Scenic Cruises Launches 2012 Europe, Russia and Egypt River Cruise Season Highlighted by Fly Free and Early Bird Savings

BELLEVUE, Wash., June 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Scenic Cruises, the luxury, quality and value leader of European river cruising, and division of Scenic Tours, announced its 2012 offerings for river cruises in some of the world's most historic destinations. The 2012 cruise schedule is highlighted by generous Early Bird savings for all departures reserved by October 31, 2011, subject to availability.

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The Rhine, Main, Moselle, Danube, Rhone, Saone and Nile. These iconic waterways winding their way into and around enchanting locales provide the exquisite backdrop for Scenic Cruises' luxurious and memorable journeys through Europe, Russia and Egypt.

With its all-inclusive itineraries and extensive tour enrichment program, Scenic Cruises' 2012 cruise program rekindles the romance of leisurely travel on beautiful rivers, while seeing and experiencing breathtaking landscapes, historic locations, and timeless art and culture.

"Our guests enjoy an unmatched 5-star luxury river cruise, thanks in part to our ScenicEnrich and Scenic FreeChoice programs. They experience our superior brand of quality service, exquisite dining, spacious accommodations and the private balcony suites onboard our Scenic 'Space-Ships', as well as fascinating tours of history-rich locations," said Glen Moroney, Founder and Managing Director of Scenic Cruises.

Scenic Cruises is also offering exceptional value for discerning travelers seeking an unforgettable experience in 2012, with a variety of Early Bird savings offers. For example, the Fly Free to Europe offer allows a couple to save up to $4,390 on airfare* when reserving a 21-day or more all-inclusive European river voyage and tour.

Moroney said, "We're launching an exciting array of 2012 river cruises and tours offering tremendous value for early bookings that feature simple pricing with generous inclusions. We encourage guests to secure their reservations soon to ensure they receive their preferred choice of itinerary, departure date and stateroom category."

Sailing in Scenic Cruises Style

Scenic Cruises' exclusive, state-of-the-art fleet of 'Space-Ships' answers the yearning of sophisticated travelers seeking a truly distinctive and enriching destination experience. Guests travel aboard a 5-star floating hotel, enjoying luxurious, spacious staterooms and suites – almost one-quarter larger than other river cruise vessels – with private balconies, complemented by exceptional service, superb cuisine, local entertainment, and expert tour directors. Scenic Cruises' 'Space-Ships' are the most spacious on Europe's waterways and the only ships boasting suites with full-sized private balconies for more than 80 percent of the accommodations.

Peace of Mind "FreeChoice" All-Inclusive Pricing

From the moment they arrive until their departure home, guests of Scenic Cruises will enjoy seamless high-quality service and the peace of mind that comes from knowing there are no hidden costs. The company's "FreeChoice" program is unequaled in river cruising. Scenic Cruises' all-inclusive fares encompass all sightseeing, dining, highlight events, optional tours, tips and gratuities.

NEW – "Scenic Crystal" Joins the Fleet in 2012

Scenic Cruises newest vessel, Scenic Crystal, will be commissioned and join the fleet in March 2012. Along with the 'Space-Ship' guest amenities that have made Scenic Cruises' fleet the finest on Europe's waterways, Scenic Crystal will be the first to offer the innovative Scenic 'Sun Lounge' where, at the press of a button, the Private Outdoor Balcony becomes fully weatherproof.

Exceptional 2012 Early Bird Savings Program

Scenic Cruises is offering a variety of Fly Free and other Early Bird savings offers for the 2012 cruise season. Reservations must be made by October 31, 2011, and are subject to availability.

Featured 2012 River Cruise Itineraries

Europe

• 8 Day Tulip Time River Cruise – Amsterdam to Amsterdam
• 8 Day Gems of the Danube River Cruise – Nuremberg to Budapest
• 12 Day Black Sea Explorer – Budapest to Bucharest
• 15 Day Jewels of Europe – Amsterdam to Budapest
• 15 Day Romantic Rhine & Moselle River Cruise – Basel to Amsterdam
• 15 Day Christmas Markets River Cruise – Amsterdam to Budapest
• 24 Day Amsterdam to Bucharest and the Black Sea

France

• 11/16 Day Paris to Nice & France River Cruise
• 23 Day Normandy, Loire Valley and France River Cruise

Egypt

• 16/19 Day The Heart of Egypt and Jordan
• 13/16 Day Jewels of the Nile and Red Sea

NEW – Russia River Cruises

Scenic Cruises has exclusively chartered the Sergey Kutchkin, Russia's newest cruise ship, to provide guests with the highest standards of service on its new cruises. A highlight of the Sergey Kutchkin is that 70 percent of the staterooms and suites have their own private balconies. Other features include an enormous 58-square-metre Imperial Suite – the largest on the European waterways, and cabins with stylish ensuites, satellite TV, in-room safe, and mini bar. A Scenic Tours cruise director is onboard for each voyage, along with five expert English-speaking program directors.

• 15 Day Imperial Jewels of Russia River Cruise – St. Petersburg to Moscow
• 19 Day Imperial Jewels of Russia River Cruise and Ukraine

For more information about Scenic Cruises, its 2012 Early Bird Specials, 'Space-Ships,' or to make reservations, visit the comprehensive website at www.scenictours.com. In addition, visit www.scenictours.com/contact-us/ to view an easy-to-read digital brochure, or to request a brochure. For reservations, contact your Travel Agent or call toll-free at 1-888-824-2418.

* Subject to availability, terms and conditions

SOURCE Scenic Cruises