Scenic provides guests with 2016 preview

The newly-rebranded Scenic welcomed more than 200 new and returning cruisers to its latest 2015 information session, providing guests with information about new products and developments for the line in 2016.

Derek Legault, senior director of sales - Canada, told PAX that interest in the river cruise market continues to grow, adding that many of the shows’ attendees are more familiar with ocean cruising and are now looking to experience a different style of cruise.

“The growth is amazing, hence the amount of new ships we’re building and the new destinations we’re entering,” he said.

In Europe, those new destinations include Portugal’s Douro River, where the 11-day Unforgettable Douro itinerary transports guests through the country’s port wine region aboard the Scenic Azure. The company has also added itineraries in South Asia along the Mekong and Irrawaddy rivers aboard the Scenic Spirit and Scenic Zen respectively, both of which are built larger than the company’s European ships due to the lack of bridges and other infrastructure along those waterways. All of the new cruises have proven popular with guests, Leagault said.

“Because we see so many past passengers, we’re seeing a lot of people booking new areas,” he explained. “The Douro is very popular, especially with people who have cruised with us before, who have done the Danube and the Rhine. The Mekong is really strong, too - there’s a lot of interest there partly due to our new ships.”

Scenic has also added itineraries in existing markets such as France, including itineraries such as the South of France (which can be extended with an option to explore parts of Italy such as Rome and Tuscany), the 11-day Gems of the Seine and the 16-day Breathtaking Bourdeaux cruise, which allows guests to explore the region’s famed wineries, usually closed off from tourists.

Based on customer feedback, Legault added that Scenic has also introduced a new laundry concierge service for guests aboard its ships.

Legault said that interest in Scenic’s river cruise products has been equally strong across all Canadian markets, particularly in suburban areas. He also noted that while most of Scenic’s guests are retired adults, a large number of younger travellers have been booking cruises for the coming year.

“We’ve noticed the average age of the cruisers has come down this year,” he said. “We’ve had couples in their early 40s and that’s not the centre of our demographics. We’re also noticing the people coming to the presentations are much younger than they used to be.”

Legault added that the company’s recent rebranding has also been well-received by travel agents, who are currently being offered a five per cent commission on airfares booked in conjunction with a Scenic cruise (which can be upgraded to premium economy or business; deviations are also permitted).

2016 offers

Scenic is now offering its Fly Free promotion on any cabin category and for single travellers booking now for 2016, the single supplement fees are waived for cruises during March, April, October and November.