Local delicacies and refreshments accompanied by live music
Authentic Serbian lunch with free flowing drinks and entertainment
Folklore performance & fashion show on board
Sailing through the highest gorge on the Danube, “The Iron Gates”
NEW additions of Golubac Fortress and Lepenski Vir
Welcome & Captain’s Farewell dinner with live entertainment and drinks
9 Sightseeing Tours Included:
VIENNA, AUSTRIA: City tour including Belvedere Palace Park
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA: Mini train and city tour including Old Town
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY: Panoramic city tour including Fisherman’s Bastion
VUKOVAR, CROATIA: Walking tour with refreshments and local music
NOVI SAD, SERBIA: Guided tour through town center
BELGRADE, SERBIA: City bus & walking tour + (NEW) tour of the Crown Prince Royal Palace and authentic Serbian lunch on shore
GOLUBAC FORTRESS, SERBIA: (NEW) Tour of Dove’s Nest & Lepenski Vir
VIDIN , BULGARIA: City tour including Baba Vida’s Fortress
BUCHAREST, ROMANIA: City tour including Parliament House (exterior)
Included Features:
11n/12d cruise onboard MS River Sapphire in river-view cabin category of your choice
1 night first class hotel with buffet breakfast in Bucharest* *Novotel, Capital, Europa or similar
Total of 30 meals: 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners including special lunch in Belgrade
Welcome drink on arrival and info meeting
1 small bottle of water per person, replenished in cabins nightly
2 free drinks per person (wine/beer/soft drink) for lunch and dinner daily while on the cruise portion
Free 24/7 Coffee stations, afternoon cakes and tea, and late night snacks
Daily sightseeing programs, onboard lectures and folklore performances/music concerts and other surprises as outlined in the itinerary
Live music playing each evening
Audiovox devices for all shore excursions
Free WI-FI onboard the ship (subject to signal and sailing conditions)
Professional English-speaking Cruise Manager and local guides throughout
Prepaid tips to ship crew in the amount of $110 per person included in the program rates! (excludes tips to your exclusive Cruise/Tour Leader and local guides and drivers. Suggested amounts will be advised with your final documents)
Not Included:
International airfare (can be priced separately)
Port fees and cruise fuel surcharges (listed separately in Pricing & Departures)
Transfers if purchasing Cruise Only (must be arranged and paid for in advance)
Any travel and document fees including Visa requirements
Optional tours as outlined in itinerary (minimum number of people required to operate)
Costs of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone, liquor, souvenirs, etc.
Tips to Crew, Cruise Directors, local guides and other staff along the route (suggested Tipping amounts will be advised)
Any increases in costs due to unforeseen circumstances such as: additional fuel surcharges, exchange rates or Government imposed taxes and fees not known at this time
Day 1 – Depart via overnight flights to Vienna, Austria
Meals and services per airline policy.
Day 2 – Vienna, AUSTRIA Embarkation after 3 pm (WD)
Your floating hotel will be in port after 11am for early arrivals, but please note that cabins will be ready after 3pm. This evening a welcome cocktail and information meeting will precede dinner. Overnight.
Day 3 – Vienna, AUSTRIA (B, L, D)
Morning city sightseeing of Austria’s Imperial includes Hunderwasser, the Ringstrasse, the Parliament, the State Opera, Hofburg (Imperial Palace) and Belvedere Palace. The last stop will be in the old center of Vienna to take a walk through the pedestrian zone from Graben and Kohlmarkt to Michaela Square ending at the entrance of the St. Stephan’s Cathedral. The balance of the day is at leisure. You may choose to explore Vienna on your own or purchase an optional tour or evening concert on board.
Day 4 – Bratislava, SLOVAKIA (B, L, D)
Welcome to Slovakia! Depart on a morning mini-train ride to the hilltop Citadel for magnificent views of this lovely city with its famous St. Martin’s Cathedral followed by a walk through the Old Town. Enjoy free time for shopping and strolling and return to the ship for lunch. The balance of the day is free to explore on your own. Be sure to stop at one of the many local sweet shops to taste a wonderful handmade chocolate latte!
