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View of river and bridge, Germany

Beautiful Bamberg

Admire the incredible architecture of this charming Bavarian town

Europe River Cruise Travel Tips

We are very excited to have you join us to sail the beautiful rivers of Europe very soon. Below are a few key bits of information you will want to know before departing on your European adventure.

Ship Embarkation & Disembarkation

Passengers and reception staff

Ship Arrival

Official embarkation of the ship is 3pm, however if you do arrive early, you are welcome to check your luggage early and head off to explore your port city. Unless you have booked flights or pre-departure accommodation with APT, you will need to make your own way to the port. Please refer to this website the week of your departure date and check the day of travel to confirm your port location.
View Port Details
passenger with book on balcony rv samatha asia 12-5

End of tour ship departure

Checkout is from 9am, though your luggage may be stored until final disembarkment at 2:30pm. The final transfer to the airport is 2.30pm.

Onboard your river cruise

Passengers dining on board, Ama Prima
Guests doing yoga on the top deck during their Europe River cruise
Take a bike out to explore Europe.

Dining
All meals on board your cruise are included. Meals are served in the dining room in a single sitting. Reservations can only be made once onboard the ship – Note: No table reservations can be made at the main restaurant. Vegetarian and Gluten free can be catered for – but please inform us of any dietary requirements well in advance of departure.

Dress Code
For excursions casual, comfortable clothing and flat shoes are recommended. Your luggage should include a breathable windproof/waterproof jacket, warm jumper, warm hat, hat with brim and walking trousers/shorts. It is also advisable to pack several smart casual outfits for evenings and a more formal clothing for the Welcome Dinner or if you are planning an evening at the theatre.

Laundry
Laundry service is available onboard. Price lists will be available in your suite. Note, select suites do have complimentary laundry service, you can check your suites inclusions here.

Wellness Centre
APT’s Concerto and AmaWaterways Aria ships offer Wellness Centre with cardiovascular equipment and, on some ships, a sauna. You will also have a Wellness Host who will lead morning exercise classes and bikes are available for use by guests at most ports.

Ship Health & Safety Features

To protect you while you travel, the APT Travel Group and all its brands have adopted standardised health and hygiene protocols.
Health & Wellbeing on Tour
Couple standing on back deck overlooking river

Daily Itinerary

Get an idea of what to expect on a day aboard an APT Europe cruise, view an example itinerary below. Note this is only an example and itineraries vary daily tour-to-tour
Guest reading on private balcony

Early Morning

6:00 - 7:00am: Early risers pastries are available at the coffee station.
7:00 - 9:00am: Breakfast is served in the restaurant.
Approx. 7:30am: The ship arrives at the dock in Durnstein.
9:00 - 10:00am: Late riser's pastries in the lounge.
All morning:  Time to explore Durnstein on your own. Self-guiding maps available at reception.

Passengers cycling along river, stopped to watch and wave at the ms Amariena sailing past, Durnstein, Austria

Morning

9:00am: Join the Cruise Director for the walk up to the castle ruin above Durnstein (weather permitting). Only for those guests with good fitness level. Good shoes required, over 500 steps up.
11:30am: Lunch is served in the restaurant and light lunch is available in the lounge.
12:15pm: ALL ABOARD! The ship sets sail for Melk at 12:30pm.
12:30pm: The ship sails through the Wachau valley to Melk. Castles, villages and vineyards. Commentary by your Tour Director is broadcasted in the public areas.

Blue sky with red rooftop and Melk Abbey in the distance, Austria

Afternoon

Approx. 4:30pm: The ship docks in Melk.
4:45 - 6:16pm: Departure by coach for Melk Abbey tour. Please bring a mask with you. Thank you! Gentle walkers please see reception or your Cruise Director to sign up for a seat in the mini bus.
4:00 - 5:00pm: Back onboard, teatime in the lounge.
6:45pm: ALL ABOARD! The ship departs Melk and cruises towards Aschach at 7:00pm.

Couples dining alfresco whilst cruising down the river

Evening

6:30pm - 7:15pm: Enjoy some mood music and maybe an aperitif, the perfect way to start your evening.
7:15pm: Join your Tour Director in the lounge for a port talk on tomorrow's programs.
7:30pm: Dinner is served in the restaurant.
7:45 - 8:45pm: Light self-service buffet dinner is available in the lounge.

View of performer on AmaReina

After Dinner

After dinner: Enjoy our on-board musicians in the lounge. Tonight, celebrate the 60s & 70s. Bring your dancing shoes.
10:30pm: Late night snack available in the lounge.

Returning to Australia

Friends at the Market, Croatia

Souvenirs

There are different restrictions for each country on which products can and cannot be imported into Australia. For up-to-date information go to the Australian Customers and Border Protection website.
Can I Bring It Home?

Find out more

For a more extensive guide to your trip to Europe, you can read our Europe Tour Hints, which covers everything from onboard amenities to your destinations climate and currency.

View More Europe Tour Hints

Explore More

Two passengers sitting by bondhus lake, Norway

Flexible Bookings

We know that now, more than ever, you want flexibility when making your holiday plans. If you’d like freedom to change your plans, our flexible booking policies allow you to cancel and move your holiday to another time.
View our Booking Policies
View of AmaMagna cruising along river surrounded by green land

Europe River Cruise Ships

Cruise along the Danube and Rhine River, discover Portugal's Douro River or experience the picturesque Rhone and Seine River.
View European Fleet
A happy couple amongst a vineyard

Safe Journeys

Your health – and that of your family, as well as our staff and crew – is APT’s highest priority. You can rely on our industry-leading health protocols, to help ensure everyone’s health and wellbeing.
Health & Wellbeing on tour