Passport Validity

A passport is required for all AmaWaterways river cruises and it must be valid for at least six months after you return home. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and contains all required visas. Please check your itinerary carefully and consult with the appropriate consulates to determine if any visas are needed. Vacations can be disrupted or altered if the correct documents cannot be presented at airports or border crossings.

We recommend photocopying the first page of your passport, airline tickets, driver’s license and/or birth certificate to expedite the process of replacing any documents lost while traveling. Keep the originals separate from the copies and pack some extra passport photos as well. Another option is to scan your passport, airline tickets and credit card numbers and email them to yourself as attachments. Please be sure to fill out the “Emergency Next of Kin” section in your passport (in pencil) as well.

New Entry/Exit System for Select European Countries

Beginning October 12, 2025, select European countries will begin introducing a new Entry/Exit System (EES). The EES is an automated IT system for registering non-European nationals traveling for a short stay in Europe. The system will collect biometric data, such as your facial image and fingerprints.

How will this impact my AmaWaterways vacation?

From October 12, 2025, you will gradually begin to encounter EES as you pass through Immigration/Border Control at European airports in the 29 Schengen Area countries, including the following countries visited by AmaWaterways: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain and Switzerland.

EES makes border checks quicker, safer and more efficient. It will gradually replace immigration officials and passport stamps with a digital system recording when travelers enter and exit Schengen Area countries. EES is expected to be fully implemented by April 10, 2026.

Who does EES apply to?

• Non-EU nationals traveling to or from the Schengen Area
• Both short-stay visa holders and visa-exempt travelers

Some exemptions apply and can be reviewed by clicking here.

If you have any questions about your travel requirements or need assistance, please contact your travel advisor.

Online Check-In

AmaWaterways’ online Cruise Check-In process is intended for the convenience of our valued guests. We require that each step of your Cruise Check-In is completed to board our ships. In addition to providing the information required for embarkation, the Cruise Check-In process:

• Ensures your personal information, as it appears on your passport, is correct
• Provides us with an emergency contact in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Allows you to pre-register for all your shore excursions (does not apply to Egypt or Africa cruises)

Your Essential European River Cruise Packing Guide

While packing for your river cruise, your attire should strike a balance between comfort and sophistication. Our best advice is, “if in doubt, leave it out.” Adopt a simple color scheme for your travel wardrobe to reduce the amount of clothing required. Pack wrinkle-resistant, easy-care cotton/polyester clothing and bring enough underwear and socks so frequent laundry is not necessary. Casually elegant outfits and something a little dressier for the Chef's Table specialty restaurant or an evening concert are recommended. Bring comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions and one pair of dressier shoes.

You may be traveling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. Europe can be quite warm in the summer, so short sleeve shirts, shorts, skirts, sundresses and a wide-brimmed hat are good items to pack. Bring a raincoat and warm sweater for chilly evenings, especially in the spring and fall, and warmer clothing and a heavy coat for winter cruises. Umbrellas are provided on board.

Carry-On Luggage

Prepare your carry-on luggage with the necessary essentials. Our suggestions for what to pack:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, comb or hair brush, razor, feminine products and cosmetics
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Hand sanitizer, tissues and antibacterial wipes
• Based on current airline regulations in place, you may be required to wear a medical grade mask (or N95/KN95) so you may want to have several with you in order to change during the flight.
• Basic first aid kit: medications for upset stomach, prescriptions, aspirin, antiseptic cream, cold medicine, vitamins and bandages
• Prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses
• Converters, adapters, chargers and power cords
• Personal ear buds or headphones to use with our Quietvox commentary systems during shore excursions
• Travel umbrella
• Camera and extra memory cards
• Smart phone

Important: Pack a sufficient supply (including two weeks beyond your planned return) of any medications you are taking, copies of the prescriptions and the telephone/fax numbers of your doctor. Some countries require prescription drugs be carried in their original container with the label clearly visible.

