Important Information and Helpful Hints - Europe

Passengers with Booked Arrival Transfers: Upon arrival into Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport, please claim your luggage and advance to the customs exit where your Scenic Tours representative will meet you. Please look out for the Scenic Tours sign. If you arrive before 2:00pm you will be transferred from the airport to the NH Grand Krasnapolsky where a Scenic Tours hospitality room will be available for your comfort. At approximately 3:00pm you and the rest of the group will be transferred to the pier for embarkation. Guests who arrive 2pm onwards, will be transferred directly from the Airport to the pier for embarkation.

In the event that you miss your transfer due to unforeseen circumstances, our transfer company details in Amsterdam are: Partners & Sam, emergency contact is Dorita Vermeulen, +31 20 616 0403. Our Scenic Tours office phone number in Europe is +41 43 521 1839 should you require further assistance.

Passengers With Scenic Pre Tour Accommodation: Passengers with Scenic pre-tour accommodation in Amsterdam will be transferred from the airport to their pre-tour hotel. On the day of embarkation, passengers will be transferred from their hotel to the pier by our shuttle transfer company. Please ensure you are waiting at the front of the hotel for your 3:00pm transfer.

Passengers Under Own Arrangements to Join the Tour: Passengers will also have notation in their joining instructions advising of the 3pm shuttle OR alternatively they will need to make their own arrangements to the ship (they will need to call the ship directly to get exact location of ship, contact number is in documents also.)

Embarkation at the ship starts no earlier than 3pm

Passengers With Booked Arrival Transfers: Upon arrival into Budapest Ferihegy International Airport, please claim your luggage and proceed to the arrival hall. Flights from the EU countries (excl. Great Britain) arrive at terminal 2A. Flights from any other destinations arrive at terminal 2B. A Scenic Tours representative will meet you in the respective arrival hall. Please look out for the Scenic Tours sign. You will be transferred from the airport to the Marriott Hotel Budapest, where a Scenic Tours hospitality room will be available for your comfort. At approximately 3:30pm you and the rest of the group will be transferred to the pier for embarkation. Guests who arrive 2pm onwards, will be transfered directly from the Airport to the pier for embarkation.

In the event that you miss your transfer due to unforeseen circumstances, our transfer company details in Budapest are: Central European Tours - emergency contact no.: +36 703 624 649. Our Scenic Tours office phone number in Europe is +41 43 521 1839 should you require further assistance.

Passengers With Scenic Pre Tour Accommodation: Passengers with Scenic pre-tour accommodation in Budapest will be transferred from the airport to their pre-tour hotel. On the day of embarkation, passengers will be transferred from their hotel to the pier by our shuttle transfer company at 3:30pm. Please ensure you are waiting at the front of the hotel for your 3:30pm transfer.

Passengers Under Own Arrangements to Join the Tour: Make your own way to the shuttle bus departure point, details below, where a bus transfer to the embarkation pier is provided to you free of charge. Please arrive at the shuttle bus departure point in time for the 3:30pm transfer.  Passengers will also have a notation in their joining instructions advising of the 3pm shuttle OR alternatively they will need to make your own arrangements to the ship (they will need to call the ship directly to get exact location of the ship, contact number is in documents also.)

Shuttle bus departure point:   (Budapest)
At the hotel Marriott bus parking on Apaczai Csere Janos street.
Down the small ramp to the left of the main entrance
Hotel Marriott
Apaczai Csere
Janos Ut 4, Budapest 

Embarkation at the ship starts no earlier than 3pm

Passengers With Booked Arrival Transfers: Upon arrival into Bucharest International Airport, please claim your luggage and proceed to the arrival hall. A Scenic Tours representative will meet you in the respective arrival hall. Please look out for the Scenic Tours sign. You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel.

In the event that you miss your transfer due to unforeseen circumstances, our transfer company details in Bucharest are: Central European Tours - emergency contact no.: +36 703 624 649. Our Scenic Tours office phone number in Europe is +41 43 521 1839 should you require further assistance.

Passengers Under Own Arrangements: Passengers must make their own way to the hotel.

