Frequently asked questions
Find the answers to a range of commonly asked questions.
Hassle shouldn’t play a part in your vacation.
Here on our FAQs page, you’ll find the answers you’re looking for to plan, prepare, and pack for your luxury cruise without any stress.
From what’s included in the price of your luxury cruise to what you should pack for your holiday, you’ll find answers to the 10 most common questions we’re asked by our guests here. Need further help? Reach out to our team for assistance.
We offer a variety of suite categories and types depending on the ship you'll be traveling on. Information about the various suite options can be found in our brochures or alternatively, our Reservations Team will be able to assist you on the phone.
Scenic cannot arrange a passport or visas on your behalf, but our experienced Reservations Team may be able to advise you on the type of visas and documentation you need when visiting certain countries.
Your passport must be valid for six months beyond the conclusion of your trip. Please check your passport before departure and give yourself time to apply for a new one if this is required. Also, if the nationality on your passport differs from the country in which you currently reside, contact your local consulate to ensure you have the right documents for travel. Your vacation may be disrupted if you cannot provide valid documents at airports and border crossings.
You can find out more about visa requirements here.
Yes, Scenic group is partnered with TripMate travel insurance and can assist with arranging insurance coverage that best suits your circumstances. Please contact your Reservations department or visit scenicgroup.tripmate.com to learn more.
Yes, Scenic accommodates special dietary requirements to the best of our ability on our river cruises, ocean voyages, and land journeys. If you have special dietary requests, please notify us when booking and inform your Cruise Director when you arrive.
Please note: while we do our best to accommodate all dietary requirements, special requests are not guaranteed, and failure to meet any request is not a breach of contract on our behalf.
If your question has not been answered, please contact us via our Contact Us page.
If you would like to book a Scenic river cruise, ocean voyage or land journey, please call 1(866) 689-8611 or visit our Contact Us page. Our dedicated Reservations Team will guide you through the booking process and answer any queries you might have.
For more information on making a booking, or to choose your perfect itinerary, please see our latest brochures, here.
There are no specific pieces of clothing we insist you pack, however we can offer 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 if you wish wear a jacket or blazer with a tie but it is not required.
Scenic river cruises include an all-inclusive promise. Fine dining, complimentary beverages, excursions, transfers, onboard Wi-Fi, luggage handling, port charges, tips and taxes are all included. With no hidden extras to worry about throughout your cruise, you can virtually leave your wallet at home.
For the full list of inclusions when booking with Scenic, please refer to your itinerary or contact our dedicated reservations teams.
You are entitled to carry one suitcase per person with the total sum of its length, width and height not exceeding 76 x 53 x 28cm (30 x 21 x 11in), and a maximum weight not exceeding 20kg(44 lbs) (airline dependent). Overweight or oversized items may not be carried, however, some ships may permit additional baggage at your cost. Personal and valuable items such as make-up, cameras, medication or money/currency should be carried in a separate travel bag.
You can expect your travel documents to arrive between 2 – 4 weeks prior to your departure date. When booking within two weeks of travel, your travel documents will be emailed to you to print at home.
If you have a serious medical condition, we recommend consulting your GP before booking with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. If you have any mobility difficulties, you should inform us at the time of booking.
Your GP will provide information regarding any and all vaccinations required to visit any of the destinations on a Scenic itinerary.
Our general information FAQs can help you plan and prepare for a comfortable getaway. From Wi-Fi access to information on facilities, we’ve covered everything you need to know about life on board our luxury vessels.
Scenic itineraries feature a number of optional tours and excursions, including helicopter and hot air balloon rides in selected destinations (optional activities may incur additional costs). All our river cruises, ocean voyages and land journeys include a wide selection of daily excursions and special events, handpicked by our Journey Designers to offer once-in-a-lifetime encounters. Read more about our truly all-inclusive Scenic Freechoice Excursions.
Yes, all meals and drinks (with the exception of a selection of specialty wines and rare spirits) are included in the price of your Europe river cruise or Scenic Eclipse voyage.
