Cruising facts
We are delighted that you are interested in a river cruise on one of our AMADEUS vessels and would like to assist you in planning your holiday. So you can enjoy your cruise to the full from the start, we have put together some helpful information and recommendations for your trip in the following.
The following information applies to the vessels AMADEUS Nova, Riva, Cara, Imperial, Star, Queen, Provence, Silver III, Silver II, Brilliant, and Diamond.
Before you go
Our AMADEUS cruises usually take place in the EU region. A passport that is valid for at least six (6) months after your return date is required on each of our river cruises. European Union, U.S. and Canadian citizens do not need visas for countries visited. Other nationalities should consult the local embassies or consulates for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements.
Travel documents are submitted to Reception on embarkation and kept securely to ensure that customs are cleared smoothly.
Although there are no restrictions on the number of pieces of baggage per person on board, storage space is limited, which is why we recommend that our guests only take one piece of checked baggage and one piece of hand baggage. Irrespective of this, other restrictions may apply, e.g. for flights, so we recommend that you contact your airline in this regard.
To facilitate the transportation of your luggage to/from the ship, we ask you to affix a clearly visible luggage label on the outside. For security reasons, the ship's management may require that all baggage is labeled before being transported to the ship or that unmarked baggage is not brought on board.
We want our guests to feel comfortable, which is why there is no binding dress code on board. We recommend elegant clothing for dinner and for special occasions.
What to pack:
The following items are essential for any destination: sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, and umbrella. In the colder months we suggest to bring a warm scarf, gloves and waterproof shoes. It is recommended that you bring duplicates of prescription eyewear, copies of prescriptions for any medications (generic equivalents are usually easier to obtain), copies of credit card information, and copies of your passport information pages.
An adapter/transformer may be necessary (the on-board power supply is 230V AC/50 Hz) if you bring any electronic devices with you. A travel alarm clock is helpful as is a currency converter if you want to purchase any souvenirs on excursions. If you want to send postcards, do not forget to note the addresses of the recipients.
Clothing:
Comfortable, casual clothing is appropriate both onshore and onboard and we suggest lightweight clothing that can be layered. Shorts are appropriate for most tours, however long pants may be required for inside visits on some excursions. Your cruise manager will advise when and if this is required. Mix-and-match color schemes work best to help keep baggage light. You will find a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore. We recommend comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option.
Don’t forget to pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) or even a heavier-weight wind-breaker for cooler temperatures. Also, keep in mind that the ship, motor coaches and other venues visited on our itinerary are air conditioned and may be quite cool. We recommend you that you pack a lightweight sweater or long sleeve shirts and carry them with you on excursions.
Our guests travelling on the AMADEUS Queen, Provence, Nova and Amara may want to bring a swimsuit.
It is of course up to you whether and how many care products you bring with you; but we would like to point out that all our cabins and suites are equipped with high-quality care products, such as soap, shampoo, body lotion, and shower gel. Hair conditioner is also available upon request. You will also find a sewing set, shower cap and nail file in your cabin.
With our tailor-made excursion program, you can get to know many different countries and cultures up close. We therefore recommend our carefully compiled excursions and excursion packages to all explorers and globetrotters. You will find a detailed description of the possible or already booked excursions in your travel documents.
On all our excursions, you will receive the lightweight and wireless AMADEUS audio system from Quietvox. While you wear the receiver comfortably around your neck or in a bag, the comfortable headphones allow you to hear the explanations of your experienced tour guide live in optimum acoustic quality. So you can enjoy your own individual freedom of movement and still not miss any of the interesting explanations.
Please note our general information on the excursions:
All excursions can be booked in advance or on board (for organizational reasons, some exceptions can unfortunately only be booked on board).
Minimum number of participants for excursions by bus: 20 persons.
Minimum number of participants for excursions on foot: 12 people
The schedules of the individual excursions may vary, depending on the volume of traffic in the cities or the opening hours of the facilities, among other things.
