At nicko cruises, we believe that a river cruise should be much more than just a trip on a river. We invite you to rediscover the art of travel on some of Europe’s most beautiful waterways. Reflecting on our slow cruising philosophy, we allow plenty of time for our guests to experience what makes river travel so unique: it is all about taking in the moment, feeling the rhythm of the elements up close and making lasting memories.
True to our motto “time to discover”!
Historical cities?
Spectacular natural landscapes?
Cuisine and culture?
All the above? The choice is yours!
The best way to immerse yourself in the culture, food, customs, cities and countryside of a destination is on a river cruise with the luxury of only having to unpack once. Whether you’re cruising along the Rhine in Germany, the Moselle in Belgium, the Danube in Austria, the Douro in Portugal, or the most beautiful rivers of France – there is so much to discover on the waterways of Europe.
With our no-fly cruise options on selected departures you can start your holiday at a relaxed pace. Eurostar connections are available from London to Paris (Seine voyages), Cologne (Rhine voyages) and Lyon (Rhône and Saône voyages). Look out for the no-fly cruises symbol.
Whichever cruise or cruises you choose, your comfort is guaranteed!
Our river ships offer modern and elegance with the highest standards, whilst our proven on-board hygiene concept remains in place to maximise guest safety.
Our fleet of ships have been specifically built to accommodate the nautical characteristics of each of our itineraries and the rivers on which they sail. All our ships offer a high standard of accommodation from classic maritime style to modern elegance.
These rivers bring out the best of France’s colourful south and magical north. The Rhône has a culture of elegance and fine dining matched with superb wines from these regions. The Saône is the largest tributary of the Rhône and offers picture postcard type towns and villages towards Lyon. The Seine is just as beautiful as you journey from Paris you will experience the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs-Elysees from a new perspective as you journey along into Normandy.
Pages 42-47
Ships: Bijou du Rhone / Seine Comtesse
Sun drenched vineyards accompany the “Golden River” as it stretches across 490 miles. The “Douro Valley”, with its romantic villages, steep vineyards and fascinating views is one of the most beautiful regions of Portugal with UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status.
Pages 48-51
Ships: Douro Queen / Douro Serenity
See pages 60-71 for more details on the nicko fleet.
For more than 30 years, we have set the standard for river cruise journeys, with our destination focussed and culturally enriching itineraries on the great waterways of Europe.
These seamless journeys bring you closer to history as you sail past extraordinary landscapes into the centre of charming villages and iconic cities.
Time for experiences, moments of discovery, making memories: our river cruises give you time to focus on what is really important.
If you want to discover all the wonderful places along Europe’s most scenic rivers, you should take your time. Slow cruising is the perfect opportunity to discover the magic of these beautiful destinations without the fuss or stress. At nicko cruises we believe the softer your approach, the closer you get, and river travel is a perfect example of that. With so many places and experiences, you need time to discover what is truly unique or authentic about them. That is why time is one of the most important ingredients of our river cruise concept.
Our cruise portfolio reflects the slow cruising philosophy. We operate modern and innovative ships that
accommodate a manageable number of guests on our river cruises. This allows us to give our guests the space they need for maximum comfort. A less hectic pace and more time for on board relaxation. Less hustle and bustle and a more authentic holiday experience.
All guests on nicko cruise river ships are accommodated in comfortable outside cabins, most with large panoramic windows that can be opened or a French balcony. Our spacious public areas offer plenty of seating to relax and socialise with fellow guests or simply find a cosy spot for some time on your own. The deck chairs and awnings on the sun decks offer beautiful views of the river and surrounding landscapes, while our panoramic restaurants offer culinary delights combined with equally spectacular views. Many of the ships have retreat areas, such as small yet exclusive spas, reading areas and libraries.
At nicko cruises we pledge to offer the most inclusive and best value for money river cruise you can find.
Offering an inclusive price gives our guests piece of mind that there are no hidden costs or surprises. The price you pay includes just about everything from port fees, Wi-Fi, gratuities and selected excursions.
✔ Return scheduled flights (economy class) or Eurostar rail from the UK
✔ Transfers abroad*
✔ Welcome & farewell reception with the Captain
✔ Services of the Cruise Director and Local Guides
✔ Sennheiser Audio Headsets on all excursions
✔ Use of onboard facilities
✔ All meals & snacks on board
✔ On board gratuities
✔ Wi-Fi
✔ Unlimited drinks package (see page 9)
✔ Between 2 – 6 included excursions (Premium excursions at a supplement)
✔ Nightly onboard entertainment
✔ All port fees and taxes
✔ Baggage handling fees
✔ ATOL protection for air-inclusive holidays
✔ ABTA protection for no-fly cruises
Our love and dedication to detail is evident in the design of our modern ship restaurants. It reflects our commitment to making every single aspect of the dining experience special.
From the first cup of coffee in the morning to the last glass of wine in the evening, our crew caters for your every whim. Every nicko cruise features a festive gala dinner to complete the culinary experience.
Our chefs are committed to providing interesting menus consisting of international and regional specialities. We not only offer a comprehensive breakfast buffet to get your day off to an excellent start, we also serve delicious dishes at lunchtime and our evening dining concept is a genuine treat. We always offer a selection of wines from the region we are visiting, and from some of the best wine making regions in the world. Be sure not to miss out on sampling the regional delicacies when you go ashore!