Note: Europe uses 220v and 2-pin adapters. Be sure to inspect your chargers and power cords (for cell phones, cameras, electric shavers, laptops, MP3 players, e-readers, etc.) to determine specific converter and/or adapter requirements to ensure their safe operation aboard the ship. Every stateroom has a USB charger should you need to use it. For safety reasons, the use of your personal curling iron, hair straightener, kettle and heating pad is not allowed on board the ship. A limited number of safety approved curling irons and hair straighteners are available to borrow at reception.

Tips for Long Flights

• Wear loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes.
• Based on current airline regulations in place, you may be required to wear a medical grade mask (or N95/KN95) so you may want to have several with you in order to change during the flight.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Alleviate ear pressure by chewing gum, yawning, swallowing or gently blowing your nose.
• Periodically walk up and down the aisle to stretch your legs and get blood circulating. You can also do a few isometric exercises while seated.
• Try to sleep during your overnight flight – an eye mask, noise cancelling headphones and a light sweater or scarf may help you to be more comfortable and sleep so you can acclimate to the local time more quickly.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses during your flight, as recirculated cabin air tends to dry them out.

Airport Security and Check-in

It is recommended you be at the airport at least three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic flights. This allows enough time to check your baggage, present your passport and other forms required, confirm seat assignments and boarding passes, and clear security procedures before proceeding to the boarding area. Most airlines offer online check-in 24 hours prior to departure, which can help you avoid long lines once at the airport. If permitted, this is also a chance to request seating assignments or buy an upgrade if available. Airport security regulations require that sharp objects of any kind be stored inside your checked luggage, not in your carry-on bag. You may be asked to put your shoes and/or coat through an X-ray scanner, so be prepared to remove them.

TSA Secure Flight Program

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires all passengers to provide Secure Flight passenger data when reserving airline travel. This includes your full name, date of birth and gender as it appears on non-expired government-issued travel documents (e.g., passport, re-entry permit, alien registration card, “green card,” photo ID, etc.). Any missing or incorrect information can cause unnecessary delays at the airport. If you reserved your airline tickets through AmaWaterways and have not yet provided us with this Secure Flight passenger data, please contact our office as soon as possible at 800-626-0126 or 818-428-6198 (if dialing from outside of the U.S.). Please refer to your local transportation authorities for more information.

Late or Missed Flights

If you miss a flight, immediately advise an airline representative that you are a cruise guest bound for a specific location/date/time to meet your ship. If your flight is cancelled, await instructions from the airline regarding alternate travel arrangements and contact your travel advisor for assistance. Typically, airlines will do everything in their power to get you on the next available flight. Once you know your new flight information, please call the emergency contact number listed within our Contact Information section and your electronic Travel Documents.

Travel Protection Insurance

We strongly recommend you purchase travel protection insurance that includes coverage related to Covid-19. If you purchased travel protection insurance, please make sure to write down important information such as the insurance company’s telephone number and your policy number.

Baggage

International air carriers are often very strict about the size and weight of baggage and carry-on luggage. Please contact your air carrier or visit its website for specific requirements prior to your departure, as size and weight limitations vary according to the airline and destination. It is also important to check European domestic flight regulations as these too may vary. Passengers on international flights are usually allowed one piece of checked luggage and one carry-on bag per person. Some airlines limit each checked bag to a maximum of 62 linear inches (158 linear cm, length + width + height) and 50 lbs. (23 kg). Your carry-on should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (55 x 35 x 22 cm) or weigh more than 17 lbs. (8 kg). International air carriers may impose fees for baggage that is too large or heavy and/or require you to remove certain articles in order to meet weight restrictions.

Note: Current airport security regulations require that any liquids and semi-liquids (e.g., lotions, gels, etc.) stored in your carry-on bag MUST be in a container no larger than 3.4 oz. (100 ml) and all items must fit into a clear quart-sized plastic bag. Any items exceeding this limit may be confiscated by TSA personnel. Please refer to your local transportation authorities for more information.

Note: Please check airline websites for specific baggage weight, baggage size, carry-on regulations, and excess or overweight baggage charges all your flights (both international and intra-Europe).

Istanbul Luggage Restrictions - As it's an economy flight, 1 check-in bag, 1 carryon, and 1 personal bag are allowed. Additional luggage or over weight luggage will be additional according to the airline's requirements.

