Highlights |
River Cruise Package Includes
- Round trip flights NYC-Amsterdam
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
- 7 nights Deluxe river cruise on MS Amadeus Diamond (Category C) outside cabin
- 20 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
- Unlimited wine with dinners
- Evening entertainment
- Shore excursions per itinerary
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Wireless audio system for excursions
- Port Taxes
Special Features
- Amsterdam City Tour
- Antwerp City Tour
Also Available
|
|
Itinerary |
DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart the USA
Depart the USA for Holland. Your flight includes meals & drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey
DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Amsterdam
Arrive and transfer independently to the port located near the Amsterdam Passenger Terminal. Embarkation will begin at 3 pm. The remainder of the day is free to explore Amsterdam on your own. Stroll along the canals and view the elegant architecture of this 800-year-old capital. Tonight, celebrate at the captain's welcome reception and gala dinner on board
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Thursday - Amsterdam City Tour, Afternoon in Volendam
This morning enjoy a city tour of Amsterdam, known for its many cultural sites, art museums, entertainment and of course its scenic canals. Continue sailing around noon and arrive to Volendam at 3 pm. This old fishing village is located on the Ijsselmeer River and in the early years of the 20th century, it was something of an artists’ retreat, with both Picasso and Renoir spending time here. This evening set sail for Arnhem
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4, Friday - Afternoon in Arnhem
Arrive to Arnhem just after lunch today. Named for the eagles that once lived among the region's forests, Arnhem is known as the Green City on the Rhine, and has long been especially popular with landscape painters. Sites of interest include the 15th-century Groote Kerk, the Burgers' Zoo and the Open Air Museum
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5, Saturday - Middelburg City Tour
Once an important trading center for the Dutch East India Company, Middelburg is dotted with ornate 17th and 18th century buildings despite being heavily damaged during WWII. Your afternoon walking tour will take you along the old warehouses and impressive monuments of Middelburg such as the powerful abbey and the impressive town hall. Set sail for Ghent just before dinner
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Sunday - Ghent City Tour
The ship will arrive to Ghent overnight. Ghent is the fourth largest city in Belgium and has managed to preserve its stature from medieval times while constantly modernizing. Your tour includes such sights as the Castle of the Counts of Flanders, the Belfy Tower, and a visit to St. Bavo's Cathedral where you will have the opportunity to view the celebrated 12-paneled Adoration of the Lamb, painted by the Van Eyck brothers. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before sailing for Antwerp at 7 pm
Optional: Bruges City Tour (PM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Monday - Full Day in Antwerp
Today enjoy a tour of Belgium's second-largest city including such sights as the Grote Market, Belgium's largest Gothic church and Rubens House. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore Antwerp on your own
Optional: Brussels City Tour (PM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Tuesday - Morning in Kinderdijk
Enjoy a brief stop in Kinderdijk this morning from 8 to 10 am. Arrive in Utrecht at 2 pm where you will have the opportunity to disembark for the optional excursion to Keukenhof Gardens, or stay on board and relax this afternoon as the ship continues to sail for Amsterdam. The ship will dock in Amsterdam this evening while you celebrate your final night aboard at the Captain's Farewell dinner
Optional: Half Day Keukenhof Gardens (PM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Wednesday - Depart for the USA
This morning, disembark and transfer independently to the airport for your departure flight. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 am
Meals: Breakfast
|
|
|
Optionals |
|
Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling may cost an extra 10% or even more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
|
| Bruges City Tour |
Day #6 |
01 Mar 2010 - 15 Nov 2010 $47
|
|
Enjoy a city tour of Bruges, also known as the Venice of the North. The city features two prominent medieval cores, the Grote Markt and the Burg, which are home to some of Europe's best-preserved medieval buildings. Walk along the winding cobbled alleys and romantic canals and see for yourself why many consider Bruges to be one of Europe's most beautiful cities.
|
| Brussels City Tour |
Day #7 |
01 Mar 2010 - 15 Nov 2010 $32
|
|
Spend the afternoon in Brussels, the capital of Belgium. Begin your city tour in the Leuken area, and see the Heysel stadium, Leuken cathedral, the Atomium, and the Royal Residence. Continue to the city center to see the Royal Palace, city park and the Palace of Justice. Before boarding the ship, enjoy some time to explore the city and shops on your own.