Inclusions differ for land journeys and the land element of South East Asia river cruises. Selected meals and drinks are included. Please refer to the itinerary for full details.
Our ships feature a salon, spa, and wellness area offering a variety of services. Please note that salon and spa services are not included in the price of your river cruise or ocean voyage, and are charged as extras.
Yes, you can. To arrange this, please contact our call center on 1(866) 689-8611 and the team will be able to help you.
A variety of refreshments, including alcoholic and hot drinks, and light lunches and snacks, can be ordered to your suite. Most of our Europe river cruise ship operate an 18-hour all-inclusive room service policy. Room service is available 24 hours a day on Scenic Eclipse.
All purchases made on board your Scenic Space-Ship or Scenic Eclipse are charged to your shipboard account, which is payable at the end of your cruise. The onboard currency on most Scenic Space-Ships is the Euro, and on Eclipse it is USD. Your shipboard account may be paid in Euros or via credit card on river cruises, and in USD or via credit card on ocean voyages. Please note: When traveling on the Mekong, the currency is USD, and in Egypt, it's the Egyptian Pound. However, your shipboard account may only be paid by credit card.
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If you'd like to use a Scenic e-bike, please notify the reception staff the day before. They will organize for the bikes to be unloaded when the ship enters port. Please note that Scenic e-bikes are not available, and are not available during Portugal cruises due to cycling path restrictions along the respective rivers.
Guests can access the wheelhouse with prior consent from the Captain. A tour of the wheelhouse offers great insight into the intricacies of river navigation, particularly as the ship passes through complex locks. Please speak to your Cruise Director if you're interested in visiting the wheelhouse during your cruise.
All our ships feature a gym and fitness area, so you can continue your keep-fit regime during your river cruise. There's also a designated walking area on the Sun Deck.
Complimentary Wi-Fi access is available on board some of our vessels. Please be aware that internet access may be limited or non-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 traveling on a land journey, please note that Wi-Fi is available at selected hotels only.
Dining times may vary depending on the day's activities, but are generally as follows:
Breakfast: 7am – 9:30am
Lunch: 12pm – 2pm
Dinner: 7pm – 10pm
Please note: if a specific sightseeing excursion means you will miss a meal on board, speak to a member of staff and they will be happy to have a picnic box prepared for you before you depart.
Guests can access the Sun Deck from 8am to late evening. However, the crew may need to close access to the Sun Deck without notice for safety purposes or due to local authority restrictions.
The main language is English. All staff, crew and tour guides speak English, and all announcements and lectures will be made in English.
We offer a flexible, open seating service in most of our dining rooms, including the main Crystal Dining room. This allows you the flexibility to sit at a table of your choosing and to arrive at a dining time that suits you.
Scenic ships are equipped with a range of dining venues, each offering a unique dining experience that reflects the local region and its customs. Our chefs are keen to showcase local cuisines and delicacies, so the food on offer may differ from what you are accustomed to back home. Each onboard eatery is designed to enhance your cruise, and we’re sure you’ll love much, if not all, of the delicious food on offer.
Not all of our ships have a pool, and pool opening times may vary depending on the cruise location. Please speak to your Cruise Director upon arrival to check pool opening times during your cruise. Pools are available on the following ships:
- Scenic Sapphire
- Scenic Diamond
- Scenic Azure
- Scenic Jasper
- Scenic Opal
- Scenic Amber
- Scenic Spirit
- Scenic Eclipse
- Scenic Eclipse II
Tea and coffee-making facilities are available at designated stations throughout the ship, including in the Crystal Dining room, Observatory Lounge and River Café. Alternatively, hot drinks can be ordered to your suite.
Both breakfast and lunch are offered as a full buffet service and include a wide array of hot and cold dishes for you to enjoy. Dinner is served à la carte, and there is no buffet service available in the evenings (please note: some themed cruises may include a buffet dinner).
