Personal butlers, exclusive excursions; French champagne at breakfast – here’s our review of Scenic Jasper.

In the second part of our European river cruise “ship review”, we talk about eating, entertainment and excursions on board Scenic Jasper.

Meals:

3.5/5 stars

Since the culinary ‘coming of age’ in the sky, it’s only natural the revolution would ride its wave to cruising. Putting luxury into a product also lifts guest expectation from simple to fanciful fare – with an explicit use of as much butter and cream as the chef chooses. Jasper does not disappoint.

Breakfast and lunch are both served buffet style in Jasper’s main restaurant Crystal, but think international five-star-hotel experience – eggs any which way, quinoa salads, handmade sushi rolls – you name it, they have it. There’s even a Moet & Chandon station available for the sophisticated thirsty early riser. Cakes, sandwiches and pizzas are available throughout the day at the River Café.

River Cafe

Dinner on the other hand, is a different dining experience altogether. I’d mark the dress code as Australian-e
legance, so pack away the ball gowns and suits, and don a nice frock or shirt. In the evenings, Crystal converts to a room full of shiny tableware and offers a four-course menu, but also magically doubles as the venue of Table La Rive – exclusively for Diamond Deck guests. The intimate setting is created each night for just 10 to indulge in a 6-course dégustation with sommelier-paired wines.

Crystal

The third restaurant on Jasper is another designer’s party-trick and smart use of space, taking the front of the ship and transforming it into Portobellos. Serving Italian fare, the five-course menu is matched with Tuscan wines for a maximum three-dozen guests.

Portobellos

The only remark I’d make about the dining experience as a whole is perhaps not limited to Jasper, but a common occurrence in any European eatery. While vegetarianism is filtering across the continent quicker than Putin can ride shirtless through a forest, a lot of Europeans don’t pay as much attention to the fine print – such as how meat stocks and garnishes put into vegetarian dishes is considered meat by any self-respecting vegetarian.

Excursions:

4/5 stars

This is where you can literally tailor-make your own cruise experience. Jasper guests were among the first to test new TailorMade handheld devices which via GPS signals prompts destination dialogue when on self-led tours or, for those slow to catch up on group tours, makes for easy listening to trained guides.

Cruise Director Frank outlines options ahead of the day’s activities and most excursions only require short walks from the coach, a sturdy camera and good sense of humour.

Even cycling 32kms from Durnstein to Melk along the Danube is made relatively easy with the help of electrical bikes, though, you still need a steady hip and yes, your bum will hurt for days afterwards.

Guests can also expect some behind-the-scenes and exclusive outings, such as a special classical concert at the stunning Palais Liechtenstein in Vienna and a performance at the world-renowned Spanish Riding School.

My favourite excursions are a tie between the day city trips on offer. The first to Salzburg, made famous by the pint-size Austrian musical protégée Mozart and then the equally talented Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music.

The second, a self-concocted visit to Bratislava where we opted to take the local train instead of the pre-scheduled coach tour – a big reason intrepid travellers can find river cruising alluring – you’re very much welcome to wander the streets, as long as you make it back in time before the ship sails. 

Entertainment:

3.5/5

This is a tough one. What an individual finds entertaining can vary to the nth degree. For instance, I wasn’t convinced when I first heard we were to be serenaded by a traditional Barvarian troupe with a big tuba one evening, but it seemed to work, or maybe I’m tickled by the memory of seeing the band members jump from ship to lock in their lederhosen.

Bonus points:

Tour leader, the hilarious and ever-so-knowledgeable Eva Riedler singing sixteen-going-on-seventeen in front of the gazebo made famous in the Sound of Music in Salzburg. Mind you, it was pouring, muddy and nobody was in the mood to chime in. Now, that’s some Scenic dedication.

Missed the first part of the Scenic Jasper review? Read it here!