Before You Leave
What to Bring
Your Flight
On the Ship
Miscellaneous Info

Passports & Visas

All cruises require a passport. On tour you should carry your passport with you at all times to ensure against its loss or theft. All passengers will require a passport valid for six months beyond the conclusion of their trip. Some itineraries may require visas. Each guest is fully responsible for obtaining and carrying the travel documents necessary for his or her travel itinerary. GET will not be responsible for any delays, damages, and/or losses, including missed portions of your trip, related to improper travel documents. It is the sole responsibility of each passenger to have a valid passport and necessary visas, as well as to comply with entry, health or other requirements of the countries visited.

Make sure you have a signed, valid passport, and a visa if required, and that you have filled in the emergency information page of your passport. Please remember GET and/or their employees and their agents are not responsible for passport, visa requirements, health or other requirements of the countries visited or for any loss sustained by you for failing to comply with laws and regulations of countries visited.

For added protection, a photocopy of the first two pages of your passport as well as a photocopy of any major credit cards that you are taking will help facilitate replacing these important items in the unlikely event they are lost.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a must have! It is imperative that you take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you the entire time you are away from home. Your policy should cover the following:

• Cancellation or curtailment
• Loss or damage to property and baggage
• Loss of cash, travelers cheques etc
• Medical costs and personal accident

Don’t forget to pack a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and instructions on how to claim on the off chance it is necessary.

Budgeting

This is obviously a difficult question, since the amount will vary from person to person and from cruise to cruise. Our itineraries include many features which will save you money – if you study your tour itinerary you will see how many highlight visits and other sightseeing is included, as well as meals and entertainment. Listed below is a guide to extra expenses for which you should budget per person.

Optional Shore Excursions: These are special excursions that are not included in the cost of your cruise and are completely optional in participation. Experience has shown us that most passengers participate in these excursions and you should therefore budget for them in advance. Please check the relevant cruise information for more optional excursion information.

Personal Expenditures: such as souvenirs, stamps, postcards, telephone calls, taxi fares, laundry, etc. Allow yourself $20 per day while in Europe, plus extra for any major gifts.

You are advised, whatever your personal requirements may be, to bring more money rather than less. Once overseas, it can be complicated and time consuming to transfer additional funds from home, especially when you are on the move. You cannot always draw extra money on credit cards and they are still not accepted everywhere. Personal checks are not accepted unless you hold a bank account in the host country.

Currency & Credit Cards

You will require varying amounts of local currency in each country you visit. Prior to departing from the USA, we recommend that each person acquire a small amount of cash in the currency of the country where your tour begins since there is often no opportunity to exchange money as you enter a country. An amount equal to $100 per person will usually be enough to enable you to make initial purchases until you manage to get to a bank.

Since January 2002, the Euro has been phased in as the currency throughout much of Europe. In Britain, you must have £ Sterling currency, Euros are accepted in Banks and Bureau de Change, but not in shops, restaurants, bars etc.

Using your ATM card is a popular and convenient method of obtaining local currency while you are traveling. ATM’s connected to bank networks such as PLUS or Cirrus are widely available in most major metropolitan areas, in airports, city centers, and in some instances, hotels. Fees for transactions vary. ATMs are not available onboard the ships. Your bank can tell you which network your ATM card can access, and whether a debit or credit card must be used. Make sure you have the correct PIN for the card you plan to sue before leaving home, as the PIN is required for all money withdrawals. It is also recommended that you bring an overseas contact number for your bank or credit card company in case you require assistance while traveling.

Be sure to be vigilant about where you use your ATM card. Always keep your PIN number away from view from the people behind you and only use official bank ATM machines in well lit areas.

If you have a credit card, we strongly recommend that you bring it with you, since this gives you extra financial flexibility while traveling. Major credit cards (VISA and MasterCard) are widely accepted in many stores and restaurants, and major stores in larger cities may also accept traveler’s checks. Credit cards and Travelers Checks (in Euro or US Dollars) are also accepted onboard. The bill you sign will be in local currency. This will be converted into your local currency and invoiced in the usual way. You can also use American Express, Diner’s Club, Visa, and MasterCard to obtain cash abroad, though this may involve interest payments – check with your bank before departure. It is a good idea to deposit sufficient funds into your accounts prior to departure and then bring your PIN number with you.

There may be some stores or locations where cash is preferred (especially for small purchases) or a particular credit card cannot be used for purchases. We recommend bringing at least one major credit card, as well as an ATM card that is both a debit and credit card, and if you wish, Travelers Checks in small denominations. With Travelers checks, it is always a good idea to bring your receipt for the purchase of the Travelers Checks with you, and to carry it separately from the checks. Please note that Travelers checks are not as widely accepted as local currency and usually incur a fee when being exchanged for cash. It is also becoming increasingly difficult to cash them at local banks. Also, we recommend you to not carry Euro bills in denominations greater than €100, as many merchants are hesitant to accept them due to counterfeiting. Local banks can break the larger bills into smaller denominations for you.

