Spectacular European River Cruise - Additional information

An A-Z of Emerald Cruises Star-Ship information

Activity manager
To further enhance your experience on board and off board, our activity managers will offer you additional active choices, like hikes and bike tours in the destinations we visit and they will be organising entertainment in most of the evenings.

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

Bathrobes
2 bathrobes are available in every cabin; please leave in your cabin at the end of the cruise.

Complimentary beverages
Enjoy complimentary drinks^ with lunch and dinner on board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, including wine, beer, tea, coffee and soft drinks.

^Excludes French Champagne and selected wines and spirits—please refer to your service staff on board for full details. Emerald Cruises adheres to a responsible service of alcohol and reserves the right to refuse service.
Please note that complimentary beverages are not available during any land excursion or if there is any alteration to your cruising itinerary that involves third-party operators, including hotels and restaurants.

Bicycles
We provide bicycles on board for your convenience to venture out on your own, 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 and sign the liability waiver form. Please note: Bicycles are not available onboard Emerald Radiance in Portugal.

Cabin allocations
Please be aware that cabin allocations as per your Booking Summary are subject to change. Once on board, your cruise director will be available should you have any queries.

Cabin service
The mini bar in the Owner's One Bedroom Suite on all Star-Ships and the Emerald Riverview Suite on Emerald Radiance 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.

Changes in programmes
Emerald Cruises reserves the right to change vessels at any time for any reason, including water level problems, excessive winds, or other force majeure events. In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach and be accommodated in hotels. Emerald Cruises river cruise inclusions, such as but not limited to, concierge service, beverages and internet service, do not apply to third-party operators. If this occurs, the Star-Ship inclusions detailed in your documents are subject to change. For further details, please refer to our full Terms and Conditions.

Check-in
Check-in is usually 3pm. If your flight arrives prior to this, the Star-Ship may not have your room available until mid-afternoon. We endeavour to ensure that rooms are ready for your arrival times, however, this is not always possible. You are, however, welcome to use public areas while waiting for your room to be ready.

Concierge service
All Horizon Deck guests in Owner's One Bedroom Suite or Grand Balcony Suite cabins will have the benefit of our in-suite service; the level of your concierge service is dependent on the suite you have booked. Please refer to your in-cabin information for further details.

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

Dietary requests
If you have special dietary requests, please advise your travel agent or Emerald Cruises at least six weeks prior to departure, and also advise your cruise director once on board. Please note that facilities to accommodate special dietary requests on board are limited and, while the chefs will try to accommodate requests, no guarantees can be made.

Dining
It is our pleasure to provide a Maître d' greeting service for your convenience and comfort at the Reflections Restaurant for all meals. We operate an open-seating restaurant.
Having a free choice of seating allows you to join friends for dinner as you wish.

Dress code
A casual atmosphere prevails during the day, either on excursions or on board the Star-Ship. Dinner attire is casual: open-neck shirts, trousers, and dresses. Coats and ties may be worn, but are not required. The Captain's Welcome and Farewell Dinners are dressy but not formal. Please note, shorts and flip-flops are not appropriate for meals in the Reflections Restaurant or The Terrace.

Docking at European ports
When docking at some European ports, there may be several other cruise ships docking at the same place. During port stops, ships may dock side-by-side, obstructing views and requiring you to pass through other ships to embark and disembark. To embark and disembark in these circumstances, a walkway is established between neighbouring ships, and guests simply walk through to the shore. Disembarking may involve ramps or slippery bridges, so please wear appropriate footwear. Some docking locations and gangways may not be suitable for the use of a wheelchair.

Electricity
On board, electricity is 220 volts. Your cabin is equipped with European power points in both your cabin and bathroom, plus features one Australian power point and one international power point that is suitable for most countries except the U.S.

Elevators
Please be aware that there is no elevator access between the Horizon Deck and the Sun Deck. These decks can only be accessed via stairs.

Gift shop
The onboard gift shop consists of jewellery and other products. For purchases and/or more information, please contact the reception.

Hairdryers
There is a hairdryer in every guest cabin.

Internet
The internet on the Star-Ships is intermittent. Connectivity is variable and is impacted by bridges, locks, and mountains, etc. The internet is not broadband speed and cannot be used to download large amounts of data (including streaming, music, video calls, etc.).

Language on board
The official language on board is English. All hospitality staff, cruise directors, and local guides speak fluent English. All announcements and lectures will be presented in English.

