We are delighted you would like to go on a river cruise with nicko cruises and are now starting your holiday planning. We would like to give you some suggestions that will help you to prepare. There are a few special features and useful tips that are worth knowing for every form of travel. We have tried here to select some of the important items for you to have a relaxing journey.
Our ships offer you the greatest possible comfort, but you will naturally have to negotiate stairs, narrow doors and corridors. You will embark or disembark via mostly narrow gangways that may not always be at ground level. Sometimes the ship is accessed via the sun deck. If you cannot manage these obstacles without assistance, a cruise is not recommended. None of our nicko cruises ships are disabled accessible.
EXCURSIONS
nicko cruises offers a pre-bookable package of interesting excursions that we highly recommend to be booked ahead of your cruise. This way your space & the realization will be guaranteed. (Excursions are included in the fare with some cruises, so please read the cruise description). Additional excursions can be booked on board (subject to availability). They often have a minimum number of participants. Unless otherwise stated, excursion group sizes are generally between 30 and 50 participants. If you do not participate in an excursion you have booked (either as an advanced package or on board the ship), the costs are non-refundable. Please note that high and low water, certain weather conditions, changes to the assigned mooring location at the port of call or waiting times at locks can lead to delays and changes to the excursion programme, such as changes to the exit or entrance point. Children under 12 receive a 20% discount on the excursion package, as well as on the optional excursions, which can be booked on board. This applies to all our risk ships. Excluded are all voyages where we only have contingents and add-on ships (Steigenberger ships, FREDERIC CHOPIN, KATHARINA VON BORA, THURGAU SAXONIA, MEKONG NAVIGATOR, PRINCESS, AMERICAN QUEEN, JAZ NILE MONARCH).
LANGUAGE ON BOARD
German and English are spoken on board all nicko cruises ships (English is the only language spoken on board the MEKONG NAVIGATOR and AMERICAN QUEEN). Now that nicko cruises is expanding into the international market, there may be some cruises with groups of passengers who speak a different language. In this case, tannoy announcements and announcements at evening events will be made in German or English and in the passenger group’s language.
EMBARKATION AND DISEMBARKATION
Detailed embarkation instructions with the exact berth at the embarkation point will be sent to you with your travel documents. Mooring plans for all ports of embarkation and disembarkation can be found on our website at www.nicko-cruises.de/en/moorings. Even when a ship has an officially confirmed berth it is sometimes necessary to change it at short notice. If you are making your own travel arrangements to the embarkation point, please also check the information boards at the port. Please be sure to note the exact embarkation times. Even if the ship arrives at the port early, the crew must use the time to get everything “ship shape”. For that reason you will not be able to come on board before the stated embarkation time. Your luggage cannot be checked before 13:00.
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
For safety reasons, irons, electric kettles, hair straighteners, immersion heaters and similar electrical appliances may not be used in the cabins. The cabins on all the ships have hairdryers. The electrical voltage in your cabin is 220 volts (except on the AMERICAN QUEEN, where the voltage on the entire ship is 110 volts – an adapter is required!). European Type C plugs can be used without an adapter on almost all nicko cruises ships. Further details are provided in your travel documents.
FIRST AID ON BOARD/HEALTH
A medical officer is on board all 12-, 15- and 19-day Danube cruises and on AMERICAN QUEEN cruises to provide first aid in emergencies. Local physicians on the shore can also be contacted at short notice. Medical services provided by the ship’s medical officers and any medication administered has to be paid for on the ship. Our on-board staff (for example at the reception) are not allowed to dispense any medication. Please remember to carry sufficient supplies of any medication that you need constantly in your hand luggage. Also bring along standard medications such as headache tablets. No liability is accepted for medications that you bring on board. We recommend that you take out insurance for medical treatment abroad that covers repatriation costs. All of our ships are subject to strict hygiene requirements, which are constantly monitored by the management. For your own safety, we have placed hand sanitizers on board in many different locations, which every guest should use as often as possible to prevent the accidental spread of pathogens on the ship. Upon request, oxygen equipment is permitted on board many ships. Please note, however, that there may be temporary power fluctuations on board. Carrying oxygen cylinders in coaches is generally prohibited.
GUESTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
Our ships offer you the greatest possible comfort, but you will naturally have to negotiate stairs, narrow doors and corridors. The generally narrow gangways are sometimes on a slope; and ships can be moored in groups, which means access to your ship may be via another ship. Sometimes access to the ship is via the sun deck. None of our river cruise ships are disabled accessible. If you need special assistance, you must travel with a carer. Our crew is always willing to give a helping hand, but please bear in mind that they are not trained carers and not permitted to carry out any nursing duties. Please let us know of any limitations and the type and extent of assistance you will need before you book. We will be happy to advise you on whether a river cruise is suitable for you.
LUGGAGE
The weight of your luggage must not exceed 23 kg per bag. If travelling by air, the baggage allowance rules of each airline apply. nicko cruises accepts no liability for any damage incurred in transit due to the loading and unloading of luggage exceeding the maximum weight of 23 kg. Please note that your empty luggage must be stowed in your cabin. The storage space provided for this purpose under the beds is suitable for suitcases with a maximum height of 23 centimetres. Your luggage may only contain personal belongings. Bringing weapons, knives, alcohol or intoxicants on board is prohibited. For safety reasons, it is not permitted to take drinks and food on board. This also applies to anything purchased for consumption during shore excursions.
INTERNET ON BOARD
Many nicko cruises ships have Wi-Fi internet on board which can be booked at reception or from the cruise director against a charge. (Please read the information about the ship). Continuous reception cannot always be guaranteed and along some river sections there may be temporary interruptions in network coverage. We are sorry, but costs will not be reimbursed due to network coverage interruptions. To ensure the most stable internet service possible, there are restrictions on certain streaming providers and internet services. For more information, please refer to the information folder in your cabin. If you have any other questions you are welcome to contact reception.
CABINS
You will usually receive your cabin number with your booking confirmation. We will gladly accept your non-binding cabin request when you book. However, information on cabin numbers is expressly not part of the contract. Most cabins are affected to some extent by typical ship noises and odours, such as the engine, the air-conditioning or ventilation system. The cabins designated as “aft” are in the back section of the ship. Engine noises can be heard to a greater extent in these cabins when the ship is in motion. The cabins at the front of the ship are affected to a greater extent by bow thruster noises during docking manoeuvres and when passing through locks. All cabins are outside cabins, either with a private balcony or a French balcony, a panorama window (that can be partially opened) or a porthole. Minor field of view restrictions are possible due to stairways or balcony struts. Detailed information is provided in the ship profile from page 128 onwards.
CHILDREN ON BOARD
Children under 16 years of age who are accompanied by two full-paying adults travel free of charge on selected ships if they are accommodated in a 2-bed cabin with an extra bed (limited number available; only BELVEDERE, BOLERO, VIKTORIA, MAXIMA, BELLEJOUR and PRINCESS). Children aged 16 and over travel for €80 per night in a 2-bed cabin with an extra bed. When accompanied by only one full-paying adult, children under 16 years of age receive a 50% discount on the cabin price (does not apply to AMERICAN QUEEN, MEKONG NAVIGATOR or in Egypt). Despite these options, our cruises are not generally suitable for children. There are no special entertainment programmes, babysitting services, toys, child seats or cots for children on board. Children under the age of 3 are not permitted on board.
DRESS CODE
We recommend sporty-casual clothing during the daytime on board the ships and for the excursions. You should wear non-slip shoes on the outside decks. We recommend a sweater for cooler evenings and comfortable footwear for the shore excursions. Remember to take a head covering, sunglasses and rain protection with you. In this connection, also consider that foreign countries often have other customs with religious roots. Churches, monasteries, temples and mosques are, first and foremost, places of worship. Please therefore wear appropriate clothing. Shorts, short skirts and sleeveless tops are not appropriate. The evening dress code is smart. At the gala dinner you are also welcome to wear formal attire.
SHORE EXCURSIONS
Shore excursions that nicko cruises has organised and put together for you will take you to the most important sights along the cruise. You are also very welcome to explore the places where we call into port on your own. Leaving your ship is always possible when the authorities as well as the captain have officially cleared the ship and the corresponding announcement has been made. Please check the daily programme to see when you have to be back on board. The ship has registered berthing times at the ports and cannot wait for late passengers. Any additional expenses, (such as hotel costs or additional transfer costs to the next port of call) will not be covered by nicko cruises.
MULTI-BED CABINS
On some nicko cruises ships we offer guests the opportunity to book cabins for three occupants. These cabins are not necessarily any larger than the regular double cabins. The third bed is a mobile extra bed. The price for the third person aged 16 and over is €80 per night.