|
| Half Day Keukenhof Gardens |
Day #8 |
01 Apr 2009 - 31 Dec 2010 $48
|
|
Visit Keukenhof Gardens, a world-famous park and 70-acre estate, where some six million bulbs are planted annually by local growers. Keukenhof is home to the world's largest exhibition of blooming tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, which are displayed in the gardens' three exhibition halls.
|
|
|
Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling may cost an extra 10% or even more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
|
|
Rates & Hotels |
Step 1: Select Your Choice of Cabin & Hotel Plans Step 2: Click a Date to Book Online
OR: Click here to create your own flexible vacation
|
| Dates & Prices |
Land/Cruise Only |
Air & Land/Cruise |
| Dates & Prices |
Land/Cruise Only |
| Dates & Prices |
Air & Land/Cruise |
| 2010 |
Mar 30 (Sold Out) | $1899 | $2469* |
| Apr 6 | $1899 | $2469* |
| Create Your Own Flexible Vacation |
*Not Included:
Airport taxes & fees, transfers, optional shore excursions, and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Please note, singles cannot be booked in a Suite.
Unfortunately, the Amadeus Diamond cannot accommodate triples.
Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs and walkers are not allowed on motor coaches and/or river cruises. Kindly refer to our Terms for additional information.
Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
|
|
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. | |
| Passports and Visas | It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.
| | Trip Preparation | A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock.
| | Health Information | Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.
| | Climate & Clothing | River Cruises - Temperatures vary according to regional climate and season. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
| Belgium - Belgium's climate is very moderate, and does not reach extremes in any season. However, rain is frequent. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, an all-weather jacket, and an umbrella. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
Belgium Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#belgium-weather
| Holland - Holland's climate is moderate year round. However, rain is frequent. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, an all-weather jacket, and an umbrella. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
Holland Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#belgium-weather
|
| E-Tickets & Check-In Procedures |
Please review the flight itinerary included in these documents. Print and carry a copy of the air itinerary which contains the record locator (airline reservation number) and e-ticket number(s). At check-in, be prepared to provide your government issued identification (valid passport) and your e-ticket itinerary/ ticket numbers to the agent in order to receive your boarding pass.
An e-ticket (electronic ticket) represents the purchase of an airline seat. This form of ticket has replaced almost all formerly provided paper tickets. The e-ticket exists only as a digital record in the airlines computers. In most cases your reservation will be confirmed solely on the basis of your government-issued identification. However it may still be necessary to present the e-ticket itinerary which contains your specific reservation code and ticket number(s). Once confirmed, your luggage will be checked-in and a boarding pass provided.
Advance online check-in is available on some airlines. If available, you may enter your airline confirmation number at the airline's website, and print the boarding pass on your home printer within twenty-four hours of departure. Airlines without advance online check-in require you to present your identification and e-ticket numbers at the airport self-service kiosk or check-in counter.
When e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive paper tickets.
If your tour program includes foreign domestic flights, and those tickets are not included together with the e-ticket itinerary in these documents, a separate voucher(s) confirming those services will be included. You will receive those tickets at your destination from a Gate 1 representative.
| | Airline Flights | Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Flight schedule changes are common and may occur anytime until departure. Therefore it is the responsibility of each passenger to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure for all flights.
| | Airline Luggage Restrictions | Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions. Many airlines have begun to apply charges for checked bags. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Airline policies vary and may change at any time. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any excess luggage/ weight charges levied by an airline.
| | Airline Seats | Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
| | Airline Tickets | Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
| | Code-share Flights | Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Gate 1 Travel for clarification.
| | Luggage | All Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to airline handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
|
| Arrival Procedures | Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
| Amsterdam Port Information - There are several docks which are located within a 1/2 mile radius of the Central Rail Station including Westerdoksedijk (West Dock), De Ruijterkade Oost (East Dock), and Javakade. All are located near to the Amsterdam Passenger Terminal. The final docking location is determined by the Amsterdam Port Authorities and is not determined in advance. If you are arriving to the port independently, please contact the ship at the telephone number provided in your tour documents to receive the most recent docking information.
| | What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed | Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.
| | Departure Procedures | If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
| | Transfers | Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Gate 1 to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Gate 1 or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship. The cost of a transfer will generally be more expensive than hiring a taxi as the pre-arranged transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or a 'dead-leg'. Additionally the driver may have to wait at the collection point for up to an hour.
|
| Hotels | Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard.
| | Hotel Check-in/ Check-out | Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later.