Passengers With Booked Transfers: Upon arrival into London Heathrow International Airport you will be transferred by our London transfer company Dot2dot to your hotel.

To join your transfer, collect your luggage and pass through Customs. Once you have passed through Customs make your way to the Dot2dot customer service desks located in the Arrivals Hall. The location of Dot2dot customer service desks varies depending on which terminal you arrive in. A transfer voucher is enclosed in your booking summary and should be presented at the Dot2dot customer service desk.

Please note that the Dot2dot counter at Heathrow Airport does not open until 6am. If your flight arrives earlier please wait close to the desk until this time. Your transfer will be provided once the desk opens.

A Dot2dot representative will escort you to the departure point and remain with you until the transfer to your hotel departs.

Passengers Under Own Arrangements: The following transport options are available from the airport to the city. Please note train and taxi charges are approximate only and subject to change. 

Taxis: London Heathrow is 32 km (20 miles) west of  central London. Follow the signs in each terminal Arrivals areas for taxi ranks. The journey time to central London is approximately 45-60 minutes and will cost you between £35 and £60.

Train: The London Underground, Piccadilly Line connects all Heathrow terminals including Terminal 5, with frequent services to central London between 05:00 and 23:40 (Heathrow Terminal 4 station closes at 23:35 Monday to Saturday, and 23:05 on Sunday). Journey time approximately 50 minutes to central London.

Passengers with Booked Transfers: Upon arrival into Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport, please ensure that you have collected all your baggage prior to clearing customs. Advance to the Arrivals Hall, where our Scenic Tours representative will assist you with your transfer to your Paris hotel. Please look out for the Scenic Tours sign.

In the event that you miss your transfer due to unforeseen circumstances, our transfer company details in Paris are: Scenic Paris, Emergency number: +41 43 521 1839.

Passengers Under Own Arrangements: The following transport options are available from the airport to the city. Please note train and taxi charges are approximate only and subject to change. 

Taxis: Travel time is approximately 45mins and the fare would be €50-70. Surcharges may apply for extra luggage, at night, Sundays and public holidays.

Train: Charles de Gaulle has two train stations - 1 station for Train and 1 station for RER connection on line B (direction "Robinson / Saint-Remy les Chevreuse"). A free shuttle links the train stations and the terminals.

Passengers With Booked Transfers:  Upon arrival into Prague International Airport, please ensure that you have collected all your baggage prior to clearing customs. Advance to the Arrivals Hall, where the Scenic Tours representative will assist you with your transfer to your Prague hotel. Please look out for the Scenic Tours sign.

In the event that you miss your transfer due to unforeseen circumstances, our transfer company details in Prague are: Milmark - emergency contact phone number is +420 602 361 385. Our Scenic Tours office phone number in Europe is +41 43 521 1839 should you require further assistance.

Passengers Under Own Arrangements: The airport is 16km west of the city. The following transport options are available from the airport to the city. Please note bus or taxi charges are approximate only and subject to change. 

Taxis: Travel time is approximately 20-30mins and the fare would be approx. CZK600-900. Prague taxi drivers have a poor reputation due to overcharging so negotiate price before journey.

Bus: The airport is well serviced by buses. Buses stop across the road from the arrivals hall on the ground level of both terminals. There is a non-stop service running from both terminals to the city. Buses leave every 30 minutes 0500-2100. Transfer time to city 30-35 mins. Adult fare CZK45. Buy tickets from the driver.

Passengers With Booked Transfers:  Upon arrival into Prague International Airport, please ensure that you have collected all your baggage prior to clearing customs. Advance to the Arrivals Hall, where the Scenic Tours representative will assist you with your transfer to your Munich hotel. Please look out for the Scenic Tours sign.

*9am All guests disembark the ship and are transferred to our Hospitality rooms at either the NH Grand Krasnapolsky or the Budapest Marriot.  (this includes all passengers on their own and any passengers with flights after 2:30pm)
-There will then be a standard coach transfer at 3pm from  the Hotels to the airport for all passengers on later flights.
*Passenger with flights departing 2:30pm or earlier transfer directly to the Airport
Important Note: ALL PASSENGERS ARE REQUIRED TO DISEMBARK SHIP BY 9:00am

Cabin Allocations: Please be aware that cabin allocations as per your Booking Summary are subject to change. Once onboard your Cruise Director will be available should you have any queries.