SERVICES NOT INCLUDED IN THE CRUISE FARE
Please note that the following services are not included in our cruise fares: Individual arrival and departure, excursions – unless explicitly included in the cruise fare – insurance, drinks, tips (recommendation €10–13 per person/day), other personal expenses.
PASSENGER MANIFEST
For cruises to Croatia, the United States, Egypt and Asia, we require certain information from you before we set out to prepare a passenger manifest. It contributes to faster official clearance of the vessel in the various ports and shortens waiting times for you. The information on this passenger manifest is subject to data protection. Further details are provided in your booking confirmation. On all other cruises the manifest is prepared on board by the ship’s crew. A manifest is also a requirement for cruises within the EU. For that reason, all passengers’ ID cards/passports will be collected during the embarkation process. It is not necessary to record passport data before the start of the trip.
PASSPORT/VISA
Please check in good time before departure that all necessary travel documents and papers are properly valid. Also note that you are responsible for ensuring that you have the correct travel documents and visas, as well as for compliance with vaccination requirements. Failure to comply with passport and visa requirements may result in refusal of carriage or considerable costs for the passenger concerned. If a passenger is not able to join a cruise due to missing documents, the cruise fare will not be refunded. Visas are not part of our travel service and every guest is responsible for obtaining them themselves. You can apply for a visa or ESTA to enter the United States online, directly at the relevant service centre of the consulates/embassies, or using a visa service. Please also obtain information about the effective customs regulations in the countries along your cruise route before departure.
You can drop off your mail on board. Usually the mail is dispatched at the next port. Postcards and stamps can be purchased from the ship’s reception desk. However, prices on board are generally more expensive than shore prices.
PRICE AND SERVICE CHANGES BETWEEN CATALOGUE PRINTING AND BOOKING
1. The offers for the contractual travel services in this catalogue correspond to the status at the time of going to press in August 2023. Please understand that it may be necessary for objective reasons to make changes before your booking request is received and we therefore expressly reserve the right to make such changes. We will of course inform you about these before the conclusion of the contract.
2. The prices stated in this catalogue also correspond to the status at the time of printing and are binding for us as the travel operator. However, we expressly reserve the right to change the cruise fare before conclusion of the contract. Naturally, you will be informed of any such change before booking: • After publication of the catalogue, a corresponding adjustment of the price stated in the catalogue is permissible in the event of an increase in transport costs (especially fuel costs), charges for certain services such as port, airport or entry fees, air traffic security costs, air traffic or value added tax, so-called “bed tax” or a change in the exchange rates applicable to the trip in question. • A price adjustment is also permissible if the package trip requested by the customer and offered in the catalogue is only available through the purchase of additional tourist services (contingents) after publication of the catalogue. When prices change after the conclusion of the travel contract, the provisions on price changes in our terms and conditions of travel apply, to the extent effectively agreed, and we expressly additionally refer to them.
SMOKING
Smoking is only permitted on the outside decks (and on some ships only in the designated areas). All inside areas of the ships such as restaurants, salons, cabins, corridors etc. are non-smoking areas.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Travel documents are ready approximately 21 days before departure and will be sent to you electronically after receipt of payment and – if mandatory – completion of the passenger manifest data. They contain important information such as embarkation instructions. In individual cases, the documents may be delayed until a few days before departure.
ITINERARY/INFORMATION ON TRAVEL DATES
The travel dates and days of the week are specified in the cruise description for all one-off cruises in the 2024 season. When a cruise takes place on different (or rotating) weekdays, the itinerary starts with Day 1 and continues for the rest of the cruise commencing on the date we have stated as the departure date.
ROUTE AND SERVICE CHANGES
River cruises are strongly dependent on the weather situation. For example heavy rainfall or a lengthy drought can negatively affect water levels. It may be necessary to change the route due to high and low water, certain weather conditions, delays at locks or bridge tunnels. Strikes can also result in route and service changes. If a section of the river is impassable, we will organise another available means of transport or accommodate guests in hotels on the affected travel dates. As a result of this it may not be possible to provide certain programme content. nicko cruises also reserves the right to change the sequence of the ports of call.
SECURED PAYMENT CERTIFICATE
Your cruise fare is insured in accordance with EU directives. You will receive the cruise fare secured payment certificate with your nicko cruises travel confirmation.
SHIP BERTHS
Every ship has a berth in each port. It can be assigned or changed at short notice by the authorities. It will not always be in the centre. In many cases it is not the front position at the mooring either. Ships are sometimes “grouped”, which means several ships are moored next to each other. In this case you may see the next ship our of your window and you may be disturbed by noises or odours. When you disembark, it may be necessary to walk across one or more other ships. Also note that when the ship is moored there may be visibility restrictions as a result of pontoons and quay walls.
