Air Conditioning and Heating: All rooms on the ships are air conditioned and heated. All ships have individual controls in the staterooms.
Beverages: Choice of of complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks will be included with dinner on Avalon Europe river cruises. In Europe, China and the Galápagos, coffee and tea are available free of charge throughout the day from "early riser" breakfast through dinner. In Egypt, sodas are included at lunch and dinner. On the Yangtze wine is included with all dinners. On the Mekong complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, local beer/spirits is available throughout the day and wine is included with dinner.
Clothing: Dress aboard and on shore is casual. Please bring comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. Dinner attire is casual—open-neck shirts, slacks, dresses. Coats and ties may be worn. The Captain's Welcome and Farewell Dinners are dressy, but not formal. On the Mekong coats and ties are not recommended due to the warm humid climate.
Cruise Director: A professional, experienced, English-speaking Cruise Director accompanies every departure.
Cuisine: All meals on board are prepared by accomplished chefs and consist of local food adjusted for North American tastes. There is a full buffet breakfast, and in Europe a buffet lunch including choice of soups and main courses with appetizer, salad or sandwich, and dessert. On the Yangtze, a mix of Western and Chinese dishes is offered; in the Galápagos, you'll be able to taste some Ecuadorian specialties. In Egypt the cuisine is a mix of Western and Eastern dishes. Dinner is a multi-course meal with a choice of entrées. In Egypt the cuisine is a mix of Western and Eastern dishes.
Currency and Credit Cards
In Europe: Most of the countries you will be visiting in Europe use the Euro. Exceptions are Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania; they all have their own currencies but the Euro is accepted in many establishments. Many locations accept major credit cards; however in small towns they are not widely accepted. In these cases and for incidentals or small vendors, you will need some local currency. ATM machines are located on shore at some stops. Prior to your departure, confirm with your bank that your ATM or credit card and PIN number will work abroad. All purchases on board are charged to your room account. For payment of shipboard accounts, Euro and U.S. dollars are accepted as well as American Express, Visa, Mastercard and Diner's Club. A fee is charged for the use of traveler's checks. Personal checks cannot be cashed on board.
In China: U.S. dollars are widely accepted on shore. The local currency is the Yuan. ATM machines will dispense yuan or they can be purchased on board the ship using U.S. dollars. The currency on board is the yuan. Shipboard accounts can be settled in cash, traveler's checks or most major credit cards.
In Southeast Asia: Although, each country has its own currency including the Riel (Cambodia), Dong (Vietnam), Bhat (Thailand), and Kip (Laos), U.S. dollars are widely accepted in each country. ATMs are available in most large cities and will dispense the local currency. The currency on board is the U.S. dollar. Shipboard accounts can be settled by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or with cash. Traveller's cheques are not accepted.
In Ecuador: Ecuador uses US Dollars as their official currency. Credit cards are usually accepted in larger towns. In smaller towns cash is recommended. Shipboard accounts can be settled by credit card, cash or travelers checks.
In Egypt: The official currency in the Egyptian pound, but Euros and US Dollars are widely accepted. In small towns it is recommended to carry small amounts of local currency, but vendors in tourist areas are likely to accept US Dollars. Credit cards are usually accepted in larger towns. ATMs are available in most larger cities. Shipboard accounts can be settled by credit card or with cash. Travelers checks are not accepted.
Dining in Europe: When it comes to dining, you'll savor your destination in more ways than one. Whether you're planning a busy day of sightseeing or a relaxing day on board, start each day with the breakfast that's right for you! Sumptuous breakfast buffets feature menu items that are conveniently color coded to indicate foods that are low calorie, low fat/low calorie, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy. Meanwhile, tantalizing lunch buffets will please your palate, and each onboard sit-down dinner features an inviting selection of appetizers, soups, entrees (including vegetarian choices), desserts, and complimentary coffee, tea, and regional wines. From the rouladen of Germany to the fine wines of France, our professional chefs will delight your tastebuds with regional specialties as well as Western favorites (complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks will be included with dinner on Avalon Europe river cruises). And for those times when a quiet breakfast sounds appealing, room service of Continental breakfast is available in all staterooms and suites on our European ships.
Electricity: Electricity on board is 220v. The bathrooms have a dual 220v/110-120v plug for shavers and small appliances. You will need an adapter or converter to use in other outlets in the stateroom for any small personal items such as a razor, curling iron or alarm clock. In the Galápagos, electrical outlets are 110v with American type outlets.
Gratuities: Gratuities on board and on land are not included in the cruise price. Tipping is a personal way to show your satisfaction for good service and is always appreciated. It is recommended that tips be paid in cash. Alternatively you may choose to prepay gratuities for the Cruise Director and ships' crew (except for Egypt cruises).
Hair Dryers: All ships have hair dryers for passenger use; please ask at the reception desk if one is not in your stateroom.
Laundry: Laundry service is available on board for a modest fee. Check the price list in your stateroom. Clothes cannot be dry cleaned on board. For safety reasons, we ask that passengers do not iron their clothes in the staterooms as this is a safety hazard; the laundry service will do pressing for a fee.
Library: You may check out books from the ship's library free of charge. We ask that you return them before your cruise ends.
Medical Services: Due to the proximity to land, medical services can be called from shore rapidly. In the Galápagos, there is a physician on board.
News: The onboard daily newsletter features information about daily activities, shore excursions and tour departure times.
Onboard Language: The language on board is English. All staff, crew and tour guides speak English. All announcements and commentary will be in English.
Onboard Shop: Each ship has a shop area offering accessories, film, souvenirs and some select personal and toiletry items.
