Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere.
It all comes together to make this one of the world's most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world.
Built on a latticework of concentric canals like an aquatic rainbow, Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals—but it's no Venice, content to live on moonlight serenades and former glory.
Quite the contrary: on nearly every street here you'll find old and new side by side—quiet corners where time seems to be holding its breath next to streets like neon-lit Kalverstraat, and Red Light ladies strutting by the city's oldest church.
Indeed, Amsterdam has as many lovely facets as a 40-carat diamond polished by one of the city's gem cutters.
It's certainly a metropolis, but a rather small and very accessible one.
Locals tend to refer to it as a big village, albeit one that happens to pack the cultural wallop of a major world destination.
There are scores of concerts every day, numerous museums, summertime festivals, and, of course, a legendary year-round party scene.
It's pretty much impossible to resist Amsterdam's charms.
With 7,000 registered monuments, most of which began as the residences and warehouses of humble merchants, set on 160 man-made canals, and traversed by 1,500 or so bridges, Amsterdam has the largest historical inner city in Europe.
Its famous circle of waterways, the grachtengordel, was a 17th-century urban expansion plan for the rich and is a lasting testament to the city’s Golden Age.
This town is endearing because of its kinder, gentler nature—but a reputation for championing sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll does not alone account for Amsterdam's being one of the most popular destinations in Europe: consider that within a single square mile the city harbors some of the greatest achievements in Western art, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh.
Not to mention that this is one of Europe's great walking cities, with so many of its treasures in the untouted details: tiny alleyways barely visible on the map, hidden garden courtyards, shop windows, floating houseboats, hidden hofjes(courtyards with almshouses), sudden vistas of church spires, and gabled roofs that look like so many unframed paintings.
And don’t forget that the joy lies in details: elaborate gables and witty gable stones denoting the trade of a previous owner.
Keep in mind that those XXX symbols you see all over town are not a mark of the city's triple-X reputation.
They're part of Amsterdam's official coat of arms—three St.
Andrew's crosses, believed to represent the three dangers that have traditionally plagued the city: flood, fire, and pestilence.
The coat's motto ("Valiant, determined, compassionate") was introduced in 1947 by Queen Wilhelmina in remembrance of the 1941 February Strike in Amsterdam—the first time in Europe that non-Jewish people protested against the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime. Amsterdam combines the unrivaled beauty of the 17th-century Golden Age city center with plenty of museums and art of the highest order, not to mention a remarkably laid-back atmosphere.
It all comes together to make this one of the world's most appealing and offbeat metropolises in the world.
Built on a latticework of concentric canals like an aquatic rainbow, Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals—but it's no Venice, content to live on moonlight serenades and former glory.
Quite the contrary: on nearly every street here you'll find old and new side by side—quiet corners where time seems to be holding its breath next to streets like neon-lit Kalverstraat, and Red Light ladies strutting by the city's oldest church.
Indeed, Amsterdam has as many lovely facets as a 40-carat diamond polished by one of the city's gem cutters.
It's certainly a metropolis, but a rather small and very accessible one.
Locals tend to refer to it as a big village, albeit one that happens to pack the cultural wallop of a major world destination.
There are scores of concerts every day, numerous museums, summertime festivals, and, of course, a legendary year-round party scene.
It's pretty much impossible to resist Amsterdam's charms.
With 7,000 registered monuments, most of which began as the residences and warehouses of humble merchants, set on 160 man-made canals, and traversed by 1,500 or so bridges, Amsterdam has the largest historical inner city in Europe.
Its famous circle of waterways, the grachtengordel, was a 17th-century urban expansion plan for the rich and is a lasting testament to the city’s Golden Age.
This town is endearing because of its kinder, gentler nature—but a reputation for championing sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll does not alone account for Amsterdam's being one of the most popular destinations in Europe: consider that within a single square mile the city harbors some of the greatest achievements in Western art, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh.
Not to mention that this is one of Europe's great walking cities, with so many of its treasures in the untouted details: tiny alleyways barely visible on the map, hidden garden courtyards, shop windows, floating houseboats, hidden hofjes(courtyards with almshouses), sudden vistas of church spires, and gabled roofs that look like so many unframed paintings.
And don’t forget that the joy lies in details: elaborate gables and witty gable stones denoting the trade of a previous owner.
Keep in mind that those XXX symbols you see all over town are not a mark of the city's triple-X reputation.
They're part of Amsterdam's official coat of arms—three St.
Andrew's crosses, believed to represent the three dangers that have traditionally plagued the city: flood, fire, and pestilence.