Day 5 – Budapest, HUNGARY (B, L, D)
Welcome to Hungary! View the passing vistas as you spend the morning at sail. In the afternoon, your motor coach tour of this fabulous city will include the most popular sights: The Parliament Building, St. Stefan Cathedral, the Opera, Heroes Square, and the town park with the Vajdahunyad Castle. There will be stops at the Fisherman’s Bastion and Gellert Hill. Return to the ship for dinner.
Day 6 – Budapest, HUNGARY (B, L, D)
Full free day to explore and enjoy pedestrian-friendly Budapest on your own, or partake in the optional Puzsta horse farm and equestrian show (am) and/or our optional walking tour of the pedestrian zone of Vaci Utca (pm).
Day 7 – Vukovar, CROATIA (B, L, D)
Welcome to Croatia! Enjoy views from the sun deck as you sail into Croatia. On arrival, depart for a walking tour of this riverside city, Croatia’s largest river port, including a tour of the Franciscan Monastery and Museum including local refreshments along with the sounds of Croatian tamburica (banjo). Return to the ship for dinner and sail on to Serbia.
Day 8 – Novi Sad, SERBIA (B, L, D)
Welcome to Serbia! Your first stop in this Balkan country will be in Novi Sad, Serbia’s third largest city after Belgrade and Nis. Join your local guide for a walking tour through the lovely pedestrian friendly town center. After the tour you will have free time to explore this inviting town on your own or partake in the optional Monastery Wine & Honey Tasting tour. The evening is free to visit one of the local cafes and enjoy Novi Sad’s warm ambience.
Day 9 – Belgrade, SERBIA (B, SL, D)
Morning motor coach tour of this lively and vibrant capital will include all of the major attractions: Kalemegdan Fortress, St. Sava’s Orthodox Cathedral, and many other highlights including a newly added visit to the Royal Palace of Crown Prince Alexander Karadjordjevic. ending with a stroll through Knez Mihajlova Pedestrian Street. But the fun has just begun! Instead of lunch on board, continue on to an authentic Serbian ethno restaurant where you will enjoy an authentic Serbian lunch, including wonderful homemade food, local “shlivovitz” (plumb brandy), live music and unique Serbian hospitality. Tonight, your Serbian experience will end on a high note with a private on-board folk show! As you set sail, be sure to go to the sun deck to view the gorgeous city lights framing the Sava bridges and the magnificent Kalemegdan Fortress perched on a hill right above the port.
Day 10 – Golubac Fortress (optional) & passage through “The Iron Gate” Gorge (B, L, D)
In the morning, depart for the new tour of Golubac Fortress (Dove’s Castle) for amazing views of the Danube river. Then continue on to Lepenski Vir, the oldest archeological site in Europe dating from 6000 BC. Return to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon, the highlight of the day will be the passage through the “The Iron Gates“, the highest gorge on the Danube. Over 100 km long, this gorge was a gigantic obstacle to navigation because of its pointed rocks and cliffs. This danger was overcome in 1972, with completion of the Hydroelectric and Navigation System, the largest of its kind in Europe at the time consisting of a huge concrete dam and two locks that could raise water up to 90 meters to allow passage to the Black Sea. This evening prepare to enjoy a festive Captain’s farewell dinner!
Day 11 – Vidin – BULGARIA (B, L, D)
Welcome to Bulgaria! After breakfast, embark on a walking tour of this delightful Bulgarian river port highlighted by a visit to the 13th century fortress named “Baba Vida” (“Grandma Vida”). Then enjoy some free time for strolling and shopping or take the optional Belogradchik Rock excursion.