Starters
Truffled veal liver terrine
Cranberries | cress salad | brioche
Soup
Hokkaido pumpkin soup
Foamed milk | pumpkin seed oil
Entree
Gin-cured salmon
Pancake | caviar cream
Sorbet Mango freeze Blackberry | Lillet
Mains
Our inclusive drinks package allows you to enjoy as many of the comprehensive selection of hot and cold beverages as you like between 9am and midnight. At nicko cruises we know that the perfect dining experience involves both excellent food and the accompanying beverages – whether you need a coffee with your cake or a red wine with your steak!
Beverage package includes:
✔ House wine by the glass (white, red and rose)
✔ House sparkling wine by the glass
✔ Draught and bottled beers, non-alcoholic beer
✔ Cocktails and long drinks
✔ House spirits
✔ Bottled water for the cabin and daily excursions
✔ All speciality coffees (non-alcoholic)
✔ Hot chocolate and tea
Braised Angus beef cheeks in rich red wine sauce
Root vegetable | rosemary potatoes Or Fried Dorado fillet with crispy skin | Champagne sauce
Root vegetables | saffron rice Or
Herb falafel
Vegan chickpea croquettes | avocado mash Parsnip puree
Dessert
International cheeses
Savoury biscuits | grapes Or
Dark chocolate mousse with blackcurrant jam and vanilla
Our fleet of vessels will gently carry you to some of Europe’s greatest cities and deliver you to the centre of charming towns and villages where you will really start to connect with your destination.
Our all inclusive package already includes the key shore excursions that will give you an overview of the “must see” cultural and historical highlights. Our expertly guided tours are immersive, and they bring you closer to the art, architecture, history, and people that define your destination.
You have complimentary use of ultra-modern and very comfortable Sennheiser audio systems on all excursions. The extremely light mini body pack & headset ensures that you hear everything that the guide is saying, even if you prefer to stand at the back of the tour group. Our excursions are provided in English.
Should you want to explore more, our wide selection of carefully chosen optional Premium Excursions, can be added to your holiday at an additional cost.
On the nicko cruises activity excursions you can explore the Danube cities of Vienna, Budapest or Belgrade on an e-bike.
The Danube has a centuries-old, almost magical power of attraction. It is therefore not surprising that the oldest traces of settlements on its banks are more than 30,000 years old! Today, the “Queen of Rivers”, Europe‘s second-largest river, unites various peoples, religions and cultures. We meet many of them on our fascinating river cruise, and we also explore both their past and present in depth.
Our Danube river cruises begin and end in Passau. Picturesque Passau is situated on the border of Bavaria in Germany and Austria, and it is also at the junction of where three rivers meet: the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz. This makes it the perfect place to relax and explore before joining your river cruise… New for 2024 departures, we have included 1 night precruise in Passau, at a premium hotel with breakfast. The nicko cruises team will transfer your luggage from the hotel to the river boat on the day of embarkation!
Discover the diversity of the Danube, from the Black Forest to the Black Sea.
The source of the Danube is surrounded by stories and myths. In fact, nobody knows exactly where the source of Europe’s secondlargest river is. For the sake of simplicity, let’s say it is in Donaueschingen, seat of the House of Fürstenberg in the Black Forest. From there, the Danube flows 2,888 kilometres through ten European countries until it reaches the Black Sea. It shapes the urban landscape of more European cities and links more countries
together than any other river. Discover the Danube cities of Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade and Bucharest, and soak up their interesting history, with nicko cruises. Sail through an array of different riverscapes, from the gentle scenery of Wachau Valley in Lower Austria to the fiery Southern Hungarian Puszta and the spectacular “Iron Gate” gorge to the pristine nature of the Danube Delta in Romania. Accompany the Danube on part of its long journey to the Black Sea on board a comfortable river ship. Enjoy the inspiring experience of slow cruising with all your senses!
Prices from £1,320 PER PERSON
7 days | Passau • Vienna • Budapest
Bratislava • Passau
4 Guided Tours
Ships: nickoSPIRIT / Maxima
Experience the beauty of the Danube with highlights of the upper part of this beautiful river. Lively and musical Vienna offers imperial buildings and the baroque gardens of Schönbrunn Palace, whilst the coronation city of Hungarian monarchs, Bratislava, is a splendidly renovated historical city which is the only capital city in the world to border two foreign countries. Finally, the historic metropolis Budapest, known as the ‘Queen of the Danube’ is a breath taking city sprawling across both sides of the river and a sight to be seen at night with the magnificent building facades reflected in the water. In between you will get to know the enchanting landscape of the Danube region Wachau. The UNESCO World Heritage awaits you with picturesque towns and the impressive Melk Abbey.
NEW FOR 2024 DATES – We have included 1 night pre-cruise hotel in Passau, premium hotel with breakfast.
• Enjoy all the highlights of the Upper Danube
• Explore the famous Benedictine Abbey of Melk & historic metropolis of Budapest
• Savour the unexpected beauty of Bratislava
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Economy flight from London and overseas transfer to Passau*
New 2024 - 1 night pre-cruise hotel in Passau
5 nights cruise including all meals
Unlimited drinks including selected wine, beer, cocktails and all non-alcoholic drinks (see page 9)
Welcome and Farewell reception with the Captain
Nightly on board entertainment
4 Guided Excursions
Services of the Cruise Director and local guides
Sennheiser audio headsets on all excursions
Use of on board facilities
Wi-Fi
Onboard Gratuities
Port fees and taxes
Full ATOL financial protection
Baggage handling fees
ITINERARY 7 days | Passau • Vienna • Budapest • Bratislava • Passau
Departure Places you can visit on this cruise
1 Passau Hotel Stay.
2 Passau - 16:00 Embarkation from 15:00 to 16:00.
3 Vienna 12:30 22:45 Tour of the tradition-steeped Danube city of Vienna, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg and Ringstraße. Time to explore the city yourself.
