The French are famously romantic and nowhere demonstrates it better than L’Amour and Portobellos, the exclusive restaurants on Scenic’s Space-Ships. The French variation means “love affair” and the entire experience – a five-course dinner featuring regional specialties and local wines – is swoon worthy.

Guests are invited to dine in the intimate 32-seat space once during their cruise; it’s one of Scenic’s five all-inclusive dining experiences, offering an evening to remember with panoramic views over the bow.

The food is excellent. Think of a cold hors d’oeuvre such as cured salmon tartar, followed by leek and potato soup with fresh truffles, and a hot hors d’oeuvre, such as baked camembert with honey and rosemary. The plat principal – the main course – features tender braised beef (or a mushroom vol-au-vent for non-meat eaters), with a silky creme caramel to finish. The best part? It’s all included in your cruise.

Another highlight is the exclusive Table d’Or/Table La Rive, offering a six-course degustation for 10 guests per night from the Diamond Deck and the Royal and Junior Suites at the invitation of the executive chef.

Dining is integral to the cruising experience, especially when the culinary team takes so much pride in creating regionally inspired dishes. It’s not limited to the top-tier experiences; it’s equally obvious at the laid-back River Cafe – in Hungary, that means spicy goulash; in Austria, it means fruit-filled pastries.

Then, when you enter Germany, there’s a spectacular feast for lunch in the main restaurant, Crystal Dining, featuring classics such as schnitzel, every kind of sausage imaginable, and authentic pretzels. 

Outside the special invitations and events, Crystal Dining serves à la carte meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with everything from regional fare to healthy options and comfort food such as steak and chips.

Of course, all-inclusive also means you can enjoy premium beverages at any time, not just with meals.

All you need to do is bring your appetite, pick a table, and prepare to taste the region on plate.

The writer travelled as a guest of Scenic.

Create stories for life with Scenic’s ultra-luxury cruising. Plan your journey.

For more inspiration, visit River Cruising Escapes. To book, visit Scenic or contact your local travel advisor.