The coat's motto ("Valiant, determined, compassionate") was introduced in 1947 by Queen Wilhelmina in remembrance of the 1941 February Strike in Amsterdam—the first time in Europe that non-Jewish people protested against the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime. Cologne is a city in western Germany located across the Rhine river.
It is the oldest in Germany, dating back 2000 years and is considered the region’s cultural hub.
The city is known for its iconic landmark of the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral set against the reconstructed Old Town buildings.
When in Old Town, visit the historic Old Town Hall and the Roman Church Great St Martin, or take time out and sit at one of the traditional breweries and enjoy the scenery around you.
Historical sites such as the Roman Dionysus mosaic and the medieval Overstolzenhaus are worth a visit too.
Another iconic sight in Cologne is at Hohenzollern Bridge.
Here, local and tourist couples affix padlocks to the railings of the bridge and swear their loyalty to each other, they then throw the key into the Rhein to ensure everlasting love.
Cologne is home to over 30 stages providing cabaret, free ensembles, theatre and dance and also celebrates its openly gay culture.
Explore Europe on board the Scenic Ruby or Scenic Pearl and enjoy stunning views from the Sun Deck, exclusive dining and a choice between five spacious suite categories.
Affording effortless luxury and comfort; Ruby and Pearl are invaluable members of the Scenic Space-Ship fleet — helping to transport our guests to the furthest reaches of Europe via its illustrious and ancient waterways.
Each vessel in this class has been considerately renovated to meet the peerless standards we strive to achieve when designing our entire fleet of Space-Ships, benefitting from plush interior design features which provide the same level of luxury you can expect from a boutique hotel.
The ships themselves feature four decks including the Sun Deck, Diamond Deck, Sapphire Deck and Jewel Deck, each of which is home to a number of suites and cabins and handful of illustrious public spaces and dining venues — including Crystal Dining, Riverview Terrace, Portobellos and the Panorama Lounge Bar.
No matter which deck you find yourself walking home to after an evening spent savouring the taste sensations of Table La Rive, or else watching the world float by from Riverview Terrace, you’ll be struck by the level of opulence and luxury afforded to every aspect of these unique river cruise liners.
Scenic Pearl Facilities
Dining
Aboard a Scenic Tours river cruise, you have a wonderfully diverse range of dining options to choose from; the informal all-day River Café, the intimacy of Portobellos Italian Restaurant, the elegance of the Crystal Dining Restaurant, the English tradition of high tea on the Riverview Terrace, and the exclusive Table La Rive for Diamond Deck, Junior and Royal Suite guests. Refined to relaxed, al fresco to intimate, you truly are spoilt for choice.
While you’re onboard, all cocktails, spirits, beer and wine, are available with their compliments at any time. The only exceptions are a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits. Lunch and dinner are always accompanied by cocktails, a wide choice of wines, beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee.
Entertainment
Scenic strictly limit their guest and cabin numbers. Not out of pretension or pride, but because in their experience, they know their guests appreciate a real sense of space. In fact, the wonderful scenery gliding by is often the only reminder you have that you’re actually on a ship.
Health & Fitness
Whilst aboard the ship, guests are provided with a Fitness centre and a Wellbeing centre where luxurious treatments such as a one-hour aroma therapy full-body massage are available.
Scenic Pearl Includes
Dress Code
Casual and comfortable during the day. In the evening dress is semi formal or business casual and casual elegance for ladies. For gentlemen a jacket and tie are requested for the Captain’s Dinner.
Age Restriction
Travellers who are less than 21 years old on the departure date must be accompanied by and share a cabin/ room with an adult aged 21 or over. Children under 12 years of age are not accepted. This is a condition of carriers and cruise operators.
Dietary Requirements
Scenic accommodate special dietary requirements to the best of our ability across our river and ocean cruises, and escorted tours. If you have special dietary requests, please notify us at the time of booking and inform your Cruise Director when you arrive.
Please note: while we endeavour to accommodate all dietary requirements, special requests are not guaranteed and failure to meet any request is not breach of contract on our behalf.
Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi access is available on board some of our vessels. Please be aware that internet access may be limited or none existent at certain times due to high demand from other users, or proximity to telecommunication services. We cannot guarantee that you will have full Wi-Fi coverage in your suite.
If you are travelling on an escorted tour, please note that Wi-Fi is available at selected hotels only.