Day 12 – Turnu Magurele – Bucharest – ROMANIA END CRUISE (B)
Bid your lovely crew goodbye as you disembark after breakfast. Dock at the Romanian port of Turnu Magurele and transfer to the “Paris of the East” – Bucharest, Romania’s lovely capital! (2.5 hrs). Your city tour will highlight the major attractions including Arch D’ Triumph, the National Theatre and a photo stop at the Parliament, the second largest government building in the world after the Pentagon. Then it’s on to your first class hotel where, after check-in, you will have free time to explore this lovely city at your leisure and enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants on your own. (NOTE: If taking the optional Dracula Extension you will enjoy your last night in Bucharest AFTER returning from Brasov).
Day 13 – Bucharest, ROMANIA – FLY HOME (B)
One final breakfast before transferring to the airport for flights home. BON VOYAGE!
Day 1 – Depart via overnight flights to Bucharest, Romania
Meals and services per airline policy.
Day 2 – Bucharest, ROMANIA (O)
Upon arrival in Bucharest, transfer to your first class hotel (Novotel/Europa or similar). Due to various arrival times, there are no activities planned for this day. Dinner is on your own.
Day 3 – Bucharest – Turnu Magurele, ROMANIA Embarkation after 4pm (B, D)
After breakfast it’s time to check-out of the hotel and take a panoramic tour of Bucharest including Revolution Square, Arch de Triumph, the National Theatre, and the second largest building in the world, the “People’s House” (exterior). Then, continue through the Romanian countryside (2.5 hrs) to the port of Turnu Maguerele to embark your “floating hotel.” A welcome drink and info meeting will precede dinner.
Day 4 – Vidin, BULGARIA (B, L, D)
Welcome to Bulgaria! During the morning at sail, a presentation from the Captain and his crew will precede lunch. Upon arrival in Vidin, depart on a walking tour of this delightful Bulgarian river port highlighted by a visit to the 13th century fortress named “Baba Vida” (“Grandma Vida”), the best preserved medieval fortress in the country. Then, enjoy some free time for strolling and shopping before returning to the ship for dinner and sail on.
Day 5 – Sail through “The Iron Gates and visit Golubac Fortress and Lepenski Vir (B, L, D)
In the morning the ship passes through the highest natural gorge on the Danube aptly name “The Iron Gates.” Over 100 km long, this gorge was a gigantic obstacle to navigation because of its pointed rocks and cliffs. This danger was overcome in 1972, with completion of the Hydroelectric and Navigation System, the largest of its kind in Europe at the time consisting of a huge concrete dam and two locks that could raise water up to 90 meters to allow passage to the Black Sea. Your afternoon sightseeing will feature a newly added tour of the Golubac (Dove’s News) Fortress providing fantastic views of the Danube. This will be followed by a tour of Lepenski Vir, the oldest archeological site in Europe featuring life from 6000 BC. On return to the ship enjoy your dinner as you sail on to Serbia’s capital, Belgrade.
Day 6 – Belgrade, SERBIA (B, L, D)
Welcome to Serbia! Morning motor coach tour of this lively and vibrant capital will include all of the major attractions: Kalemegdan Fortress, St. Sava’s Orthodox Cathedral, and many other highlights including a newly added visit to the Royal Palace of Crown Prince Alexander Karadjordjevic. But the fun has just begun! Instead of lunch on board, continue on to a Serbian ethno restaurant where you will enjoy an authentic Serbian lunch, including wonderful homemade food, local “shlivovitz” (plumb brandy), live music and unique Serbian hospitality! Tonight, your Serbian experience will end on a high note with a private on-board folk show. As you set sail, be sure to go to the sun deck to view the gorgeous city lights framing the Sava bridges and the magnificent Kalemegdan Fortress perched on a hill right above the port.
Day 7 – Novi Sad, SERBIA (B, L, D)
Early this morning, arrive in Novi Sad, the third largest Serbian city after Belgrade and Nis. You will be delighted by this pedestrian friendly town as you join your local guide for a walking tour through the town center. Lunch back on board. The afternoon is free for exploring the town on your own or partaking in the optional excursion to visit the Zivanovic family, the originators of the popular Bermet wine, where you will enjoy a taste of this unique spirit loved by French and Russian monarchs accompanied with homemade honey from their own honey museum. This evening, bid Serbia farewell as you sail on to Croatia!
