When traveling internationally, it’s essential to be prepared with local currency for each country you visit. Here’s a breakdown of the currencies you’ll need for the following countries:

• Hungary: Hungarian Forint (HUF)

• Slovakia: Euro (EUR)

• Austria: Euro (EUR)

• Prague, Czech Republic: Czech Koruna (CZK)

Many locations accept major credit cards, but in smaller towns, they are not as widely accepted. For small vendors or incidentals, it’s a good idea to carry some local currency in small denominations.

ATMs are available on shore at some stops, but before you depart, confirm with your bank that your ATM or credit card and PIN will work abroad.

Onboard, all purchases are charged to your room account. You can pay your shipboard account with Euros, U.S. dollars, or major credit cards like American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Diners Club.

Note that a fee is charged for the use of checks, and personal checks cannot be cashed onboard.

It’s also helpful to carry small denominations of USD or Euros for easier exchanges and local purchases.

For flights arriving in Budapest, you should plan to arrive by 3:30 pm at the latest.

Guests are required to be on board the ship no later than 5 pm. This ensures plenty of time for check-in and getting settled.

The boarding process is quite simple. As you arrive at the ship, you are likely to be greeted by the Captain or the Cruise Director who will escort you onboard and assist with luggage.

Yes, you can! Unlike traditional cruise ships, there are no lines, and you can come and go as you please—similar to how you would at a hotel.

Simply tap in and tap out with your room key when entering or leaving the ship. This flexibility allows you to explore your destination at your own pace without any hassle.

We do not recommend taking a taxi. We suggest using a car pick-up service. Alternatively, Avalon can arrange for airport and hotel transfers.

Budapest offers a variety of transportation options for getting around the city. Here are some of the most convenient ways to explore:

• Uber: Uber operates in Budapest and is a convenient option for getting around quickly. While there is no Lyft service, Uber is reliable and widely used by locals and tourists alike.
  

• Taxis: Taxis are a good choice, especially during busy traffic times. In Budapest, taxis have the advantage of being allowed to use bus lanes, which can significantly reduce travel time. Always use licensed taxis, such as Főtaxi, and ensure the meter is running to avoid overcharges.
  

• Walking: Budapest is a highly walkable city, particularly in areas near the river where many river cruise ships dock. Major landmarks, restaurants, and shopping districts are within easy walking distance, making it a great option for sightseeing on foot.
  

• Public Transportation: Budapest also has a well-developed public transport system, including trams, buses, and a metro system. It's affordable and efficient, especially for longer distances or if you're looking to visit areas outside the central districts.

Docking positions are determined by local authorities and may vary based on the number of ships in port on any given day.

This can sometimes lead to double-docking, where more than one ship is assigned to the same dock and the ships are "rafted" together, which may temporarily obstruct certain views from onboard.

Exact docking locations are usually confirmed 24 to 72 hours before embarkation.

In the meantime, you can download a map of all possible docking sites for your embarkation city at www.AvalonWaterwaysPorts.com.

Once your ship’s docking assignment is available, you’ll be able to download a map showing the specific location, including the address.

If your flight is canceled or delayed and you’re already checked in or at the airport, here’s what to do:

• Work with the airline staff at the airport to find a solution. If the lines are long, consider calling the airline directly as this may be a quicker option.
  

• Many airlines will notify you of flight changes through their mobile app or email. You might also be able to rebook your flight directly through the airline’s app. Remember, new boarding passes will need to be obtained.
  

• If the airline isn’t assisting, call (877) 333-3920, and we may be able to help.
  

• Once you have confirmed your new flight details, contact Avalon's Guest Resolution Department at (877) 333-3920 to update Avalon with your new itinerary so they can adjust tour operations accordingly.

If you need help outside of our normal business hours, contact Avalon's partner, Live Travel, at the following numbers:

• From within the United States or Canada: (800) 336-8628

• From outside the United States or Canada: (817) 826-7004

When calling, be ready to provide the following information, which you can find in your eDocuments:

• Tour/Cruise Code and Departure Date

• Six-Digit Reference Number

Live Travel will assist you with your travel needs while you're en route only.