Medical Facilities
Scenic Space-Ships do not carry medical personnel on board and immediate medical attention cannot always be guaranteed. However, our staff are trained in first aid, and can provide basic medical assistance. Should you need to call medical services, this will be at your own expense. Please be aware that we cannot provide personal escorts for medical visits.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is not permitted in suites or any other indoor area across the Scenic fleet.
Smoking is permitted in specific areas of external decks. However, we cannot guarantee that these facilities will always be available.
Packing Tips
There are no specific pieces of clothing we insist you pack, however we can offer pieces of advice, based upon your itinerary. We recommend comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing, as well as any garments, such as hats, gloves and water-resistant jackets, which will help you to stay comfortable whatever the weather. The dress code across all Scenic cruise and tour itineraries is casual and comfortable. Dinner attire is smart casual — open-neck shirts, trousers and dresses; you may wear a jacket or blazer with a tie but it is not required.
Languages
The on board language is English. All staff, crew and tour guides speak English, and all announcements and lectures will be made in English.
Truly All-Inclusive Onshore Experiences
Scenic Enrich | Enjoy wondrous moments exclusively created for you, ranging from a private concert in a grand 18th century palace in Germany or indulging in a sumptuous dinner in a local home in the Netherlands. Enjoy these exquisite handcrafted experiences that are not available to the regular traveller.
Scenic Freechoice | Enjoy the freedom of customising your holiday your way with Scenic Freechoice. Choose from a wide range of truly all-inclusive experiences classified into ‘Active’, ‘Moderate’, and ‘Relaxed’ grades, and find the ones to match your pace each day.
Expert Local Guides | Nobody knows a place like those who live there. Explore the highlights and the hidden gems of your destination through the expert and passionate eyes of a local and take comfort in knowing you’re in good hands.
E-bikes | Enjoy the flexibility of our electrically-assisted bikes to explore your destination with minimal pedalling.
Scenic Tailormade App | Our exclusive app is the perfect accessory for independent exploration. Select between CityTour and Riverview modes to enjoy effortless self-guided touring.
Return Airport Transfers | Enjoy seamless included return airport transfer at the end of your trip.
The Scenic Space-Ship Experience
Spacious Suites | Scenic Space-Ship suites offer you the luxury of space. Our suites are some of the largest on Europe's rivers. Relax in the signature Scenic Sun Lounge providing you with your very own window to the world in all our Balcony Suites.
Up to five dining options | With an array of dining options, you can sample new cuisines and a different meal each day on your relaxing river cruise. From casual to fine dining, you will experience fresh local produce and a taste sensation for every occasion.
Complimentary beverages | Whether relaxing by the pool accompanied by a refreshing cocktail, or a nightcap for a good night’s sleep, enjoy our range of unlimited complimentary premium beverages all day, every day.
Butler service | Need your shoes shined, breakfast sent to your suite or laundry done? Consider it done. Our all-day butler service will ensure you have everything you need for a relaxing holiday.
Complimentary mini-bar | The mini-bar in your room will be restocked daily with all your favourite alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, customisable to your taste.
Wellness area and fitness area | Stay in your best shape while on board with our fitness centre and wellness zone. Enjoy the healing benefits of the Salt Therapy Lounge known to improve respiratory conditions and immunity.
Cruise Director | Our expert Cruise Directors are your storyteller, historian, guide, and friend rolled into one. From helping you set up your Tailormade App to directing you to the nearest golf course, you can count them to address your every need.
Complimentary Wi-Fi | Stay in touch with your family and friends no matter where you set sail to with our complimentary on board Wi-Fi.
All tipping and gratuities | We’ve included all your tipping and gratuities for the entire cruise so you can lock away your wallet and simply enjoy the truly all-inclusive experience.
Step into your suite and enjoy a spacious and peaceful haven complete with lavish touches throughout; exquisite L’Occitane toiletries and soft, luxurious bathrobes. The superior queen-size Scenic ‘Slumber Beds’ with fresh, crisp Egyptian cotton linen are a dream, while individual climate control and a pillow menu offer absolute comfort. Your suite or stateroom includes a flat-screen HDTV and Mac mini system, plus complimentary mini-bar and WiFi internet access. There’s also a personal safe for your valuables and a nightly turndown service.
Royal Owner's Suite
These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.
Balcony Suite
Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
Royal Panorama Suite
At 325ft², this suite is the largest on the ship. At the rear of the Diamond Deck, enjoy panoramic views of the breathtaking passing scenery through floor to ceiling windows across two walls of the cabin.
Royal Balcony Suite
These suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.
Junior Balcony Suite
These spacious Suites (250ft²), located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin, bathtub with shower above.
Standard Stateroom
Standard Suites are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.