Open Jaw :: On The Town ::

With Suzanne Christie
30APR08

Nicole De Wilde, Scenic Tours V.P. Sales & Marketing

Neil Dudley, Scenic Tours BDM & Nicole De Wilde toast Scenic Tours' balcony dimensions

Nicole De Wilde and Vanessa Lee, Cruise Strategies

Scenic Tours Tours Scenic Europe

When it comes to cruising the rivers of Europe, an operator headquartered in Sydney, Australia may not come to mind instantly. But it turns out that Scenic, a 20 year old motorcoach touring company from down under, has Europe covered.

Just ask Nicole De Wilde, Scenic's newish vice-president of sales and marketing for North America. Both of the company's ships (so new they won’t be launching until late spring!) are virtually sold out for summer 2008 – so she was in town to promote 2009 sailings.

And what a swell place to send out the message: Pangaea Restaurant, located in the heart of T.O.'s "golden mile" of retail real estate at Bloor and Bay. Where else but a short stroll from Cartier and Hermès to speak of on board butler service and Scenic's four course dinners (served with regional wines, of course). And – unique to Scenic, says De Wilde – spacious balconies you sit on as you glide past some of Europe’s most fab scenery.

But never fear, Scenic is also appealing to clients' inner tightwads with a no-tipping policy, included shore excursions and even a free air program for certain 2009 sailings.

Scenery, savings and self-indulgence. Maybe 2009 will also be selling out soon.