For city tours, please wear sturdy shoes and comfortable, weatherproof clothing.
For individual shore excursions, please remember to be on board in good time before the ship departs. If you miss the departure, you will have to make your own way to the next port of call. Please refer to the respective daily program for the latest time of return on board.
Timetables, excursions and prices are subject to change.
Classification:The following table should help you to estimate the approximate length of the walk. If you have any questions, you are of course welcome to contact your cruise director directly.
- LEVEL 1: It is up to you whether you leave the bus during the excursion, for example to take photos. You only walk short, flat stretches.
- LEVEL 2: The bus tour is followed by a moderate walk. You may also have to climb a few stairs.
- LEVEL 3: The bus tour is followed by a longer walk. You may also have to climb several flights of stairs.
- LEVEL 4: Moderate walk. It is also possible that you will have to climb a few steps.
- LEVEL 5: Substantial walk with longer distances, sometimes over uneven terrain and several steps.
Arrival and Departure
If you have purchased an additional hotel night, please be advised that most hotels do not allow check-in earlier than 3:00pm. If you arrive at the hotel before 3:00pm, you may need to wait until the room becomes available. Hotel check-out is usually no later than 12:00pm. If your arrival or departure schedule does not coincide with these times, you may ask the hotel to store your luggage while you explore independently.
If you have purchased an arrival transfer, we will send you information regarding pick-up time and meeting location of our Representative with your final documents. If you have purchased a departure transfer, the Cruise Director onboard will reconfirm the arrangements with you prior to final disembarkation.
If you experience a delay in travel, please contact the ship directly at the number provided in your final documents. Further action will be required depending on whether the ship stays in port overnight or has to set sail for the next port earlier. The ship’s reception desk is open 24 hours.
Your AMADEUS Cruise begins with check in at embarkation which usually begins from 4:00 pm. The exact docking location of the vessel and embarkation time can be found in your travel documents in the Cruise Guide. At check-in you will receive your room key and any essential information for life onboard. Early this evening, attend a safety meeting followed by a welcome drink and welcome dinner.
Your AMADEUS cruise ends with disembarkation, which usually takes place after breakfast. Please do not forget to settle your expenses on board at the reception and return your cabin keys before departure. If you need a taxi for your departure, please do not hesitate to contact the reception – our staff will be happy to help you with the planning.
On Board facilities
Our published cruise prices include Wireless Internet access. We ask for your understanding that the connection during your trip may be weaker within certain sections of the route and does not meet the standard of a land based Internet connection. In addition, downtimes may occur on board, as international borders are often crossed during the cruise. Please contact reception upon arrival to get more information.
There is a gift shop onboard with a limited selection of toiletries, souvenirs, and other sundries. All purchases are charged to your shipboard account. The hours of operation are adjusted to each day’s program. Please enquire about shop opening times at the reception.
Please note: No over-the-counter medications are available, in accordance with European laws
Relaxation and activity in equal measure. If you don't want to miss out on being active during your vacation, you can use the on-board gym free of charge, which is open 24 hours a day and is equipped with high-quality training equipment. The joint early morning sport on the sun deck is ideal for an active start to the day.
There is also a lot to experience off the beaten track: And what better way to do this than an individual bicycle discovery tour on shore? You can enjoy complete independence on your excursions with our free on-board bicycle hire. Of course, we will also equip you with the appropriate accessories, such as bicycle helmets, etc. Bicycles can only be reserved through the Reception one day in advance of the time you wish to use them (or on the day of, if available). Their use is solely at your own risk.
Our on-board laundry will be happy to wash and iron your personal items of clothing for a fee. Please note that there are unfortunately no dry-cleaning facilities on board. If you would like to make use of our laundry service, please contact reception.