Day 8 – Vukovar, CROATIA (B, L, D)
Welcome to Croatia! Enjoy the views from the sundeck as you sail into Croatia. On arrival, depart on a walking tour of this riverside city, Croatia’s largest river port, including a tour of the Franciscan Monastery and Museum followed by refreshments and the sounds of Croatian tamburica (banjo) before returning to the ship. This afternoon, enjoy the views as you set sail for Hungary!
Day 9 – Budapest, HUNGARY (B, L, D)
Welcome to Hungary! On board lectures and other activities will fill the morning. After lunch, disembark for a panoramic tour of Budapest’s most popular sights: the Parliament Building, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Opera House, and the town park with Vajdahundyad Castle. There will be stops at the Fisherman’s Bastion and Gellert Hill. The evening is free to explore on your own or an optional evening activity which may be available for purchase on board. Overnight.
Day 10 – Budapest, HUNGARY (B, L, D)
A full free day to explore this exciting city on your own or partake in one of the optional tours such as a visit to Puzsta horse farm and equestrian show (am) and/or a walking tour through the fabulous Budapest Market and Vaci Utca, the famous pedestrian street. This evening, as you set sail, join the other passengers on the sundeck to watch this magnificent city under the lights including the filigree bridges that connect the Buda to the Pest side. Arguably one of the most romantic views in all of Europe!
Day 11 – Bratislava, SLOVAKIA (B, L, D)
Welcome to Slovakia! In the morning, pass through Gabcikovo lock, the only lock on the Danube River located between Vienna and Budapest. This lock is the country’s largest hydroelectric power plant in terms of generating electricity. Next, board a mini-train which will take you to the hilltop castle for fantastic views of the city. This will be followed by a walking tour through Old Town with its famous St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Primate’s Palace. Tonight prepare for our festive Captain’s Gala Dinner!
Day 12 – Vienna, AUSTRIA (B, L, D)
Welcome to Austria! Morning city sightseeing of Austria’s Imperial capital will include the Hunderwasser, the Ringstrasse, the Parliament, the State Opera, Hofburg (Imperial Palace) and Belvedere Palace. The last stop will be in the old center of Vienna to take a walk through the pedestrian zone from Graben and Kohlmarkt to Michaela Square ending at the entrance of the St. Stephan’s Cathedral. The balance of the day is at leisure. You may choose to explore Vienna on your own or purchase one of the optional tours such as an evening Classical Concert featuring music of Strauss and Mozart.
Day 13 – Vienna, AUSTRIA – END CRUISE – FLY HOME Disembarkation at 9am (B)
As all good things must come to an end, after breakfast, bid your crew goodbye and disembark with a suitcase full of memories.* BON VOYAGE! *Services end with breakfast
Whether you’re a classical music enthusiast or not, make this part of your Vienna experience! Enjoy this spectacular classical concert at the Kursalon Wien, an exclusive and splendid building of the 19th century, built in Italian Renaissance style. In the very place where Johann Strauss himself used to direct his orchestra from the position of first violin and enjoyed the essence of Vienna’s classical music. The Salonorchester Alt Wien, one of the best‐known interpreters of classical Viennese music, presents an evening full of Viennese charm with waltzes, polkas, arias and duets, as well as operetta and piano concerto melodies. Accompanied by excellent opera vocalists and our enchanting ballet soloists.
We highly recommend this casual yet delightful walking tour led by our Cruise Director! From the dock you will first visit the largest open air market in Budapest where you can purchase anything from superb Hungarian salami to a nightgown. Then you will proceed down Vaci Utca, the city’s main pedestrian promenade full of shops, cafes and beautiful people! Your tour will end at the historic 140 year-old Gerbeaud Coffee House where you can savor a delicious cup of brew or homemade ice cream and return to the dock via local tram!”
