IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF RIVER CRUISING
While every effort is made to adhere to the schedule as outlined, the tentative timeline, stops, and sights mentioned are subject to change for reasons of passengers’ safety or reasons beyond our control, such as weather, lock schedules, water levels, availability, etc. River Cruises may dock in uneven terrain. Travelers may encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps, and significant slopes on shore excursions. The Netherlands is attempting to reduce overtourism with the regulation of cruise ports from downtown Amsterdam. Our port of call in Amsterdam will be at an outlying port like Zaandam, Coenhaven, or Haarlem. In Rotterdam, there is a possibility that the alternate ports of Schoonhoven, Kinnderdijk, or Utrecht will be used. Local river authorities determine where ships can park only two weeks in advance of sailing. If the port location changes, our local partners will make the best arrangement to provide the same sightseeing outlined or experiences of a similar quality.
BOOKING YOUR OWN FLIGHTS
Booking your own flights has advantages like flying from your home airport, choosing your own seats, upgrading your seats, and using and collecting airline miles. Tour-only travelers are responsible for arranging their entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. Unused land services including those caused by air schedule changes and delays are non-refundable and smarTours cannot be held responsible.
When booking your flights, please note that our tour starts in Amsterdam and ends in Amsterdam. We recommend that you:
- Fly into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
- Fly out of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
TOUR MEETING POINT
We recommend you arrive around 4 PM to settle in before joining the cocktail hour and welcome briefing in your hotel lobby at 6:00 PM on Day 1. Hotel check-in is generally not before 4 PM.
TOUR ENDING POINT
The tour ends after breakfast on the last day. Ship disembarkation is at 9 AM. The ship is scheduled to dock in Amsterdam the evening before, allowing for early morning disembarkation of needed.
PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION
Travelers must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. A visa is not required for U.S. passport holders. Effective for travel in 2025, all visitors who do not require a visa to enter Europe will be required to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver. The application must be completed online and there is a small fee. Once approved, an ETIAS can be used for 3 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Before your trip, review travel requirements and restrictions by country including passport and visa requirements. You can also learn more about passport and visa services. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.
TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS
Final instructions, documents, and travel tips will be emailed to you 10–14 days before the scheduled start of your tour. If you have not received your final documents, please check your spam folder or contact smarTours.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Immunizations are not currently required, however, you may wish to consult your personal physician or local health authorities for their suggestions. The CDC recommends you stay up to date on routine vaccinations, and consult your physician at least one month prior to travel. Learn more about the CDC’s destination-specific recommendations.
CLIMATE
In April you can expect daytime highs in the 50’s with nighttime lows in the mid-30’s to low 40’s. It can rain on occasion year-round so consider bringing a waterproof or water-resistant jacket.
HIGH & LOW WATER LEVELS
While every effort is made to adhere to the schedule outlined, the tentative timetable, stops and sights mentioned are subject to change for reasons of passengers’ safety or reasons beyond our control such as weather, lock schedules, water levels, availability, etc. ”
CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY
The official currency in both the Netherlands and Belgium is the Euro (€). On the cruise ship and some stores during our shore excursions will accept major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. On board the ship, the Euro is the accepted currency. Credit cards may be used on board (Visa or Mastercard only), but a service charge may be applied. As of May 2014, European credit card processors require credit cards with chips and a 4-digit PIN code.
ELECTRICITY
On board the ship the electrical current is 220V/50MHZ and you will find a round pin electrical socket. You may need a universal transformer to convert the current and an adapter to fit the outlet/plug. Electrical current requirements range from one electronic device to another; please check your chargers and electronic devices prior to travel. Learn more about plug types, adapters, and converters.
BAGGAGE
Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage and one carry-on piece. Please check with the airline for the maximum weight and size for luggage. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.