Chip & PIN credit cards are becoming more common throughout Europe. These cards have a micro-chip embedded in them and are inserted into a machine and the card owner has to enter their PIN in order to complete the transaction. The USA does not currently issue the Chip & PIN cards, and instead uses debit and credit cards with a magnetic stripe that you swipe through to complete a transaction.

Because the Chip & PIN cards use different technology to what we use in the USA, the Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal does not have a slot to slide your card through. Instead, ask the vendor to run your card manually by typing in the card number and you can sign the slip. Most vendors will be willing to do this for you.

In the larger tourist areas the vendors will be used to American credit cards and you should not have any problems using them. However, in smaller cities, villages, small stores or restaurants they might not have the equipment or be willing to accept your American credit card and you need to be prepared to pay in cash.

You should advise your bank and credit card companies prior to travel that you will be traveling abroad (when you are traveling and to which countries) in order to avoid any problems in using your card while traveling.

Before You Leave

Before you leave for your trip, it is a good idea to do the following:

• Be sure to contact your bank and Credit Card Company and advise them that you are leaving the country.
• Cancel newspapers and all deliveries to your home while you are away.
• Leave a key with a neighbor or relative to keep an eye on the house, water your plants and collect your mail.
• Be sure to unplug all electrical appliances and remove all perishable goods.
• Arrange for the care of any pets.
• Notify your friends or neighbors that you will be away for an extended period of time and who has a spare key to your house.
• Leave a copy of the itinerary with family or friends at home in case they need to contact you in an emergency.
• Make two photocopies of the passport identification page, airline tickets (if applicable), driver’s license and the credit cards you plan to take. Leave one copy of each with family or friends at home, and pack the other copies separately from the originals.

Health

If you are on a regular course of medication, and/or if there are medicines that particularly suit you, we recommend that you bring with you an adequate supply for your entire trip. Identical brands may not be available elsewhere, but also bring a copy of your prescription. When traveling, for easy access, please keep all your medication in your hand luggage, not in your suitcases.

We respectfully suggest older passengers and those suffering from any existing medical conditions should have a thorough check-up with their doctor prior to departure. If you wear spectacles, bring a spare pair; they are easy to lose and you will be lost without them. If you have any existing medical conditions, dietary requirements or disability which should be brought to our attention, it is essential that you inform us. Medical attention can be very expensive outside your own country so may we remind you to take out adequate insurance.

Physical Limitations: River Cruises are exciting, relatively active vacations. While there will be plenty of time to relax, there will also be much to see and do. Your included excursions generally require an extensive amount of walking, as well as navigation of numerous steps and cobblestone streets. On shore tours, guests with physical limitations will find access to sites generally restrictive. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that all guests be in good physical condition. In addition, river ships, while spacious and elegant, are not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and most do not have elevators. GET and Uniworld, at their sole discretion, reserve the right to refuse passage or to require a current passenger to end their trip if the passenger’s state of health or physical condition may affect their own health, safety, and enjoyment, or that of other passengers.

Special Diets: Please advise us in advance of your departure of any special dietary restrictions. This information will be provided to the proper personnel. To the extent possible, and in consideration of local conditions, every effort will be made to accommodate your needs. It is the guest’s responsibility to provide us with as much detail as necessary concerning any medically related diet concerns. Not all dietary requests can be accommodated, and we appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Vaccinations

Contact your doctor or health-care provider before traveling to determine which, if any, vaccinations are recommended for the countries you will be visiting.

Climate

Temperatures and rainfall can vary dramatically from one area to another even during the course of the same tour. In spring and fall you should plan for possible cool evenings in the range of 45-50°F, while in summer daytime temperatures can reach 80-90°F. You may also expect some rain showers so be sure to carry a light raincoat and a small, collapsible umbrella. In Europe, the temperature is measured in degrees centigrade. To convert the temperature into degrees Fahrenheit, double the degrees centigrade and add 30.

Baggage

Airline baggage restrictions change frequently and each guest needs to check with their specific air carrier for limitations concerning baggage weight, baggage size, carry-on regulations, and excess baggage or overweight charges. This information can be found on the carrier’s website. Remember to check for both international (over the water) and domestic (intra-continental) regulations, as limitations differ depending on flight routings. Overweight or excess baggage charges vary, and guests who exceed an airline’s recommended limit may be asked by the airline to pay fees ranging from US Dollars $25 – $80, or possibly more, per infraction.

Onboard the ships and motorcoaches, storage space is very limited. Therefore, for your comfort and convenience on the cruise as well as on pre- or post-cruise land stays, we ask that you bring one (1) suitcase per person and one (1) carryon bag per person (excluding purses). Please note there may be a fee assessed on-site for excess baggage. Keep an eye on your baggage and all personal belongings— they are your responsibility throughout the trip. Uniworld is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to baggage and personal belongings. A Travel Protection Plan covering lost, stolen, or damaged baggage is highly recommended.

Constant handling will invariably leave marks on your baggage, especially a soft sided case. A hard shell will provide better protection for your possessions. Detachable wheels on cases should be removed before checking in your baggage. Locks should be sturdy and straps should be tied around the case if you have doubts about the fastenings. Loss or damage to baggage is at your own risk so please protect yourself with proper insurance.