|
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism | We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
| | Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) | Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for checkin. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
| | Shopping | Shopping in a foreign country can be a wonderful experience. We do include a few stops at recommended popular shops on every escorted tour, intended to enhance your cultural experience. As you explore the country independently, you may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
| Belgium - Special purchases include ceramics and hand-beaten copperware from Dinant, gourmet chocolates, crystal , diamonds, jewelry, lace and woodcarvings.
| Holland - Special purchases include beautiful Delft blue pottery and pottery from Makkum and Workum, costume dolls, silverware from Schoonhoven, glass and crystal from Leerdam and diamonds from Amsterdam.
| | Currency | We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus. Please note that many banks and most vendors will not accept or exchange $100 bills. We suggest to carry $20 bills or smaller.
| European River Cruises - The Euro is the currency used aboard the ship. Please note that while calling at port, other currencies may be used depending on the country being visited.
We are not able to offer a money-changing service on board as this would contravene official regulations. Please use the official exchange offices at the harbors.
Ship Account and Payment:
There is a cashless system on board. All on board expenditures (in the bar, restaurant, shop, optional tours etc.) are added to the ship's account. At the end of the cruise, the closing invoice will be presented to the passengers for settlement. Payment can be made by cash in euro or by credit card (American Express, VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club). Please note we cannot except USD as a form of cash payment. Passenger's are not eligible for a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund for purchases made on board the ship.
| Belgium - The Euro is the currency of Belgium.
| Holland - The Euro is the currency of Holland.
| | Purchasing Tours Locally | On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
| | Credit Cards | While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
| | Gratuities | This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
- Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide):
$6 or $7 per person per day
- Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage):
$3 per person per day
- Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program):
$2 per person per half day of sightseeing (2-3 hours)
- River Cruises:
$6 or $7 per person per day as indicated by each cruise line (see details regarding European River Cruises)
- Hotel Porter:
$1 per bag per person
- Wait staff:
$1.50 per person (lunch or dinner)
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
| European River Cruises - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places. Restaurant bills often include a service charge.
Gratuities are a matter of personal discretion. The following guidelines are provided only as a suggestion. Gratuities for the crew (shared by all crew members) may be paid via the on board ship account and be in the range of $10-11 per person per day (approximately 7 euros). This gratuity does not cover the Cruise Director(s) for whom a consideration of $6 or $7 per person per day is appropriate. Gratuities for Cruise Directors may not be charged to your on board account and must be paid in cash. You may also tip other service providers such as local guides, bus drivers and others who may have provided special services. Gratuities for Cruise Directors may be left in the tip box at the front desk at the conclusion of the cruise.
| Belgium - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge.
| Holland - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge.
| | Your Safety is Very Important | Every effort has been taken by Gate 1 Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room-use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe. If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
| European River Cruises - You are on a ship with a high safety standard and reliable crew. In case of emergency, we ask you to follow the instructions of your crew. Please take further information concerning safety from the notice on your cabin door. Life jackets will be distributed on the sundeck. When leaving the ship, exchange your cabin card for your personal land card at the reception. This card helps ensure your security by allowing the crew to immediately determine if all passengers are on board before continuing the cruise. While in port, please keep your cabin door locked.
| | Disabled Facilities - European River Cruises | Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs and walkers are not allowed on motor coaches and/or river cruises. Kindly refer to our Terms for additional information.
| | Embarkation | Embarkation will begin at 4 pm unless otherwise noted in your trip itinerary. Check your itinerary carefully for the port of embarkation and disembarkation. In the event that you arrive independently to the port of embarkation, note the location carefully. Please ensure that you are always on board before the ship's scheduled time of departure. For same day directions, please contact the Senior Cruise Director.
| | Disembarkation | You will receive all relevant information concerning disembarkation in detail by your cruise director on the afternoon of your last day onboard. Passengers who have purchased a transfer will be required to place their luggage outside of their cabin a few hours prior to their scheduled time of departure. Details will be advised locally. All passengers and luggage must be off board the ship at the final disembarkation time noted in your itinerary.
| | On Your Cruise - European River Cruises | Attire:
Cruise attire is casual for daytime activities. During the evenings, a jacket is recommended for gentlemen, and slacks or skirts for ladies. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes and pack an umbrella in case of inclement weather.
Language:
The official language on board is English, although other languages may be spoken. All announcements and information sheets will be provided in English. Optional tours may be performed by a bilingual guide.
Meals and Dietary Restrictions:
Seating will be allocated on the day of embarkation and will remain the same throughout the cruise. Please see your Maitre d'hotel who is at your disposal for special needs. Passengers requiring special diet must advise Gate 1 Cruises at the least 20 days prior to departure. However we are pleased to assist within the limits of those products available on board.