Excursion to a typical traditional Vienna wine bar. or a classic concert with the melodious compositions of Strauss and Mozart.
4 Budapest 14:15 22:30 Tour of Budapest and its impressive architecture. Night tour of Budapest with Hungarian music.
5 Bratislava 14:45 19:00 Tour of Bratislava’s lovingly restored historical alleyways and a trip to the castle, the city’s landmark.
6 Cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage region of Wachau. Melk 12:00 15:30 Visit to the impressive Melk Benedictine Monastery.
7 Passau 09:00 - Disembarkation by 09:30.
Excursions included in your package.
Premium excursions can only be booked onboard. Bookings are subject to availability and weather conditions on the day of the excursion. Arrival and departure timings are to be used as a guide only. We reserve the right to make changes to itineraries and excursion programmes. Transfers between Munich and Passau are by local rail connections. Private transfers can be arranged. Please ask for details.
Prices based on two people sharing with flights from London and are correct at the time of going to print but are subject to change. Regional flights are available but may be subject to an additional supplement and are subject to availability. Cruise only options are available. For full terms and conditions please see page 72-75.
2 Bed Main Deck Front
2 Bed Main Deck Front/Aft
2 Bed Main Deck
1 Bed Main Deck
2 Bed Middle Deck Aft Lowerable
Panoramic Front or French Balcony
2 Bed Middle Deck Front Lowerable
Panoramic Front or French Balcony
2 Bed Middle Deck with Lowerable
Panoramic Front or French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck Aft with Lowerable
Panoramic Front or French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck Front with Lowerable
Panoramic Front or French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck with Lowerable
Panoramic Front or French Balcony
Please see pages 60-71 for ship profile & deck plans.
Prices from £1,755 PER PERSON
9 days | Passau • Vienna • Budapest
Bratislava • Passau
4 Guided Tours
Ships: nickoVISION / Belvedere
The Danube is a river of superlatives with amazing sights along its banks. On this cruise enjoy an immersive experience of Southern Hungary. Step ashore in the cosmopolitan city of Vienna, followed by its ‘twin city’ Bratislava and the two faces of Budapest, named ‘Queen of the Danube’ for good reason. While many other one-week Danube trips would then return to Budapest, we venture onwards through the untouched Pustza Valley countryside of southern Hungary to Mohács. From here you will visit the city of Pécs, deservedly awarded the title 2010 European Capital of Culture.
NEW FOR 2024 DATES – We have included 1 night pre-cruise hotel in Passau, premium hotel with breakfast.
All Inclusive Fares
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Economy flight from London and overseas transfer to Passau*
New 2024 - 1 night pre-cruise hotel in Passau
7 nights cruise including all meals
Unlimited drinks including selected wine, beer, cocktails and all non-alcoholic drinks (see page 9)
Welcome and Farewell reception with the Captain
Nightly on board entertainment
4 Guided Excursions
Services of the Cruise Director and local guides
Why this cruise?
• Explore Vienna and Budapest on an e-bike activity tour
• Enjoy unforgettable views over the Alps from Maria Taferl, on the most important pilgrimage sites in Austria
• Immerse yourself in Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava
Sennheiser audio headsets on all excursions
Use of on board facilities
Wi-Fi
Onboard Gratuities
Port fees and taxes
Full ATOL financial protection
Baggage handling fees
Day Port Arrival Departure Places you can visit on this cruise
1 Passau Hotel Stay.
2 Passau - 17:00 Embarkation from 15:00 to 16:00.
3 Ybbs 06:00 12:00 Visit to Maria Taferl, one of Lower Austria’s most famous pilgrimage sites and its impressive basilica or the impressive Ybbs-Persenbeug hydroelectric power station. Cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage region of Wachau.
Vienna 20:00 - Excursion to a traditional Vienna wine bar. or evening excursion to the famous Vienna Prater amusement park and a ride on one of Vienna’s most famous landmarks, the big wheel.
4 Vienna - 19:00 Tour of the tradition-steeped Danube city of Vienna, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg and Ringstraße. Afterwards, there will be time to explore the city yourself. Excursion to the delightful Biedermeier city of Baden. or a cycle tour of Vienna. or take in the city sights from the air in an exclusive helicopter tour.
5 Budapest 12:00 - Tour of Budapest and its impressive architecture. Night tour of Budapest with Hungarian music. or a trip on the Riverride bus.
6 Budapest - 14:00 Puszta experience tour with traditional horsemanship demonstration. or “Budapest Impressions” walking tour and a trip on the oldest underground railway in Europe. or a cycle tour of Budapest.
7 Bratislava 08:00 14:00 Tour of Bratislava’s lovingly restored historical alleyways and a trip to the castle, the city’s landmark. Afterwards there will be time to explore the city yourself.
8 Melk 07:30 13:30 Visit to the impressive Melk Benedictine Monastery.
9 Passau 07:30 - Disembarkation by approx. 09:30.
Excursions included in your package.
Premium excursions can only be booked onboard. Bookings are subject to availability and weather conditions on the day of the excursion. Arrival and departure timings are to be used as a guide only. We reserve the right to make changes to itineraries and excursion programmes. Transfers between Munich and Passau are by local rail connections. Private transfers can be arranged. Please ask for details.
Activity experience – a cycle tour can be additionally booked on board the ship.