SHIP FACILITIES
Every nicko cruises river vessel has a comfortably appointed salon with a wonderful view of the scenery on the route. Music is often played there during the evenings, and information events and entertainment programmes take place there during the day. (This varies from ship to ship.) On some ships there are additional smaller salons where small groups of passengers can read or play games. Some ships also have small gyms that you can use free of charge. Paid massages can be booked on the MEKONG NAVIGATOR and the AMERICAN QUEEN. Use of this service is at the passenger’s own risk. There are chairs, tables and generally also sunbeds with sunshades on our sun decks. Please note that there are restrictions on the number of these items permitted on deck and a maximum limit applies. Also note that the nicko cruises ships are not disabled accessible.
EXPECTANT MOTHERS
Expectant mothers will be permitted to travel up to the 28th week of pregnancy, provided that it is not a high-risk pregnancy.
VACCINATIONS
Please consult with your family doctor for information about infection protection, vaccinations and other preventative measures in good time before you start your trip. If special vaccinations are mandatory on your cruise route, we will explicitly point this out in the “important travel information” in the price section of the relevant cruise route. Each guest is responsible for meeting the health requirements in the destination countries.
TELEPHONE
On many nicko cruises ships it is possible to make calls between cabins. On the shore satellite telephone calls are possible. However, these calls are very expensive and we recommend that you use your own mobile phone to call home. Please request information about roaming charges from your network operator before the cruise.
ANIMALS/BICYCLES
Due to space restrictions, we regret that we are unable to accommodate pets or bicycles on our ships. We ask for your understanding.
TIPS
It is internationally customary for a satisfied guest to reward the services of the service staff accordingly. The amount of the tip is of course up to each guest and should be an acknowledgement of the service personnel’s good work. We recommend tips for the ship’s crew of €10–13 per guest and night (with the exception of the AMERICAN QUEEN and MEKONG NAVIGATOR where the tips on board are already included in the cruise fare). The nicko cruises management, local tour guides and bus drivers are not included. However, you are also welcome to thank them with a tip.
DRINKING WATER
Fresh water is always stored in tanks on ships so we recommend that you do not drink the tap water. Mineral water is available in the bars and restaurant. However, the tap water is perfectly safe for brushing teeth. nickoVISION is an exception to this rule. This ship has drinking quality tap water. TV Ships with TVs use a satellite system to ensure reception during much of the journey. There can be brief reception interruptions when the ship is passing under bridges or in locks, and on certain other sections of the route.
FOOD AND BEVERAGES
Full board is provided to all nicko cruises ship passengers and details are provided in the cruise description. The meals are enriched with local elements which vary depending on the cruise route. Buffet breakfasts are provided on all ships (except in Croatia, where a comprehensive continental breakfast is provided or served). A light lunch is served in the salon or on the sun deck (except on the Elbe and in Croatia, the United States and Egypt). Lunch is mostly served at the table and dinner is always served at the table. Some meals are provided in buffet format. There are meal sittings on board the ship, except on the nickoVISION and nickoSPIRIT, where meals can be taken at flexible times without assigned seating in any of the three restaurants, and on the AMERICAN QUEEN, where you have your dinner during the second meal sitting. Table reservations are not possible. If you have food intolerances or special dietary requirements please communicate them to us when you make your booking. Usually, appropriate meals can be prepared for you. Please understand that in exceptional cases this might not be possible in Croatia, the United States, Egypt or Asia, or on flights.
VALUABLES
Some cabins have a safe box where you can store your valuables. There is also a safe at reception on some ships. However, we recommend that you do not bring valuable items such as expensive jewellery with you on your trip. In some cases, you are visiting regions of the world where, by our standards, even modest wealth is considered opulence, and so showing off supposedly precious things could arouse greediness. Carry valuables such as cameras, jewellery, cash and the like in your hand luggage. We would like to point out that nicko cruises accepts no liability for lost valuables which are contained in unsupervised checked-in luggage.
ON-BOARD PAYMENTS
Our ships have different payment currencies differ depending on the destination. You can pay for beverages and excursions that you book on board the ship at the end of the cruise. The means of payment that are accepted on the ship are stated in the ship profile. Cash payments can only be made in the ship’s currency because at some destinations payment in euro is not permitted or possible. Please note: Currency exchange is not possible on board. Your cruise director will show you where you can exchange currency during the first shore excursion. In some cases your bank or credit card provider will charge a foreign exchange fee because not all ships sail under the German flag.