Safes:Ships have in-room safes. In the Galápagos, valuables may be stored in the ship's safe free of charge.
Smoking: In Europe and in the Galápagos, all ships have non-smoking interiors. Smoking is only permitted on the Sky Deck. On vessels in Egypt and China smoking is limited to certain areas of the ship. On the Mekong smoking is only permitted on the Sun Deck.
Special Occasions: Passengers celebrating special occasions, such as anniversaries or birthdays, should alert ship personnel upon boarding the ship. Special services are available (some free of charge) on Europe cruises.
Telephones: Each stateroom has a direct dial telephone which may be used to call between staterooms. Ship-to-shore calls are also available. Any charges are placed on your shipboard account. In the Galápagos and on the Kasr Ibrim on Lake Nasser in Egypt, there are two satellite-linked pay phones available for use in the reception lounge. On the Mekong a phone is available for emergencies if needed.
Television: Each stateroom has color satellite TV and will receive some English programming. There is a shipboard information channel and a channel with entertainment videos or movies. A TV is found in the ship's library in the Galápagos only. There is no television service on Lake Nasser or on the Mekong.
Your Shipboard Account: For your convenience, all purchases and paid services on board are billed with a guest check and added to your personal shipboard account.
AFT toward the stern of the boat ASTERN in back of the boat BILGE the interior of the hull below the floor boards BITTER END the last part of a rope or chain; the inboard end of the anchor rope BOW the forward part of a ship BRIDGE the location from which a vessel is steered and its speed controlled BULKHEAD a vertical partition separating compartments BUOY an anchored float used for marking a position or a hazard on the water and for mooring CLEAT a fitting to which lines are made fast COURSE the direction in which a ship is steered CURRENT the horizontal movement of water DISPLACEMENT the weight of water displaced by a floating vessel DRAFT the depth of water a boat draws FATHOM six feet FLOOD an incoming current GALLEY the kitchen area of a ship GUNWHALE the upper edge of a ship's sides HELM the wheel or tiller controlling the rudder HULL the main body of a vessel KEEL the centerline of a boat running fore and after KNOT a measure of speed equal to one nautical mile (6,076 feet) per hour LEEWARD the direction away from the wind NAUTICAL MILE one minute of latitude; approximately 6,076 feet—about 1/8 longer than the statute mile of 5,280 feet PORT the left side of a ship looking forward; a harbor SCUPPERS drain holes on deck, in the toe rail, or in bulwarks or in the deck itself SOUNDING a measurement of the depth of water STARBOARD the right side of a ship when looking forward TRIM fore and aft balance of a boat WINDWARD toward the direction from which the wind is coming YAW to swing or steer off course
Navigational Locks:The diverse and fascinating geography of the European Continent has blessed it with magnificent and varied natural sights. Mountain ranges such as the Swiss Alps, the French Vosges, Germany's Fichtelgebirge and Black Forest region have given birth to the great rivers of Europe which have provided most important transportation links since ancient times.
Before the advent of highways and road transportation, the rivers were the only efficient method of carrying goods from one place to another. Those most important trading centers located on a river soon grew into some of Europe's most important cities—Budapest and Vienna on the Danube, Strasbourg and Cologne on the Rhine, Mainz and Frankfurt on the Main, Coblenz and Trier on the Moselle to name but a few!
The challenge facing the early navigators was how to tame the rivers and make them navigable along their entire lengths. One of the answers was the invention and development of the lock.
Normally, water levels on each side of a navigation lock are different, so a lock has to work like an elevator. This is accomplished by using two sets of gates to enclose a chamber.
The lock starts with one set of gates open, and the water level in the chamber is the same as the water in the channel on that side. A vessel enters through the open gates.
Once the vessel is moored inside the lock chamber, the lock operator closes the lock gates behind the vessel.
With the vessel securely tied up and the gates closed, the lock operator can then open the valves at the opposite end of the lock. To adjust the water level in the lock chamber to match the water level of the waterway on the opposite end, water is allowed to enter into the chamber from the high-water side, or drained out of the chamber to the low-water side, thus raising or lowering the ship.
Once the water levels are equalized, the gates at that end are opened and the vessel can continue on its way.
The Main-Danube Canal:The Main-Danube Canal is an old dream of humanity. Charlemagne started the construction of its "Fossa Carolina" more than 12 centuries ago, and while his construction effort failed, parts of the canal are still visible in southern areas of central Franconia. King Ludwig I of Bavaria built the first fully functioning Main-Danube Canal in only 10 years of construction from 1836-1846. Yet, the Ludwig-Main-Danube Canal as it was called, with its 101 water locks was rather narrow and its practical use for shipping was highly limited. Its operation came to an end in 1945, partly due to damage from the war.
The planning of the present canal dates back to 1922. A project of this magnitude caused a lively debate over the environmental and economic consequences of its construction. Economic planners gravely overestimated its potential, while environmentalists largely underestimated the positive aspects of its construction for the biotope—and the fact that the canal actually provides 1,25 million cubic meters of water to the dry Northern Bavarian region every year.
It was not until September 1992 that the present-day Main-Danube Canal was opened for traffic. It stretches for a length of 106 miles from Bamberg, in Germany, via Nuremberg to Regensburg.
The canal reaches its apex 1,332 ft. above sea level. 16 water locks facilitate safe passage of vessels. 11 water locks were needed to overcome the ascent of 574 ft. between the Main in Bamberg and the apex and 5 additional locks facilitate descent from the apex. The canal is 180 ft. wide and 13 ft. deep. All traffic water locks are 40 ft. wide and 623 ft. long.
Thanks to the canal, it is now possible to navigate from the Rhine Delta at Rotterdam, Holland, to the Danube Delta at the Black Sea—a stretch of 2,200 miles.
