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Travel Documents

Valid U.S. passports are required for entry into most European countries. Though a few nations may accept an original U.S. birth certificate and a valid driver's license as proof of citizenship and identity, we strongly recommend a valid U.S. passport – it's easily recognized by foreign government officials at cruise piers and airports.

• Some countries require that your U.S. passport remain valid for 6 months or longer beyond the dates of your visit.
• Please check with the U.S. Government to verify up-to-date foreign entry requirements for each of the nations included in your cruise's itinerary.
• Order a passport: It's easy, and express delivery options are available.
• Renew your passport: They expire after 10 years – don't forget to check your date!

A visa may also be required – in addition to a valid U.S. passport – in select European nations and border countries. Russia, for example, is included in many cruise itineraries and has historically been one such nation. Click the Foreign Entry Requirements link above for more details.

In special cases, immunization records may also be required – especially on extended European voyages and worldwide cruises with stops in exotic ports. If you're traveling to multiple destinations, for example, including a specific nation with a documented yellow fever risk, you'll need proof of immunization to enter Egypt. And if you're traveling to Africa, it's recommended as a precaution that you bring along malaria medication in the rare event that you are exposed. Click the Foreign Entry Requirements link for more details.

†Cruise lines, airlines, and our company cannot be held responsible for any customers denied cruise or flight boarding, entry to foreign countries, or reentry to the U.S. due to lack of proper travel documents and identification.

When To Go

Peak Season
May to October is European cruising's peak season, chiefly because these months offer the most sun and blue sky. And the days last longer – Scandinavia can stay sunny for nearly 20 hours a day! Mild weather makes it easy to pack and travel light, and the attractions are easily accessible – the royal gardens are abloom in London, the sidewalk cafes come alive in Paris, and beaches from the French Riviera to the islands of Spain and Greece sizzle with beauty. Outdoor festivals and art shows also make the summer popular with travelers. And in August, the crowds will be a little smaller – because many Europeans go on vacation abroad.

Value Season
Early spring and late fall are also popular with travelers. American holidays (like St. Patrick's Day) and European holidays (like Germany's famed Oktoberfest) draw many visitors in Europe's cooler months. From Ireland's emerald countryside to the sun-washed vineyards of Italy, the colorful changing of the seasons can be a magical time. Some vacationers prefer this period because there are smaller crowds – imagine having Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper all to yourself! And, of course, there are plenty of great deals at this time of year.

Weather
One of the most attractive aspects of European travel is the region's relative absence of extreme weather. Across the Mediterranean, the summer season is mostly dry and mild. Though a short-lived heat wave may reach the mainland once a year, you won't encounter the huge thunderstorms that generally accompany humid weather in other regions across the globe. Great Britain and Ireland, however, will almost certainly receive more rainfall than the mainland.

Springtime generally means warm days, cool nights, and occasional (light) rain showers. Fall features crisp breezes, but Europe's autumn season doesn't normally give way to winter blizzards like those found across the U.S. – though Scandinavia, for example, will cool considerably in the north.

Getting There

Unless you're taking a transatlantic cruise embarking from close to home, you'll need to schedule a flight to Europe. The most common embarkation ports for European cruises are located in Italy (usually Rome or Venice), Spain (Barcelona), and England (London). That means you'll most likely need to find flights to these gateways. To help you plan, we've done the math for you ...


Purchasing Airfare – With Us
Complimentary roundtrip transfers between the airport and cruise pier are included in your package when you purchase airfare along with your cruise. This is the most convenient and popular way to go – a range of flight options will automatically be selected as part of your package. Additionally, the cruise line will make special arrangements (or compensate you) if the flights purchased with your package don't arrive in time for cruise embarkation.

You may select alternative flights for an additional fee. Call one of our expert agents for details.

Purchasing Airfare & Transfers – On Your Own
If you buy your flights independently, you'll be responsible for arriving on time for all of your travel components. Allow extra time for each leg of your travel itinerary to help ensure that you don't miss the boat or your flight home. Be sure to schedule any Europe-bound flight so that it arrives at least 6 hours prior to cruise embarkation. Choose a return flight that doesn't depart until at least 6 hours after the cruise ship's scheduled time of disembarkation.

Transfers between the airport and cruise pier are not included in the price of your package when you purchase airfare on your own. You may add transfers to your package for an additional cost (subject to availability), but don't forget to confirm the transfer reservations and your flight details directly with the cruise line. If you purchase transfers on your own, you'll be responsible for arriving at the ship in time for embarkation.