Docking at European Ports: When docking at some European ports there may be several other cruise ships docking at the same place. It is common practice on many rivers in Europe for cruise ships to dock side by side in popular towns. To disembark in these circumstances, a walkway is established between neighbouring ships, and passengers simply walk through to the shore.

Changes in Programs:  Scenic Tours Pty Ltd reserves the right to change vessels at any time for any reason including water level problems, excessive winds or Force Majeure event. In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach. If this occurs, the ship detailed in your documents may change. For further details please refer to our full Terms and Conditions.

Cruise Director: Whether your're looking for theatre tickets, a local landmark or a service to the nearest golf course, our Cruise Director or the team at Reception look forward to taking care of you and also offer helpful suggestions.

Onboard Language: The official language on board is English. All staff, crew and local guides speak fluent English. All announcements and lectures will be presented in English.

Currency/Exchange of Money: We offer an onboard currency exchange service. Contact Reception for more information when onboard.

Onboard Account: All purchases are charged to your onboard account. The final bill can be settled in cash or by credit card at the end of the cruise. The currency onboard the ship is the euro.

Tipping: All gratuities and tipping on land tours and river cruises while with Scenic Tours are included. However, if you wish to show your gratitude for exceptional service you are welcome to do so in the box provided at Reception at the end of the cruise.

Passports: It is a requirement of the European Authorities that passports be available for inspection at any time. Therefore we will keep your passport secure in our safe at Reception.

Reception: The reception desk is staffed 24 hours a day.

Butler Service: A personal butler is available at all times for guests in our Royal and Junior Suites and all suites located on the Danube Deck. Your service offered includes: packing and unpacking, complimentary ironing for two items per person per day, shoeshine, arranging cocktail drinks with friends, reservations for any additional requests such as theatre tickets, limousines, shore arrangements, salon appointments and more. Our cabin attendants are happy to deliver drinks to guests staying in other cabins at any time.

Cabin Service: The mini bar will be restocked daily. Please advise if you require any additional drinks in your cabin. Our housekeeping staff are available to serve you at any time.

Dining: It is our pleasure to provide a Maitre d' seating service for your convenience and comfort at the Crystal Dining Room for all meals. We operate an open seating service. Having a free choice of seating allows you to join friends for dinner as you wish. Breakfast and lunch are a full buffet service offering a wonderful selection of hot and cold dishes. Dinner is a served la carte meal. Wine, beer and soft drinks are included during lunch and dinner service.

Portobello's Italian Restaurant: Scenic Cruises are pleased to offer a second dining experience onboard our "Scenic Space-Ships". Every guest has the opportunity of dining in this intimate environment at least once per 14 night cruise.

Dietary Requests: If you have special dietary requests, please advise your travel agent or Scenic Tours at least two weeks prior to departure, and also advise your Cruise Director upon boarding. Please note that facilities to accommodate special dietary requests onboard are limited and, while the chefs will try to accommodate requests, no guarantees can be made.

Refreshments: All Scenic Cruises provide an additional specialized tea and coffee service for your enjoyment at no additional charge. This self service, state-of-the-art facility is located in the lounge and available at your convenience.

Air Conditioning and Heating: All cabins have individually-controlled air conditioning, allowing you to regulate the temperature to your own needs.

Electricity: Onboard electricity is 220 volts. Please note that  a voltage converter is required for North American appliances, in addition to an outlet plug adaptor.

Bicycles: We provide bicycles onboard for your convenience and we encourage you to take the opportunity to make use of the many scenic rides along the waterways and local villages. A safety helmet and bike lock are provided. Please contact reception for bookings.

Safe: There is a safe in every passenger cabin. Please contact reception or housekeeping staff for assistance. Please remember to remove all items from the safe before disembarking the vessel at the end of your cruise.

