Scenic has commenced the 2022 Europe river cruising season with its eight-day Rhine Highlights itinerary – marking the return to a full Europe river cruise programme.

After operating sailings in the Bordeaux region, as well as on the Douro and Rhine rivers, in 2021, this year will see Scenic welcome back guests from Australia and New Zealand, for the first time since 2019.

Scenic has a new nine-night river cruise on the Mekong River and new Scenic Freechoice experiences, with the release of its new 2022 and 2023 South East Asia itineraries.

Adam Burke, Scenic journey designer, says while the locations guests explore onshore are similar to the seven-night cruise, they will see a greater diversity of the riverside landscape. ‘Scenic Spirit sails in the afternoon with more time to absorb the essence of Vietnam and Cambodia, and additional time to relax on board.’

Scenic has released details of recent ship enhancements, including a new entertainment partnership on Scenic Eclipse. Over the past 12 months, Scenic has refined a number of its culinary experiences and venues.

The Yacht Club’s dining area has been extended and a food island has been installed. House-made gelato will be served, and new large sofas will replace the traditional tables and chairs. Guests can also relax in new wicker swinging egg chairs.

The new Night Market @ Kokos is based on night markets and street food from around Asia, India and the Middle East. Sushi @ Koko’s has also expanded to include more window seating.

Scenic’s 2023 Europe River Cruising collection is open for reservations. The early release has been opened exclusively for Australian and New Zealand clients. It enables Future Travel Credit holders to re-book their preferred suite and dates and for clients planning ahead, the ability to reserve their new cruise booking.

Travel advisors will earn a bonus 2% commission on all new Europe River Cruising bookings made online via ExpressBook, before 30 September 2021.

Scenic is ramping up the promotion of its just released New Zealand programme and has a number of touch points planned for agents and their clients over the next couple
of months.

The company is also reminding travel advisors about some of its tours’ special attributes – such as Scenic Freechoice and Scenic Enrich – and emphasising that the Kiwi and (when the borders

Career hospitality management couple, Katie and Zeyn Buksh have taken up management positions at Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands as general manager and assistant manager respectively.

They have been with Scenic Hotel Group for just under three years. Katie Buksh says she will also be focusing on incorporating Northland’s rich history and Māori culture into the hotel’s products and dining experiences. Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands is a four-star rated property that carries a Silver Enviro Award and is located in Paihia.