EMBARKATION AND DISEMBARKATION
With your travel documents you will receive detailed embarkation instructions with the exact berth at the embarkation point as well as the exact embarkation times. Despite officially confirmed berths, ships occasionally have to change them at short notice. Should you arrive on your own, we recommend that you arrive at the pier at least 3 hours before the ship departs. Please be sure to note the exact embarkation times. Even if the ship docks earlier, the crew must use the time to “clear the ship”. Please understand that it is not possible to board the ship until the specified time. Disembarkation on the day of departure usually takes place by 9:00 am.
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
For safety reasons, irons, straighteners, immersion heaters and similar electrical appliances may not be used in the cabins. The electrical voltage in your cabin is 220 volts. German plugs can be used without a country adapter. A hairdryer is available in the cabin free of charge.
FIRST AID AND MEDICAL CARE ON BOARD
A doctor is available on board the VASCO DA GAMA to provide first aid in case of emergency. The services of the ship’s doctor and any medication administered will be invoiced on site. Our on-board staff (for example at the reception) are not allowed to dispense any medication. Please remember to carry sufficient supplies of any medication that you need constantly in your hand luggage. You should also have sufficient quantities of common medicines, such as painkillers, with you. Narcotics prescribed by a doctor must be declared along with the medical certificate upon embarkation, kept separately on board and secured against unauthorised removal. No liability is accepted for medication and urgently needed medical utensils carried in the suitcase. We strongly recommend that you take out an international health insurance policy that also covers the costs of medically reasonable return transport to your home country. Our VASCO DA GAMA is subject to strict hygiene requirements, which are constantly monitored by the captain and his team. For your own safety, we have placed hand sanitizers on board in many different locations, which every guest should use as often as possible to prevent the accidental spread of pathogens on the ship. Medical electrical equipment may be taken on board upon request. Please note, however, that there may be temporary power fluctuations on board. Carrying oxygen cylinders in coaches is generally not permitted.
GUESTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
Your ship offers you the greatest possible comfort, but you will of course find stairs and narrow doors and corridors. Even getting in or out via the mostly narrow gangways is not always at ground level and, depending on the tidal range, can be very steep. If you cannot overcome these obstacles independently, a sea cruise on our ships is not recommended. We ask for your understanding if, in some cases, tendering or shore leave may be refused for safety reasons. The captain is responsible for making this decision. Our crew is of course willing to help, but please bear in mind that the staff on board are not trained carers and are not allowed to carry out any nursing duties. If you have a disability that prevents you from taking part in the sea rescue exercise, please also inform us before the trip begins. If you need special assistance, you must travel with a carer. Our seagoing vessel is not accessible. Guests who are dependent on a wheelchair are asked to bring their own folding wheelchair. Please note that the number of guests per trip who are dependent on a wheelchair is limited for safety reasons and embarkation may be refused if the passenger does not notify us in advance. For safety reasons and to check requirements, please inform us of any special needs, limited mobility or other physical limitations before booking.
LUGGAGE
The weight of your luggage must not exceed 23 kg per bag. If travelling by air, the baggage allowance rules of each airline apply. nicko cruises accepts no liability for any damage incurred in transit due to the loading and unloading of luggage exceeding the maximum weight of 23 kg. Please note that your empty luggage must be stowed in your cabin. The storage space provided for this purpose under the beds is suitable for suitcases with a maximum height of 23 centimetres. Your luggage may only contain personal belongings. Bringing weapons, knives, alcohol or intoxicants on board is prohibited. For safety reasons, it is not permitted to take drinks and food on board. This also applies to anything purchased for consumption during shore excursions. The hotel management will gladly store until disembarkation any local products/souvenirs that you would like to take home with you. According to the rules of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS), every piece of luggage – including hand luggage – is screened at embarkation.
INTERNET ON BOARD
VASCO DA GAMA is equipped with a satellite reception system and offers internet reception in the form of WLAN for a fee (please refer to the ship’s information). Continuous reception cannot always be guaranteed; on the high seas there may be interruptions in network coverage. We ask for your understanding that there is no possibility for reimbursement of costs due to interruptions. To ensure the most stable internet service possible, there are restrictions on certain streaming providers and internet services. For more information, please refer to the on-board ABC in your cabin. If you have any questions, the staff at reception will be happy to help you.
