With more than forty years in the travel industry, Anita Stefanyk-Malo has built a reputation as a trusted expert who truly understands what makes a trip special. After graduating from the Grant MacEwan Travel program, Anita’s career took her through several key roles, from travel consulting to airline sales management with Northwest Airlines, and corporate sales with Coast Hotels. Ultimately, she returned to her first love: working directly with travellers and helping them experience the world with confidence and curiosity.
Anita takes the time to understand each traveller’s style, interests, and hopes for their journey, then designs itineraries that feel personal, meaningful, and effortlessly organized from start to finish. Her goal is always the same: to create experiences that last, long after the trip is over.
In this blog, you’ll get a first-hand look at Anita’s recent journey on Scenic’s Eastern Europe and Balkans Unveiled river cruise, along with her memorable post-cruise adventure in Romania.
Read on to discover her insights, highlights, and why this incredible Scenic experience is one she can’t wait to share.
Q&A with Anita
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO TAKE THIS SPECIFIC SCENIC RIVER CRUISE FROM BUDAPEST TO BUCHAREST?
ANITA: I was on my quest to conquer all the rivers in Europe! Honestly, we have experienced most of the rivers in Europe and found this itinerary that goes off the beaten track. Plus, there was something exotic about going through the Iron Gates. The scenery was breathtaking.
Q: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE OVERALL ONBOARD EXPERIENCE WITH SCENIC?
ANITA: Scenic never disappoints. This was one of their smaller, older ships, but it still maintains the service levels and all-inclusive luxury of this line. After a day of touring, it is always comforting to come home to the ship. Great food. Awesome staff. Dreamy beds. Everything you need to relax and enjoy.
Q: WHAT SETS SCENIC APART FROM OTHER RIVER CRUISES YOU’VE EXPERIENCED?
ANITA: Interesting question and not as easy to answer as you may think. Having sailed on other all-inclusive river cruise lines before, I found myself drawn to this line. Maybe just a feeling, but I love the atmosphere. There are always plenty of tour options. Their “Enrich” program is always special; this is an event, usually in the evenings, that they arrange for all guests to enjoy and it is never disappointing. Scenic Enrich events are cultural experiences that will further your understanding and appreciation of the incredible destinations, history and cultures you’ll encounter on your travels.
Q: CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE ATMOSPHERE ON BOARD – WAS IT MORE RELAXED, SOCIAL OR STRUCTURED?
ANITA: Always relaxed and social. Quiet during the day because most people spend the day touring or exploring. In the afternoon, meeting in the lounge for cocktails and sharing stories of the day seems the norm. Freshen up for dinner, and then everyone seems to congregate in the lounge to enjoy some local talent that will come on board to perform. After that, the crew entertained us with some audience participation in games and such. Lots of fun to either take part in or just sit back and enjoy.
Q: WERE THERE ANY STANDOUT MOMENTS OR SURPRISES DURING THE CRUISE?
ANITA: There were a few, actually. One that came to the forefront was our stop in Silistra, Bulgaria. This quaint town has changed hands many times over the centuries. A major Turkish fortress and trade center in the 15th century, which a role in the Russo-Turkish wars in 1870. It then became part of Romania and finally reverted to Bulgaria in 1940. So many historic sites date back to Roman times, but what really stood out for me here was our visit to a small village called Alfatar, where we visited a local elementary school. Most of the children are from other countries and live in this village. They performed, singing and dancing for us. It was so sweet. Then we toured this bright, happy school where a lot of the funding comes from Scenic to purchase school supplies (laptops, whiteboards, etc.). I love it when companies support the local community.
Q: WHICH DESTINATION ALONG THE ROUTE WAS YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE AND WHY?
ANITA: It wasn’t so much a stop as the day we spent on the Danube. This stretch is the natural border between Serbia and Romania, and it features four narrow gorges, severe cliffs and the majestic rock carving of Decebalus, a former king of Romania. I have wanted to see this for a while now and was completely surprised to find out that it isn’t all that old (it was created between 1994 and 2004). Looks like it has been there for much longer! He was the last king of Dacia, who fought against the Roman Emperors Domitian and Trajan.
Q: DID ANY PORTS EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS OR FEEL LIKE HIDDEN GEMS?
ANITA: Every port was quite different from the next and not what you expect when visiting places like France or Germany on a river cruise. I really didn’t have any expectations as such. Having said that, Belgrade, which is the capital of Serbia, stood out to me. They refer to it as the Door to Central Europe, and it is located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. The city is rich in history, ranging from Neolithic ruins, Roman structures, and Brutalist buildings, all mixed in with a wonderful Bohemian vibe and modern art.