Clothing & Footwear

Prepare for a variety of weather conditions depending on your travel season and the regions you will be cruising through. 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.

Comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear is appropriate both onshore and onboard. Everyday slacks, khakis, walking shorts, and everyday skirts/dresses are recommended. For warmer temperatures, we suggest lightweight clothing that can be layered, such as a mix of sweaters, lightweight knit shirts, slacks, and walking shorts. For early spring and late fall departures, you’ll find sweatshirts, heavier cotton or wool tops and long-sleeved shirts, and corduroy or heavy khaki pants perfectly suitable. 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.

Cruise Companion

For evenings, any resort-type wear is perfectly suitable; however, we do ask that you not wear shorts to dinner. Men may want to bring one sport jacket for dressier restaurant venues in such cities as Vienna, Budapest, and Paris, etc., and for special events onboard such as the Captain’s Welcome and Farewell festivities. Women find that a cocktail dress or two always comes in handy no matter the destination.

Don’t forget to pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket (preferably hooded), or even a heavier-weight windbreaker for colder temperatures.

What-to-Bring

This will depend upon your personal preferences, where you are traveling to and the time of year you are traveling. We generally recommend casual, lightweight, drip-dry clothing, which requires little or no ironing. Laundry facilities are available at most of the places we stay, however, take sufficient clothing to last for about a week. Below is a list of items to consider packing for your GET tour:

• Clothing
• Undergarments
• Swimsuit
• Socks
• Sandals
• Sleep wear
• Hat
• Jeans/trousers
• Shorts/skirts
• Pullover/cardigan
• Warm jacket
• Shirts/blouses
• Good walking shoes
• Waterproof jacket

General Items to Bring

• Camera
• Batteries
• Medications
• Prescriptions
• Portable umbrella
• Insect repellent
• Toiletries
• Pocket calculator
• Travel sewing kit
• Travel alarm clock
• Reading glasses
• Plastic bags
• Sunglasses
• Water bottle (screw top lid)
• Handkerchief/tissues
• Sachets of washing powder
• Sunscreen
• Passport (International visitors)
• Travel insurance
• Traveler’s cheques/Money
• Credit cards
• GET documents
• Airline tickets
• Visas (International visitors)

*Do not pack your passport or money in your suitcase.

If you are traveling with a companion it is a good idea to pack clothing for each person in each of your suitcases. In the unlikely event that one of your cases doesn’t arrive with you, this will help to reduce the stress of waiting for your luggage to catch up with you.

What to Leave Behind

Don’t bring anything you would hate to lose!

Leave at home:

• Valuable or expensive-looking jewelry
• Irreplaceable family objects
• All unnecessary credit cards
• Social Security card, library card, and similar items that may be in your wallet

Your Flight

Airport Check-In

It is advisable to contact the airline in advance of your departure to verify that there have been no changes to the flight number or schedule found on your travel documents. After your documents are issued to you, GET is not responsible for notifying guests of any changes in flight schedules. We recommend that all tour members check in at their departure airport at least 2.5 hours before the international flight time. If your airline schedule involves a domestic flight first, you should check in at least 1.5 hours before your plane departs (be sure to check your baggage all the way through to your final destination).

Please be certain that your airline itinerary has the correct travel dates on it, particularly if you are departing early or extending your stay. Should you have any last minute questions, airline personnel will be on hand to assist you. There will be no formal meeting of the group until arrival at the ship or hotel as tour members will be departing from cities throughout the USA. If you wish to receive credit for a frequent flyer program or advanced seat assignment, please contact the respective airline directly.

Important Baggage info in the US

Please be aware that from January 1, 2003, U.S. Federal law requires that all bags be screened at the airport before being placed on any airplane. GRAND EUROPEAN TOURS would like to pass on some helpful hints from the TSA for packing your bags prior to leaving for the airport.

Checked Bags:

• Don’t pack food or beverages inside checked bags
• Spread any books out inside a suitcase rather than stacking them
• Pack footwear on top of other items
• Don’t cram too many items into a suitcase. It will be hard for a screener to close it should the need arise to open your bag
• Avoid packing anything you would be embarrassed for other people to see, as your bag may be opened in a public place
• Lock your bags using a TSA accepted lock (visit www.tsa.gov under Travelers & Consumers and Travel Tips) or leave them open
• Put personal items, like underwear and toiletries, in a zip-lock plastic bag so screeners do not have to handle them
• Don’t wrap gifts. They may have to be opened for inspection
• If something is missing or damaged, call the TSA Customer Response Center at 866-289-9673

VERY IMPORTANT: Screening equipment for checked baggage WILL damage film. Be sure to place any film in your carry-on bags

Important Info from the TSA

TSA regulations now require all liquids that are packed in your carry-on baggage to be packed as followed:

“3-1-1 for carry-on luggage”

3- Each container must be three ounces or smaller. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed.

1- All items must fit into one, quart-size plastic bag. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed.

1- Each traveler can use only one, quart-size, plastic bag. Each traveler must remove their quart-sized plastic, zip-top bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.