Telephone: With your cabin telephone you may call cabin to cabin and also outside the ship.

Television: For your enjoyment we feature state-of-the-art satellite televisions. For technical reasons reception may be interrupted during particular parts of the journey or while we pass through locks.  There are a limited number of DVDs available and there is a charge for any in-room DVD viewing.

Email/Internet: Our state-of-the-art infotainment system will allow individual internet access in your cabin. Refer to in-cabin information for rates and operation. Reception can provide assistance.

Dress Code: There is no special dress code onboard. A casual atmosphere prevails during the day either on excursion or onboard the ship. For the evening meal  there is no requirement for formal jackets or ties and casual evening attire is welcomed. However as the welcome and farewell evenings are more formal occasions you may wish to dress accordingly. There also will be entertainment nights that you may wish to dress up for. Please note shorts are not appropriate for the evening meal.

Bathrobes: You will be provided with a Scenic Cruises bathrobe in your cabin for the duration of the cruise. Should you wish to purchase one, you may order from the gift shop.

Laundry Service: We provide an onboard service for all laundry for a fee. You will find the order form in your wardrobe and housekeeping will collect this from your cabin.

Smoking: Smoking is not permitted inside any of the motorcoaches or onboard the Scenic River Cruise Ships. Inclusive of the public areas, smoking is not permitted in the cabins or on the private balconies. A small designated area on the Sun Deck is available for those who require this facility. Please never throw any cigarettes butts overboard.

Entertainment: Every evening in the lounge, a piano player will perform for your enjoyment. We will also welcome special guest performers onboard to entertain you.

Library: You may borrow books from the ship's library, free of charge. Please return any books that you have borrowed before the end of the cruise.

Hairdresser: Our hairdresser is available in the salon located on the Moselle deck. You can make an appointment for a selection of hair services with Reception.

Massage: The massage facilities are located in our wellness room on the Moselle Deck. You can make an appointment with Reception.

Gift Shop: Daily essentials from toothpaste to shaving items may be purchased from our onboard shop located in the Atrium. Logo items are also available in the shop.

Questionnaire: We kindly ask you to fill in the questionnaire given to you at the end of the cruise. We are looking forward to all comments in order to constantly improve our service.

Languages
A Few Words Of Dutch: 
Good morning - Goede morgen
Good afternoon - Goede middag
Good evening - Goede avond
Goodbye - Totziens
Yes - Ja
No - Nee
Please - Alstublieft
Thank you very much - Dank u wel
How much does it cost? - Wat kost dit?

A Few Words Of German:
Good morning/day - Guten Tag
Good evening - Guten Abend
Please/You're welcome - Bitte
Thank you - Danke
Yes - Ja
No - Nein
Do you speak English? - Sprechen Sie Englisch?
I don't understand - Ich verstehe nicht

A Few Words Of Hungarian:
Good morning (till 9am) - Jò raggalt
Good day - Jò napot
Good evening - Jò ashtert
Goodbye - Viszla't
Please - Kèrem
Thank you - Karsarnarm
Yes - Igan
No - Nam
I don't understand - Nam ertam
Where is...? - Hol?

If you are calling from outside the city where the phone number is located, the codes you must dial will be different depending on whether you are calling from within the same country, another European country or from North America.

We list the following codes applicable to your trip for your convenience:

Netherlands
Netherlands country code: 31
Amsterdam city code: 20
Hungary
Hungary country code: 36
Budapest city code: 1
If you are phoning home from Europe the country code for Canada or the United States of America is +1.

Tipping is NOT included for meals, drinks, taxis and transfers that are not included as part of the tour. As a guide for taxis, tip 10-15% of the fare on the meter. We recommend you pre-negotiate taxi fares to avoid unpleasant surprises at the end of the journey. In restaurants and bars, tip 10-15% of the total bill. If a service charge has already been added there is no need to tip as much or at all.

Before you leave on your trip, it is a good idea to obtain a small amount of cash in the currency of the country you arrive in, for use on day one of your tour. If it is not possible to obtain the currency you require, then it can be purchased at the airport on arrival.