Yes, an experienced Cruise Director or Tour Director accompanies every Scenic river cruise, ocean voyage, and land journey. Our experienced team is responsible for co-ordinating excursions and dealing with any special requests from guests. Working closely with the crew and guests, our Cruise and Tour Directors help our luxury river cruises, ocean voyages and land journeys run smoothly.
The maximum group size is 36 guests, however this differs per destination and itinerary.
You can look forward to sampling local delicacies in some of the world's foremost restaurants, dining experiences and hotels. Our Journey Designers have handpicked a range of special dining experiences for you to enjoy throughout your tour, helping you experience cuisine that reflects the local region and its customs.
Once the booking has been made, guests can log on to their Trip Personaliser and book their chosen Scenic Freechoice and Scenic Freechoice Dining options. If the options do not show on the Trip Personaliser, guests will choose these with the Tour Director on tour.
Know before you go with our prior-to-leaving FAQs. Whether you want to find out what our standard baggage allowance is, need help with your final documents, or have a question about accessibility; we’ll provide you with the answer you’re looking for.
Once your booking is confirmed, you'll need to enter your personal details on Trip Personaliser prior to travelling (details on Trip Personaliser will be sent to you).
Required information:
Personal details
Next of kin details
Passport details
Additional details
Please note, all guests must complete their Trip Personaliser form prior to travelling. Failure to complete the form may prevent guests sailing with Emerald Cruises.
Yes, you are allowed to carry whatever prescription medication you require, and we’d recommend packing an ample supply that covers the duration of your cruise or tour. Due to strict drug laws in certain countries, make sure medication is carried in its original packaging with the prescription label clearly marked. When traveling through airports or border crossings, we’d recommend that you keep medication in your hand luggage ready for inspection.
If your question has not been fully answered, please get in touch via our Contact Us page.
Yes, we are happy to accommodate solo travelers on our River Solo Traveler offers, Ocean Solo Traveler and Land Journeys.
You will receive a Health and Fitness form in your pre-travel documents, which you have the option to fill out before traveling, with vital information relating to your health. This information will only be used in the event of an emergency and will be returned to you unopened upon the completion of your cruise. While the form isn’t compulsory, we’d strongly recommend that you fill it in.
However, should you have any serious pre-existing medical conditions that could affect your risk of needing medical attention at any point over the course of your trip, you must advise us of this before travel.
The majority of cruise operators recommend that pregnant women should not travel after the 28-week period. If you do decide to travel, you may be asked to provide a doctor's certificate clarifying you're fit to travel.
Due to the amount of excursions available during a Scenic cruise or tour, a reasonable level of fitness is required to take full advantage of each itinerary. You must be physically able and self-sufficient to undertake the cruise or tour you have booked, and/or travel with a companion who is able to provide any assistance you may require during your holiday. Some of the all-inclusive excursions offered require a reasonable level of fitness to complete, and you may be required to climb ramps and/or stairs.
Please also note that not all Scenic ships have a lift. Here is a list of the ships which have an elevator and their restrictions:
- Scenic Space-Ships in Europe have a lift which services the Diamond Deck and Sapphire Deck.
- Scenic Spirit has a lift which services all decks between the Diamond Deck and Gem Deck.
All guests are required to possess a passport valid for 6 months beyond the conclusion of their trip.
Please note, if your nationality (passport) differs from the country in which you reside, please take the time to check carefully with your local consulates concerning visa and passport requirements for your travels.
Trips can be disrupted or altered altogether if the correct documents cannot be supplied at airports or borders, so check carefully that you have the required papers.
Our Ocean Voyage FAQs can help you plan and prepare for a comfortable getaway. From Wi-Fi access to information on facilities and what to wear, we’ve covered everything you need to know about life on board our ultra-luxury vessels.
Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted. Unfortunately, Debit Cards or Traveler’s checks are not accepted.
Scenic Eclipse offers dining during a designated time based on the days program and scheduled excursions.