Laundry service
We provide an on-board service for all laundry for a fee. You will find the order form in your wardrobe and housekeeping will collect this from your cabin. There are no dry-cleaning facilities on board, and please refer to the full list available in your cabin:

Washing (prices subject to change)
Trousers/jeans/skirt: 4.60€
Underwear: 1.60€
Washing & pressing (prices subject to change)
Men's shirt/ladies blouse: 5.20€
Trousers/skirt: 7.90€
Underwear: 2.20€

Library
You may borrow books from the Star-Ship's library, located in the Horizon Lounge, free of charge. Please return any books that you have borrowed before the end of the cruise.

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 on board is the Euro.
Important note : Emerald Cruises Star-Ships are unable to accept cash passports, Travelex cards or similar as they do not have a function to refund on these cards.
With the exception of our Portugal cruises, we are no longer accepting Amex payments on board our ships.
Please note: Only VISA debit cards are accepted whilst on your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship.
VISA and Mastercard credit cards are all accepted onboard your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship.

Passports
It is a requirement of the European Authorities that passports be available for inspection at any time. Passports will be checked in by the reception team upon your arrival and returned to you. For safe storage, we suggest keeping these in your cabin safe. However, depending on your cruise, passports may be kept by the reception team for the entire journey and returned to you upon disembarkation. You will be advised at check-in.

Public bathrooms
In some destinations on your journey, you will be charged a small fee when using a public bathroom. We recommend you carry a small amount of local currency with you at all times.

Reception
The Reception desk is staffed 24 hours a day.

River Cruise Cover
Available to guests whose cruise has been disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances.
For full details on the River Cruise Cover, please visit the website.

Safe
There is a safe in every guest 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.

Smoking
Smoking is not permitted inside any of the motor coaches or on board the Star-Ship. 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.

Sun Deck
Due to safety, the Sun Deck will be closed when travelling under low bridges.

Telephone
With your cabin telephone, you may call cabin to cabin.

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.

Tipping
All gratuities and tipping on land tours and river cruises whilst with Emerald Cruises are included.

Travel irons
Use of travel irons in cabins is prohibited by law for safety reasons. There is a pressing service available on board at a charge.

Wellness treatments
Various spa treatments are available on board and are located in our wellness room. You can make an appointment with Reception.

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General travel information 
Baggage allowance & porterage - The luggage allowance whilst on the cruise is one suitcase per person with a maximum size of 76 x 53 x 28 cms (30'' x 21''x 11'') and weight of 23 kilograms. Additional bags beyond the baggage allowance may incur additional charges and are to be settled directly with the airline or as required.
Please check airline luggage requirements directly with your operating airline.
Luggage handling and porterage of your luggage (as per the luggage allowance above) is included in your Emerald Cruises journey.
Baggage handling is not included during any independent or non-escorted touring. In this situation, luggage handling and porterage will need to be organised directly with the hotel porters.

 

Health & fitness forms
Health and fitness forms will be included in your documentation. Please assist us by printing and filling these in and giving them to your Tour Director or Cruise Director at the start of your journey. They provide us with instant information if an emergency should arise. These forms will be returned at the completion of the cruise. It is not compulsory to fill out these forms, but strongly advisable for a seamless experience on your journey.

 

Hotel check-in
For most hotels, 3pm is the official check-in time. If you arrive prior to this, the hotel may not have your room available. Some people use this time to explore the vicinity, shop or relax in the hotel public areas.

 

Medication & prescriptions
Pack an ample supply of any medicine you are taking, copies of prescriptions, and the telephone/fax number of your doctor. Because of strict drug laws in some countries, drugs you take on doctor's orders should be carried in their original container showing the prescription label. Always keep your medication in your hand luggage.

 

Packing checklist
The following list may be useful when packing for your trip:

• Airline tickets
• Passport
• Photocopy of passport and extra passport photos
• Cash/debit or credit card
• Emergency contact numbers for loss of debit/credit card
• Travel insurance documentation
• Local currency for day one
• Photocopy of your itinerary to be left with family or friends
• Only those keys needed on return
• Personal medication and prescriptions (to be packed in carry-on luggage, unless container is larger than 100 ml
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Mosquito repellent
• Extra glasses/contacts and prescription
• Clothes that can be mixed/matched/layered
• Warm clothing for cold weather
• Swim wear
• Raincoat or umbrella
• Comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles for good grip
• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Spare plastic bags for dirty laundry
• Earplugs and sleep masks
• Tissues and antibacterial hand sanitiser gel
• Adaptor plugs, mobile phone charger, battery charger

 

Passport & visa requirements
All guests will require a passport valid for six months beyond the conclusion of their trip, with appropriate visas. You must contact your travel agent or applicable government authorities to get the necessary documentation.
It is the sole responsibility of each guest 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.
Please note that your passport will be kept by Reception for the first night of sailing or for the entire stay during Lower Danube cruises. 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. Holidays 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.