Our reception is staffed around the clock during your journey and our team will be happy to help you in all matters. If you would prefer to explore the region on your own, our reception team will be on hand with advice! Whether you are planning a shopping trip, cultural trip or an individual city tour; we will be happy to help you with any planning and give you the best addresses.
All AMADEUS ships have a guest elevator, which operates between the Mozart and Haydn decks. The sun deck is not accessible by elevator.
Life on board
CABIN KEY
You will receive a cabin key upon embarkation. We ask you to leave this - in exchange for your boarding card - at reception when you go ashore during the cruise. Please do not forget to return the key to reception at the end of the cruise.
TV PROGRAM
All cabins are equipped with a TV set. Please note that reception is via satellite - we therefore ask for your understanding that there may be minor disturbances or interruptions, especially during lock times and on certain sections of the route.
SAFE
We recommend that you leave valuables, cash and checks in a safe place throughout your journey. You will find a safe in your cabin for this purpose.
BATHROOM FACILITIES
All guest bathrooms are equipped with towels, hairdryer, make-up mirror and high-quality toiletries such as soap, shampoo, body lotion and shower gel. Hair conditioner is available on request. In your cabin you will also find a sewing kit, a shower cap and a nail file. Bathrobes and slippers are also provided in the suites.
STORAGE ROOM
Both in the cabins and in the suites, there is plenty of storage space in the form of spacious, partially walk-in closets, so that all your luggage is safely stowed away during your journey.
AIR CONDITIONING
Each cabin is equipped with an individually adjustable air conditioning system. Please note that the system only works when the windows and doors are closed.
BALCONIES
All cabins in the AMADEUS fleet are outside, the majority of which also have floor-to-ceiling, opening panoramic glass fronts with French balconies or lowerable window fronts. The suites also offer luxurious, walk-on outdoor balconies with a cozy seating area for an incomparable view of the passing river landscape.
MINIBAR
The suites on all AMADEUS ships are equipped with a minibar. Please note that the consumption of drinks and snacks from the minibar will be charged to your on-board account. If you require a minibar for your medication, you can request one at reception at any time.
The languages on board all AMADEUS vessels is English.
Our on-board cruise management regularly provides you with important information about the day's program, excursions and stages during your trip. Announcements are usually made in English via a loudspeaker system on the sun deck, in the cabins and all public areas.
The Panorama Restaurant offers our guests a relaxed atmosphere. We serve both international and regional dishes. The day on board begins with a rich continental breakfast buffet, where we are also happy to serve you various freshly prepared egg dishes from the kitchen on request. At lunchtime, you have the choice between varied menus and buffet specialties in the Panorama Restaurant or a light alternative in the Panorama Bar. In the evening, we offer our guests finely composed, multi-course menus. A vegetarian alternative is always available. Hot coffee and tea are available throughout the day. All meals are based on the excursion times, which is why breakfast can also be served very early in the morning.
Would you like to reserve a specific seat in the Panorama Restaurant? Then please contact our restaurant manager/maître d'hôtel on the first day of your cruise and let him know where you would like to sit. We will do our best to accommodate your wishes.
The ship’s onboard restaurant provides a relaxed environment and offers international and local cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are sumptuous buffets, with evenings featuring chef’s specialties and regional dishes. In addition, a light breakfast and lunch is offered in the Panorama-Bar. Complimentary hot coffee and tea are available all day. Mealtimes are scheduled around tour departures, and breakfast can take place very early in the morning.
If you would like to reserve a particular table in the Panorama-Restaurant, please contact our restaurant manager/maître d’hôtel on the first day of the cruise and discuss your table preference. We will do our best to meet with your wishes.
There is always a vegetarian option for all meals on board AMADEUS ships. Our chefs and restaurant staff do all they can to ensure that all other dietary requirements are met wherever possible. Such requirements of individual passengers can, however, only be fulfilled if service fulfilment for all passengers on board can also be ensured. In all cases, passengers are obliged to control the food which has been served to them in so far as it is possible. Passengers must inform us of any food intolerances or dietary requirements as soon as possible (at least 60 days prior to departure). If we are not informed in good time, passengers cannot expect their dietary requirements to be considered. We reserve the right to not permit a passenger on board if the fulfilment of their dietary requirements would pose too great a challenge for the on-board organisation.
