Before You Depart

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Our flights to the Netherlands and back are on the following airlines with the corresponding schedules. We recommend that you arrive at the airport at least 3 ½ hours before the scheduled departure. If you are planning a connecting flight, please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing immigration and customs. Flight schedules are subject to change.

ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT

Airlines do not assign seats in advance for group fares – seat assignments are arranged upon check-in at the airport. smarTours is not involved with seat assignments. If you require a specific seat due to a medical condition, please obtain a doctor’s note you can present to the airline at check-in.

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

When and where you’ll meet the rest of the group depends on if you purchased our air-inclusive package with group flights from/returning to the U.S. or our tour-only package.

• smarTours Group Air Travelers: Upon arrival in destination, please proceed through customs and immigration. Our Tour Director will be waiting for you at the airport upon arrival in the arrivals area near the point you clear customs with a smarTours sign.
• smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: Please arrive at your preferred time. The Tour Director and group will meet the morning of Day 2 for breakfast and an orientation meeting. Hotel check-in is generally not before 4 PM.

TOUR ENDING POINT

The final end point for your tour depends on if you purchased our air-inclusive package with group flights from/returning to the U.S. or our tour-only package.

• smarTours Group Air Travelers: On our last day, we’ll transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S.
• smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: The tour ends after breakfast on the last day. The ship disembarks at 9 AM.

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.