European river cruise company Scenic Cruises launched its sixth luxury river cruise vessel in just four years in April 2012. The new Scenic Crystal has 85 staterooms and a guest capacity of 169. The new ship has some interesting features not found on other vessels. The 135-meter Scenic Crystal offers cabins and suites up to 25 percent larger than the norm, with 85 percent of them having balconies that become fully-enclosed with the push of a button.

The ship also has three dining choices, butler service throughout the ship, and a quiet propulsion system. Initial sailings include the eight-day Gems of the Danube ($3,245 to $5,615 per person, double), 11-day Gems of the Danube and Prague ($4,415 to $6,785), and the 15-day Jewels of Europe sailing between Budapest and Amsterdam ($4,895 to $10,915). Prices are all-inclusive including gratuity. All of Scenic Cruises' voyages are all-inclusive in 2013.

New to the river cruise scene and exclusive to the Scenic Crystal are the innovative balconies known as the Scenic 'Sun Lounge'. A simple press of a button allows the guest to convert their balcony from an outdoor good weather lounging area to a fully-enclosed, all-weather room extension as a hidden panel of glass rises up to keep out bad weather. The ship's extended length of 135 meters allows for staterooms and suites ranging from 164 to 315 square feet. The new river ship also has a choice of three dining areas: (1) fine dining at Portobello, (2) casual breakfast and lunch dining at River Café, or (3) the main restaurant, Crystal Dining, which features a Chef's Table.

Staterooms and suites come equipped with the modern amenities found in leading European hotels: 27" and up Apple TV monitors, a wider range of thermostat temperature settings, wireless Internet, Egyptian linens, large walk-in showers, L'Occitane products and a glass-front bar fridge. Twenty-five percent of the Balcony Suites are a new larger category, Deluxe Balcony Suites, with 225 square feet of space. Bicycles and electric assist bicycles are free to use for the guests.

Quieting down the ride is a new configuration for the engines/props - rubber-mounted structures reduce vibration and double-insulated enclosures allow guests to enjoy the sailing in near silence. A 24-hour fitness center includes top-rated equipment. The added ship space allows for three outdoor viewing areas and the largest lounge and dining area of any river ship.

Like other Scenic Cruise vessels, the Scenic Crystal features all-inclusive itineraries. This means that once you step aboard a Scenic vessel, your wallet remains in your stateroom safe - unless you wish to buy gifts, something for yourself, or a special bottle of champagne to celebrate. All excursion programs - Scenic Cultural, Scenic Enrich, Scenic FreeTime and Scenic FreeChoice - as well as private concerts and exclusive performances are included in the pricing. English-speaking staff welcome the guests and tend to their every need while professional Scenic-employed tour leaders offer a host of insight into the excursions. Also included in the cruise price are all on-board entertainment, Whisper Headsets for tours, meals in a choice of three restaurants with a variety of premium wine, beer and soda at lunch and dinner, escorted airport transfers, and gratuities.

Scenic Cruises' river vessels sail voyages throughout Europe, ranging from seven to 21 nights and each ship offers more than 80% of its accommodations with private full-sized balconies. Scenic Cruises also operates river cruises in Egypt and Russia. Its parent company, Scenic Tours, offers all-inclusive escorted tours in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere.