Travel information for flyers
The cruise begins in Amsterdam on Saturday, November 5, 2011. Plan to arrive in Amsterdam (Amsterdam/Shiphol Airport) no later than mid-afternoon on that Saturday. The ship can be boarded beginning at 2 p.m., but luggage can be held for you earlier in the day. The cruise ends in Basel, Switzerland, early Saturday morning, November 12. Passengers must leave their cabins by 10 a.m. Transfers from the Amsterdam airport and to the Basel/Mulhouse airport are included in the cost of the cruise.

Direct flights to Amsterdam from the US are provided by KLM, Delta, Continental, and U.S. Air/United.

Passengers continuing on to the Paris Extension will depart from Paris on November 15. Transfer to Charles de Gaulle International Airport is included.

What money will I need?
On the cruise portion of the program, you will need money only for personal purchases, movies on the in-room TV, and any optional excursions you choose to take. Personal services on the ship, such as laundry and hairdresser, are also chargeable. You can settle your ship account with a credit card.

The ship cannot provide cash for passengers, but ATMs are available along the route. The Euro is standard currency throughout the cruise and extension.

Advise your credit card company and the bank that issues your ATM card that you will be travelling abroad. This will eliminate security alerts when you use your card in other countries.

Travelers’ checks should be avoided; most shops accept credit cards.

What about safety and security?
Your cabin contains a personal safe. While you’re ashore, we suggest you carry a photocopy of your passport’s photo page. Pickpockets are a challenge in high-traffic tourist areas, but reasonable precautions can be very helpful. We suggest, for example, wearing a money belt or pouch inside your clothing. This should contain your passport copy, a credit card, and most of your cash. Carry only small bills or coins in your outside pockets, and do not carry a purse or “fanny pack.”

What shoes are best?
Plan for extensive walking on this trip. The best shopping areas are often paved with cobblestones, so good supportive footwear is a must. We strongly advise well-broken-in shoes or boots that support your ankles and feet. Fashion is far less important than function.

What will the weather be?
During the dates of the cruise, Amsterdam averages daily highs in the low to mid-50’s, with about 2.5 inches of rain per month. Temperatures get a bit warmer and much dryer as you move south toward Basel. We recommend a jacket or coat with a removable liner. Pack light gloves and a scarf as well should there be a cold day.

Paris, for those on the extension, averages about 50ºF in mid-November.

Is there storage space in the cabins?
You can store empty suitcases under the bed. The cabin locker is divided into a hanging section and horizontal shelf section. We advise that you travel light with outfits that can be interchanged. The bathroom has a cabinet for toiletries.

What amenities do the cabins include?
Each cabin has a telephone and television that also provides computer and Internet access. However, you cannot save files on the computer. The ship also has wireless Internet for passenger laptops. All cabins have a blow dryer but no iron or ironing board. Terry bathrobes and slippers are provided, along with soap, body wash, and conditioning shampoo.

What amenities and services does the ship provide?
Bicycles are available to borrow. A hot tub and walking track are located on the sundeck, and a sauna and exercise room are available. There are lounges and a library as well, and hairdressing, massage, and laundry services are all available onboard. The elevator serves the two upper cabin levels, the lounge level, and the restaurant. It does not reach the sundeck or the lowest-level cabins.