Since being designated a European Capital of Culture for 2013, with an estimated €660 million of funding in the bargain, Marseille has been in the throes of an extraordinary transformation, with no fewer than five major new arts centers, a beautifully refurbished port, revitalized neighborhoods, and a slew of new shops and restaurants. Once the underdog, this time-burnished city is now welcoming an influx of weekend tourists who have colonized entire neighborhoods and transformed them into elegant pieds-à-terre (or should we say, mer). The second-largest city in France, Marseille is one of Europe's most vibrant destinations. Feisty and fond of broad gestures, it is also as complicated and as cosmopolitan now as it was when a band of Phoenician Greeks first sailed into the harbor that is today's Vieux Port in 600 BC. Legend has it that on that same day a local chieftain's daughter, Gyptis, needed to choose a husband, and her wandering eyes settled on the Greeks' handsome commander Protis. Her dowry brought land near the mouth of the Rhône, where the Greeks founded Massalia, the most important Continental shipping port in antiquity. The port flourished for some 500 years as a typical Greek city, enjoying the full flush of classical culture, its gods, its democratic political system, its sports and theater, and its naval prowess. Caesar changed all that, besieging the city in 49 BC and seizing most of its colonies. In 1214 Marseille was seized again, this time by Charles d'Anjou, and was later annexed to France by Henri IV in 1481, but it was not until Louis XIV took the throne that the biggest transformations of the port began; he pulled down the city walls in 1666 and expanded the port to the Rive Neuve (New Riverbank). The city was devastated by plague in 1720, losing more than half its population. By the time of the Revolution, Marseille was on the rebound once again, with industries of soap manufacturing and oil processing flourishing, encouraging a wave of immigration from Provence and Italy. With the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, Marseille became the greatest boomtown in 19th-century Europe. With a large influx of immigrants from areas as exotic as Tangiers, the city quickly acquired the multicultural population it maintains to this day.
Scenic Sapphire
Itinerary
Sail the Rhône & Saône rivers, soaking up the rich culture & sights of southern France. From towns rich in Roman history to picture-book medieval villages and cities where food is a way of life.
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Day 8 Lyon, France 28 Oct 2025 (Tuesday)
Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu'île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.
Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu'île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.
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Day 9 Lyon, France 29 Oct 2025 (Wednesday)
Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu'île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.
Lyon, the capital city in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sits at the junction of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Its center reflects 2,000 years of history from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu'île peninsula. Traboules, covered passageways between buildings, connect Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse hill.
What's Included:
- Included in your Scenic River Cruise is the following:
- Truly all-inclusive experience – no hidden costs, ensuring complete peace of mind.
- Luxurious suites with butler service for personalised comfort.
- All meals and unlimited premium beverages included.
- Exclusive Scenic Enrich cultural experiences and Scenic Freechoice excursions tailored to guests’ interests.
- Onboard wellness facilities, including a gym, walking track, and Salt Therapy Lounge (on most European ships).
Ready to Book?
For more information; please contact our Cruise specialists who will be delighted to help you plan your next holiday.
Call us on 01625 858158 Request Availability & PriceSuites
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Standard Suite
Our Jewel Deck Suites provide a lovely introduction to river cruising. Comfortable and luxurious with the finest in amenities.
Room Highlights
- A luxury queen sized Scenic Slumber Bed
- Spacious bathroom with luxurious amenities
Amenities and Features
- Personalised butler service
- Complimentary laundry service once per suite
- Early morning tea and coffee
- Mini bar, replenished daily
- Pillow menu, including anti-aging, low-allergy and memory-foam neck pillows
- Shoeshine and valet service
- Nightly turndown service
- In-suite safe
Standard Suite
Standard Suite
Standard Suite
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Single Balcony Suite
Located on the Sapphire deck this suite is perfect for the solo traveller. Enjoy fantastic views from your full size balcony complete with Scenic Sun Lounge. This cabin also includes an elegant bathroom with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Room Highlights
- A luxury queen sized Scenic Slumber Bed
- Scenic Sun Lounge, for wide-angle splendour at the press of a button
- Spacious bathroom with luxurious amenities
Amenities & Features
- Personalised butler service for every suite
- Complimentary laundry service once per suite
- Early morning tea and coffee
- Beverage service in your suite
- Mini bar, replenished daily
- Pillow menu, including anti-aging, low-allergy and memory-foam neck pillows
- Nightly turndown service
- Bathrobes and slippers
- In-suite safe
- Shoeshine and valet service.