To Rome
PLEASE NOTE: The cruise pier is located in the nearby town of Civitavecchia.

To London
PLEASE NOTE: While some smaller cruise ships embark from the banks of London's River Thames, most ships will embark from Dover or Southampton. Both locations are within an hour's drive of the airport.

Time Zones

Traveling across the Atlantic to Europe means you'll have to set your watch forward. You may cross several time zones during your cruise, depending on which regions of the continent are included in your itinerary.

Hours Ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time:

Time

Much of Europe uses the equivalent of U.S. Military Time. It may seem confusing at first, but converting European time into U.S. standard time is actually quite simple. The first 12 hours of the day are essentially the same, except the morning hours before 10 AM, which begin with a zero. Colons may or may not be used to divide the hours from the minutes. From afternoon to midnight, simply subtract 12 hours from the given time. For example – if it's 1500 in Paris, then you'll convert to standard time by subtracting 1200, giving you a time of 3:00 PM.

European Time Conversion
0100 to 1200 = 1 AM to Noon
1300 to 2400 = 1 PM to Midnight

Money

It's now easier than ever for visitors to purchase goods and services in Europe. Most of the European nations now use the Euro Dollar as official currency. In most instances, you'll be able to cruise from port to port and use the same foreign money in each destination. One important exception, however, is Great Britain, where the currency remains the English Pound.

Cash
Getting cash is easy if you have an ATM/debit card that belongs to one of the major American banking networks. Europe's major cities are home to plenty of international ATMs – these machines dispense in local currency and most feature easy-to-read instructions in English and the local language. Keep in mind that some international ATMs are only available during normal business hours. Hours vary from country to country.

Exchange bureaus (or Bureau d'Echange) are also commonly found throughout major European cities. You can convert U.S. Dollars, English Pounds, and other currency at these small kiosks or booths. It's important to note, however, that exchange bureaus charge a significant fee, and the process can sometimes be confusing.

We recommend bringing a small amount of foreign currency with you – before leaving, simply visit a local bank and convert $10 to $100 U.S. Dollars into Euro Dollars. You'll avoid paying conversion fees at exchange bureaus and transaction fees at international ATMs (many American banks charge a fee in addition to the foreign bank's fee). And when you arrive in port with local currency, you're prepared – to pay for public transportation, make small purchases, etc. It's an especially smart move if you'll be visiting smaller European cities and towns that may not offer international ATMs or accept credit cards.

Euro Dollar – Today's Exchange Rate

Credit Cards & Traveler's Checks
Major American credit cards are commonly accepted in most European cities. Many of the major credit card companies also offer traveler's checks, though they are generally accepted at a smaller percentage of locations. Despite the limitations, many vacationers choose to use traveler's checks as a secondary form of currency.

Safety
Remember – it's best not to travel with a significant amount of cash. Valuables, including expensive or sentimental jewelry, should be left at home. Unless these items have already been insured, you'll risk losing them forever to inadvertent carelessness, damage, or theft. Be mindful of your passport, wallet or purse, jewelry, and bags – especially when traveling in airports, train stations, and elevators.

Tipping
No matter where you go, tipping will almost certainly be appreciated. But, as a general rule, the practice of tipping isn't as common (or as generous) in Europe as it is in the U.S. Keep in mind (especially when dining out) that it's common in Europe for service charges to be included in your bill. In those instances, an additional tip isn't necessary.

Getting Around

Once you step off the ship, you're free to roam wherever your heart desires. Public transportation, including buses and taxis, is readily available at cruise piers. A train station may be located at the docks or close nearby, and some ports are situated right in the heart of the action. City maps are often available. If you take a taxi, be sure to check if it's metered – if not, be sure to settle on a price with the driver before you accept a ride.

Extensive train and subway systems make getting around most major European cities particularly easy. Route maps are usually posted, but it's probably a smart idea to learn a few key words and phrases in the local language before going into port – especially if you think you'll need to ask for directions. When in doubt, try asking people for help in English – most Europeans know at least two languages!

Culture & Customs

Europe is a fascinating collection of cultures, customs, and languages. And its people are rightfully proud of their rich heritage and regional lifestyles. As their guest, and as a representative of the U.S., it's important that you're aware of – and sensitive to – local customs. Before entering religious sites and attractions, for example, check to see if there's a strict dress code – casual clothing is forbidden in many holy places. Don't assume it's okay to take photographs inside places of worship, museums, or government buildings. It's also a good idea to ask permission before photographing a stranger.

Simply put, common sense rules of conduct apply when mingling with your European hosts – act courteously and you'll be warmly welcomed wherever you go.