The voltage in hotels and onboard ship is 230V, European standard. To use any electrical product that is not dual voltage (e.g. from the US, Canada, Australia or the UK), you will need a plug adaptor and some devices will require an electrical converter. Many electronic devices have built-in electrical converters, however please check the manufacturer’s specifications for details. A two-pole adaptor is also available at reception.
Onboard AMADEUS Cara, Imperial, Star, Queen, Provence and Silver III there are up to 2 USB plugs on each side of the bed on Mozart and Strauss deck.
Onboard AMADEUS Nova and Riva there are 2 USB plugs on each side of the bed on all decks.
Please note that visitors on board are generally not permitted due to safety regulations; we recommend that you clarify any exceptions with our on-board hotel management in advance.
For safety reasons, smoking on board is not permitted anywhere inside our ships, except on the sun deck and the River Terrace. We ask our smoking guests to show consideration for non-smokers at all times.
We ask for your understanding that smoking in the cabin is completely prohibited for safety reasons. The penalty for non-compliance is € 375 per passenger.
Local river authorities allocate docking space around ship arrivals and departures in port. Typically, river ships dock facing upstream. Occasionally port conditions require ships to tie up alongside each other, in which case guests may be required to walk through another ship to access their own ship. This is part of the river cruise experience and is perfectly normal and beyond our control. Guests may experience obstructed views from staterooms when the ship is docked.
Do you want to surprise someone on board our ship? We would be happy to arrange personal greetings and a cabin gift. To do so, please contact ryour travel agent before the journey starts or fill out the online order.
We would be pleased to help you organise your surprise.
For your safety, we kindly ask all guests to use the handrails at all times while on board. This applies to all areas of the ship, especially when using the gangways.
Please be aware that not all areas of our ships can always be fully illuminated due to nautical requirements. If you feel unsafe in these less well-lit areas, such as stairways, we advise you to avoid them.
Payment & Currency
Any consumption on board during your cruise (except for the services included in the cruise price) will be recorded in your on-board account. You can pay the total amount at the end of the trip. This applies to excursion bookings, drinks at the bar and expenses in the restaurant or the on-board shop.
The currency on board is the EURO; however, the following currencies are accepted to settle your on-board account: Swiss franc (CHF), British pound (GBP) US dollar (USD) and Norwegian krone (NOK).
You can pay conveniently on board with cash, debit card with Maestro function and credit card (Visa, Master Card, and Diners Club). There are no ATMs on board and often only a limited number in the smaller towns along the rivers. Your bank can provide you with information on how to access your ATM card and whether a debit or credit card is required. It is also recommended that you carry an international contact number for your bank or credit card company with you in case you need assistance during your trip.
Our crew is happy to help you and wants to make your cruise an unforgettable experience. If you are satisfied with the service, our staff will be pleased to receive a tip in recognition of their efforts. You will receive further information on board.
It is possible to exchange money in the respective local currency in all ports of call. Exchange offices are usually located in the immediate vicinity of the docks or in the towns and cities visited.
| Belgium | Euro | (EUR) |
| Bulgaria | Lev | (BGN) |
| Germany | Euro | (EUR) |
| France | Euro | (EUR) |
| Croatia | Kunar | (HRK) |
| Netherlands | Euro | (EUR) |
| Austria | Euro | (EUR) |
| Rumania | Leu | (RON) |
| Switzerland | Franken | (CHF) |
| Serbia | Dinar | (RSD) |
| Slovakia | Euro | (EUR) |
| Czech Republic | Koruna | (CZK) |
| Hungary | Forint | (HUF) |
