Scenic Tours announces three-ship order

Australian-owned tour operator Scenic Tours has completed the formation of its European operations company Scenic Tours Europe AG that will be based in Zug, Switzerland. It is a venture that will mean that it is the only 100% Australian-owned river cruising company in Europe.

To kick off the operations, three luxury river cruise ships will be delivered into the hands of the new company in 2008/09. The $64 million order for the ?Scenic Sapphire?, ?Scenic Emerald? and ?Scenic Diamond? will be the highest standard river cruise ships ever built in Europe.

“We are very excited about this new venture,” said Scenic Tours Managing Director Glen Moroney. “Over the last six months in conjunction with Europe?s pre-eminent River Ship Designers and Naval Architects, we?ve developed a totally new design in River Cruise Ships, which will be exclusive to Scenic Tours.”

“We?ve coined the term ?Scenic Space ? Ships? to describe this brand new design as it delivers up to 20% more space than is the norm for European river cruising.”

The cruisers will have suites that will offer guests a travel experience at the height of luxury as they cruise along Europe?s great waterways. They can admire the towns and cities that run along the rivers from their own private deck and take advantage of the private butler service offered for all balcony suites, an onboard spa area, luxury restaurant and much more.

Guests will also benefit from top-class offerings that take travellers to the depths of Europe. Scenic Tours insists that all land excursions will be included in the tour fare. As Moroney says: “Ashore, Scenic Tours River Cruises full include mantra continues with all land excursions with all land excursions included in the tour fare ? not sold as ?extra cost optionals?.”