Single Balcony Suite
Single Balcony Suite
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Junior Balcony Suite
These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.
Room Highlights
- A luxury queen-sized Scenic Slumber Bed
- Scenic Sun Lounge, your all weather balcony at the press of a button
- Spacious bathroom with luxurious amenities
Amenities and Features
- Exclusive invitation to dine at Table La Rive/Table d’Or
- Priority reservations at selected dining venues
- Personalised butler service for every suite
- Complimentary laundry service once per suite
- Daily pressing for two pieces of clothing
- In-suite breakfast with early morning tea and coffee services available
- Daily delivery of savoury and sweet canapés or fruit
- Mini bar, replenished daily
- Pillow menu, including anti-aging, low-allergy and memory-foam neck pillows
- Nightly turndown service
- Bathrobes and slippers
- In-suite safe
Junior Balcony Suite
Junior Balcony Suite
Junior Balcony Suite
Junior Balcony Suite
Junior Balcony Suite
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Royal Balcony Suite
These Suites located on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.
Suite Highlights
- A luxury queen sized Scenic Slumber Bed
- Scenic Sun Lounge, for wide-angle splendour at the press of a button
- Separate lounge area
- Oversized bathroom with separate shower and bath, and upgraded bathroom amenities
Amenities & Features
- Exclusive invitation to dine at Table La Rive or Table d’Or
- Priority reservations at selected dining venues
- A complimentary welcome bottle of champagne (750ml)
- €200 per suite on board credit for use in the Wellness Centre
- Private arrival and departure transfers in Europe*
- Personalised butler service, including unlimited complimentary laundry, shoeshine and valet, early morning tea and coffee services and a daily delivery of savoury and sweet canapés or fruit
- Mini bar, replenished daily
- Pillow menu, including anti-aging, low-allergy and memory-foam neck pillows
- Nightly turndown service
- Bathrobes and slippers
- In-suite safe
Royal Balcony Suite
Royal Balcony Suite
Royal Balcony Suite
Royal Balcony Suite
Royal Balcony Suite
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Balcony Suite
Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Room Highlights
- A luxury queen sized Scenic Slumber Bed
- Scenic Sun Lounge, for wide-angle splendour at the press of a button
- Spacious bathroom with luxurious amenities
Amenities & Features
- Personalised butler service for every suite
- Complimentary laundry service once per suite
- Early morning tea and coffee
- Beverage service in your suite
- Mini bar, replenished daily
- Pillow menu, including anti-aging, low-allergy and memory-foam neck pillows
- Nightly turndown service
- Bathrobes and slippers
- In-suite safe
- Shoeshine and valet service.
Balcony Suite
Balcony Suite
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Royal Panorama Suite
These Suites located on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.
Suite Highlights
- A luxury queen sized Scenic Slumber Bed
- Scenic Sun Lounge, for wide-angle splendour at the press of a button
- Separate lounge area
- Oversized bathroom with separate shower and bath, and upgraded bathroom amenities
Amenities & Features
- Exclusive invitation to dine at Table La Rive or Table d’Or
- Priority reservations at selected dining venues
- A complimentary welcome bottle of champagne (750ml)
- €200 per suite on board credit for use in the Wellness Centre
- Private arrival and departure transfers in Europe*
- Personalised butler service, including unlimited complimentary laundry, shoeshine and valet, early morning tea and coffee services and a daily delivery of savoury and sweet canapés or fruit
- Mini bar, replenished daily
- Pillow menu, including anti-aging, low-allergy and memory-foam neck pillows
- Nightly turndown service
- Bathrobes and slippers
- In-suite safe
Royal Panorama Suite
Royal Panorama Suite
Royal Panorama Suite
Royal Panorama Suite
Royal Panorama Suite
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Royal Owner's Suite
These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.