Use of drones is not permitted on board Scenic Eclipse.
Guests can request to be accommodated at tables of two. This is a request only and needs to be made on board with the restaurant manager on embarkation day or with your butler. These requests are better accommodated in the smaller venues.
If friends or family need to contact you while you are traveling, they can reach you through the ships satellite phone. Please note, charges will apply and there may be limited reception when cruising through remote areas.
Scenic Eclipse - Satellite phone number: +1 929 259 6820
USD cash payments will be accepted at the Guest Services. Cash payments made in AUD, NZD, GBP and CAD will be exchanged into USD before settling a guest account. No coins will be accepted, apart from USD coins.
Reservations may only be made on board with the Restaurant Manager on embarkation day, or with your butler.
Yes, in most cases we are able to accommodate special requirements. Please provide as much detail as possible prior to your cruise departure of your dietary requirements to the Scenic Reservations Team, or your travel agent.
Scenic Eclipse is equipped with a free self-service laundry located on Deck 3. It features washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards and is available 24 hours.
Complimentary internet facilities are available and Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the ship for your personal electronic devices. We cannot guarantee the availability or quality of the internet connections as this may vary according to destination and weather. Please note service will be limited in Polar and remote regions. Some sites also may not be accessible due to Scenic firewall/company protection.
When you are relaxing on board, the dress code is smart casual and comfortable. Do not forget your swimsuits and exercise attire for the heated pools and plunge pools, the wellness areas and the gym, yoga and Pilates studio.
For evenings, while there are no formal nights, the recommended o board dress code is elegant casual for most restaurants. Suggested attire for women includes a dress, skirt or trousers with a sweater or blouse, and for men, trousers and a collared shirt. A tie and jacket are optional, but not required.
The on board currency is US Dollars.
The official language spoken on board is English. All officers, staff and crew as well as local guides and regional specialists speak fluent English. All announcements and lectures will be presented in English.
The on board electricity is 220 volt/60 Hz. Your suite is equipped with Schuko power sockets, international power sockets (multi-sockets) and USB type-A sockets. Additionally, one 110v/60 Hz United States type power socket is provided in every suite together with a shaver Schuko.
Yes, newspapers will be provided electronically.
To ensure you are properly outfitted for your cruise, Scenic will provide you with a complimentary polar parka on selected voyages. You will receive your parka when you embark your cruise and it is yours to keep as a memento. You will also have complimentary use of polar boots for the cruise duration. In addition to these items, it is imperative that you bring your own waterproof trousers.
You can view our Polar Packing Guide here.
As we can only carry limited sizing’s, guests who may not fit into standard size boots, will need to provide their own boots. To keep feet warm, we recommend insulated polar boots.
For 30 years, Ship To Shore has specialized in providing quality expedition clothing and equipment for professional and amateur travellers. Ship To Shore has partnered with Scenic Eclipse to offer you the option to buy or rent gear that can be sent directly to the ship for your Antarctica journey.
Any trip to Antarctica is a truly thrilling experience, particularly so if it is your first time. However, knowing what to pack for Antarctica can prove challenging. Uncertain about what to bring, many first-time polar travelers typically over pack.
You can view our Polar Packing Guide here.
A plethora of wildlife calls the Antarctic Peninsula home with vast colonies and species of penguins, seals and pods of whales. The sheer amount of wildlife you will have the opportunity to observe on an Antarctica cruise is what makes it so unique and sets it apart from just about any other place in the world.
Antarctica and the Arctic are, quite literally, polar opposites, and there are many differences between these two fascinating destinations. Explore our Antarctica and Arctic destination pages to find out more.
Our highest priority is our guest's safety and Scenic Eclipse has been built to ensure the highest international safety standards. Scenic Eclipse uses custom-built stabilizers that are 50% larger than those of other ships and which provide far greater stability as they navigate the world's oceans.