2023 PRICES PER PERSON- 8 Days
SPACELIMITED Belvedere’son2023 programme call us or visit website.our
2024 PRICES PER PERSON- 9 Days
Prices based on two people sharing with flights from London and are correct at the time of going to print but are subject to change. Regional flights are available but may be subject to an additional supplement and are subject to availability. Cruise only options are available. For full terms and conditions please see page 72-75.
Please see pages 60-71 for ship profile & deck plans.
Prices from £1,895 PER PERSON
9 days | Passau • Linz • Budapest • Passau
4 Guided Tours
Ship: Bellejour
Enjoy the scenery, cities and culture along the Danube in a luxurious setting. Our elegant ship, the Bellejour, will pick you up in the three-rivers-city of Passau and take you to the charming city of Vienna, where a traditional “Sachertorte” cake and cosy coffee houses await you. Walk through the beautiful parks on an excursion to the emperor’s summer residence in Baden. On the approach to the fascinating city of Budapest you will see the impressive parliament building. The next port of call is Bratislava, the only capital city in the world to border two countries. Enjoy the sporting activity of the guided e-bike tours in Budapest and Vienna.
NEW FOR 2024 DATES – We have included 1 night pre-cruise hotel in Passau, premium hotel with breakfast.
All Inclusive Fares
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Economy flight from London and overseas transfer to Passau*
New 2024 - 1 night pre-cruise hotel in Passau
7 nights cruise including all meals
Unlimited drinks including selected wine, beer, cocktails and all non-alcoholic drinks (see page 9)
Welcome and Farewell reception with the Captain
Nightly on board entertainment
4 Guided Excursions
Services of the Cruise Director and local guides
Why this cruise?
• Discover the wonders of Vienna on a thrilling helicopter tour
• Explore the enchanting Biedermeier city of Baden
• Wander the streets of the late gothic town of Steyr
Sennheiser audio headsets on all excursions
Use of on board facilities
Wi-Fi
Onboard Gratuities
Port fees and taxes
Full ATOL financial protection
Baggage handling fees
Day Port Arrival Departure Places you can visit on this cruise
1 Passau Hotel Stay.
2 Passau - 23:30
3 Linz 07:30 18:00
Embarkation from 15:00 to 16:00.
Tour of the cultural capital of Linz with its Baroque main square. Afterwards there is time to explore the city yourself. Excursion to the picturesque town of Steyr with its impressive Late Gothic and Renaissance courtyards.
4 Vienna 08:00 19:30
Tour of the tradition-steeped Danube city of Vienna, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg and Ringstraße. Excursion to the delightful Biedermeier city of Baden. or a cycle tour of Vienna. or take in the city sights from the air in an exclusive helicopter tour.
5 Budapest 12:00 - Tour of Budapest and its impressive architecture. Night tour of Budapest with Hungarian music.
6 Budapest - 16:00
Experience a Puszta tour with a traditional horsemanship demonstration or “Budapest Impressions” walking tour and a trip on the oldest underground railway in Europe. or a cycle tour of Budapest.
7 Bratislava 09:00 18:30
Tour of Bratislava’s lovingly restored historical alleyways and a trip to the castle, the city’s landmark. Afterwards there will be time to explore the city yourself.
8 Cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage region of Wachau.
Pöchlarn 12:30 16:30 Visit to the impressive Melk Benedictine Monastery.
9 Passau 08:30 - Disembarkation by approx. 09:30.
Excursions included in your package.
Premium excursions can only be booked onboard. Bookings are subject to availability and weather conditions on the day of the excursion. Arrival and departure timings are to be used as a guide only. We reserve the right to make changes to itineraries and excursion programmes. Transfers between Munich and Passau are by local rail connections. Private transfers can be arranged. Please ask for details.
Activity experience – a cycle tour can be additionally booked on board the ship.
Prices based on two people sharing with flights from London and are correct at the time of going to print but are subject to change. Regional flights are available but may be subject to an additional supplement and are subject to availability. Cruise only options are available. For full terms and conditions please see page 72-75.
2 Bed Main Deck Front
2 Bed Main Deck
2 Bed Middle Deck Aft with French Balcony
2 Bed Middle Deck Front with French Balcony
2 Bed Middle Deck with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck Aft with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck Front with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck with French Balcony
Please see pages 60-71 for ship profile & deck plans.
Prices from £1,845
PERSON
9 days | Passau • Esztergom • Budapest
Vienna • Passau
4 Guided Tours
Ship: Bolero
All kinds of cultural experiences await you in the most beautiful cities on the Upper Danube, including religious highlights such as the Maria Taferl pilgrimage site or Esztergom Basilica, Hungary’s biggest church. Explore history-steeped cities such as Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna on water and land, by day and night. Guided e-bike tours can also be booked in Vienna and Budapest. Admire Hungarian tradition in a spectacular display of horsemanship in the Puszta region. Cruise through the changing landscapes of the Wachau region and the Danube Bend.
NEW FOR 2024 DATES – We have included 1 night pre-cruise hotel in Passau, premium hotel with breakfast.
• Be thrilled by this classic Danube cruise with insights into the Upper Danube
• Marvel at the beauty of Budapest by night with an overnight stop
• Explore the former Hungarian capital city of Esztergom
All Inclusive Fares
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Economy flight from London and overseas transfer to Passau*
New 2024 - 1 night pre-cruise hotel in Passau
7 nights cruise including all meals
Unlimited drinks including selected wine, beer, cocktails and all non-alcoholic drinks (see page 9)
Welcome and Farewell reception with the Captain
Nightly on board entertainment
4 Guided Excursions
Services of the Cruise Director and local guides
Sennheiser audio headsets on all excursions
Use of on board facilities
Wi-Fi
Onboard Gratuities
Port fees and taxes
Full ATOL financial protection
Baggage handling fees
Day Port Arrival Departure Places you can visit on this cruise
1 Passau Hotel Stay.
2 Passau - 23:30
Embarkation from 15:00 to 16:00.