Suite Highlights
- A luxury queen sized Scenic Slumber Bed
- Scenic Sun Lounge, for wide-angle splendour at the press of a button
- Separate lounge area
- Oversized bathroom with separate shower and bath, and upgraded bathroom amenities
Amenities & Features
- Exclusive invitation to dine at Table La Rive or Table d’Or
- Priority reservations at selected dining venues
- A complimentary welcome bottle of champagne (750ml)
- €200 per suite on board credit for use in the Wellness Centre
- Private arrival and departure transfers in Europe*
- Personalised butler service, including unlimited complimentary laundry, shoeshine and valet, early morning tea and coffee services and a daily delivery of savoury and sweet canapés or fruit
- Mini bar, replenished daily
- Pillow menu, including anti-aging, low-allergy and memory-foam neck pillows
- Nightly turndown service
- Bathrobes and slippers
- In-suite safe
Royal Owner's Suite
Royal Owner's Suite
Royal Owner's Suite
Royal Owner's Suite
Royal Owner's Suite
Royal Owner's Suite
Scenic Sapphire – Junior Balcony Suite
Junior Balcony Suite
Junior Balcony Suite
Junior Balcony Suite
Junior Balcony Suite
Junior Balcony Suite
Scenic Sapphire – Royal Balcony Suite
Royal Balcony Suite
Royal Balcony Suite
Royal Balcony Suite
Royal Balcony Suite
Royal Balcony Suite
Scenic Sapphire – Royal Panorama Suite
Royal Panorama Suite
Royal Panorama Suite
Royal Panorama Suite
Royal Panorama Suite
Royal Panorama Suite
Scenic Sapphire – Royal Owner's Suite
Royal Owner's Suite
Royal Owner's Suite
Royal Owner's Suite
Royal Owner's Suite
Royal Owner's Suite
Royal Owner's Suite
Restaurants
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Crystal Dining
Enjoy à la carte menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner at Crystal Dining. Available on all Europe and South East Asia river cruises, this main restaurant offers a relaxed dining experience with local delicacies.
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Table La Rive
Featuring a six-course degustation, the exclusive Table La Rive and Table d’Or on our European river cruises offers an intimate dining experience for only 10 guests per evening. Guests staying on the Diamond Deck for 10 nights or longer, as well as Royal and Junior Suite guests staying for up to nine nights, will be invited by our Executive Chef.
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Riverview Terrace
Savour a light bite or refreshing aperitif on the Riverview Terrace, a charming open-air lounge space that’s ideal for sunlit afternoons on the river. With all-inclusive refreshments available throughout your river cruise, this is the perfect place for enjoying a little alfresco dining.
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River Café
Offering a casual dining experience, you can enjoy all-day grazing options, light snacks and tasty treats to suit your schedule. The River Café is available on all Europe and South East Asia river cruises.
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In-Suite Dining
Choose to dine in the comfort of your luxurious suite, while taking in the incredible views and enjoy included room service throughout your cruise.
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L’Amour Restaurant
Available on board our Scenic Space-Ships in France, L'Amour boasts the best vantage point at the front of the ship showcasing sumptuous regional specialities from the freshest local produce.
- Authentic Italian, French or Portuguese dining
- A maximum of 32 guests an evening
- All guests will dine here at least once during their cruise
- Five-course menu with regional specialities, paired with wines from the region’s best wineries
- Floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy the view as you dine
Deckplans
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Sun Deck
- Riverview Terrace
- Wheelhouse
- Sun Deck
- Walking Track
- Vitality Pool
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Diamond Deck
- Panorama Deck
- L'Amour Restaurant
- River Cafe
- Panorama Lounge & Bar
- Gift Shop
- Reception
- Elevator
- Royal Owners Suite Cat RO
- Royal Balcony Suite Cat RA
- Junior Balcony Suite Cat RJ
- Royal Panorama Suite Cat RS
- Balcony Suite Cat A & P
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Sapphire Deck
- Gallery
- Table La Rive
- Scenic Culinaire
- Crystal Dining
- Reception
- Elevator
- Junior Balcony Suite Cat BJ
- Single Balcony Suite Cat BS
- Balcony Suite Cat B, C
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Jewel Deck
Wellness Area
- Fitness Centre
- Salt Therapy Lounge
- Standard Suite Cat E
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