How Does the Embarkation Process Work on CroisiEurope?
Embarkation day the day you board the ship can feel daunting for first-time river cruisers who are used to the scale and process of airport or hotel check-in. On a CroisiEurope river cruise, embarkation is refreshingly straightforward. Here is exactly what to expect.
Before Embarkation Day: What to Prepare
• Your booking confirmation digital copy on your phone or printed.
• Your passport original, not a photocopy. Ensure it is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.
• Your travel insurance policy documents keep accessible.
• Any pre-cruise hotel booking confirmation if you are staying in the embarkation city the night before (strongly recommended).
Finding the Ship
River cruise ships moor at designated river cruise ports typically a quayside or river berth in the city centre or near the old town. In Vienna, ships typically moor near the Reichsbrücke area. In Passau, at the Luitpoldbrücke quay. In Amsterdam, near the NDSM wharf or the city centre terminal.
CroisiEurope provides the ship's exact mooring location with your pre-departure documents. If you are arriving by taxi or transfer, the driver will know the river cruise terminal. CroisiEurope Australia can also provide transfer arrangements from the airport to the ship ask at booking (1300 739 652).
Embarkation Time
Embarkation typically opens from 2:00 3:00pm on the first day. The ship may depart that evening or the following morning check your specific itinerary. Do not arrive before embarkation opens (cabins are being prepared); do not arrive after the departure time.
If you are flying into the embarkation city on embarkation day, CroisiEurope Australia strongly recommends arriving the night before. Flight delays are common, and missing embarkation with the ship departing without you means catching up with the vessel at the next port, at your own expense. A pre-cruise hotel night is very good value relative to this risk.
The Check-In Process
• Approach the gangway crew members will be present to assist.
• Present your booking confirmation and passport.
• Your cabin key card is issued. You are given a ship map and the current day's programme.
• Your luggage is carried to your cabin by crew you do not need to handle it after the gangway.
• A brief ship orientation is provided (or available from reception).
Embarkation Day Activities
Safety briefing: Mandatory. Held within the first few hours on board. Brief (15 20 minutes), covering muster stations, life jacket location, emergency procedures.
Welcome reception: Typically held before dinner on embarkation evening the best opportunity to meet fellow passengers and the crew before the cruise programme begins.
Dinner: The first full dinner on board. The galley is fully operational from day one.
Departure: The ship may sail on the first evening (allowing you to watch the city recede from the sun deck) or overnight. Check your itinerary.
What to Do When You Board
• Unpack properly you are here for 7-14 days. Drawers and the wardrobe are available. Living out of a suitcase in a small cabin for a week is unnecessary.
• Introduce yourself to your cabin steward.
• Identify the dining room seating arrangement CroisiEurope uses open seating for most itineraries, meaning you choose your table at each meal.
• Check the excursion booking desk for the cruise if shore excursions need to be pre-booked for your itinerary, do this on embarkation day.
Enquire with CroisiEurope Australia
For bookings, brochures, or any questions about CroisiEurope itineraries, contact our dedicated Australian team.
Phone: 1300 739 652 | Email: contact@croisicruises.com
Website: www.croisieuroperivercruises.com.au | Tweet World Travel, 544 Magill Road, Magill SA 5072
2027 departures are open for booking now.