NOTE: Medications are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

For more information please visit www.tsa.gov

During Flight

Traveling to Europe involves a lengthy transatlantic flight so it is important to make it as comfortable as possible. Here are a few things you can try to help you feel good while you’re flying:

• Wear loose and comfortable clothing.
• Move around as much as possible to keep up your circulation.
• Eat lightly during your flight.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and minimize your alcohol consumption as this will dehydrate you.
• Take off your shoes but be sure to wear a pair that are loose should your feet swell.
• Leave room under the seat in front of you so you can stretch out your legs.
• Don’t cross your legs as this will cut off your circulation.

Jet Lag

Jet Lag is the term used to describe how your body feels when you travel over multiple time zones. The most common symptoms of jet lag include tiredness during the day, inability to sleep at night, loss of appetite and irritability. It can take your body up to 24 hours to adjust for each time zone you cross in your travels so here are a few suggestions for minimizing the effects of jet lag:

• If possible, try to adjust your sleeping and eating times an hour or two towards your destination (East forward, West backward) in the days before your flight.
• After your transatlantic flight takes off, adjust your watch. Try to sleep and eat according to the time of your destination.
• Drink water and juices and avoid caffeine and alcohol to stay hydrated as dehydration can make jet lag worse.
• Avoid caffeine 4-6 hours before bedtime.
• Once you arrive at your destination, try adjusting to local time as soon as possible.
• When you get to your destination, wait for an early local bedtime before falling asleep

Lost/Damaged Bags

Baggage delays do unfortunately occur from time to time, especially during peak travel periods. First and foremost, do not leave the baggage area without completing a Lost Baggage Report with your air carrier. This report is essential to the tracking of your claim. They will ask you for the numbered baggage receipts given to you when you checked your baggage in for the flight. Also, give the air carrier a copy of your travel itinerary and the ship’s contact information. They will then commence a search for your baggage, and may award you some compensation to buy essential clothing until your baggage is found.

If traveling with a companion, we recommend that one (1) person exit the baggage claim area and locate the transfer representative to inform them of the situation. This will allow the representative to ensure transfers are properly provided. Report your lost baggage to the Uniworld representative and provide your Cruise Manager with a copy of your Lost Baggage Report. This will assist our staff in helping to locate your baggage as quickly as possible. GET and Uniworld are not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to baggage and/or personal belongings. A protection plan covering lost, stolen, or damaged baggage is recommended as they may help with the recovery of the bag and offer some monetary compensation depending on the length of time the baggage remains missing.

On the Ship:

Pre-/Post-Cruise Included or Optional Hotel/Land Extensions

All cruise extension land programs are fully hosted and include daily breakfast, transfers, and porterage. Most feature at least one (1) special sightseeing program. Your on-site Uniworld representative will host a welcome briefing the evening of your first day to familiarize you with the scheduled program and to provide additional information about optional tour programs, dining recommendations, and shopping tips. Details of your pre-/post-cruise land stay are included with your final documents. Please note that every effort is made to ensure that your hotel room is available and ready for occupancy upon your arrival at the hotel. This is not always possible due to differences in hotel check-in/check-out times and scheduled airport-to-hotel or ship-to-hotel transfers. A short wait for your room to become available may be necessary.

Arrival

Airport Transfers: If your cruise/tour package includes a group arrival transfer (and your flights coincide with our transfer guidelines) or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship or hotel. Those guests with a Pre-Cruise Extension will also be met by a Uniworld representative at the airport of the city the extension is to take place (for the Lucerne Extension, the airport used is Basel, Switzerland). You will be met as you exit the secure customs area. Please claim all of your baggage before exiting the baggage claim area. From the airport, you’ll be transferred to the ship or your hotel. Depending on transfer times, hotel-to-ship or ship-to-hotel transfers may include sightseeing en route.

Please note that transfers are non-refundable. There may be a waiting period for scheduled airport transfers, depending on groupings of flight arrivals. This wait can be up to two (2) hours. GET and Uniworld will not be responsible for late arrivals or missed transfers due to delayed, changed, canceled, missed flights, for missed cruise/trip days, or for extra costs resulting from delayed, changed, canceled, or missed flights.

In accordance with GET’s recommended transfer time guidelines, all guests making their own flight arrangements are required to provide GET with their flight information and pre-trip arrangements no later than 45 days prior to departure in order to receive transfers.

Guests who have purchased extra nights with hotel stays will be provided private transfers as part of the extra night purchase as long as GET has received their flight information.

Private Car Transfers: Guests who make independent flight arrangements and arrive outside our transfer guidelines can purchase private car transfers from GET at an additional cost. Private car transfers are only available on the cruise/tour start and end dates. Please call for details. In some locations, private transfers are not available due to the distance between the airport arrival city and the port of embarkation and disembarkation.

Cruise-Only Guests and Guests With Independent Arrangements: If your cruise/tour package does not contain transfers (i.e. for flights outside of out recommended transfer time guidelines or if flight details have not been communicated to us in time), then please make your own way to the ship or hotel as per your trip itinerary at your own expense.

