Cruising facts

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.

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 or AMADEUS Provence 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.

No one wants to fall ill before or during their trip. In order to ensure that you have the best possible protection should the worst happen, we recommend that you take out an appropriate insurance policy before starting your journey. This will cover any travel cancellation costs, compensation for lost or damaged luggage and potential medical treatment. Please contact your local tour operator for insurance coverage.

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 checking in; embarkation on board. The respective embarkation time is recorded in the program and depends on your individual schedule – however, you can usually board your AMADEUS ship in the afternoon. When you check in, you will receive your room key and the first essential information for life on board. Afterwards, you will get to know our crew over a welcome cocktail in the Panorama-Bar and receive important safety information about your trip.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS
There is always a vegetarian option for all meals on board AMADEUS ships. If you have special dietary requirements or suffer from food allergies, please inform your travel agent or tour operator at least 60 days prior to departure. On request, our chefs will certainly provide special dishes suitable for people with conditions such as lactose or gluten intolerance. We will do our best to ensure that your request is accommodated, but cannot guarantee all diet needs and preferences can be met. Be aware that we can only confirm that our employees will do their very best to adhere to them, as they are also responsible for preparing food for the other passengers on board. Some requests might be declined or may incur a small service charge.

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.

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.

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.

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 by cash, bank card with Maestro symbol and credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express). ATMs are not available onboard the ships and may be limited in the smaller towns and villages along the rivers. Your bank can tell you which network your ATM card can access, and whether a debit or credit card must be used. It is also recommended that guests bring an overseas contact number for your bank or credit card company in case you require assistance while traveling.

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).

Gratuities are appreciated for a job well done and a common way for guests to express their satisfaction with the cruise staff. Should you wish to tip in cash, you may place your gratuity in the tip box at the reception, at the end of your cruise. You may also add your gratuity to your onboard account to be settled
with the rest of your charges.

If you want to change your money, it is possible to exchange money in the respective local currency in all ports of call outside the EU – exchange offices are usually located in the immediate vicinity of the docks.