Deuric Winery is located in national park and mountain in Serbia, Fruska Gora. In this region, wine grapes were cultivated for centuries, and wine is a drink being enjoyed by many generations. First written documents were from 3rd century when Roman Emperor M.A. Probus Augustus planted first vineyards on the southern slopes.
All wines are placed in selected baroque barrels made from French oak, and a style of wine dictates specific nuances of various barrels we use in the wine production. On our On our tour we will enjoy in 3 different premium wines.
Don’t hesitate to take the tour to the most famous natural phenomena in the region, Belogradchik Rocks. Appeared as a result of wind and water erosion, this rocky fairy‐tale is spread from west to east and it is 30 km long and 3 km wide. The most attractive rocks are around the town and named as The Madonna, The Monks, The Rider, The Dervish, The Bear, Adam and Eve, The Castle, The Little Shepherd, The Mushrooms, The Lion ‐ and many others. The Belogradchik fortress incorporates the rocks as part of its natural defense. Settled by the Roman Empire, it was later used and developed by Bulgarian Tsars, then by the Ottomans. Experience the memorable view from the top of the fortress!
The tour is recommended to active walkers: although the first level of the fortress is easily accessible, it requires going up steps and uneven terrain for a full experience.
DISCLAIMER: All optional excursions are shown for information and planning purposes. They are subject to change do to holidays, attraction black-out dates or other reasons. Some, if not all optional excursions may require a minimum number of participants to operate. Prices are quoted in Euros. Final list of availability and costs will be confirmed upon arrival to your vessels at the initial information meeting.
Day 1 (12): Ship Disembark (Turnu Magurele) – Brasov, ROMANIA (D)
After saying goodbye to your fellow cruise passengers, board a separate bus/mini bus and head north through the beautiful Romanian countryside towards Brasov, Romania’s second largest city and renowned summer & winter resort. Along the way, stop at Sinaia and tour the impressive Peles Castle*, the residence of the last Romanian King. Arrive to Brasov and check in to your first class hotel in time for dinner and overnight.*If closed, Peles Castle will be visited on the return to Bucharest.
Day 2 (13) BRASOV: ROMANIA (B)
After a buffet breakfast, begin your half day sightseeing tour with a short bus ride to the infamous Bran Castle, the “historic” home of Count Vlad the Impaler – popularized world over in Bram Stoker’s novels featuring the blood-thirsty “Count Dracula”. This imposing castle and the surrounding museum site will both entertain and educate you about the true life figure of Count Vlad, the Romanian national hero who fought the bloody Turkish occupation with equal ferociousness. The afternoon is free to explore this lively city on your own and enjoy dinner on your own at one of the many local restaurants.
Day 3 (14) BRASOV – BUCHAREST – (B, SD)
After breakfast it’s time to check-out of your hotel and board your bus for the leisurely 2 hour ride back towards Bucharest. On arrival, delight in a half day city tour of the “Paris of the East” before checking in to your first class hotel. The balance of the day is free for exploring this bustling city on your own. In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner* at one of the popular local restaurants featuring national specialties and live entertainment. *Farewell dinner may be held in Brasov the previous evening.
Day 4 (15) BUCHAREST – HOME (B)
After a final breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flights home. BON VOYAGE!
Extension rates: $599 per person sharing a twin; $699 for single
*Minimum 10 passengers required to operate*
INCLUDED: roundtrip transfers between Bucharest and Brasov (2 hrs), 2 nights first class 4* hotel accommodations (ARO Palace/Capitol/Radisson Blue or similar), 2 buffet breakfasts, 1 dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant, sightseeing of Peles Castle, Brasov City, Bran Castle including all entrance fees and local English speaking guides and a special Farewell Dinner.
NOT INCLUDED: Meals other than outlined, costs of a personal nature, tips to guide and driver(s)
Built in 2006 and refurbished in 2020, this premium vessel holds a maximum of 164 passengers serviced by a fine international crew of 40+. The cabins are spread over 3 decks with the Low deck featuring windows that cannot open while the Middle and Upper decks all have floor to ceiling French Balconies that slide open allowing for cool breezes and fabulous views of the passing scenery. The on board ambiance is casual and friendly, the food is superb, the program is delightful and sure to satisfy even the most seasoned cruiser! Non-smoking interiors, on board currency is the EURO and Visa/MasterCard also accepted.