For guests who are making their own way to the ship and who are not using our transfer options, we strongly suggest that you call the ship to determine its exact location before proceeding to the dock. The ship’s telephone number will be shown on your Cruise Ticket. Docking assignments for river cruise vessels can change at the last minute, and the information provided on your Cruise Ticket about the expected docking location could be incorrect on your day of arrival. It is not possible for GET or Uniworld to notify guests making their own way to the ship of any sudden changes.

Cruise-only guests may join our group transfers or may purchase private transfers for the cruise/tour start and end dates. However, independent flight arrangements must be made in accordance with our recommended transfer times, which are coordinated with the ship’s required time of embarkation and disembarkation for all guests and must be provided to GET no later than 45 days prior to departure.

Late Flight Arrivals/Missed Flights: If your package includes an arrival transfer and you experience a travel delay of any kind, please adhere to the following instructions:

Advise an airline representative at the airport that you are a cruise passenger set to sail that day or the following day. Typically, airlines are able to arrange alternative flights for passengers to continue with their travel to the point of embarkation.

Upon arrival in the cruise or tour-start city, after you have cleared customs look for the Uniworld representative outside the customs area. Depending on the nature of the delay, Uniworld’s ground staff can, at times, track flight changes. If your flight arrangements were drastically altered, it is unlikely that the ground staff will be notified in time of your specific flight changes. And, due to security protocols enacted post September 11, 2001, airlines very rarely provide updated flight information to third parties.

If you cannot find the Uniworld representative, please contact the Transfer Provider in your arrival city. Their contact information is shown in the transfer section of your Cruise Ticket. If unable to match you up with a scheduled group transfer, the Transfer Provider will ask you to make your own way to the ship or hotel at your own expense. Costs incurred due to missed transfers are the responsibility of the guest, and in most cases, compensation can be obtained from your travel protection plan provider or airline carrier.

If your delay is serious enough that you miss the starting point of your cruise, you will need to get to the next stop on the ship’s itinerary at your own expense. Using the ship’s phone number shown on your Cruise Ticket, please contact the ship for its exact location on your revised date of arrival. The ship’s personnel will advise you of the best course of action. GET is not responsible for missed transfers or additional costs incurred in getting to the next destination due to missed or delayed flight arrangements.

Embarkation/Disembarkation

Embarkation: If sailing time is 8:00 pm or later, guests are to embark no later than 6:00 pm. If sailing time is scheduled between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm, guests are to embark no later than two (2) hours prior to the scheduled sailing time. On embarkation day, the ship is being cleaned and prepared for your arrival. Most of the ship’s facilities, including your stateroom, will not be available before 3:00 pm. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Should you arrive at the ship earlier than 3:00 pm, you may leave your baggage at the Front Desk and take a walk in the area or relax in the lounge. Please keep your hand baggage with you at all times. Complimentary coffee, water, and light snacks will be available in the lounge for your enjoyment.

Disembarkation: About two (2) evenings before your departure from the ship, your Cruise Manager will brief all guests about what to expect on the morning of disembarkation and what time to have baggage available for pick-up, and to distribute any documentation necessary to make your departure as smooth as possible.

All guests must vacate their staterooms no later than 8:00 am the day of disembarkation so the staff and crew can prepare for the next group of guests. Breakfast hours are coordinated around airport transfer times, which, in some cases, can be very early in the morning. It is not unusual in some destinations to have airport transfers as early as 4:00 am. In such cases, we will provide guests with coffee, tea, juices, and pastries from our 24-hour coffee station. Guests staying onboard for an additional cruise might have sightseeing included on this day, or will have time at leisure for their continued enjoyment of the destination. In some destinations, optional excursions will be available on this day.

Meals

The Restaurant onboard provides a relaxed environment and accommodates all guests with open seating. It offers international and local cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are sumptuous buffets, with evenings featuring specialties of the chef and regional dishes. During onboard dinners, complimentary red and white house wine, ice water, iced tea, draught beer, and soft drinks will be included. Complimentary hot coffee and tea will be served during all meals.

Complimentary beverages may only be consumed in the Dining Room. All meal times are scheduled around tour departures, and breakfast can take place very early in the morning.  In addition, al fresco deck dining will be available on scheduled nights. Reservations are necessary as space is limited. Reservations can only be made onboard the ship.

Please notify GET immediately if you have any special dietary concerns or considerations that need to be taken into account while traveling with us. We will do our best to ensure your request is accommodated but we cannot guarantee that this will happen in all cases.

Front Desk

The Front Desk operates 24 hours a day. The Night Receptionist will make hourly safety checks of the ship.

Onboard Accounts

Uniworld features a “cashless” environment onboard, and all charges are billed directly to each guest’s shipboard account. The onboard currency of our ships is the Euro. While onboard, guests can sign for all purchases, and pay their balance at the end of the cruise with a credit card, including American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. Credit cards will be charged in Euro. Please check with your bank before departing home.

Alternatively, if paying by cash, the currency accepted onboard for settlement of final bills is the Euro or US Dollars (total amount will be converted into US Dollars based on the onboard exchange rate) or Travelers Checks.