Our price policy:Vacation prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and do not include airfare except as noted on the itinerary pages. Single room supplements and triple room reductions are listed where applicable; not all accommodation types are available on all vacations. We encourage full deposit early to secure your space and to protect the price of your vacation. Prices are subject to increase without notice, subject to the guarantees set forth below.
Once Avalon has received your full non-refundable land/cruise deposit your vacation price is guaranteed and you are protected against any base land/cruise price increase due to currency surcharge. Any subsequent cost increases are at our expense, not including energy cost increases and/or any government tax increases.
If you purchase air through Avalon, An additional non-refundable air deposit ($250 per person for 2012 departures or $300 per person for 2013 departures) is required to protect your air fare price. Please note that Avalon reserves the right to ticket passengers upon receipt of full land and air deposit. Thus any changes at your request made after receipt of your full deposit are subject to airline-imposed change fees and/or changes in airfare price. These fees are your responsibility to pay and will be required at time of request. This includes name changes or name alterations.
Air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and is only available when booked in conjunction with a land/cruise vacation.
Save by forming your own group: If you form your own group, you'll receive the following rebates: On river cruises, one person travels free in a group of 16. These group rebates do not apply to any international or intra-vacation flights. Free land and cruise arrangements are credited at the twin rate; single room and stateroom supplements must be paid in full.
Single room supplement & guaranteed shares:For single travelers who prefer the privacy of their own room and stateroom, single accommodation can, of course, be requested. Call for single room supplements. On European and Southeast Asia river cruises: Guaranteed shares are available in select categories. If you are traveling alone but prefer to share a cabin, we will try to match you up with a single traveler of the same gender. Please call our Travel Consultant for details.
Extra nights before & after your vacation: If you'd like to add extra hotel nights, we will try to make arrangements for you at our contracted rates. Rates are per person, per night, and include room with private bath, breakfast, service charges and taxes. Extra hotel nights are only available immediately prior to or after your vacation and are not available on some cruise-only vacations. If your vacation includes a hotel stay, every effort will be made to reserve extra nights at the hotel where your vacation stays. If space at the hotel is not available, alternative accommodation will be reserved at a hotel of equivalent standard. When this is the case, the transfer to and from the included hotel is at our expense. During particularly busy periods, hotel space in certain cities can become so tight that we may be unable to sell extra nights.
Deluxe, Superior First-Class & First-Class hotels nearly everywhere: Avalon is proud to be associated with some of the finest establishments worldwide. Many of them belong to famous chains such as Westin, InterContinental, and Hilton.
The specific hotels we have selected for you are listed separately for each vacation. The vast majority of them are Deluxe (D), Superior First-Class (SF), or First-Class (F) establishments. In a few overnight places, where there is no hotel in these categories, we choose the best available (BA) hotels.
Avalon hotel ratings follow the standards set by the independent Hotel & Travel Index and by national tourist boards. The specific rating for each contract hotel is determined by our quality controllers.
We reserve the right to substitute hotels listed on the itinerary pages with hotels of equivalent standard. With your Avalon travel documents you'll receive a list of hotel addresses, telephone numbers, and fax numbers for your vacation.
Young travelers: In our many years of cruising experience, we have found that children under the age of eight typically are too young to fully enjoy a cruise vacation. Because of this and for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers, we do not accept children under eight years of age. In addition, please note that there are no special arrangements or activities for children on our ships.
Before you go: Avalon will send you a set of travel documents, which includes a copy of your itinerary, and, where applicable, information on your hotels and optional excursions.
Internet access on Avalon ships in Europe: All Avalon ships in Europe have complimentary 3G WI-FI available for in-room use, as well as public computers with Internet connections in the Internet Corner. To access the ship's Wi-Fi network you will be given a PIN number at the reception to use on your laptop to access the Internet.
Avalon Waterways makes reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled and mobility impaired travelers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Because we cannot provide individual assistance to travelers in many situations, and most of our transportation services are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, we recommend that you view our terms and conditions for details and contact us to learn more.
How does Avalon support sustainable travel and protect the environment?
Avalon is committed to minimizing its impact on the environment and to reducing its dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
Avalon maintains a policy of "Leave Only Footprints and Take Only Photos". Our staff and major service providers strive to ensure that no removal of any natural or cultural artifacts or materials to ensure our environment looks and functions the same before and after our visit. Our cruise directors educate passengers on our "do no harm" code of conduct to ensure that the passengers comply.
When traveling outside the United States, a passport is required for U.S. citizens. Some countries also require a visa. If you are a U.S. citizen, detailed visa information will be provided to you after you book your vacation. Non-U.S. citizens should consult with appropriate consulates to determine if any visas are needed. Avalon's preferred supplier of visa services is Zierer Visa Service (Visa Central).
We know what you’re thinking, “Aren't I already traveling with a group when I choose an river cruise vacation?” Well, in fact, you are. But you may be looking to travel with a special group of people on your river cruise vacation, in which case we’d like to give you a little extra attention, and when applicable, a discount.
River cruises are ideal for group travel. Planning a family reunion? Putting together a special vacation in celebration of big wedding anniversary? Want to reconnect with people you met on your last ocean cruising vacation? The types of groups we can cater to are as varied as our vacations.
Let Avalon Waterways take extra special care of your group. Not only will we make it easier on you, the vacation coordinator, but our vacations guarantee your group will come away with lasting memories. Your group will be talking about their trip for years to come.
Let’s get started.