Public Areas
Cabins
Category A: Upper Deck with French Balcony 15.2 m2 (162 sq ft)
Stateroom features floor to ceiling glass sliding doors, which open halfway and have a railing across the bottom half. The French balcony staterooms are 15 m2 and include a desk and chair. Each stateroom includes the finest amenities. Be spoiled for choice with an array of world class facilities.
Category A: Junior Suite with French Balcony 22 m2 (236 sq ft)
Each suite has a French balcony, another floor to ceiling window and a larger, modern bathroom. A table and two chairs form a small sitting area. The king bed is angled diagonally to face the view, and a mirror further creates the illusion of more space. Suites are situated mid ship on the Upper deck.
Category B: Main Deck with French Balcony, 15.2 m2 (162 sq ft)
Stateroom features floor to ceiling glass sliding doors, which open halfway and have a railing across the bottom half. The French balcony staterooms are 15 m2 and include a desk and chair. Each stateroom includes the finest amenities. Be spoiled for choice with an array of world class facilities.
Category C: Low Deck Twin with windows (don’t open) 15.2 m2 (162 sq ft)
Located on the lower deck and feature two small viewing windows. The queen bed can be separated into twins. The staterooms are 15 m2 and include a desk and chair .
If you have purchased your air tickets through us, your transfers will be included. However, transfers are still available for those who would like to arrange their own airfare, for a fee. For more information about transfer rates for this program, please call our office at (714) 556-8258 or toll free (800) 795-1633.
Built in 2006 and refurbished in 2020, this premium vessel holds a maximum of 164 passengers serviced by a fine international crew of 40+. The cabins are spread over 3 decks with the Low deck featuring windows that cannot open while the Middle and Upper decks all have floor to ceiling French Balconies that slide open allowing for cool breezes and fabulous views of the passing scenery. The on board ambiance is casual and friendly, the food is superb, the program is delightful and sure to satisfy even the most seasoned cruiser! Non-smoking interiors, on board currency is the EURO and Visa/MasterCard also accepted.
There are no telephone lines for outgoing calls on our vessels. Communication from ship to shore can only be done through the Captain’s radio. However, you may bring your US cell phone to use – just please make sure it is “unlocked” by your US provider in order to use it. Free internet and Wi-Fi are available ship-wide and computers are provided near the bar. The service is free, but the level of signal may vary depending on sailing itinerary and location of ports.
As in most of Western Europe utilizing the EURO, many of the Eastern European countries have adopted the EURO as well. The only country on this route with their own currency is Serbia with the DINAR. For the rate of exchange to the US dollar, please check online a few days prior to your departure as some of these currencies fluctuate daily. Due to varying foreign currency laws, our ships do NOT have exchange offices on board. Therefore, we highly recommend that you BRING A SUFFICIENT QUANTITY OF EUROS OR DOLLARS in CASH prior to your departure. You will then have ample opportunity to use your Euros and exchange either Euro/dollar to local currency in Serbia.
While on board the ship, all costs are quoted in Euros. Direct payments are accepted in cash (Euros) or signed to your cabin and paid at the end of the navigation by cash or credit card (Visa or MasterCard only). However, a service may be applied to credit card transactions. Please check in advance and remember – cash is still “king” in most Eastern European countries. Personal and Traveler Checks are not accepted.
Due to strict foreign currency laws, here are important notes regarding on shore expenses: Cash: is accepted and preferred. (Euros & USD) Credit Cards: are accepted, VISA OR MASTERCARD ONLY! (Limited use outside of urban areas.) *Credit Card Note:As of May 2014, European credit card processors require credit cards with chips and a 4-digit PIN code. Your USA magnetic strip cards may NOT work at local ATM’s requiring a PIN. Ask your bank for a chip card and/or bring along a debit card with your PIN (or enough cash to cover your expenses!)