The ships do not have ATMs, but ATMs linked to major bank networks can be found throughout Europe. Most debit or major credit cards can be used for cash withdrawals ashore. Limited currency exchange is available onboard for the exchange of cash only. Credit cards cannot be accepted for money exchange. All hotels and major tourist sites have exchange facilities.

Please note that currency-exchange transactions and ATM cash withdrawals always involve transaction fees. It is always best to inquire about the fee before exchanging any money. ATMs will typically ask you if you accept the fee before enabling the transaction.

Stateroom Amenities

Every stateroom includes individual thermostat for air conditioning and/or heat, a flat-screen TV, an internal telephone, a safety deposit box, an en-suite bathroom stocked with

L’Occitane body products, a luxurious bathrobe for each guest, complimentary bottled water, a hair dryer, and an umbrella. Electrical current is 220V, the European standard;

however, each stateroom has one 110V outlet. The majority of staterooms have hotel-style beds that can be positioned separately or together. Your stateroom will be serviced by your Cabin Attendant on a daily basis. Security and maintenance checks may also be performed.

Elevators

All of our ships sailing the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers are equipped with an elevator that services all decks except the Sun Deck. On the River Queen, the elevator does not service the Moselle Deck. The River Ambassador only has a chair lift from the Restaurant to the Reception area and from the entrance to the ship up to the Sun Deck. The River Beatrice also has a chair lift to aid in accessing the Sun Deck.

Internet Facilities

Our Internet Corner allows you to send and receive emails and to access the Internet using our computer stations. In addition, you may use your own laptop computer to access our Wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi). Wi-Fi is only available in the Main Lounge and Captain’s Lounge. To use the Internet Corner and Wi-Fi service, your shipboard account will be charged the following flat rate fees:

• 7-Night Cruises = a flat-rate charge of €15. This allows access during the entire cruise.
• Cruises longer than 7 Nights = a flat-rate charge of €20. This allows access during the entire cruise.

Please note the fees are subject to change without notice and the Internet connection might not be available in remote areas or when transiting locks. Expect the connectivity speed to be slower than your home connection.

Fitness Room

The Fitness Room hours of operation are generally from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, but may be adjusted based on each day’s program. Use of the fitness equipment is at your own risk.

Bicycles and Nordic Walking Sticks

Complimentary bicycles and Nordic walking sticks are available for your onshore enjoyment. Bicycle and walking paths are easily accessible from some of the ports-of-call. Your Cruise Manager can offer recommendations. Both can only be reserved through the Front Desk one (1) day in advance (or on the day if available) of the time you wish to use them. The number of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks available is limited and their use is solely at your own risk. A release form needs to be signed prior to using bicycles or Nordic walking sticks.

Shore Excursions

Each cruise and tour program features comprehensive included shore excursions with a local English-speaking guide designed to provide you with the best possible experience ashore. From time to time, we also offer optional excursions designed to enhance the range of sightseeing already included in your cruise program. These optional excursions are available for purchase when you are onboard the ship. Your Cruise Manager will provide details about the reservation process at your Welcome Briefing. All tours purchased onboard are billed to your shipboard account and can be paid when settling your final bill. Optional excursions are subject to cancellation if a minimum number of participants is not met. A complete day-by-day shore excursion itinerary is provided with your final documents. Details for your particular itinerary can also be found at www.uniworld.com.

Gift Shop

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.

Ice Machine

For your convenience, a self-service ice machine is located on each ship, and an ice bucket is provided in your stateroom.

Key Cards

A magnetic key card will be issued to each guest at the time of check-in. The key card can be used to open your stateroom as well as the main entrance to the ship. On the River Beatrice and River Ambassador, magnetic key cards are not used; standard keys will be issued instead.

Doctors

If at any time on your tour you require a doctor please inform your Cruise Director who will arrange this for you. GET and Uniworld do not employ staff nurses or doctors onboard its ships. Should you need medical attention, it will be at local facilities, at your own expense. GET and Uniworld are not responsible for any costs incurred as a result of medical service, or for the quality of medical care received. A Travel Protection Plan covering medical expenses is highly recommended. Ensure that you keep receipts for the doctor’s visits, medicines and any other expenses incurred, as you will need them to claim on your insurance.

Laundry

A launderette containing a self-service washing machine, dryer, and iron is available for your use (detergent is available for a minimal fee at the Front Desk). There are no dry cleaning facilities. The ship also provides washing, drying, and ironing services for a fee. Please note, there is no self-service launderette on the River Ambassador.

Lounges

The Lounge provides spectacular, expansive views at every turn. Relax in the comfort of soft chairs and sofas upholstered in fine fabrics and leathers. Enjoy our full-service bar and dance the night away to the piano tunes of our onboard musician.

The intimate Captain’s Lounge provides a delightful atmosphere in which to read a book from our Library or to play cards or games. The River Ambassador does not feature a Captain’s Lounge and the Library is integrated into the Main Lounge.

The Patio Lounge offers a casual atmosphere with comfortable chairs and tables. Complimentary coffee and tea are available here 24 hours a day.