3 Cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage region of Wachau. Krems 14:15 19:00
Excursion to the impressive Herzogenburg Monastery, followed by a tour of Krems.
Time to explore the city yourself.
4 Esztergom 12:00 15:30
Excursion to the impressive Esztergom Basilica, the country’s largest church in the former Hungarian capital city.
Budapest 19:30 - Night tour of Budapest with Hungarian music. or impressive illuminated tour on land and water with the Riverride bus.
5 Budapest - 20:45
Tour of Budapest and its impressive architecture.
“Budapest Impressions” walking tour and a trip on the oldest underground railway in Europe. or a Puszta tour with a traditional horsemanship demonstration. or a cycle tour of Budapest.
6 Bratislava 13:45 23:00 Tour of Bratislava’s lovingly restored historical alleyways and a trip to the castle, the city’s landmark. Afterwards, there will be time to explore the city yourself. Evening tour of Bratislava’s lights up to the castle, where there is a wonderful view of the sea of lights.
7 Vienna 06:30 19:00 Tour of the tradition-steeped Danube city of Vienna, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg and Ringstraße. Excursion to the delightful Biedermeier city of Baden. or a cycle tour of Vienna.
8 Ybbs 07:00 13:00
Visit to Maria Taferl, one of Lower Austria’s most famous pilgrimage sites and its impressive basilica. or the impressive Ybbs-Persenbeug hydroelectric power station.
9 Passau 04:30 - Disembarkation by 09:30.
Excursions included in your package.
Premium excursions can only be booked onboard. Bookings are subject to availability and weather conditions on the day of the excursion. Arrival and departure timings are to be used as a guide only. We reserve the right to make changes to itineraries and excursion programmes. Transfers between Munich and Passau are by local rail connections. Private transfers can be arranged. Please ask for details.
Activity experience – a cycle tour can be additionally booked on board the ship.
2 Bed Main Deck Front
2 Bed Main Deck
2 Bed Middle Deck Aft with French Balcony
2 Bed Middle Deck Front with French Balcony
Prices based on two people sharing with flights from London and are correct at the time of going to print but are subject to change. Regional flights are available but may be subject to an additional supplement and are subject to availability. Cruise only options are available. For full terms and conditions please see page 72-75. Please see pages 60-71 for ship profile & deck plans.
2 Bed Middle Deck with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck Aft with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck Front with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck with French Balcony
Prices from £3,105 PER PERSON
16 days | Passau • Black Sea • Passau
6 Guided Tours
Ship: nickoVISION
Chance to discover the widely unknown Lower Danube and enjoy the regions special flair. Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley, the dramatic valley breakthrough of the Danube Cataracts Mountains and the Carpathian Gorge with its breath-taking canyons and the Iron Gate. Explore the imperial and royal cities of Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava, plus the glamorous metropolises of Belgrade and Bucharest. Discover the enchanting towns of Pécs, Novi Sad and Ruse – and experience the Mediterranean flair and fresh sea air with an included excursion to the magnificent coastal city of Constanţa, in Romania, on the beautiful Black Sea.
NEW FOR 2024 DATES – We have included 1 night pre-cruise hotel in Passau, premium hotel with breakfast.
Why this cruise?
• Venture to the lesser-known Lower Danube on this intensive experience
• Savour the fresh sea air and Mediterranean flair of the Black Sea coast in Constanţa
• Passage through the Danube Cataracts, and the Carpathian Gorge with breathtaking canyons and the famous Iron Gate
All Inclusive Fares
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Economy flight from London and overseas transfer to Passau*
New 2024 - 1 night pre-cruise hotel in Passau
14 nights cruise including all meals
Unlimited drinks including selected wine, beer, cocktails and all non-alcoholic drinks (see page 9)
Welcome and Farewell reception with the Captain
Nightly on board entertainment
6 Guided Excursions
Services of the Cruise Director and local guides
Sennheiser audio headsets on all excursions
Use of on board facilities
Wi-Fi
Onboard Gratuities
Port fees and taxes
Full ATOL financial protection
Baggage handling fees
1 Passau Hotel Stay.
2 Passau - 17:00
Embarkation from 15:00 to 16:00.
3 Vienna 13:30 17:30 Tour of the tradition-steeped Danube city of Vienna, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg and Ringstraße, plus time to explore the city yourself.
4 Solt 13:30 14:00
Excursion to Mediterranean Pécs, one of Hungary’s most beautiful cities. Mohács 21:00 23:00 or a Puszta excursion with a traditional horsemanship demonstration (starts Solt/ ends Mohács).
5 Belgrade 13:00 23:30
6 Iron Gate
7 Ruse 12:00 21:00
8 Cernavoda 06:30 17:00
9 Giurgiu 07:30 14:00
10 Iron Gate
11 Novi Sad 14:30 23:30
12 Aljmaš Batina 08:00 12:00 09:00 14:00
13 Budapest 09:00 21:00
14 Bratislava 15:00 18:00
15 WeißenKirchen 09:00 11:30
Tour of Belgrade including a visit to the Kalemegdan Fortress. Evening excursion of Belgrade with a spirited folklore show.
Passage through the Danube Cataracts with the famous Iron Gate.