Group Travel Is Easy: Travel is responsible for some of life’s most memorable moments. Celebrating a life milestone or simply enjoying the vacation of a lifetime are just a few of the reasons people crave to travel. And when people can share those experiences with friends and loved ones, those memories last forever. Group travel is fun, rewarding and sometimes even life changing. So gather some of your closest confidents and plan a group vacation with Avalon.
Vacation choices & the newest ships - Avalon offers a variety of cruise vacations in Europe, Egypt, Asia and the Galapagos Islands. And you will always travel on the newest ships on the world’s waterways. In Europe, our six ship fleet is the youngest in the industry and provides boutique-like experiences as you sail. In our other worldwide destinations, we partner with some of the newest and most accommodating ships sailing. Avalon travelers get the best on-land experiences, thanks to all excursions being operated by Globus, the world’s leader in escorted travel. And all on-board dinners include local wine.
Discounts for group travelers - It only takes eight passengers to form a group for any of our river cruise vacations and earn credit for half price land and cruise. Plus the 16th traveler travels for free (cruise and land only). The discount can be divided among your group to save everyone a little on the price of their vacation or to treat a special person in your group, such as your mother as a surprise for her 60th birthday. *Applies to most Avalon European river cruises. Call for details.
Specialized Group Department - If you have questions or are ready to book, we have specialized reservation agents who are ready to serve you. Whether it’s a small family reunion or a large affinity trip, our group department can work with you to put together the perfect vacation. They understand the uniqueness of group travel and will ensure that your booking process is smooth and effortless.
Trust - As part of the Globus family of brands, Avalon is backed by 80 years of travel experience. Couple that with our $11 million consumer protection plan and you can rest assured that your group is traveling with a credible, safe and longstanding company.
We hope that the information provided below will help answer any questions you may have about Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.
It does not matter which direction you choose, as each direction contains the same included features. Timings of activities may, of course, vary a little due to cruising times up- or downstream, but you will not see or do more in one direction than in the other. The progression of your journey may be a matter of preference. For example, for the Eastern European cruises, you might want to start in Eastern Europe and work your way up to Western Europe, or you may prefer to do the opposite.
For first-time river cruise passengers without a special interest in a particular region, an excellent first cruise choice is Amsterdam to Budapest. This journey will introduce you to four countries and many must-see sites, including Rothenburg, Nuremberg, Budapest, and Vienna, as well as hidden gems like Wertheim and Miltenberg. Cruising highlights include the romantic Rhine, the scenic Wachau Valley, and the Main-Danube-Canal—a marvel of modern engineering.
Second- or third-timers who have done Amsterdam to Budapest or Amsterdam to Vienna, and who are interested in the cultures and traditions of Eastern Europe, may enjoy a Black Sea Cruise such as "Eastern Europe Explorer." Those who prefer to stay in Western Germany and enjoy lots of daytime sailing and lovely scenery will love "Legendary Rhine & Moselle."
If you have already cruised along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, we would suggest taking in the fabulous scenery along Portugal and Spain's Douro River—a real hidden gem. The entire Douro River Valley is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Not many ships are allowed on the river; in fact, Uniworld is the only North American river cruise line who operates a ship in Portugal! Russia also offers sensational sightseeing, and our "Imperial Waterways of Russia" takes you to the best sights along the Volga River. Please note that while our Douro River and Russian cruises are offered on some of the most comfortable ships of the region, they may not have all the amenities of a Uniworld company-owned ship.
It depends; in many places you will dock within walking distance to the city center, but there are places where the river only touches the outskirts of a town (i.e. Bamberg or Nuremberg), and thus a motorcoach transfer is necessary.
As we visit mostly historic cities, many of the tours are partly or entirely walking tours. Cobblestones are also very common in Europe. To be able to fully enjoy all excursions, passengers should be in good health and able to walk well (including up and down stairs); otherwise they may not be able to participate in all the tours. River ships are not wheelchair accessible.
Yes, this happens and is a normal part of river cruising. As river cruising has become more popular, traffic on the rivers has increased, and it is perfectly normal to moor next to another ship or sometimes even between two ships. The assignment of the exact berthing is up to the harbor authorities of the port of call, and neither Uniworld nor the Captain of the ship has any control or influence over this.
It does not matter, as there is no "better" side of the ship. On some days, port-side staterooms will be docked facing the shore; on other days it will be the starboard-side staterooms.
River cruise ships always dock facing upstream. Views from cabins may occasionally be restricted when the ship is docked, particularly when other ships dock next to our ship. River ships often dock next to each other, as docking spots are limited. The Harbor Master is always in control of this, not the ship’s Captain.
There is usually an arrangement made for a city tour and/or free time to spend in the city center.
On our ships in Europe (excluding Russia), our suggestion for tip per day, per guest would be: €2 - €3 for the local guide and €1 - €2 for the driver. At the end of the trip there will be two envelopes to be used for tips, one for the crew and one for the Tour Manager. Our suggestion for tips at the end of your cruise would be: €3 for the Tour Manager and €10 for the crew on the ship (per day, per guest). Gratuities can be billed to onboard accounts and paid with a credit card (Uniworld company-owned ships in Europe only) or cash (cash is accepted in Euro or USD only). Personal checks cannot be accepted.
Yes. For many itineraries, guests have optional extensions to choose from. For registered groups of 10 or more paxs, customization is available.
Passengers who are under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult who is 21 years of age or older. Uniworld’s long-term experience is that most young children (especially those under 8 years of age) do not enjoy or appreciate the river cruise experience. There are no special arrangements, activities, or accommodations for children on Uniworld river cruises and tour programs. An exception to this is our Multigenerational Family-Friendly Cruise Program, which is offered on select itineraries during the summer months. Please contact your travel agent for more details. Adults accompanying children are responsible for their behavior during the trip.