The Sky Lounge, on the Sun Deck, offers a pleasant, glass-sheltered area with tables and chairs. It is perfect for watching the passing scenery without be subjected to the elements. The River Ambassador has a partly covered Sun Deck, and the River Beatrice features several canopy-covered areas. The River Queen does not have a partially covered area on the Sun Deck. For safety reasons, access to the Sun Deck or Sky Lounge may be limited while passing through areas with low bridges and during inclement weather.

Mail

Stamps are available for purchase at the Front Desk. Mail is posted daily unless local mail facilities are not available.

Health & Hygiene

As part of our commitment to a clean, safe, and healthy onboard environment, Uniworld practices a strict sanitization protocol on our ships. To assist us in this important matter, we kindly ask all Guests to consistently use the hand sanitizer machines when entering the ship and when entering the Restaurant. The machines are located just inside the main entrance to the ship and at the entrance to the Restaurant.

Safety Deposit Box

There is a safe in your stateroom. We urge you to leave valuable jewelry at home. We are not responsible for any valuables left in the staterooms. Any charge to return lost-and- found property onboard will be at the owner’s expense. Please beware of pickpockets when ashore.

Photography

No doubt you will want to capture Europe’s famous sights, so wherever possible the coach will stop to enable you to click away! But please keep in mind it is impossible to stop every few minutes for a view from a different angle. So please be guided by your Cruise Manager, after all he or she knows Europe like the back of his/her hand and can advise you of the very best shots to take.

Film/Memory Cards: Most brands of camera film and memory cards are available around Britain, Ireland and Europe but you may find it useful to purchase these duty free. If you do have a particular favorite, we recommend you bring a reasonable supply with you. Video film, especially, is less readily available than you might expect.

Shopping

Time for shopping is usually but not always allowed for within the framework of most of the sightseeing programs. And, actual time available for shopping may be limited due to tour constraints. Shopping recommendations can be made by your Cruise Manager and shipboard staff. Larger stores accept most major credit cards. Market vendors and small stores will usually only accept local currency. It is a good idea to take a small amount of cash for on-the-spot gratuities or for purchasing souvenirs or sundries.

Various tax concessions are available to overseas visitors in many countries. You must spend a minimum amount, or must be able to prove that you are a foreign national and non-resident. The refund is normally sent to your home address. Your Tour Director will be pleased to assist with information but GET cannot be held responsible for any subsequent queries.

Smoking

The ship enjoys a non-smoking environment in all public areas and in the staterooms. Smoking is only allowed on designated parts of the Sun Deck which are marked on the deck plan in your room directory.

Visitors

Visitors are generally not permitted onboard the ship and are not allowed to join any shore excursions. Please make arrangements to meet your friends and relatives onshore.

Water

The tap water in each stateroom is safe for drinking. The ship has been outfitted with a sophisticated filtration system. In addition, bottled water is provided in your stateroom for your comfort.

Mooring and Docking Facilities

Local river authorities allocate docking space around ship arrivals and departures in port. Typically, river ships always dock facing upstream, against the current. Occasionally port conditions require ships to tie up alongside each other, in which case guests may be required to walk through another ship to get to their own ship. This is part of the river cruise experience and is perfectly normal and beyond the control of GET and Uniworld. Guests may experience obstructed views from staterooms when the ship is docked.

Lost Property

Once something is lost it is often difficult to find. GET cannot accept responsibility for property lost anywhere, although we will do our utmost to try and recover lost items. If on tour, you should immediately report the loss to your Cruise Director who will complete a lost property form and give you a copy for insurance purposes. Any lost property found will be returned to you at your own expense.

Miscellaneous Info:

Europe is Different

Visiting Europe is a totally new and different experience from life back home. You will find different people, food and customs and a completely different attitude and way of life. Take Europe as it is – after all it has been there for a long time, and while many of its customs may seem strange to a visitor, they are what makes Europe ‘Europe’. If you keep an open mind and are willing and ready to adjust to the unfamiliar, you can sit back and enjoy the trip of a lifetime!

Tipping

Onboard: Gratuities are customary expressions of appreciation for a job well done, and it is our goal to ensure that the service you receive is as wonderful as the sites you visit. The amount of the gratuity you choose to give is entirely subject to your satisfaction with your travel experience. To assist you in determining the amount of your gratuities, we recommend the following as a guideline:

• Ship staff and crew: €10 per guest, per day to be shared among all staff and crew
• Cruise Manager: €3 per guest, per day
• Local host or hostess for included or optional extensions: €3 per guest, per day
• Local guides: from €1 per guest for a half-day tour to €1 to €2 per guest for a full-day tour
• Drivers: €1 per guest, per day

The above is solely a guideline. The amount you give should depend upon your personal experience and level of satisfaction. Gratuities cannot be billed to onboard accounts or paid with a credit card, so please ensure that you have cash on hand for this expense. Please note, personal checks cannot be accepted.

Holidays & Changes

During local or national holidays, certain facilities such as museums, sightseeing tours and shopping may be limited, at these times we need to make slight itinerary adjustments. Also local holidays, closing days and other circumstances may change the time of day or the day of the week for sightseeing and other included activities.