Tour of Ruse including a visit to the Bulgarian Orthodox Trinity Church. or panorama tour in history-steeped Veliko Tarnovo and a visit to Arbanassi with its famous town houses.
Your excursion to the Black Sea town of Constanța includes lunch and is the perfect opportunity to enjoy Mediterranean flair and fresh sea air.
Experience the French flair of the city known as the “Paris of the East” during our tour of Bucharest.
Enjoy a relaxing day on board the ship.
Tour of Novi Sad’s colourful historical district. Time to explore the city yourself.
Enjoy the wonderful landscapes during our excursion to Kopački rit Nature Reserve (starts Aljmaš/ends Batina).
Tour of Budapest and its impressive architecture.
“Budapest Impressions” walking tour and a trip on the oldest underground railway in Europe or a cycle tour of Budapest.
Tour of Bratislava’s lovingly restored historical alleyways and a trip to the castle, the city’s landmark. Time to explore the city yourself.
Tour of the picturesque wine-making town of Dürnstein.
16 Passau 08:30 - Disembarkation by 09:30.
Excursions included in your package. Premium excursions can only be booked onboard. Bookings are subject to availability and weather conditions on the day of the excursion. Arrival and departure timings are to be used as a guide only. We reserve the right to make changes to itineraries and excursion programmes. Transfers between Munich and Passau are by local rail connections. Private transfers can be arranged. Please ask for details.
Activity experience – a cycle tour can be additionally booked on board the ship.
2023 PRICES PER PERSON - 15 Days
2024 PRICES PER PERSON - 16 Days
Prices based on two people sharing with flights from London and are correct at the time of going to print but are subject to change. Regional flights are available but may be subject to an additional supplement and are subject to availability. Cruise only options are available. For full terms and conditions please see page 72-75.
2 Bed Main Deck Front
2 Bed Main Deck
2 Bed Middle Deck Aft with French Balcony
2 Bed Middle Deck Front with French Balcony
Please see pages 60-71 for ship profile & deck plans.
2 Bed Middle Deck with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck Aft with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck Front with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck with French Balcony
Prices from £1,845 PER PERSON
9 days | Passau • Southern Hungary • Passau
4 Guided Tours
Ships: Belvedere / Viktoria
The Danube is a superlative river with superlative sights along its banks! Cruise with us on board our modern and comfortable ships to discover the metropolitan city of Vienna, its “twin city” Bratislava and the two faces of Budapest, which is named “Queen of the Danube” for good reason. This route is special because you also cruise through the virgin landscapes of the Puszta region in Southern Hungary to Mohács rather than turning back in Budapest, which is what many one-week Danube cruises do. From Mohács you can also visit Mediterranean Pécs (“Five Churches”) which was deservedly awarded the title of “capital of culture”.
NEW FOR 2024 DATES – We have included 1 night pre-cruise hotel in Passau, premium hotel with breakfast.
• Take an extended cruise in to the southern countryside of Hungary
• Marvel at the traditional horsemanship and skills of the Magyar cowboys in the Hungarian Puszta region
• Explore one of Hungary’s most beautiful cities
Mediterranean Pécs
Germany
Vienna
Austria
All Inclusive Fares
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Economy flight from London and overseas transfer to Passau*
New 2024 - 1 night pre-cruise hotel in Passau
7 nights cruise including all meals
Unlimited drinks including selected wine, beer, cocktails and all non-alcoholic drinks (see page 9)
Welcome and Farewell reception with the Captain Nightly on board entertainment
4 Guided Excursions
Services of the Cruise Director and local guides
Sennheiser audio headsets on all excursions
Use of on board facilities
Wi-Fi
Onboard Gratuities
Port fees and taxes
Full ATOL financial protection
Baggage handling fees
1 Passau Hotel Stay.
2 Passau - 17:00
3 Vienna 13:00 23:00
Embarkation from 15:00 to 16:00.
Tour of the tradition-steeped Danube city of Vienna, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg and Ringstraße. Excursion to a typical traditional Vienna wine bar. or a classic concert with the melodious compositions of Straussand Mozart.
4 Esztergom 12:00 15:30
Budapest 19:30 23:30
5 Mohács 10:00 17:30
6 Budapest 09:00 21:00
Excursion to the impressive Esztergom Basilica, the country’s largest church in the former Hungarian capital city.
Night tour of Budapest with Hungarian music. or impressive illuminated tour on land and water with the Riverride bus.
Excursion to Mediterranean Pécs, one of Hungary’s most beautiful cities.
Tour of Budapest and its impressive architecture.
“Budapest Impressions” walking tour and a trip on the oldest underground railway in Europe. or a Puszta tour with a traditional horsemanship demonstration. or a cycle tour of Budapest.
7 Bratislava 13:45 18:30
Tour of Bratislava’s lovingly restored historical alleyways and a trip to the castle, the city’s landmark. Afterwards, there will be time to explore the city yourself.
8 Cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage region of Wachau.
Pöchlarn 12:30 16:30
Visit to magnificent Schallaburg Castle followed by a cider tasting session.
9 Passau 08:30 - Disembarkation by 09:30.
Excursions included in your package. Premium excursions can only be booked onboard. Bookings are subject to availability and weather conditions on the day of the excursion. Arrival and departure timings are to be used as a guide only. We reserve the right to make changes to itineraries and excursion programmes. Transfers between Munich and Passau are by local rail connections. Private transfers can be arranged. Please ask for details. Activity experience – a cycle tour can be additionally booked on board the ship.