Purchasing Items & Currency Exchange: Many locations will accept traveller’s cheques or credit cards. For incidentals and small vendors we recommend getting some local currency.

ATMs: ATMs that dispense local currency are widely available and conveniently located in large European cities, but are limited in smaller towns. Should you wish to use ATM machines, confirm with your bank prior to departure that your ATM/credit card will work abroad.

Changing Cash or Traveller's Cheques: You can exchange cash or traveller's cheques at hotels, banks and exchange bureaus as well as small amounts of currency onboard your ship for most local currencies for a fee.

Credit Cards: Euro card, MasterCard, Visa and American Express cards are accepted in all countries in major shops, restaurants and hotels as well as to settle your shipboard account. Before travelling ensure your credit cards are valid for at least 30 days after the completion of the tour. We recommend that you have a pin number for your credit cards, as some businesses only accept payment with a pin. Also ask your credit card company for the emergency number (suitable for international access) to report loss.

Value Added Tax (VAT): Many countries have a national “sales” tax (called VAT) that is levied on most goods and services. In some cases and with the proper documentation from the point-of-purchase, it is possible to have a portion of this tax refunded to you on items taken out of a country in unused condition. Depending upon flight schedules and timing, it may be possible to receive a refund by applying at the airport kiosk before departure.

Europe is based on a myriad of old buildings and there are split-levels, steps and uneven surfaces everywhere so please watch your step! Due to the structure of old buildings, access to some establishments may not be convenient for wheelchair use, and facilities for the disabled in general may be limited. Many areas are pedestrian only. High-heeled shoes are not suitable for cobblestone streets and steep inclines in medieval towns and city’s.

It is essential to have comfortable, rubber-soled walking shoes. Bring a collapsible walking stick if you have any mobility difficulties. Pay particular attention to bicycle lanes, which are often on the sidewalk. In The Netherlands they are usually designated by a red pavement. Exercise utmost care when crossing them (trams also often cross or share bicycle and pedestrian paths).

Due to the amount of walking on your cruise shore excursions, which typically run for up to three hours, a reasonable level of fitness is required.

Internet cafes are throughout Europe. You can communicate with friends and family for a small charge. Remember to take your full email details to ensure you can read your messages.

Please remember to obtain all required travel documents prior to departure and check your documentation carefully to avoid incurring costs associated with delays, losses, or obtaining documents while traveling. When traveling abroad, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months following your visit. If you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen, no visas are required when travelling to Europe.

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. The operator and/or their employees and their agents are not responsible for passport, visa requirements, entry, health or other requirements of the countries visited or for any loss sustained by you for failing to comply with laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited.

As your passport will be kept on board the ship throughout your cruise for transit formality reasons, we recommend you bring a photocopy of your passport/visas with you to carry on you at all times when on shore. If your nationality (passport) differs from the country in which you reside, please take time to check especially carefully with your local consulates concerning visa and passport requirements for your travels. Vacations can be disrupted or have to be altered altogether if the correct documents cannot be supplied at airports or borders, so check very carefully that you have the required papers.

Be mindful that meals on tour will often reflect the local cuisine and delicacies, which may be different to what you are normally accustomed to. Your dining experiences are certain to enhance your tour and introduce you to the local region and culture. Air-conditioning is not yet as popular in Europe as back home and you may not find it everywhere. In some places due to environmental concerns it is strictly regulated.

European festive days, especially religious holidays, are quite numerous. On these occasions, particularly in May/June, you may find services in general slightly reduced.

Sometimes there is a small charge for public toilets; stores may close earlier than back home and are usually not open on Sundays (nor Saturday afternoons in some places); food and drinks usually cost more; service may be a little more leisurely than you might expect; Europeans generally dine slightly later than might be your custom and tend to be less sensitive to issues regarding smoking/non-smoking.

It may not be possible to use your camera or video camera at some sites of interest, or there may be a fee; ask your cruise director for further details. Not everyone might appreciate being on your souvenir home video or holiday photo, so please respect the privacy of local people and cruise directors/local guides by asking permission before filming or taking a photograph.