Yes, depending on the itinerary, there could be local performers or musicians offering entertainment onboard the ship.
Please go to http://zvs.com/ or the Russian consulate for a Russian Visa. If a Russian Letter of Invitation is required for your Visa application, Uniworld can assist you with obtaining the letter. However, you must apply for the Visa on your own or through a service.
Prepare for a variety of weather conditions depending on your travel season and the river you will be cruising on. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, as this allows each person to adjust to any temperature, including artificially maintained temperature, by removing or adding items throughout the day.
Comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear is appropriate both onshore and onboard. For holiday season departures, you’ll find coats, sweatshirts, heavier cotton or wool tops and long-sleeved shirts, and corduroy or heavy khaki pants perfectly suitable. You will find a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore. We recommend comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Don’t forget to pack a waterproof jacket (preferably hooded), or even a heavier-weight coat for colder temperatures.
Guests with mobility concerns need to discuss their concerns with Uniworld staff in advance of their departure. Guests requiring the use of a mobility device, such as a wheelchair, motorized scooter, or walker, may not be able to participate in many shore excursions or use them onboard the ships. Also, guests who may be limited in their ability to walk long distances may also have difficulties as there is often uneven terrain on many shore excursions.
Uniworld does everything possible to ensure that shore excursions are performed as promoted and as outlined in the previous pages. In certain circumstances or for reasons beyond the control of Uniworld, it may not be possible or practical for the excursion to be performed exactly as written. The decision to not operate, to alter the operation, change content, and/or otherwise adjust or modify any element of the excursion as advertised is at the sole discretion of Uniworld, always taking into account the safety and best interests of the guests, and the intent of the overall product delivery. Any such modifications to excursions will not result in eligibility for a refund.
You can count on the value of Uniworld’s experience and regional knowledge to make sure you enjoy your cruise/tour even when conditions beyond our control occur. The very nature of a river, its sources, and networks of bridges and locks means that there will be times when weather or other conditions in a region require Uniworld to make adjustments and modifications to the operation of an itinerary. Although every effort is made to keep itineraries as advertised, Uniworld reserves the right to make changes and substitutions as may be necessary to ensure the safety of our guests and the vessels. Itineraries may need to be altered specifically because of water levels. Time permitting, every possible effort will be made to alert guests in advance of boarding of any known changes. Otherwise, all guests will be informed onboard of changes and amendments. Any changes to itineraries, including the addition of extensive motorcoach touring to effect delivery of the intended itinerary operation, will not result in eligibility for a refund.
All shore excursions are carefully coordinated to the ship’s daily schedule. Just prior to dinner each evening, or perhaps earlier, your Cruise Manager will brief all guests about what activities will take place the next day. This briefing includes information about departure times, specifics about the shore excursions/tours not covered in this booklet, suggested shopping and restaurant recommendations, and other important information about the port of call. In addition to the briefing, a daily program will be distributed to each guest’s stateroom every evening. This program provides a written overview of all events taking place the next day—whether onboard or ashore.
Reservations for the optional excursions on your cruise can be made directly with your Cruise Manager onboard the ship. Charges for optional excursions will be added to your onboard account. On pre- and post-cruise extensions, payment for optional excursions will be made directly with your Local Host via credit cards. We cannot accept cash payments for optional excursions. A briefing will be held the day prior to go over any information you may need to make an informed purchase decision. Operation of optional excursions is subject to a minimum number of participants. No refunds are available for any optional excursions canceled by the guest within 24 hours of the start of the excursion, or if the excursion was pre-purchased.
Yes. Each motorcoach or walking group has its own English-speaking local tour guide. Uniworld tries very hard to ensure that our guides are of the highest quality, well-versed in their subjects, and most of all, making sure that you have the best possible time ashore.
Gratuities should always be in accordance with each guest’s personal satisfaction. And Uniworld endeavors to work with the best local guides available. Please refer to the“Gratuities” section of the Cruise Companion booklet for specific recommendations and guidelines.
Uniworld works with some of the world’s best tour companies, all of which are chosen with exact standards in mind. To ensure your maximum enjoyment of each excursion, all motorcoaches seat 40 - 45 people and are air-conditioned whenever possible. There are a few destinations where the equipment may not be of a similar standard and, in such cases, the best possible transportation will be arranged. Rest stops are provided throughout the course of the excursion, as most motorcoaches used for excursions will not have onboard toilets.
Smoking is not allowed while on the motorcoach, and many historical venues now request that visitors not smoke anywhere on site. We ask all our guests who smoke not to do so while on excursions/tours. Responsibility and Waiver The Passenger accepts the terms and conditions of the Passenger Ticket Contract when participating in any organized shore excursion/tour that is provided by Uniworld. Participation in some shore excursions or tours may also be subject to an independent operator’s own Terms and Conditions.
90 days prior to your departure.
ATMs abound in the tourist areas of Egypt.
Passengers who are under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult who is 21 years of age or older. Uniworld’s long-term experience is that most young children (especially those under 8 years of age) do not enjoy or appreciate the river cruise experience. There are no special arrangements, activities, or accommodations for children on Uniworld river cruises and tour programs. An exception to this is our Multigenerational Family-Friendly Cruise Program, which is offered on select itineraries during the summer months. Please contact our reservations department at (800) 733-7820 for more details. Adults accompanying children are responsible for their behavior during the trip.
Egyptian cotton is world famous: cloth, textile, and garments are a good deal. Brass, silver, gold, handmade jewelry, papyrus, carpets, spices, handicrafts, perfumes, and reproductions of antiquities are on sale. It might not be advisable to buy something that could appear to authorities to be of historical value and importance.