With forward bow thrusters, a Polar Class 9 rating, and an electronic Azipod propulsion system, Scenic Eclipse can navigate through Arctic and Antarctica waters safely. This dedication to your safety, environmental protection and world-class innovation has allowed us to design the most inspiring and exciting itineraries possible.
Winter in Antarctica is exceptionally cold. A complete lack of sunlight and treacherous winds during April to September mean the only accessible time for humans to explore the last great wilderness of Earth is during the warmer months of late October to March. This is when the sea ice begins to melt, allowing ships to cruise through its immaculate waters.
Our Antarctica cruises not only take in this extraordinary continent but also visit two fascinating archipelagos. Little islands with big tales to tell, South Georgia Island is one of the most unique and biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth and the Falkland Islands offer up stunning natural beauty, complete with an intriguing history.
Encompassing an area of 5.5 million square miles, almost twice the size of Australia and home to 90% of all ice on Earth, it soon becomes clear why Antarctica is labeled the “the land of snow and ice”. One of the least explored continents, and laying claim to be the coldest, windiest and driest on Earth, no humans permanently reside here.
Pier locations will be outlined in your documentation.
All guests must check out of their suites no later than 8:30am; guests can remain in the public areas but need to disembark the ship by 9:30am at the latest. Further information will be provided towards the conclusion of your voyage.
Embarkation takes place from midday to 3pm.
Your documentation will contain contact details for our local Scenic representative and Port Agent for the region in which you are traveling.
Discovery experiences can only be booked at the Excursion Centre on board and are subject to availability, regulatory approval and prevailing weather, marine and ice conditions and may be canceled at short notice. We cannot guarantee availability, even if you have made an onboard reservation. Some activities require a minimum and maximum number of participants to operate.
Once the booking has been made, guests can log on to their Trip Personaliser and book their chosen Scenic Freechoice and Scenic Freechoice Dining options. If the options do not show on the Trip Personaliser, guests will choose these with the Tour Director on tour.
A mix of docking in port and tenders will be used for most voyages. Further information will be provided in your documentation.
In order for us to ensure your comfort and safety, all guests need to complete an online medical form, which will be available 90 days prior to sailing.
For your peace of mind, Scenic Eclipse is equipped with a medical center offering primary care, staffed at all times by an on call doctor. You must advise us prior to finalizing your booking of any pre-existing medical conditions that might increase your risk of requiring medical attention, affecting the normal conduct of the cruise and / or the enjoyment of other cruise guests.
It is important to note, however, that there are no hospitals or doctors available in polar and remote regions, and emergency evacuation is extremely difficult and expensive.
Cruising conditions can be unpredictable and rough waters may be encountered anytime. If you suffer from seasickness, please consult your Medical Practitioner before your cruise and always carry the recommended preventative medications. Our resident medical team can assist you with additional medication and services if required, with any relevant payments charged to your on board account.
Luxury expedition-style cruising is not recommended for children under 12. Guests under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an adult and must share their accommodation with an adult. No children's programs or babysitting services are available on board.
Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II are non-smoking vessels in all public areas. There is a designated outside smoking area on Deck 6 for guests. All suites, including suite verandah’s and terraces are non-smoking.
In selected ports on request, visitors may be allowed on board. Visitation is not permitted on embarkation and disembarkation day. A visitor form is to be completed prior to the cruise. The guests will be informed once approved. Visitors will receive a visitor pass at ship’s gangway after they provide photo identification. Visitors will need to be accompanied at all times.
Our accommodation FAQs cover suite-specific information, including the different cabin options and guidance on what’s included in your room.
Yes, bathrobes and slippers are provided for the comfort of all guests, regardless of suite class.
No, but all our ships offer a comprehensive laundry service. For information on laundry concierge, please speak to your personal butler upon arrival on board.
Yes, a complimentary mini bar is provided in every suite for your enjoyment. This is restocked daily with a selection of beverages and snacks, and you can also order other drinks and meals to your suite.
Individual climate control systems are available in all suites, helping you adjust the temperature to your desired level. If you have trouble operating the system in your suite, your personal butler will be able to assist.