Even though you may not speak the language a smile and a thank you is universally understood. Friendliness and tolerance towards others especially fellow tour guests is essential for everyone's enjoyment of the holiday.

Scenic Tours does not discriminate against persons on the basis of disability/mobility. We strive, to the extent feasible, to accommodate guests with disabilities and mobility challenges.

It is important for passengers to know about certain aspects of shipboard life. Below we have stated what we can offer and also advise of some of the restrictions which we cannot overcome. We do this so you are fully aware of the situation on our ships before you commit to a booking.

Wheelchair assessable cabin
We have a Junior Suite (302) with a balcony which has wheelchair facilities for our passengers who use a wheelchair. This suite is close to the reception and near the elevator.
The doors have been widened to allow access by a standard size wheelchair. The space in the room allows for easy manoeuvering of a wheelchair and there is an electrical outlet next to the bed. You can enjoy the view from your private balcony although there is a small lip onto the balcony level.
There is a wheel-in shower and a stool provided for showering as well as a rail on the wall for further assistance.
(Other cabins cannot be accessed by a wheelchair.)

Dining
Our restaurant has plenty of room and there are tables of different sizes. However it should be noted that lunch and breakfast are buffet style dining.

Elevator
Unlike a lot of river cruising ships the elevators on our ships have access to the two main decks and this provides full access on these two decks which have reception, restaurants, shop, bar and lounge. Only the top outside deck, the Moselle deck and the Wellness centre (including Hairdresser) are not accessible by the elevator.

Wheelchairs
Passengers using wheelchairs must provide their own collapsible chair. It should be noted that only standard size wheelchairs can be accommodated on board.  Motorized wheelchairs and/or scooters can not be accommodated. Passengers entirely confined to a wheelchair can not be accommodated, as there are certain instances when a short amount of walking will be required, such as embarking and disembarking the ship.

Storage of wheelchairs
Wheelchairs must be stored in the cabin and cannot be allowed to obstruct corridors, emergency doors or stairwells for the safety and the convenience of other passengers.
 
Embarking or disembarking
Scenic Tours crew can not assist the wheelchair passenger to embark onto and disembark off the ship at the ports of call, and wheelchairs may not be used on the gangways, due to size limitations.  Scenic Tours requires that the passenger have a carer or travelling companion who will be able to assist the passenger in the wheelchar.

At some ports, passengers may be required to cross through or over other vessels to go ashore. In many cases, access to gangways for embarking or disembarking may require going up or down a few stairs. Scenic Tours has no control over other ships and heights of the piers relative to the ship decks.

Shore excursions
We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a passenger for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches or other transport vehicles. Travellers who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion. Passengers must be aware that facilities for mobility challenged passengers in some destinations may be very limited. Also for some attractions there may be limited access which could prevent the passenger’s participation in some touring as many of the land tours are in historic towns that require walking up and down steep inclines, uneven (cobble stone) terrain. Often these historic centers cannot be accessed by any vehicles as they are pedestrian only areas.

In port
In port sometimes the ship will be moored next to another ship, which may affect the view from the suite.

Access to Moselle Deck
The stairs giving access to Moselle are narrow and steep and could cause difficulty for some mobility challenged passengers. There is no access for wheelchair passengers to D and E category cabins which are on this deck.

Access to Sun Deck
There is no lift access to the Sun Deck and the stairs could cause difficulty for some mobility challenged passengers.

Port Addresses for Major Ports visited by Scenic Tours European River Cruise Ships

Please Note: These are general port addresses, the exact location of the ship cannot be confirmed until 24 hours prior to arrival.

Amsterdam
PTA (Passenger Terminal Amsterdam) off “Piet Heinkade”
(Ruijterskaade Oost, Steiger 2)

Nuremburg
Hafenstrasse Eibach

Vienna
Pier Handelskai

Budapest
Mahart International Ship Station at Belgrád rakpart (near the Elisabeth Bridge).
(Buda Side pier 1/21 or 1/23 or 1/29 or 1/32)