CABINS
You will usually receive your cabin number with your booking confirmation. We will gladly accept your non-binding cabin request when you book. However, information on cabin numbers is expressly not part of the contract. Typical ship noises, e.g. from the ship’s propulsion, air conditioning/ventilation, etc., can be heard in almost all rooms. Outside cabins with an obstruction of view due to the ship’s construction are marked accordingly in the deck plan in this catalogue. The standard cabins and the suites are equipped with a double bed with separate mattresses. If desired, the beds can also be made up separately. The Royal Penthouse Suite has a king-size double bed. VASCO DA GAMA has double cabins with connecting doors as well as suites that can be occupied by up to 4 people. For occupancy by 3–4 persons, the ship has double cabins with a sofa bed and/or a single upper bed. These cabins are particularly suitable for travellers with children. Cabins for guests with mobility impairments are also marked on the deck plan. Detailed features of the cabin categories offered can be found in the ship and cabin description starting on page 184 and in the deck plan on pages 182–183. We ask for your understanding that the suites can only be occupied by at least 2 people.
CHILDREN ON BOARD
Children under 16 travel free of charge when accompanied by two full-paying adults. When accompanied by one full-paying adult, children under 16 receive a 50% discount on the cruise fare. For information on our family cabins and discounts on bookable additional services, please refer to the price tables and arrival pages at the end of each chapter. The minimum age for children on board is 24 months. Children from the age of 3 have access to a spacious supervised play area on board the VASCO DA GAMA with indoor and outdoor areas extending over two decks. Only children who have been vaccinated against measles are permitted to use the children’s area. Proof must be provided by presenting the vaccination certificate.
CLOTHING
On board we recommend sporty-casual clothing. You should wear non-slip shoes on the outside decks. You can wear swimwear and sportswear in the designated pool, wellness and sports areas. In the restaurants, neat clothing is desired. For the shore excursions we recommend that you wear clothes suitable for the weather conditions. For cruises to cold regions, we recommend warm clothing even in the summer months, as well as waterproof and comfortable footwear for shore excursions. A laundry and ironing service is available on board the VASCO DA GAMA for a fee.
SHORE EXCURSIONS
Shore excursions, which nicko cruises has organised and put together for you, will take you to the most beautiful landscapes and most important sights along your itinerary. Of course, you can also discover your holiday destination on your own. Should the regulations change due to a pandemic declaration or local regulations, excursions can only be carried out with groups organised by us. Please enquire about the respective entry and visa regulations of your destination in good time before starting your trip. Leaving your ship is always possible when the authorities as well as the captain have officially cleared the ship and the corresponding announcement has been made. Please refer to the daily programme to find out when you have to be back on board. Due to the registered berthing times in the port, your ship cannot wait for late passengers. Any additional costs incurred (such as hotel or additional transfer costs) will not be covered. If your ship is at anchor, landings will be made by the ship’s own or local tender boats.
SERVICES INCLUDED IN THE CRUISE FARE
Please note that the following services are not included in our cruise fare: Individual arrival and departure, excursions – if not explicitly included in the cruise fare – insurance, drinks, tips (recommendation €13–17 per day/person), other personal expenses.
PASSPORT/VISA/ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Please check well in advance of your trip that all necessary travel documents and papers are properly valid. We hereby inform you that you are responsible for your own required travel documents, visas and compliance with health regulations at your holiday destination. Please refer to the “Important Travel Information” in this catalogue following each price table or the information in your travel confirmation. Please note that minors require their own valid travel document. For travel outside the European Union, child ID cards are not accepted in most countries. Here, presenting a machine-readable passport with photo is required for entry. If children are not travelling in the company of their legal guardian, they must bring along written confirmation from the legal guardian, which may be certified by a notary public. In addition, a copy of the parent or guardian’s passport must be attached to the confirmation. Failure to comply with passport, visa and health regulations may result in refusal of carriage or considerable costs for the passenger concerned. If a trip cannot be started due to missing documents, the cruise fare will not be refunded. Further general information on entry and visa requirements: In addition to the period of validity, the passport must have two opposite free pages per country for entry and exit in many countries outside Europe. Please check your passport for the necessary requirements. Several countries have established import regulations for certain medicines. Please inform yourself in good time about the current entry requirements of the destination countries of your trip. Possible entry and visa fees are not included in the cruise fare. If necessary, a (group) visa will be applied for upon the ship’s arrival in individual countries. Should this be subject to a charge, the fees incurred will be debited from your on-board account. Your travel agency will be happy to assist you in obtaining individual visas. Please note that in addition to the entry, health and visa requirements listed here, there may be further requirements to be taken into account. You will find them on our website at www.nicko-cruises.de/en/important-information approximately six months before the start of your trip.