Our suggestion for tip per day, per guest would be: USD $2-$3 for the local guide and USD $1-$2 for the driver. At the end of the trip there will be two envelopes to be used for tips, one for the crew and one for the Tour Manager. Our suggestion for tips at the end of your cruise would be: USD $4 for the Tour Manager and USD $6 for the crew on the ship (per day, per guest). All tipping is cash only.
No need for a tie, jacket, or formal evening wear. Smart, lightweight (cotton/linen) casual attire is suitable for even the best restaurants, bars, and hotels. It is best to be mindful of the culture; conservative clothing is highly recommended (nothing too form fitting or too skin revealing).
Credit cards are accepted at major tourist establishments but are not widely accepted at smaller shops.
It is highly advisable not to drink the water out of the tap due to high cholrine content. Bottled water is widely available.
The maximum baggage weight limit on domestic flights is 43 lbs per person.
Sorry, there aren't any camel rides available for purchase from Uniworld while on the tour.
Yes, an Egyptologist may be available for a private group tour. Please ask for details and availability.
We hope that the information provided below will help answer any questions you may have about Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. If you have any questions or concerns not answered here, please contact your travel agent.
Prepare for a variety of weather conditions depending on your travel season and the river you will be cruising on. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, as this allows each person to adjust to any temperature, including artificially maintained temperatures, by removing or adding items throughout the day. What should I wear ashore? Comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear is appropriate both onshore and onboard. You will find a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore. We recommend comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Don’t forget to pack a waterproof jacket (preferably hooded).
Uniworld does everything possible to ensure that shore excursions are performed as promoted and as outlined in the previous pages. In certain circumstances or for reasons beyond the control of Uniworld, it may not be possible or practical for the excursion to be performed exactly as written. The decision to not operate, to alter the operation of, change the content of, and/or otherwise adjust or modify any element of the excursion as advertised is at the sole discretion of Uniworld, always taking into account the safety and best interests of the guests, and the intent of the overall product delivery. Any such modifications to excursions will not result in eligibility for a refund.
You can count on the value of Uniworld’s experience and regional knowledge to make sure you enjoy your cruise/tour even when conditions beyond our control occur. The very nature of a river, its sources, and its networks of bridges and locks means that there will be times when weather or other conditions in a region require Uniworld to make adjustments and modifications to the operation of an itinerary. Although every effort is made to keep itineraries as advertised, Uniworld reserves the right to make changes and substitutions as may be necessary to ensure the safety of our guests and the vessels. Itineraries may need to be altered specifically because of water levels. Time permitting, every possible effort will be made to alert guests in advance of boarding of any known changes. Otherwise, all guests will be informed onboard of changes and amendments. Any changes to itineraries, including the addition of extensive motorcoach touring to effect delivery of the intended itinerary operation, will not result in eligibility for a refund.
All shore excursions are carefully coordinated to the ship’s daily schedule. Just prior to dinner each evening (or perhaps earlier), your Cruise Manager will brief all guests about what activities will take place the next day. This briefing includes information about departure times, specifics about any shore excursions/tours not covered in this booklet, suggested shopping and restaurant recommendations, and other important information about the port of call. In addition to the briefing, a daily program will be distributed to each guest’s stateroom every evening. This program provides a written overview of all onboard and onshore events taking place the next day.
Reservations for the optional excursions on your cruise can be made directly with your Cruise Manager onboard the ship. Charges for optional excursions will be added to your onboard account. On pre- and post-cruise extensions, payment for optional excursions will be made directly to your Local Host via credit card. We cannot accept cash payments for optional excursions. A briefing will be held the day prior to any optional excursion go over any information you may need to make an informed purchase decision. Operation of optional excursions is subject to a minimum number of participants. No refunds are available for any optional excursions canceled by the guest within 24 hours of the start of the excursion, or if the excursion was pre-purchased.
Yes. Each motorcoach or walking group has its own English-speaking local tour guide. Uniworld tries very hard to ensure that our guides are of the highest quality and are well-versed in their subjects, so that you have the best possible time ashore. What about tipping? Gratuities should always be in accordance with each guest’s personal satisfaction. Please refer to the “Gratuities”section of this book for specific recommendations and guidelines (pages 13 - 14).
Uniworld works with some of the world’s best tour companies, all of which are chosen with our exacting standards in mind. To ensure your maximum enjoyment of each excursion, all motorcoaches seat 40 - 45 people and are air-conditioned whenever possible. There are a few destinations where the equipment may not be of a similar standard and, in such cases, the best possible transportation will be arranged. Rest stops are provided throughout the course of the excursion, as most motorcoaches used for excursions will not have onboard toilets.
For intra-China flights and Tibet permits, you must provide a name that matches what appears on your passport.
Children under the age of 12 must be accommodated in the same room as an adult.
A minimum of 10 passengers are needed to operate a departure. Departures have a maximum of 35 guests. If the number of passengers is more than 35, the departure will be split into two groups. (It is very important to cross reference passengers that are traveling together).
Yes, "Classic China" (a land-only tour) can accommodate a triple booking. All other programs will allow a triple in a suite; the suite will be on request and subject to availability.
One checked-in piece of luggage with a maximum of 44 lbs. is allowed for all intra-China flights. Approximate cost for excess weight is USD $1.00 per lb.
Most of the meals are Chinese food. Special meals are served during some of the tours, such as a Peking Duck dinner, a dinner show in Xian, a dumpling lunch in Xian, and hotel dinners.
One bottle of complimentary drinking water is provided per guest, per day in the room or cabin. Additional water can be purchased just about anywhere. DO NOT DRINK TAP WATER OR USE ICE.