Delayed Baggage

Baggage can sometimes be delayed during air transport. Pack medications and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag. Place a copy of the hotel and ship contact info inside each piece of checked luggage, as this will help the airline locate you should your bags be delayed. Please note it is the responsibility of the airline to deliver any delayed bags to you. Claims for reimbursement for delayed luggage should be submitted directly to the airline. Fill out a claim form at the appropriate airline desk before leaving the airport. If you need assistance later regarding your delayed luggage, please ask your Cruise Manager or local host to contact the airline for information.

Important: AmaWaterways is not responsible for any additional fees imposed by air-carriers. In addition, during your cruise and when traveling by motorcoach, storage space may be limited and porters may decline to carry extra heavy suitcases for health and safety reasons. We recommend bringing only one suitcase and one carry-on bag per guest. Luggage tags and travel wallets will be delivered to your stateroom on board. We also suggest putting your contact information, such as your name, cell phone number and email as well as the hotel and/or ship contact information inside your bags, just in case they are delayed.

Physical Requirements

AmaWaterways' itineraries are as varied and active as you want them to be. Shore excursions and land packages require a moderate-to-challenging amount of walking and sites may have steps and/or uneven terrain. The embarkation/disembarkation points between ship and shore may not be able to accommodate guests with mobility issues.

Due to uneven terrain, cobblestones, stairs, temples, dirt roads and a lack of accessible facilities, our itineraries are not recommended for guests with limited mobility requiring the use of mobility aids like wheelchairs, scooters or any other mechanical devices. We kindly request guests requiring special assistance be accompanied by a companion who is physically able to provide such assistance, as AmaWaterways crew is unable to assist guests with personal tasks or hygiene needs. If there is uncertainty of a prospective guest’s fitness to travel or ability to independently care for their personal needs, please inform AmaWaterways as soon as possible. This will allow us to consider and discuss possible accommodations to ensure your safety and comfort during the cruise.

Throughout your river cruise it is likely the ship will be docked next to one or two other river ships. It is important to note that in these cases, disembarkation/embarkation may include walking up the stairs and through the adjacent ship(s) lobby or Sun Deck to reach the shore. You may also need to embark or disembark via a narrow gangway or occasionally cross an uneven surface to enter or exit the ship. These are typical situations that are beyond the control of AmaWaterways.

Accessible Facilities

Due to lack of space and facilities, shipboard accommodations and storage for mobility aids like wheelchairs, scooters or any other mechanical devices are unavailable and accessible facilities are extremely limited in most destinations. In addition, motorcoaches, boats and minibuses used for transfers and shore excursions are not equipped with the devices and tools necessary for full accessibility.

Mobility Devices

Guests may bring personal mobility devices (wheelchairs, electric scooters and walking frames) onboard our European ships. However, devices must be stored in the guest’s stateroom and cannot be used in the dining room or lounge and must adhere to EU standards and limitations. AmaWaterways Cruise Managers, crew and guides are unable to push wheelchairs on board or on shore.

Transfers and shore excursions adhere to a set schedule and cannot be adjusted for unexpected delays due to physical limitations. AmaWaterways and its affiliates are not responsible for any denial of services by airline carriers, cruise vessels, hotels, motorcoaches, local guides/operators or other independent suppliers.

Medical Conditions

Please advise us before your departure date if you have any medical conditions requiring special attention during your trip.

Special Diets

Please let us know prior to your departure date if you have any special dietary requirements (e.g., vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, etc.). We will make every effort to accommodate your request with the resources available to us.

Air with AmaWaterways

At AmaWaterways, we enjoy taking care of you throughout your entire journey, including your air travel. When you or your travel advisor reserve your flights with us, you’ll enjoy the convenience and peace of mind knowing that our dedicated Air Team is there assisting with this important part of your journey, allowing you to rest easy before and during your much-anticipated river cruise vacation. Why Reserve Your Flights with AmaWaterways:

• Excellent Fares
• Trusted Airlines
• Quality Experience
• Transfers (to and from airport are included)
• Peace of Mind

Learn more about the benefits of reserving air with AmaWaterways.