Smoking:
Smoking is only allowed in designated areas on the sundeck. Please do not throw cigarettes overboard.
Amenities:
A hairdryer is supplied to all cabins. Laundry service is available on board for an additional charge, however the ship is not equipped to care for dry cleaning. Charges are displayed on board. Valuables can be deposited in the cabin safe.
Excursions:
During your journey you will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of shore excursions. If you have not pre-booked the excursions, there will be an opportunity to do so on board with your Cruise Director. These excursions will be charged to your on board account (VISA, Mastercard, American Express) or can be paid for in euro. Note we cannot accept USD as payment for shore excursions. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.HTML#optional.
Walking:
River Cruise tours dock at inland towns and excursions may include a fair amount of walking on uneven or cobblestone streets. Many ports have limited ramps. You may also experience "double-docking." In some ports, where there are limited docks available for the number of visiting ships, you may find your ship docked adjacent to another and may have to walk across one or more other river cruise ships before reaching the dock area.
Ports:
For information about the ports of embarkation and disembarkation, please visit http://www.gate1travel.com/european-river-cruise/about-ports.aspx.
Children:
The vessels do not maintain facilities or services for children aboard the cruise. We regret that we cannot accommodate children under 12 years of age.
Telephone:
All cabins are equipped with direct dialing for an additional fee. If you need to be contacted while on board the ship, please provide the emergency numbers outlined in your documents to family and/or friends. It is possible that the emergency numbers are out of the telephone network at the time of dialing. If this is the case, a message will be provided by the telephone company in German. It is advisable to hang-up and dial a short time later.
Email and Post:
You are able to send and receive emails on the computer on board for a small fee. Any mail with postage can be handed in at the reception. It will be posted at the next port of call.
| | Water Level | A rise or fall in the river water level can prevent the ship from passing under bridges and/or moving further along the river. This may cause part or all of the cruise itinerary to be operated by motor coach. If this becomes necessary, Gate 1 Travel will endeavor to provide equal or similar services, however no cruise will be canceled and no monetary compensation will be made for those changes. A fluctuation in water level can change in a matter of hours and may occur at any time of the year. In this case, the situation will be closely monitored by captain and crew to ensure services are delivered with as few substitutions as possible. If you have planned independent travel prior to the cruise it is advisable to leave local contact information with Gate 1 Travel before departing the USA. Should an embarkation point be changed, Gate 1 Travel will attempt to contact passengers by phone or email.
| | Local Emergency Phone Numbers | Belgium
- General Emergency: 112 or 100
| Holland
| | Languages | Belgium - Dutch, French and German are the official languages. English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| Holland - Dutch is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| | Electricity | Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
| European River Cruises - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| Belgium - The voltage used is 230 volts.
| Holland - The voltage used is 230 volts.
| | Code of Conduct | Belgium - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Common courtesies should be observed, and conservative casual dress is appropriate.
| Holland - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Common courtesies should be observed, and conservative casual dress is appropriate.
| | Holidays - Belgium |
| Holidays 2010 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
Apr 4 |
Easter |
Apr 5 |
Easter Monday |
May 1 |
Labor Day |
May 13 |
Ascension Day |
May 24 |
Whit Monday |
Jul 21 |
Belgian National Day |
Aug 15 |
Feast of the Assumption |
Nov 1 |
All Saints' Day |
Nov 11 |
Armistice Day |
Dec 24 |
Christmas Eve |
Dec 25 |
Christmas Day |
Dec 26 |
Boxing Day |
Dec 31 |
New Year's Eve |
| |
|
| Holidays - Holland |
| Holidays 2010 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
| Apr 2 |
Good Friday |
Apr 4 |
Easter |
Apr 5 |
Easter Monday |
Apr 30 |
Queen's Day |
May 4 |
Liberation Day |
May 13 |
Ascension Day |
May 24 |
Whit Monday |
Dec 5 |
St. Nicholas' Eve |
Dec 24 |
Christmas Eve |
Dec 25 |
Christmas Day |
Dec 26 |
St. Stephen's Day |
Dec 31 |
New Year's Eve |
| |
|
| Food and Meals | As specified in each itinerary. Meals are based on the hotel's or restaurant's buffet or set menu. In general, beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although Gate 1 cannot make guarantees, every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests submitted in writing at least 72 hours prior to departure to info@gate1travel.com.
|
|
|
|