also one of Jasper’s top waiters, bartenders and master purveyor of bad Dad-jokes.
Mind you, all this has taken place within about 30 minutes of venturing onboard this “Space Ship”; needless to say, I’ve already had my first of many wow moments.
Cabins:
4.5/5 stars
I’m in one of the 12 Balcony Suites on Jasper’s Diamond Deck – the top of its four decks and my room type slides just behind the Deluxe Balcony Suite (a fragment 2m2 bigger) as well as the crème de la crème, Panorama and Junior Suites, reserved for Lette and her posse.
We enter the room to find my bags are placed on top of “Luggage Mats” at the foot of the bed, but the ever-so-handy Kris advises there’s ample space underneath due to Jasper’s smart design to maximise floor space. Often used in cruise ad campaigns, “You only need to unpack once” rings true as every room is fitted out with a massive wardrobe.
I’m told the plush bed isn’t just fitted with any mattress, but one handpicked by Scenic’s owners who know a good night’s sleep is one of the most valuable aspects of the river cruise experience. Alongside, naturally, is a pillow menu – the trendy amenity to any five-star boutique hotel stays these days.
Kris then shows me the second best thing in my suite, the all-inclusive, unlimited, fully stocked mini-bar. Snacks, liquor, wine, what else could you want? Interestingly – after 7 nights – I realise I never touched a single item. The entire cruise experience is a stream of excess consumption – you’d be hard pressed to go hungry or thirsty on deck, so I certainly didn’t feel the need to carry on the indulgence solo in my room.
The other significant factor that differentiates Scenic from competitor lines is almost every suite on every ship offers an exclusive balcony and river views. With the touch of a button, the glass glides smoothly and I’m suddenly standing in a sun lounge fitted with deck chairs for sundowners or breakfast in bathrobes. Lovely, but just remember, an expansive window means when docked alongside another vessel, you’re very much exposed, so keep the curtains drawn if you don’t want a rude awakening in the morning.
Be sure to read part two of this ship review when we tackle eating, entertainment and excursions on Scenic Jasper.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
danube kathy lette scenic Scenic Cruises scenic jasper Ship ReviewLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!