Europe Travel Tips
River & Coastal Cruising
We are very excited to have you join us to sail the beautiful waters of Europe very soon. Below are a few key bits of information you will want to know before departing on your European adventure.
Ship Information | While On Board | Returning Home | Find Out More
Before You Go
Visa Requirements for Europe
Please note: The information is only relevant for Australian and New Zealand citizens/passport holders. For the most up to date visa and travel advice please make sure to check the relevant travel advice website.
Türkiye
An electronic visa is required, to be obtained prior to departure.
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/turkiye
Europe
From mid-2025, all visitors entering 30 countries within Europe for stays of up to 90 days will be required to complete an electronic travel authorisation (ETIAS) before entry. Please note that some European countries outside the European Schengen Area are also included in this scheme.
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/before-you-go/the-basics/schengen
UK
From January 2025, Australian and New Zealand travellers will be required to complete an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entry. Applications will be open from 27th November 2024.
For more information, please refer to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-get-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
Check Your Passport Expiration Date
All passengers are required to possess a passport valid for at least 6 months after the conclusion of their trip. You should always carry your passport and other travel documents in your hand luggage.
Travel Insurance
We highly recommend that you obtain comprehensive medical and travel insurance to cover your entire time away from home. Be sure to pack your policy in case you need to make a claim while travelling. It is also worth adding your insurance policy details and flight numbers to your Tour Personaliser, so all your important travel information is in one place.
Travelmarvel Documents and Travel Itinerary
Approximately three weeks before your tour you will receive all the documents required ahead of your trip via email, including any flights and hotel reservations made with Travelmarvel.
Pack an adaptor
If you are bringing appliances from home, an adapter suitable for your destination countries’ socket and voltage will be needed.
Prepare your medication
If you have a food allergy or medical condition which needs to be managed on tour, please advise your Booking Agent before departure, and inform your Tour Director on arrival. It is also worth packing a small medical kit, as though there will be pharmacies along your tour, they can be difficult to access, and a prescription may be required for some medications.
Suggested Packing List:
- A general-purpose antibiotic (e.g. azithromycin)
- Cold and flu medication
- Your preferred pain medication
- Medicine for gastric upsets
- Band-Aids and blister pads
Allergies
If you have a food allergy or another condition that needs to be managed on tour, please advise your booking agent as soon as possible, as well as your Tour Director upon arrival, as most suppliers require advance notice to accommodate this.
Luggage and packing
Each passenger is entitled to take one piece of luggage that does not exceed 20kg (44lbs) and 160cm when all dimensions are added together.
When packing, we recommend casual and comfortable clothing. Consider the season of the destination you are travelling to. In general, Europe enjoys a temperate climate, with a maritime climate in western Europe and a Mediterranean climate in the south. In eastern Europe, four seasons occur throughout the year, while in southern Europe there are distinct wet and dry seasons. The Gulf Stream brings warmth to northwest Europe and is the reason for milder winters in this region. Given the diversity of the climate, layering your clothes is advisable when packing for your holiday.
Dress while on tour is casual during the day, and smart casual during the evening. Comfortable footwear is a must. 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 more formal clothing for the Welcome Dinner or if you are planning an evening at the theatre.
Withdraw local currency
Before you leave on your trip, it is recommended you obtain a small amount of cash in the currency of the country you will arrive in. Though most locations will accept credit cards, for small vendors and markets we recommend getting some local currency. If it is not possible to obtain the local currency before you leave, do not worry, it can be purchased at the airport on arrival or withdrawn at an ATM.
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in western European countries. Other currencies include Hungary: Hungarian Forint (HUF), Poland: Polish Zloty (PLN), Croatia: Croatian Kuna (HRK), and the Switzerland: Swiss Franc (CHF).
Embarkation
Official embarkation of the ship varies depending on destination, and will be detailed in your personalised itinerary closer to your departure date. Unless you have booked an arrival transfer with Travelmarvel, you will need to make your own way to the port. On the week of your departure date, refer to the port details page below and check the day of travel to confirm your port location.
