Watch 'Floriade 2012' glide by in a Scenic 'Space Ship'

A journey aboard one of Scenic Tours' newgeneration of river cruisers - named Scenic 'Space Ships' - is certainly a European vacation to remember.

The forward-thinking design of the company's ships was developed after Scenic Tours' founder Glen Moroney discovered two enterprising shipbuilders who wanted topush some boundaries in leadingedge river boat design.

The revolutionary 'Space-Ships' are now the largest on Europe's waterways, their 135-metre length allowing for 22 per cent more space over three decks and substantially larger lounges andrestaurants.

The addition of proper, full-size outdoor balconies where passengers can sit back and watch Europe glide by, the option of suites with one's own butler, a slew of fine dining choices and a library add a new level of heady luxury to the voyage.

For 2012, a new 'Space-Ship', the Scenic Crystal, will join the existing fleet of five tooffer passengers anunsurpassed river cruise experience.

SCENIC FREECHOICE

Forget about sneaky hidden-cost "optional extras" when taking aScenic Tours cruise.

The Scenic FreeChoice program does away with all those by including all the touring alternatives inyour upfront cruise ticket.

You choose whichever excursion suits you best and itisincluded inyour fare,often including ahearty lunch at a traditional restaurant in a quaint town.

And for more independent guests, there is the Scenic FreeTime alternative in severalports along theway.

FLORIADE 2012 - ONCE A DECADE

Forthose wholove gardens, 2012 offers a once-in-a-decade opportunity to combine that passion with aScenic Tours cruise.

It is aScenicFreeChoice activity available from Amsterdam on the Jewels of Europe River Cruise and an included day on the Romantic Rhine and Moselle RiverCruise.

From April to mid-October next year, the Netherlands plays host to the Floriade World Horticultural Expo, a rare event that captivates visitors with its exquisite flowers, plants, trees, fruit and vegetables.

This magnificent display, combined with a cultural program of music, dance, literature, theatre and visual art from all over the world, will let you experience nature using your sense of sight, sound, taste, touch and smell as you discover first-hand the influence horticulture has onthe quality of our daily lives.

The 2002 Floriade held in Haarlemmemeer, just outside of Amsterdam, attracted more than 2.1 million visitors, and the 2012 edition, to take place inVenlo and with afocus on innovative sustainable architecture, is sure to play host to even morepeople.

There will be more than 100 exhibitors from around the world, and the expo will be divided into five themed zones that will allow visitors tonot just attend ahorticultural show, but to be unified with nature in all its beauty.

And for really keen green thumbs, when in Europe you can take in the another world famous event: the spectacular Chelsea Flower Show inLondon. Highlights of this annual show include the stunning centrepiece ofthe floral marquee and gardens created by leadinggarden designers. In 2012,the show will be held in the grounds of The Royal Hospital, Chelsea, from May 22-26.