 

Shopping
Please note that shops are often closed on Sundays in most European cities.

 

Sightseeing in Europe
It is not always possible for large coaches to be used for city sightseeing. Many towns and cities will be visited by way of walking tours and, accordingly, a reasonable level of fitness is required. If you require a taxi to/from certain sights, our Cruise Director can assist with arranging.
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 cities.
It is essential to have comfortable, rubber-soled walking shoes. Pay particular attention to bicycle lanes, which are often on the sidewalk. Exercise the utmost care when crossing them (trams also often cross or share bicycle and pedestrian paths).
In the Netherlands, bicycle paths are usually designated by a red pavement.
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. Consult with your Cruise/Tour Director if you have doubts about the level of activity so you can experience each destination in the best way possible.

 

Staying healthy
Colds and other viruses can spread quickly in an enclosed area such as a ship. If you are susceptible to colds, we recommend having the influenza vaccine prior to travelling. Whilst on board, continue to practice common hygiene and respiratory courtesy by washing your hands often and covering your coughs and sneezes with tissues.
Hand sanitiser dispensers are located in the Star-Ship's foyer and at the entrance to the restaurant. We ask our guests to use these when returning from shore excursions and prior to entering the dining room. It is also recommended that guests carry an anti-bacterial hand sanitiser, which does not require rinsing with water for use when off the ship.
Vaccinations: Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary and are subject to change. You must consult your doctor on the current vaccinations needed for your destination.

 

Tipping guidelines
All tips are included in your cruise. No further tipping is required. Emerald Cruises has prepaid tips and gratuities for you, including for the cruise staff, your cruise director, all drivers, local guides, porters (1 piece of luggage), and meals included in your cruise.
Tipping is not included for meals, drinks, taxis, and transfers that are not included as part of the cruise (including stopovers). As a guide for taxis, tip 10-15% of the fare on the meter. Be aware that the driver starts the taxi meter when you enter the vehicle, as this is a legal requirement for taxi drivers in Europe. The fare is always per journey and not per guest. In restaurants and bars, we recommend tipping 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.

 

Travel with an open mind
During your travels, you will encounter new customs and different ways of life. Appreciate and celebrate these differences as this is one of the highlights of travelling.
Be mindful that meals on the cruise will often reflect the local cuisine and delicacies, which may be different to what you are normally accustomed to. Your on board as well as on shore dining, dining experiences are certain to enhance your holiday and introduce you to the local region and culture. Air-conditioning is not yet as popular in Europe as in the U.S. and you may not find it everywhere. In some places, due to environmental concerns, it is strictly regulated.
European festive days, especially religious holidays, affect working hours and public services. 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); service may be a little more leisurely than you might expect; Europeans generally dine slightly later than might be your custom. Be aware that motorists generally drive on the right-hand side of the road on the continent of Europe, so take care when crossing roads.
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 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 cruise guests, is essential for everyone's enjoyment of the holiday.

 

Weather
June is the beginning of summer in Europe, expect changeable weather with temperatures in the mid to low 20s during the day and mid to low teens at night, rain is possible

 

Travel Insurance
It is mandatory for travellers to have comprehensive travel insurance; please ensure you have provided Sisterhood Womens Travel with a copy of your policy, including a 24/7 Emergency Contact Number.

 

WhatsApp Group
Please make sure you download WhatsApp onto your phone prior to departure.  This app will be your communication tool whilst on tour, and your tour hostess will contact you prior to departure to set you up in your tour WhatsApp group.  It’s also a lovely way to remain in touch with friends upon your return.

 

Changes to Itinerary
We do our best to give Sisters an enjoyable, trouble-free tour experience but occasionally, even the best-laid plans can go awry.  We cannot rule out any changes to the itinerary and ask that you maintain a positive, upbeat and flexible attitude.

 

A reminder to monitor your destination via smartraveller.gov.au to be kept up to date with important information https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

Updated: 23 May 2025