Q: HOW WAS THE INCLUDED SIGHTSEEING? WERE THERE ANY EXCURSIONS YOU’D ESPECIALLY RECOMMEND?
ANITA: All the options were good. Something for everyone and at every physical level. We especially enjoyed the home-cooked lunch (delicious) with a local family in Osijek, Hungary. Although our host didn’t speak English, we had a translator and heard the family stories and how the farm was rebuilt after the Croatian war.
Q: WERE THERE ANY SPECIAL EVENTS, ENTERTAINMENT OR ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES DURING THE CRUISE THAT YOU REALLY ENJOYED?
ANITA: Evening activities on a ship as small as the Scenic Crystal are limited. A very laid-back, quiet atmosphere, but the crew do their very best to entertain everyone for a couple of hours after dinner. Every night there was something going on, like participatory games; local entertainment that came on board, etc. One “Enrich” evening, we went to St. Sava Temple in Belgrade, which is the largest Orthodox temple in the Balkans. We were able to explore the frescoes that lined the walls of the cathedral’s crypt and then hear the church choir perform. The musical talent of the singer’s combined with the amazing acoustics of the crypt, made for a once-in-a-lifetime treat.
Q: WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE DINING EXPERIENCE ONBOARD? ANY STANDOUT MEALS?
ANITA: The food onboard was standout, as with all meals on Scenic. Service was wonderful. Lots of options are sourced locally in many cases. The standout meal was at the specialty restaurant Portobellos (reservation required) that serves wonderful French/Italian fare. You are allowed one visit on a 7-night cruise.
Pro-tip: Wear something that has some give, as the food is delicious! 😊
Q: WHAT TYPE OF TRAVELER DO YOU THINK WOULD ENJOY THIS CRUISE ITINERARY MOST?
ANITA: It is perfect for travellers who enjoy river cruising and have been on more well-known itineraries. Those looking for stunning landscapes, deep history, unique cultures, affordability and exploring the roads less travelled. The guests on our cruise ranged from their 40s to their late 70s.
Q: WHAT WAS INCLUDED IN YOUR POST-CRUISE EXTENSION IN ROMANIA?
ANITA: We had 5 nights in Romania, two nights in Bucharest and the other three in the Transylvania region. All transfers, tours, hotels and some meals were included.
Q: WHAT DESTINATIONS OR SIGHTS IN ROMANIA STOOD OUT TO YOU MOST?
ANITA: As I mentioned earlier, the scenery in Romania, particularly Transylvania, is beautiful. It was interesting to see how much Roman influence there was in the region. And of course, Brams Castle and the story behind Vlad and how the legend came to be. I loved it. The beauty of Peles Castle (modern day 1870), which was a summer retreat for the first king of Romania. It was fascinating with all the carvings, stained glass, hair salon, elevators, sauna… WAY ahead of its time.
Q: WERE THERE ANY CULTURAL INSIGHTS OR MOMENTS OF CONNECTION THAT REALLY STAYED WITH YOU?
ANITA: Yes, as a matter of fact, there was. Our guide who did the post-cruise with us was wonderful. We had plenty of time getting from one area to another, so we had an opportunity to learn a little more about what life was like during occupation times. Her openness about sharing her life story from childhood and living under the Russian occupation was truly memorable. The Romanian people have certainly experienced a lot over the years. Their resilience is remarkable, and their ability to carry on and rebuild is admirable.
Q: HOW DID THE EXTENSION ENHANCE THE OVERALL EXPERIENCE OF YOUR TRIP? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHERS?
ANITA: 100% I would recommend it to others, pre or post cruise. You would miss so much of Romania and the beauty it holds. It is a wonderful option that isn’t experiencing over-tourism yet. Now is the time!
Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE CONSIDERING SAILING ON A SCENIC CRUISE FOR THE FIRST TIME?
ANITA: I would encourage anyone to research the areas on an itinerary to see if this is a place you want to visit and to be prepared when you get to select your shore excursions, so you know what to expect in this regard. Use a travel consultant who will help you understand the difference between an all-inclusive cruise company like Scenic versus others that are not all-inclusive. Reserve early because these are small ships with people booking them from all over the world. Scenic has many repeat guests – so beware….go once and there is no turning back😊
Anita’s journey through Eastern Europe with Scenic showcases just how meaningful, immersive, and unforgettable river cruising can be. From historic cities and cultural experiences to the ease, comfort, and thoughtful inclusions Scenic is known for, this itinerary offers a remarkable way to explore this captivating part of the world.
If Anita’s experience has inspired you to consider your own river cruise or European adventure, she would love to help you start planning. With decades of expertise, firsthand knowledge, and a genuine passion for creating seamless, personalized travel experiences, Anita can guide you every step of the way. Reach out to Anita to begin planning your next journey.
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