2024 PRICES PER PERSON - 9 Days
Prices based on two people sharing with flights from London and are correct at the time of going to print but are subject to change. Regional flights are available but may be subject to an additional supplement and are subject to availability. Cruise only options are available. For full terms and conditions please see page 72-75.
2 Bed Main Deck Front/Aft
2 Bed Main Deck
2 Bed Middle Deck Aft with French Balcony
2 Bed Middle Deck Front with French Balcony
2 Bed Middle Deck with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck Aft with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck Front with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck with French Balcony
2 Bed Junior Suite Upper Deck & French Balcony
Please see pages 60-71 for ship profile & deck plans.
As the longest North Sea tributary, the Rhine has a wide range of landscapes and cultures to discover along its 880 navigable kilometres. From the steep, vine-covered slopes of the legendary Loreley Rock, to the picturesque wine-growing towns and tributaries in Holland along the Lower Rhine, the scene is set by historic cities, vast plains, fields, meadows and tree-lined riverbanks. The Rhine’s best-known tributary is without doubt the Moselle, known for its steep vineyards, ancient small towns and villages like Traben-Trarbach and Cochem, which are renowned for their delicious wines, produced in the vineyards lining the shores of this graceful river.
Cologne is one of Germany’s most iconic cities and it is split down the middle by the Rhine river. Cologne is best known for its 150 year old, awe-inspiring, 160 metres high, gothic cathedral and it’s charming old town which it is brimming with cobbled streets and museums.An important town during the Holy Roman Empire, Koblenz is delightfully situated right along the Moselle estuary. Then across the border in France, Strasbourg was fought over by two German families in the Middle Ages, but today is a centre for Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The royal palace, the Rembrandthuis and the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam are just some of the places you may like to visit in this “Venice of the North”, as it is popularly
known. In Rotterdam, see the largest seaport in Europe, home to numerous container terminals, cranes, warehouses and much more. The Keukenhof is the largest sculpture park in Holland, but is, of course, even more famous as the largest flower garden in the world. It was here that the former Countess, Jacoba of Bavaria, grew her kitchen herbs (kitchen garden = Keukenhof) and where today daffodils, hyacinths, crown imperials and tulips display a frenzy of colours and scents. Antwerp is the most important harbour city in Belgium and the second largest port in Europe after Rotterdam. Once a rich Hanseatic trading city, Bruges has become a magnet for visitors, as has Brussels, where a stroll through the old town takes you to one of the most famous and beautiful squares in the world – the “Grand Place”.
Prices from £1,795 PER PERSON
8 days | Cologne
Arnhem • Cologne
5 Guided Tours
Ship: nickoSPIRIT
Rotterdam
Amsterdam
Enjoy a leisurely cruise through the expansive Rhine Delta with fantastic views of tulips fields and canals. Take in a day at the famous Keukenhof, one of the biggest and most beautiful gardens of the world and be captivated by the amazing sea of flowers. Northern Holland is also renowned for its idyllic beauty and quintessentially Dutch windmills, which you will get to explore during an excursion to the polder landscapes. Explore Rotterdam, Europe’s largest seaport and visit some of the city’s spectacular architecture such as the ‘Witte Hus’ or the cube houses. Cruise along countless waterways and canals in the midst of the action in colourful Amsterdam on a canal ride past the traditional town houses of the “Golden Age.”
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Economy flight from London and overseas transfers to/from vessel
7 nights cruise including all meals
Unlimited drinks including selected wine, beer, cocktails and all non-alcoholic drinks (see page 9)
Welcome and Farewell reception with the Captain Nightly on board entertainment
5 Guided Excursions
Services of the Cruise Director and local guides
Sennheiser audio headsets on all excursions
• Enjoy this beautiful region of the Netherlands at the best time of year
• Take a full day excursion to the Keukenhof, the largest flower garden in the world
• Explore the two great Dutch cities of Rotterdam and Amsterdam
Use of on board facilities
Wi-Fi
Onboard Gratuities
Port fees and taxes
Full ATOL financial protection
Baggage handling fees
Places you can visit on this cruise
1 Cologne - 17:00 Embarkation from 15:00 to 16:00.
2 Nijmegen Rotterdam 04:00 22:00 13:00 -
3 Rotterdam - 20:00
4 Amsterdam 05:00 -
5 Amsterdam Enkhuizen
22:00
16:30 -
6 Enkhuizen - 14:00
7 Arnhem 02:00 14:30
Tour of the peaceful Hanseatic town of Nijmegen.
Tour of modern Rotterdam and its futuristic architecture. Excursion to the Schiedam windmills and the Jenever Museum.
Tour of Amsterdam including a canal tour past the typical merchant houses. Then there will be time to explore the city yourself.
Excursion to the elegant capital of Den Haag and the seaside town of Scheveningen.
Day excursion to the famous Keukenhof, one of the largest flower gardens in the world.
Tour of Enkhuizen and visit to the open-air museum. Cruising across Markermeer und IJsselmeer.
Tour of Arnhem including the Eusebiuskerk church and the Duivelhuis. Then there will be time to explore the city yourself.
8 Cologne 08:00 - Disembarkation by 09:00.
Excursions included in your package.
Premium excursions can only be booked onboard. Bookings are subject to availability and weather conditions on the day of the excursion. Arrival and departure timings are to be used as a guide only. We reserve the right to make changes to itineraries and excursion programmes.
Prices based on two people sharing with flights from London and are correct at the time of going to print but are subject to change. Regional flights are available but may be subject to an additional supplement and are subject to availability. Cruise only options are available. For full terms and conditions please see page 72-75.