Telephone

The ship will add a service charge to the cost of any phone calls you make from your room. This charge can be high, especially for international calls. It is always cheaper to use public telephones (pay phones). A global phonecard is always a good option. Please see the eKit Phonecards section below for more information.

International Dialing Country Codes:

Argentina +54

Australia +61

Austria +43

Belarus +375

Belgium +32

Bosnia-Herzogovina +387

Brazil +55

Chile +56

China +86

Costa Rica +506

Croatia +385

Czech Republic +420

Denmark +45

Egypt +20

Estonia +372

France +33

Germany +49

Greece +30

Hungary +36

Ireland +353

Italy +39

Jordan +962

Latvia +371

Lithuania +370

Mexico +52

Morocco +212

Netherlands +31

New Zealand +64

Norway +47

Peru +51

Poland +48

Portugal +351

Russia +7

Servia +381

Slovakia +421

Spain +34

Sweden +46

Switzerland +41

Turkey +90

United Kingdom +44

United States +1

eKit Phonecards: GET, together with eKit, has launched a global phone card and web communication service designed to keep you in touch with family and friends while you are away from home.

eKit provides:

• Low cost international calls from all over Europe (and the world)

• Send and receive voicemails

• Free email service

• Send SMS text messages from the web

• An online travel vault for secure storage of important documents (e.g. passport number)

• 24hr customer service

Joining is simple: Use your credit card to set up an account at www.getours.ekit.com or call 24 hour customer service.

Your account number and PIN gives you access to all the phone and web based services. To make a call simply use the toll free access numbers for the country you are in – listed on your eKit card or at www.getours.ekit.com

eKit is a rechargeable service – simply recharge your account using your credit card at www.getours.ekit.com or call 24hr customer service. Ask about the monthly recharge bonus.

You may find cheaper phone cards in major cities but you can only use them in the country of purchase and they may not be in a language you understand. eKit can be used from 70+ countries, you can call over 200 countries, you can recharge the card as you travel and even use any remaining balance once you get home. Check out the GET eKit phonecard in your travel wallet, or for more information go to www.getours.ekit.com

While Traveling

Respect the Local Laws and Customs: Remember, your constitutional rights as an American do not extend to a foreign nation.

Safeguarding Your Health: Be sure to pack an ample supply or any medications you take in their original container and take along copy of the doctor’s prescription. Also, if you wear eyeglasses, take an extra pair. Handicapped participants who require special assistance must be accompanied by a qualified helper who assumes total responsibility for the handicapped participant’s well being. To assure congenial membership, GRAND EUROPEAN TOURS reserves the right to accept or reject any person as a tour participant and to expel from the tour any participant whose conduct is deemed incompatible with the interest of the tour group.

Learn About the Countries You Plan to Visit: Take some time to “read up” before you go. Some knowledge of a nation’s culture, people, language and history can go a long way toward making your visit more meaningful. Your local library is a great place to find additional books, travel videos, and access the internet if you do not have access from home.

Take precautions to avoid being a target of crime: Do not wear conspicuous clothing or jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money. Also, do not leave unattended luggage in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.

On Your Return: On arrival back in the USA have your passport ready and be prepared to show receipts for any items purchased abroad as you go through U.S. customs and Passport Control. You may also wish to visit www.customs.gov for the most updated customs information.

Shipping

If you plan to purchase heavy items, we would recommend that you have them shipped to your home address, as airline charges are high for excess baggage. This can either be arranged by the shop where you make your purchases, or you can make up a parcel and ship it home. Your Tour Director can advise you of some companies who specialize in this service.

Note:

• Goods may take several months to reach your home.
• You will be liable for import duty on all goods shipped to your home – personal duty-free allowances are only allowed on goods carried home personally.
• You are highly recommended to insure goods being shipped in case of breakage or non-arrival.

Customs & Regulations

For U.S. departures, luggage is examined upon arrival and departure from the visiting country. Returning to the U.S., residents are granted tax exemption on articles totaling up to $800 in retail value provided they accompany you, are for your own personal use, household use, or are intended to be given as gifts, and are declared. Any additional goods up to $1000 are taxed at 3%. The $800 exemption may not be claimed if you have used the exemption, or any part of it, within the preceding 30-day period. The exemption is not cumulative. No more than 200 cigarettes (one carton) and 100 cigars may be included in your exemption. One-liter (33.8 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages is allowed duty-free for those over 21 years of age, if it is not a violation of the laws of the state in which you arrive. Customs regulations permit U.S. citizens traveling abroad to send home one gift each day (tobacco, perfume and liquor excepted) not exceeding the value of $50. The package must be clearly marked “Gift Enclosed” and the value must be clearly indicated on the outside. Gifts mailed home this way need not be included in your customs declaration. We strongly advise that you keep all your receipts and be prepared to show the customs officials what you’ve purchased while in Europe.

In Europe, a value-added tax is added to most consumer goods. Non-European Union residents can reclaim some of this tax. What you get back varies from shop to shop, although major department stores have special desks to simplify the process. Please note that fruits, meats, vegetables and items made from endangered wildlife are not permitted into the U.S.