European River "Space Ships" from Scenic Tours

Wow! This gives a whole new meaning to "river cruises"! - Linda

Scenic Tours is preparing to christen the Scenic Emerald, the first of a duo of what it calls "space ships."

The Emerald will embark on its inaugural cruise down the Rhine and Danube rivers on June 2, between Amsterdam and Budapest, on the 15-day "Jewels of Europe" cruise. Almost completely sold out for the 2008 season, Scenic Tours recommends booking now for prime weeks in 2009.

The "space ships" feature spacious staterooms, of which more than 80 percent have private balconies, measuring over 25 square feet. Staterooms on the superior Danube Deck have private balconies and butlers, who can be summoned at the touch of a button.

On a "Jewels of Europe" river cruise, meals, tours, transfers and entertainment are included. Fares include FreeChoice's guided shore tours and sightseeing opportunities, onboard meals, wine with dinner, airport transfers and all gratuities.

Each day offers Scenic FreeChoice, which provides various activities allowing travelers to choose tours.

Scenic Tours was launched in 1987 as an international luxury leisure tour operator. The Australian-based company entered the European river cruising market in 2005 and has invested $100 million to build the new ships.

The Scenic Sapphire and the Scenic Emerald will sail the Rhine and Danube rivers, offering 20 percent more space than traditional river cruise ships. All cabins and suites will include roomy bathrooms, flat-screen televisions, mini-bars and Internet accessibility.

For more information, visit www.scenictours.com