Although everyone is different, we suggest that you set aside at least 700 Euros/$1000 USD per person – to cover your optional tours and shopping expenses. If you are planning on purchasing more expensive items you may want to bring more.
IMPORTANT! Optional excursions on board and Tipping to guides, drivers, especially ship crews and Cruise Managers can only be done IN EURO CASH! The reason is that optional excursions are handled by different local operators, are booked at last minute and must be paid upfront so do to time constraints it is impossible to process credit cards. For tipping please note that the crew is SEASONAL, coming from various countries and are not employees of the ship. Therefore the only way they can get their share of tips is if it is in cash. Sorry for the inconvenience!
Most definitely! We do our best to ensure that each of our programs offer a healthy balance of cultural immersion through our included tours and free time for our passengers. You will have plenty of free time to shop for souvenirs, explore on your own, or take one of the optional tours (when provided.)
Yes, a number of optional excursions will be offered for sale during your cruise. These optional services are priced in Euros. Due to the last minute nature of booking optional tours which require on the spot payments to our land suppliers in local currencies – All Optional Tours require a minimum of 20 passengers in order to operate and must be paid in CASH.
Tipping today has become commonplace in all former Eastern Bloc countries. Due to the volatile nature of these new economies, salaries for regular folk are pitiful compared to the rising costs and inflation – let alone if we compare them to western standards. For the majority of the people working in the service industries (hotels, ships, restaurants, travel), tips and gratuities have become large sources of their income. Therefore, your gracious generosity will be appreciated throughout your trip. However, tips in the “East” are still left to your discretion. Therefore, no service – no tip! We generally recommend that each person set aside $250 to cover all tipping needs for the total duration of the program – but this is merely a suggested amount. You may leave as little or as much as you feel comfortable with. If you endear yourself to any particular crew member and wish to award them directly – please feel free to do so!
NEW! Prepaid tips to the ship crew in the amount of $110 per person included in the prices! (excludes tips to your exclusive Cruise/Tour Leader and local guides and drivers. Suggested amounts will be advised with your final documents)
Important note: For optional excursions and tips to the crew (shared by all) only Euro CASH can be accepted. The reasons is that optional excursions are booked last minute based on passenger interest and operated by outside local travel agents who cannot clear credit cards within the given timeframe. The tipping for the crew is also only in cash because the crew members are seasonal and not full time employees of the ship. Due to currency, taxes and other regulations there is no method for the ship to charge for tips and return them to the crew. Therefore, we suggest passengers bring along enough Euro cash to cover optional excursions and tipping. Tipping guidelines will be sent with your final documents. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.
Special meal requests are possible. If you have any food allergies or special dietary needs, please be sure to notify our office at least 90 days prior to your departure. We and the restaurant staff will make every effort to arrange for special meals, however, if you have strict dietary restrictions, you may want to bring some non-perishable snacks, crackers, dried fruits, dietary sweeteners, or other items that will compliment the limited variety of special meals.
For a complete list of suggested items to bring, please read our detailed Travel Tips For Danube Discovery Cruise. But here are a few important items that often get overlooked!
Electrical current in hotels and on the ship is 220 volts/50MHZ. In order to use appliances, including shavers, hair-dryers, chargers for movie cameras, etc., you will need to bring: 1) Universal Transformer: to convert from US 110 Volts to 220. (Note: recent electronic equipment such as laptops and cameras MAY automatically convert. Please check your individual item.) 2) Universal Adapter Plugs: Round pins for sockets that are different than at home. Since there are no supplies of converters/ adapters, we recommend you purchase a transformer/ adapter plug set at any electronics or appliance store before you leave.
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET: Medications which are vital to your health. A letter should accompany these from your doctor (signed and dated), certifying that such medications are vital to your health. Dosage should be indicated. Always pack any personal medications in your carry-on luggage, not in your checked baggage. Additionally, those passengers with lighter physical disabilities must report them to us at the time of booking.