Yes, coat hangers are available in all suites.
Yes, twin rooms are available. Please speak to us about your room requirements at the time of booking.
Yes, a hairdryer is included in all suites.
Yes, all suites come with a secure safe for your valuables.
Each Scenic river cruise ship is fitted with 220v European electricity outlets, but you will need a suitable European plug adaptor to use electrical items such as mobile phone chargers. Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II are fitted with American electricity outlets.
All Scenic suites are equipped with a telephone, which can be used to order room service or for outbound calls. Should you use the phone, any outbound calls you make will be charged to your shipboard account, payable at the end of your holiday.
We want to make sure your cruise runs smoothly on and off the ship, so our travel FAQs provide useful information on things such as local currencies, tipping, and charges.
Many locations accept major credit cards, including Eurocard, MasterCard, and Visa, and these can be used in some shops, hotels, and restaurants. Please note that some establishments may charge a small fee for credit card transactions, or else enforce a minimum purchase amount. Before you travel, make sure your credit card and pin will work in the country you’re visiting; your bank will be able to help with this matter.
American Express credit cards are not accepted on any of our vessels.
Please note that on board Scenic Eclipse & Scenic Eclipse II, unfortunately, Debit Cards or Traveler’s checks are not accepted.
Yes, tipping and gratuities for drivers, local guides, porters, and waiting staff are included in the total price of your holiday. Please note, tipping is not included for meals, drinks, taxis and transfers outside your itinerary and only applies to on board services. We’d recommend tipping 10-15% in restaurants (unless a service charge has already been applied) and 10-15% on taxi meters. As a rule, always pre-negotiate taxi fares before agreeing to travel.
Cash or traveler’s checkes can be exchanged easily at hotels, banks or designated exchange bureaus. It’s also possible to buy small amounts of local currency on board your ship for a fee. For the best exchange rate, we’d recommend exchanging money before you travel.
Handling and porterage of your luggage (as per the luggage allowance) is included in your cruise or tour. Should you wish to carry bags beyond this allowance, porterage of these items may be charged or you may be responsible for handling the baggage yourself.
Most countries visited during a Scenic river cruise use the Euro, but some nations have retained their own currency; these include Scandinavian nations, Switzerland and the Eastern European States. For small purchases made on land or in small towns, we’d recommend carrying some local currency as ATMs or credit card facilities may not be available.
When booking an ocean voyage or land journey, our experienced Reservations Team will be able to advise on the local currency for the destination you're traveling to.
Book your holiday yourself with just a few clicks and secure your place on board.
Booking online is easy. Simply browse the itinerary you’re interested in, scroll down and select your departure, and click the ‘Book Now’ button which will then take you to our online booking system.
Booking online is easy. Simply browse the itinerary you’re interested in, scroll down and select your departure, and click the ‘Book Now’ button which will then take you to our online booking system.
To complete our online booking process, you’ll need the following information for each guest:
Booking online with Scenic Cruises couldn’t be safer, as shown by the padlock visible alongside our URL in the website address bar. All data is sent via RSA encryption and securely stored with us, as outlined in our Privacy Policy.
You can pay for your cruise using MasterCard or Visa.
Please note, some promotions require specific payment methods. Please refer to the terms and conditions for each individual promotion.
Prices shown during the online booking system exclude any additional promotions you may have seen during your visit to our site until a promotion or discount is applied
To take advantage of these offers, you can apply them during ‘Confirm & Pay’ stage by selecting ‘Apply Promotion’ below the offer listed.
During step 2 of the online booking process, after completing the guest information section, you’ll be asked if you require flights arranging. This is included in the price of your cruise if paid in full, and a member of the team will be in touch with you using the contact details provided to arrange the best option for you.
Sit back, relax, and begin your cruise countdown! A member of the team will be in touch soon to discuss travel options with you.
Yes, please keep me updated with the latest special offers, travel inspiration, product updates and event invites.