Air: Air China, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Hainan Airlines
Bus: Bus sizes range from 16-seaters to 45-seaters. The size that will be used depends on the group size. There are no toilets on the buses; normally a break is taken every hour.
Tibet: Tibet is part of China; no visa is required, but a permit is required and will be handled in China. Please do not to mention Tibet when you apply for a China visa; otherwise you will need to provide a lot of additional documentation. Passengers only need to apply for a single entry China visa.
Hong Kong: Hong Kong has reunited with China as a special region. USA passport holders do not need a visa.
Major credit cards are accepted in major department stores. ATMs are available but not convenient. We suggest that you bring travelers checks, as travelers checks can be easily exchanged at the hotel front desk. Carry some cash for tips and small items.
Transfers are available 24 hours on the date of arrival and the date of departure. Normally the wait is not more than 30 minutes.
Hotel rooms have a laptop hook-up for Internet access. Some hotels don't charge a fee, but others will charge approximate USD $15-$20 per day. You may go to the business center for computer and Internet use for a fee. There is a Internet café available on your Yangtze River cruise ship, but the signal is not strong.
Vaccinations are not required but passengers should check with their doctor to see if they need any. Passengers traveling to Tibet are recommended to contact their physician since the altitude is very high (approximately 11,000 feet).
The best season to travel to China is September and October when the temperature is approx. 70°F. June and July are hot and humid everywhere. Rainy season depends on the area; for example, in Beijing it is in April, while in the Three Gorges area it is in June and July.
Yes
Voltage is 220/50Hz. To use any electrical product from the United States, you will need a 2-pin plug and a converter. If it's not for daily use, you can borrow one from the hotel.
Our suggestion for tip per day, per guest would be: USD $2-$3 for the local guide and USD $1-$2 for the driver. At the end of the trip there will be two envelopes to be used for tips, one for the crew and one for the Tour Manager. Our suggestion for tips at the end of your cruise would be: USD $5 for the Tour Manager and USD $10 for the crew on the ship (per day, per guest). All tipping is cash only.
Passengers who are under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult who is 21 years of age or older. Uniworld’s long-term experience is that most young children (especially those under 8 years of age) do not enjoy or appreciate the river cruise experience. There are no special arrangements, activities, or accommodations for children on Uniworld river cruises and tour programs. An exception to this is our Multigenerational Family-Friendly Cruise Program, which is offered on select itineraries during the summer months.
The Passenger Information Form (PIF) enables us to create your reservation, produce travel documents and make any airline reservations. You should complete a PIF for each person traveling in your party as soon as you can. You can fill out the form online using the link below.
Certainly. A PDF with port location information can be accessed here.
Dress is casual and comfortable, both on board and ashore. Because the weather can be unpredictable, it is best to bring layers—have a sweater or light jacket for spring and summer, and a heavier jacket for chillier months. Rain can happen at any time, so a collapsible umbrella is a “must.” You are likely to do a good deal of walking during shore excursions, so you will definitely want sturdy, comfortable walking shoes; but, since our ships are much smaller than ocean cruising vessels, you do not have to worry about too much walking on board.
There are no “formal nights” on board, but there is usually a Captain’s Welcome Dinner and/or Farewell Dinner; on many itineraries, you will attend a concert, ballet performance or other dressier event. For these evenings, you might like to bring “dressy casual” wear.
A list of ship phone numbers can be found here; you can obtain the phone number for your ship and provide it to your contacts in case of emergency. If you would like to make or receive phone calls on a non-emergency basis, you should know that your cell phone may not work overseas—or it may work but run up large international roaming charges. You should contact your cell provider to see if you can make arrangements before you go.
For your convenience, all Viking ships have internet access. Our ships in Europe, Russia and Ukraine have free wi-fi, so you can bring your laptop and get online at any time. Alternatively, each ship has a few computers for guest use; there are desktop machines in Russia for use free of charge, and laptops in Europe that guests may use at no additional charge. Guests who bring laptops to Russia may wish to bring a LAN cable for use in their stateroom; this may work a bit better than the wireless LAN in rural areas along the river.
In China, there is an internet café with desktop stations for guest use free of charge. There is no onboard wireless network in China or Southeast Asia, so you will not be able to get internet service on your personal computer while on the ship, although you may be able to do so during hotel stays.
In Egypt, there are two computers on board each ship that can be used for a nominal fee based on amount of usage. The ships also offer shipwide wireless internet access for guests who bring their own computer.
Please note that shipboard service may be unreliable during certain parts of the journey. The internet connection functions via cellular service or satellite, and there may be times when reception is not possible and/or when the connection is quite slow. For this reason, we recommend only checking and sending email. We do not recommend surfing the Web or downloading large files.
Electricity on the ships is 220V. Our European ships have the German Schuko safety plug, which has two pins. In China the ships have a 3-pin blade safety plug; if you have an adapter with just the two slanted blades that will work fine. In Southeast Asia the ships use a two pin Europlug. Some of these plugs are grounded and some are not. For more details and pictures of the plugs, click here. Each stateroom will have one or two 115V razor plugs available, generally in the bathroom.
Local currency depends on the region where you will be traveling—most of Europe uses the euro, in Russia it is the ruble, in Ukraine it is the hryvnia, in China it is the renminbi (whose basic unit is the yuan), in Cambodia it is the riel, in Vietnam it is the dông, in Thailand it is the baht and in Egypt it is the Egyptian pound. Your ship will be unable to exchange money, so plan on bringing some currency with you and exchanging it for local currency at a bank or currency exchange office, or getting cash as needed at ATMs. If you are planning on using an ATM, you should verify with your bank that your ATM card and PIN will work overseas.