PASSENGER MANIFEST
For all trips with the VASCO DA GAMA, we require certain information from you before the start of the trip in order to prepare a passenger manifest. It contributes to faster official clearance of the vessel in the various ports and shortens waiting times for you. The information on this passenger manifest is subject to data protection. You will receive a booking confirmation containing a link to your login area for entering the manifest data online.
You can drop off your mail on board. Usually the mail is dispatched at the next port. Postcards as well as stamps can be purchased at the reception on board, but note that prices on board can usually be more expensive than on land.
PRICE AND SERVICE CHANGES BETWEEN CATALOGUE PRINTING AND BOOKING
1. The offers for the contractual travel services in this catalogue correspond to the status at the time of going to press in April 2023. However, please understand that until your booking request has been transmitted, there are likely to be factual reasons for changes to the services, which we therefore expressly reserve the right to make. We will of course inform you about these before the conclusion of the contract.
2. The prices stated in this catalogue also correspond to the status at the time of printing and are binding for us as the travel operator.
However, we expressly reserve the right – especially for the following reasons – to declare a change in the cruise fare before conclusion of the contract; we will of course inform you of any such change before booking:
• After publication of the catalogue, a corresponding adjustment of the price stated in the catalogue is permissible in the event of an increase in transport costs (especially fuel costs), charges for certain services such as port, airport or entry fees, air traffic security costs, air traffic or value added tax, so-called “bed tax” or a change in the exchange rates applicable to the trip in question.
• A price adjustment is also permissible if the package trip requested by the customer and offered in the catalogue is only available through the purchase of additional tourist services (contingents) after publication of the catalogue. For price changes after conclusion of the travel contract, the provisions on price changes in our terms and conditions of travel shall apply, insofar as they are validly agreed, to which we expressly refer in addition.
SMOKING
Smoking is only permitted in the designated areas of the outside deck. Please only use the ashtrays provided. All interior areas such as restaurants, lounges, cabins, cabin balconies, corridors etc. are non-smoking areas. This also applies to the use of e-cigarettes of any kind.
ROADSTEAD/SHIP BERTHS
Every ship has a berth in every port, which can also be changed at short notice by the authorities. It does not always have to be in the centre. You will find an anchor symbol in front of some moorings in the itineraries on the travel pages; this means that your ship is not mooring at a pier, but is anchored in a designated, safe place or, in nautical parlance, is “in the roads”. Please note that the port authorities may at any time assign our vessel another berth in the roadstead at short notice; this is beyond the control of the shipping company. In these cases, a regular shuttle service between the ship and port will be arranged, using either the ship’s own or local tender boats. This disembarkation is dependent on weather. For safety reasons, customers with limited mobility are unfortunately not able to use this service. This also applies to guests with a pronounced form of visual impairment.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
The travel documents are ready for dispatch approx. 14 days before departure and will be sent immediately by e-mail, provided we have received the data for the on-board manifest and the final payment has been made. In addition to the vouchers for booked services, the travel documents contain important information, such as embarkation instructions. In individual cases, the arrival of the documents may be delayed until a few days before departure.
CHANGES TO ROUTES AND SERVICES
Cruises are subject to special shipping conditions which we cannot influence. The shipping company therefore reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary without prior notice should these become necessary for safety reasons or due to sea, weather or ice conditions or due to travel warnings issued by the German Foreign Office.
SHIP’S FACILITIES
On board the VASCO DA GAMA, a wide range of public facilities are available for your well-being. In addition to the wellness area with steam bath and sauna, this includes a fitness area with various cardio machines. Table tennis, shuffleboard and darts complete the facilities. The outdoor sports area includes a paddle tennis hard court and a jogging track. In addition, VASCO DA GAMA has an outdoor pool with two whirlpools and a covered indoor pool. You can use all these facilities free of charge. Use is at the passenger’s own risk. In the beauty area, massage and cosmetic treatments are available for a fee. You can also arrange for a session with a hairdresser. You will find opening times and price lists for these services in your cabin. In the various on-board shops you will find a range of clothing, costume jewellery, cosmetics and a selection of articles for daily use. Please note that due to customs regulations, the shops are only allowed to open outside the 12 mile zone. In our theatre “Hollywood’s” a variety of shows and entertainment programmes are performed.