Onboard electricity is 220v, and wall sockets use a European 2-prong plug.

You’ll need an adapter for dual-voltage appliances and both an adapter and an EU-certified converter for non-dual voltage devices.

Non-certified converters can damage appliances and pose a fire risk.

Staterooms are also equipped with USB outlets for charging phones, tablets, and cameras.

Laundry service is available on board for a modest fee. You can check the price list in your stateroom. Please note that dry cleaning is not available on the ship. For safety reasons, ironing clothes in staterooms is prohibited, but the onboard laundry service can press your clothes for a fee if needed.

Here’s a helpful list to make sure you’re well-prepared for your trip:

• Clothing: Pack comfortable outfits for daytime exploring and casual attire for evenings. Be sure to check the weather for your destination and bring layers for cooler evenings.

• Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes are a must for shore excursions. You might also want a pair of dressier shoes for dinners.

• Toiletries: Bring your essentials like toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and any personal items you may need. Don’t forget sunscreen!

• Electronics: Phone, charger, adapters, and any other devices you need. Don’t forget an adapter if you’re bringing items that aren’t dual voltage.

• Passport & Copy: Keep your passport with you and a copy stored separately as a backup.

• Cash & Credit Cards: Carry some local currency for small purchases and your credit cards for larger transactions.

• Health Insurance Information: Bring a printout or a digital copy of your health insurance details.

Make sure to pack for comfort on your shore excursions, and remember, evenings can get cooler, so be prepared with light jackets or sweaters.

English is spoken in many cities, but perhaps not as widely as you might expect. In Vienna and Prague, you’ll find that many people speak English, especially in tourist areas. However, in places like Budapest and Bratislava, as well as smaller towns along the river, English is less common, particularly among older locals.

It’s a good idea to download a translator app to your phone and familiarize yourself with it before your trip. Here are the local languages you’ll encounter:

• Budapest, Hungary: Hungarian

• Bratislava, Slovakia: Slovak

• Austria & Germany (other ports): German

• Prague, Czech Republic: Czech

Having a translator app handy can help bridge the gap in areas where English is not as commonly spoken.

The language on board the ship is English. All staff, crew, and tour guides Speak English. All announcements and commentary will be in English.

Yes, you’ll have access to WiFi onboard, allowing you to use WiFi calling or video streaming. The signal strength is generally very good, though it can vary at times.

It’s a good idea to contact your carrier before your trip, let them know the countries you’ll be visiting, and ask about your options.

For example, T-Mobile offers free texting, WiFi, and limited free calling from many countries, depending on your plan.

Pro tip: Before you leave, make sure to turn off data roaming if you don’t want to incur roaming charges.

The dress code onboard is relaxed and comfortable. Here’s what to expect:

• Daytime: Super casual—whatever you’d wear to go exploring when you travel. Think comfortable clothes for sightseeing, strolling on deck, or participating in activities. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you leave to pack accordingly.
  

• Evening Dinner: Dinner attire is casual, with men typically wearing collared shirts and slacks rather than shorts and t-shirts. For our ladies, skirts and dresses are most common. Gentlemen who enjoy feeling sporty in sports coats are welcome to pack them, though they are not required. While there’s no formal night, some guests prefer to dress up a bit for celebratory evenings such as the Captain’s Reception or the Farewell Dinner.
  

Overall, comfort is key, but you have the option to dress up a little if you like.

Your single piece of luggage should not exceed 30" x 21" x 11" in size and should weigh no more than 50 lbs. (22 kg). If you bring additional bags, and space allows, there may be extra charges payable to the Tour or Cruise Director.

If no space is available for extra bags, you’ll be responsible for making arrangements to transport your additional luggage between locations at your own expense.

Keep in mind that airlines, cruise lines, and other transportation providers may have their own restrictions and requirements, particularly regarding weight limits.

We recommend contacting these suppliers directly for more details.

Additionally, many airlines charge fees for checked baggage, which are not included in your vacation or airfare package.

Be sure to check with your airline directly for their baggage policies.