Items you purchase on board, together with any optional excursions you purchase, will be added to your shipboard account. You may settle your account in cash (local money, dollars or euros) or with a credit card (sorry, the ship is unable to accept travelers' checks). You can include gratuities for shipboard personnel to your shipboard account (except in Egypt and Southeast Asia).
We are considering purchasing the beverage package; it would be useful to know what the by-the-glass beverage prices are.
A typical bar menu from our ships, including a range of cocktails, wines, beers and soft drinks, can be found here. (For your convenience, here is a link to details about what is covered by our beverage package and the beverage package order form, which gives package prices.) Water, tea and coffee are included with meals, and many ships have a 24-hour coffee station or in-room coffeemaker (China). Bottled water is supplied daily in your stateroom. You may purchase a beverage package before your trip or on board.
In most cases we can. Every meal has vegetarian options on the menu, and our chefs are able to prepare low-salt or gluten-free cuisine. If you require a liquid diet or strictly kosher foods, you may have your products shipped to your cruise ship and we will be more than happy to serve your special meals. Please be sure to make your requirements known when you make your reservation so we will be fully prepared when you begin your journey.
Guests requiring special diets such as vegetarian, low salt, diabetic or low cholesterol meals must alert Viking River Cruises one month prior to departure and inform the Maitre d’ when on board. The chefs will make reasonable efforts to accommodate these requests.
Yes.
All Viking ship interiors and staterooms are nonsmoking. Each ship has an outdoor smoking area.
Your ship has hair dryers for guest use. Most staterooms are equipped with a hair dryer; if there isn’t one in your stateroom, you can request one at reception and it will be provided to you. Your stateroom amenities include shower gel, shampoo, body lotion, shower cap and vanity kit.
All of our renovated Russia ships, our newest ships in Europe, Viking Prestige and Viking Legend, and our upcoming Viking Longships have individual refrigerators in most staterooms. Staterooms on the Egypt ships have a small refrigerator/mini-bar. For other ships, if you would like something (such as medications) kept refrigerated, please inform Reception Desk staff and we will take care of it for you.
Most Viking ships do not have fitness equipment; there is a gym and sauna aboard Viking Emerald and a few of our European vessels have exercycles. Our guests enjoy getting their exercise during each day’s shore excursions. Some ships feature walk-around promenade decks, so guests can take a stroll or “power walk.”
Viking River Cruises welcomes disabled guests but wishes all guests to understand that challenges will exist on board and during shore excursions. Some ships have elevators and some do not; some ships have split-level decks and/or significant thresholds that could make movement difficult. Shore excursions may require movement over cobblestones or up and down stairs; accordingly, a physically challenged guest will require the services of a responsible adult since crew availability is severely limited in most circumstances. Motorized scooters are not typically suited on international cruises and cannot be accommodated.
Travel documents or itinerary details will be issued approximately 3 weeks prior to departure. If you need to receive your documents sooner, we can accommodate you for a $25 early processing fee. If you will be away from home or need your documents sent to a different location for any reason, please be sure that we know where to send them.
Onboard Information
Here are some details about what life is like aboard a Viking River Cruises ship, presented in alphabetical order.
Beverages
Hot coffee and tea are free all day; your meals are always accompanied by hot tea, iced tea or coffee, house wines and beers and soft drinks. Complimentary bottles of water are supplied in your stateroom each day. You may bring local wine aboard and enjoy it with your meals—there is no corkage fee.
For those who may wish to enjoy premium wines and beers, cocktails and sparkling wine, we offer a Silver Spirits beverage package that may be of interest. Here is a link to details about what is covered and what the package costs.
Silver Spirits flyer and order form
For your convenience, a typical bar menu from our ships, including a range of cocktails, premium wines and beers are available.
While the crew is preparing staterooms for arriving guests, you can relax in the ship’s lounge or leave your luggage with the staff and explore the embarkation city on your own. You will be given access to your stateroom midafternoon, at approximately 3:00 p.m. If you arrive during lunchtime, a light lunch buffet will be available in the lounge.
Dress aboard and ashore is casual; we suggest you dress comfortably and bring sturdy walking shoes for sightseeing excursions. Dinner attire is “evening casual,” and the Captain’s Dinner is dressy, but not formal.
All meals aboard are prepared by local chefs under the guidance of our European management team. Meals are open seating during set meal times—no table reservations are accepted. Room service is not available.
Onboard electricity is 220V; for more detailed information on plugs and adapters click here. Staterooms will have one or two 115V outlets for North American guests to use with shavers, etc., in the bathroom and/or desk area.
Some ships have fitness equipment, but most do not. Guests enjoy getting their exercise during daily shore excursions, and promenade decks provide opportunities for “power walks” while enjoying the scenery.
The onboard language is English. Your Tour Escort, Program Director, key staff and tour guides all speak English.
Each Viking ship has an onboard shop area offering film, Viking River Cruises logo items, souvenirs and select toiletries. Our China ship also offers a tailor who offers custom-made silk jackets and dresses, neckties and other items.
Please keep all jewelry and valuables in your stateroom safe.
Smoking is not permitted indoors on any ship.
Each stateroom has its own telephone that can be used for stateroom-to-stateroom calls. Ship-to-shore calls can be placed at the Reception Desk, and charges will be added to your shipboard account. The phones function via satellite and there may be times when reception is not possible. More detailed information is available elsewhere in this section of the website; select Telephone & Internet from the menu at the right.
Most staterooms have a color television. Depending upon satellite transmission, most ships receive CNN, BBC and other English-language programming. There are usually itinerary-specific films as well.
The onboard daily newsletter, Viking Daily, features information about daily activities, shore excursions and tour departure times.