VACCINATIONS
Please consult with your family doctor for information about infection and vaccination protection as well as other prophylactic measures in good time before you start your trip. Each passenger is responsible for meeting the requirements of the entry regulations of each destination. Only children who have been vaccinated against measles are permitted to use the children’s area. Proof must be provided by presenting the vaccination certificate.
PREGNANT GUESTS
Pregnant guests must present a medical certificate at the start of the trip confirming that there are no medical reservations against taking part in the trip. Please note that it is not possible to take part in the trip if you are already in the 24th week of pregnancy or have a high-risk pregnancy.
SECURED PAYMENT CERTIFICATE
Your cruise fare is insured in accordance with EU directives. You will receive the cruise fare secured payment certificate with your nicko cruises travel confirmation.
TELEPHONE ON BOARD (COMMUNICATION)
On board you can make telephone calls from cabin to cabin. It is also possible to make telephone calls to land via a satellite connection. However, the costs are quite high and we recommend that you use your own mobile phone instead. Mobile reception is generally only possible near land. Please check with your provider before you travel to find out about any roaming charges that may apply.
PETS/BIKES/SPORTS EQUIPMENT
Due to space restrictions, we regret that we are unable to allow pets or bulky sports equipment such as bicycles, surfboards etc. on board. Please also refrain from bringing e-bikes or electric travel scooters on board. We ask for your understanding.
TIPS
It is internationally customary for a satisfied guest to reward the services of the service staff accordingly. The amount of the tip is of course up to each guest and should be an acknowledgement of good service. On board, we recommend €13–17 per guest and per night for the ship’s crew. The nicko cruises cruise management, local tour guides and bus drivers are not included. However, you are also welcome to thank them with a tip.
DRINKING WATER
As fresh water is always stored in tanks on board ships, we recommend that you do not drink the tap water and get mineral water in the bars or restaurant if necessary. Tap water is unreservedly suitable for brushing teeth.
TV
Your ship has flat-screen TVs that work with a satellite system, ensuring TV reception for much of the journey. The on-board television provides you with access to feature films and selected travel magazines.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
VASCO DA GAMA runs on reduced-sulphur MGO (marine gas oil) and has an SCR catalytic converter that reduces nitrogen oxides by up to 95 per cent. VASCO DA GAMA thus clearly exceeds the exhaust gas regulations of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). A new purification system with state-of-the-art membrane technology enables waste water purification to bathing water quality without the use of chemicals. Please do your part to protect the environment by using resources considerately and thus helping to preserve our wonderful destinations for future generations.
CATERING
On board the VASCO DA GAMA you have five restaurants to choose from, with free seating. Breakfast is served à la carte or buffet style, and for lunch and dinner you can choose from different menus. Depending on the itinerary, the meals are always enriched with local elements. In the “Club Bistro” you can expect worldwide culinary delights as well as theme evenings in buffet form. For dinner you have the option of dining in any restaurant on-board from 17:30 to 21:00 (last admission approx. 20:15). Exclusive menus await you at “The Grill” restaurant at an extra charge. Here, please reserve your place early enough directly with the maître. The “Alfresco Grill” offers you light meals outside the normal meal times. At the time of booking, please notify us of dietary food and special meals you may require. Usually, appropriate catering can be prepared for you. We ask for your understanding should this not be possible on flights in exceptional cases.
VALUABLES
There is a small safe box in all cabins where you can lock up your valuables. Nevertheless, we do not recommend taking things of value, such as expensive jewellery etc., with you on your trip in the first place. In some cases, you are visiting regions of the world where, by our standards, even modest wealth is considered opulence, and so showing off supposedly precious things could arouse greediness. Please note that valuables such as cameras, jewellery, cash and other valuables must be carried in your hand luggage. Liability is precluded for lost valuables in unattended checked baggage.
MEANS OF PAYMENT ON BOARD
The currency on board is the euro. At the end of your trip, you can pay in cash for drinks consumed on board and excursions booked on board. Of course, you can also pay your on-board bill with your credit card (Mastercard, VISA) or EC card. Under certain circumstances, foreign fees may be charged by your bank or credit card company for card payments, as the VASCO DA GAMA sails under the Portuguese flag. Please note: Currency exchange is not possible on board.
Do you have any further questions? Contact us or your travel agency. We are happy to help you!
Telephone help line: +49 (0)711 248 98033