Cruise ship tours: Scenic Cruises' Scenic Gem

Like other river ships designed to sail in Europe, the size of the Scenic Gem is limited by the dimensions of standard European river locksIt measures about 361 feet long and 38 feet wide.

The Scenic Gem docked between Avalon Waterways and Viking River Cruises vessels in Vernon, France in August 2014.

The Scenic Gems interior boasts a stylish, contemporary design. Here, the main lobby of the vessel where passengers first arrive after boarding.

As on most river ships, a central stairway leads from the Scenic Gem's main lobby to three cabin decks as well as the main dining room (on the lowest level of the ship).

The Scenic Gem has a one big lounge located at the front of the vessel where passengers gather nightly for port talks and entertainment.

The Scenic Gem's lounge features a bar located at its center. Wine, beer and even spirits are included in the price of a cruise.

Pastries are available in the lounge in the mornings and the afternoon brings sandwiches among other snacks.

A light lunch is served daily in the lounge.

The front of the lounge features tables and chairs where passengers can eat a light lunch.

The lounge features a self-serve coffee station with an WMF machine that makes espresso drinks.

The Scenic Gem's lounge is home to live music nightly and has a small dance floor.

The entrance to the Scenic Gem's Crystal dining room, which is located on the ship's lowest deck.

The Scenic Gems Crystal Dining Room serves up multi-course dinners nightly in a single seating. It's also open buffet-style for breakfast and lunch.

Waiters serve dinners on most nights in the Scenic Gem's Crystal dining room although there are buffet dinners on several nights of each sailing.

While lunch is served buffet style, made-to-order dishes such as baked brie are available from the galley, too.

Wines are complimentary on the Scenic Gem as are other drinks.

At night, the table area at the front of the lounge is transformed into L'Amour, a fine dining restaurant that passengers can experience once per cruise.

The set menu at Scenic Gem's L'Amour restaurant includes a contemporary take on a Nicoise sald.

Also on the set menu at L'Amour on the Scenic Gem is a terrine of foie gras with Sauternes wine jelly and homemade French port wine brioche.

Main course choices at L'Amour on the Scenic Gem include a roasted French duck breast with vanilla flavored mashed potatoes and wild berries sauce.

The top deck of the Scenic Gem. In the background is the town of Les Andelys, France.

The top of the Scenic Gem includes a covered area with tables and chairs.

Artificial turf runs down the center of the Scenic Gems top deck.

A line of lounge chairs atop the Scenic Gem.

The front of the deck-top area of the Scenic Gem features tables and chairs.

Tables and chairs atop the Scenic Gem. On fair-weather days, passengers can lounge atop the vessel while it is sailing.

cabin

cabin

closet

minibar

bedside table

The Scenic Gem features European-style outlets above bedside tables in cabins. If you're coming from the USA, be sure to bring an adapter.

Passengers will find GPS-guided handheld devices in their cabins that can be used to tour waterfront towns.

cabin tv

suite sitting area

suite desk

Most cabins on the Scenic Gem feature small balcony-like areas that can be closed off from the rest of the room.

bathroom

shower

l'occitane

The Scenic Gem also is home to a small fitness center with a treadmill, rowing machine and stationary bike.

Plush terrycloth robes are provided to Scenic Gem passengers upon embarkation.

Scenic Gem cabins feature electronic "do not disturb" buttons that trigger a light that room stewards can see in the hallway.

Another view of the Scenic Gem's fitness center.

Towels and bottled water are stocked daily in the Scenic Gem's fitness room.

The Scenic Gems lobby areas features a small shop area.

The Scenic Gem's lobby houses a small front desk and a table for the ship's cruise director.

Umbrellas are pre-positioned in the lobby of the Scenic Gem for passenger use.

Scenic Gem passengers will find an array of games available in the lounge.

The Scenic Gem was built at Shipyard De Hoop in The Netherlands.

The bridge of the Scenic Gem can be lowered as the ship passes under bridges.

The Scenic Gem travels with its own walkways that are placed between the ship and the land during stops by a mechanical arm.

The Scenic Gem docked at a town along the Seine River in early August 2014.

Bedside tables in cabins feature telephones.