Disembarkation
Disembarkation time varies depending on destination. On our river ships you must vacate your cabin by 9:00am, and passengers must disembark the ship no later than 2:30pm. On ocean cruises, passengers must disembark the ship by 9:00am. Please consider these times when arranging your flights.
Rhine, Main & Danube River Cruising
Dining
All meals on board your cruise are included and are prepared by expert chefs, comprising European-style food, served in the restaurant in a single sitting. Breakfast is served buffet style, whilst lunch features a choice of mains along with salads, soups and dessert on the buffet. Dinner is a la carte, with a choice of appetiser, soup, main and dessert. The lounge offers a more casual dining option for lunch, whilst McGeary’s Bar offers pub-style meals for dinner. Dietary requirements can be catered for, please inform us of any allergies or intolerances well in advance of departure.
Beverages
International wine, beer and soft drinks are available with lunch and dinner. Tea and coffee are available all day. International wine, beer and spirits can be purchased outside of meal times from the bar and charged back to your room account.
Laundry
Laundry services are available on board. Price lists will be available in your stateroom. Clothes cannot be dry cleaned on board. Self-service laundry facilities are not available on board. For safety reasons, you are not permitted to use an iron in your stateroom.
Fitness Centre
The fitness rooms on board are outfitted with exercise equipment and are available to all passengers.
Sun Deck
The Sun Deck features a walking track, sitting area, outdoor bar and a heated whirlpool.
Douro River Cruising
Dining
All meals on board are included and are served in the restaurant in a single sitting. Meals served in the main restaurant will showcase regional delights with Portuguese, Mediterranean and International cuisine. Enjoy a buffet breakfast in the main restaurant. Lunch offers salads, soups, a choice of mains and dessert. You can also opt for a lighter meal in the ship's lounge or dine alfresco on the exterior deck of the main lounge. Dinner is a multi-course meal with a selection of mains. Dietary requirements can be catered for, please inform us of any allergies or intolerances well in advance of departure.
Beverages
International wine, beer and soft drinks are available with lunch and dinner. Tea and coffee are available all day. International wine, beer and spirits can be purchased outside of meal times from the bar and charged back to your room account.
Laundry
Laundry services are available on board. Price lists will be available in your stateroom. Clothes cannot be dry cleaned on board. Self-service laundry facilities are not available on board. For safety reasons, you are not permitted to use an iron in your stateroom.
Swimming Pool
The Sun Deck of the MS Estrela is equipped with a swimming pool for guests to enjoy
Croatia Coastal Cruising
Dining
All meals on board are either buffet style or served to tables, in one sitting with an open seating arrangement. Meals served on board have a home-cooked feel, featuring wholesome, fresh and tasty Mediterranean cuisine. You will also have the opportunity to dine ashore independently (at own expense). Complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner on board.
Laundry
Due to the size of the ship, there is no laundry service on board. You are not permitted to bring your own iron onboard the ship for safety reasons.
Swimming
If the itinerary and weather conditions permit, there may be opportunities to swim from the ship, or from local beaches.
Currency and Payment
For your convenience, all purchases and paid services on board the Princess Eleganza are billed to your shipboard account. Bar prices are displayed in Euros, however the final account can be settled in Croatian Kuna, Euros or British Pounds, at the end of your cruise. Only major debit and credit cards or cash are accepted on board.
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.
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Flexible Bookings
Everyone likes more flexibility. If you’d like freedom to change your plans, our flexible booking policies allow you to cancel and move your holiday to another time.
All Taken Care Of
We make planning your travel experience as seamless as it can be. Our travel experts can look after all aspects of your journey. There’s 24/7 emergency support and we’ll keep you updated on any travel requirements.
Safe Journeys
Your health – and that of your family, as well as our staff and crew – is Travelmarvel’s highest priority. You can rely on our industry-leading health protocols, to help ensure everyone’s health and wellbeing.