VANCOUVER — On top of 2019 European river cruise sailings at 2018 prices, Scenic’s new incentives for the Canadian market include free and reduced fare ($295 or $495) flights to Europe, plus early payment discounts worth up to $500 per couple when the booking is paid in full by May 31.

As river cruising continues its tremendous growth in popularity, the best of the river cruise lines are seeing their ships filling earlier and earlier, says the cruise line. “Scenic is rewarding those guests who plan early by offering its just unveiled 2019 program of European river at 2018 prices. To sweeten the deal even more, the company is throwing in several other incentives for the Canadian market. Scenic’s deals gives those early planners the opportunity to choose exactly what they want in terms of cruise itinerary, date and cabin selection.”

More details are included in the 2019 Scenic Preview Brochure, available in print or online at scenic.ca. The full brochure will be released in May.

Besides the built-in savings of booking a 2019 cruise at 2018 prices, guests booking select European sailings of 15 days or longer fly free.

Booking any Balcony Suite on the Gems of the Danube with Prague extension or on the 11-day Delightful Douro means flights are $295 per person, including taxes.

Flights are $495 on the Rhine Highlights and Bordeaux Sojourn sailings.

Scenic guests also enjoy the company’s river cruise guarantee – “the only river cruise line to offer one”, says Scenic. Backed by Chubb Insurance, the guarantee automatically covers every guest on the commencement of their cruise for any delays or cancellations due to weather, natural disasters, mechanical breakdowns or labor strikes.

The insurance policy even covers the high/low water issues that plague the industry every year, says Scenic.

Approved claimants receive direct monetary refunds, up to C$1,000 per day with a maximum of seven days or $7,000 per guest, instead of the industry standard of future cruise credits.

A new sailing for 2019 is an eight-day Seine sailing exploring the scenery and towns between Paris and Honfleur, on the English Channel, in honour of the 75th anniversary of Normandy’s D-Day. Guests can walk the historic beaches of Normandy and pay their respects at the Normandy Cemetery. Other explorations include visits to the medieval town of Conflans; Vincent van Gogh’s room in Auvers-sur-Oise; a walking tour of Rouen, known for its magnificent Rouen Cathedral; wandering the rooms of the Benedictine Palace in Fécamp; and Monet’s residence and gardens in Giverny. Departures range from April through October. Other French sailings take in Bordeaux and the South of France.

Scenic’s offerings on Europe’s most popular rivers – the Danube, Rhine and Main Canal – range from eight-day adventures to 16-day explorations.

The 5-star Scenic Space-Ships offer all-inclusive luxury experiences from private butler service and unlimited complimentary beverages and spirits including mini-bar re-stocked daily, to six on-board dining options and a wellness area and fitness centre. The all-inclusive policy covers tips and gratuities, expert local guides, all Scenic Freechoice activities plus Scenic Enrich events exclusive to Scenic and its guests.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours’ new ocean-going Scenic Eclipse, billed as ‘The World’s First Discovery Yacht’, sets sail in August 2018, with a sister ship coming in 2020.

More information on Scenic Waterways, Emerald Waterways and Scenic Eclipse is available by emailing canada@scenic.ca, or see scenic.ca or call 1-866-689-8611.