North Holland
2 Bed Main Deck Front
2 Bed Main Deck
1 Bed Main Deck
2 Bed Middle Deck Aft Lowerable Panoramic Front
2 Bed Middle Deck Front Lowerable Panoramic Front
2 Bed Middle Deck with Lowerable Panoramic Front
2 Bed Upper Deck Aft with Lowerable Panoramic Front
2 Bed Upper Deck Front with Lowerable Panoramic Front
2 Bed Upper Deck with Lowerable Panoramic Front
Please see pages 60-71 for ship profile & deck plans.
Prices from £1,695
PER PERSON
8 days | Cologne • Cochem • Strasbourg
Cologne
4 Guided Tours
Ship: Rhein Symphonie
Feel history come alive on the banks of the Rhine and Moselle as you cruise by Loreley Rock, where legend has it a mermaid seduced sailors with her songs. Follow the meandering Moselle to the steep, vine-covered slopes surrounding the village of Traben-Trarbach. The historic town of Cochem and the imposing Ehrenbreitstein Fortress are also available to tour – and in Mainz you’ll be able to see the mighty Cathedral. Strasbourg is your gateway to Alsace, a land steeped in history.
Cologne
Cochem
Moselle
Bernkastel
Koblenz
Mainz
• Journey through some of the most beautiful places in Germany, a UNESCO World Heritage region
• Sample the regions wines as you cruise through the famous wine-making regions on the Rhine and Moselle
• Explore the half-timbered buildings, fairy tale villages and French-German history in Alsace
France
Ludwigshafen
Rhine
Mannheim
Speyer
Germany
Strasbourg Kehl
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Economy flight from London and overseas transfers to/from vessel
7 nights cruise including all meals
Unlimited drinks including selected wine, beer, cocktails and all non-alcoholic drinks (see page 9)
Welcome and Farewell reception with the Captain
Nightly on board entertainment
4 Guided Excursions
Services of the Cruise Director and local guides
Sennheiser audio headsets on all excursions
Use of on board facilities
Wi-Fi
Onboard Gratuities
Port fees and taxes
Full ATOL financial protection
Baggage handling fees
ITINERARY 8 days | Cologne • Cochem • Strasbourg • Cologne
Places you can visit on this cruise
1 Cologne - 17:00 Embarkation from 15:00 to 16:00.
2 Cochem 08:00 14:00 An entertaining trip on the Moselle Wine Express through the historic part of Cochem.
An afternoon cruising on the Moselle.
3 Bernkastel 00:30 12:30 A wine-tasting excursion on the Moselle.
4 Koblenz 01:00 13:00 Tour of Koblenz, the city at the juncture of the Rhine and Moselle with cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, where the views are amazing. Cruise past the famous Loreley Rock.
5 Mannheim/ Ludwigshafen 04:00 15:00 An excursion to the wonderful cathedral city of Speyer.
6 Strasbourg/Kehl 04:00 19:00
7 Mainz 08:30 14:30
Tour of Strasbourg including a visit to the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Picturesque scenery on an excursion to the pretty Alsace region with its half-timbered houses, wine taverns and quaintness.
Tour of Mainz including the magnificent St. Augustine’s Church and mighty Mainz Cathedral.
8 Cologne 01:00 - Disembarkation by 09:00.
Excursions included in your package.
Premium excursions can only be booked onboard. Bookings are subject to availability and weather conditions on the day of the excursion. Arrival and departure timings are to be used as a guide only. We reserve the right to make changes to itineraries and excursion programmes.
Prices based on two people sharing with flights from London and are correct at the time of going to print but are subject to change. Regional flights are available but may be subject to an additional supplement and are subject to availability. Cruise only options are available. For full terms and conditions please see page 72-75.
Cologne Cathedral
CABIN KEY
2 Bed Main Deck Aft
2 Bed Main Deck
2 Bed Middle Deck Aft with Openable Panoramic Window
2 Bed Middle Deck with Openable Panoramic Window
2 Bed Upper Deck Aft with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck Front with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck with French Balcony
Please see pages 60-71 for ship profile & deck plans.
Prices from £1,145
5 days | Cologne • Koblenz • RüdesheimMainz • Cologne
3 Guided Tours
Ship: Rhein Symphonie
This Rhine River cruise starts and ends in Cologne, one of Germany’s most iconic cities with its 150 year old Cathedral and its charming old town, briming with cobbled streets and museums. You will visit stunning Treis- Karden and then onto park and flower filled Koblenz, which is also a gateway to the Romantic Rhine Valley and the northeastern gateway to the Moselle Valley. You will experience Bad Elms with its spectacular spa architecture and baroque buildings. Then onto the place where the river winds its way through the Rhenish Slate Mountains, this is the incomparably beautiful UNESCO World Heritage region of the Middle Rhine Valley. It is world famous for the many castles atop the hills on both banks, and for the Loreley Rock. Countless songs, including the Song of the Nibelungs about Siegfried the dragon slayer, have been written about this section of the river.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Economy flight from London and overseas transfers to/from vessel
4 nights cruise including all meals
Unlimited drinks including selected wine, beer, cocktails and all non-alcoholic drinks (see page 9)
Welcome and Farewell reception with the Captain Nightly on board entertainment
3 Guided Excursions
Services of the Cruise Director and local guides
Sennheiser audio headsets on all excursions
Why this cruise?
• Experience the “Romantic Rhine”
• Enjoy the famous views of fairytale hill top castles
• Journey through the Rhenish Slate Mountains
Use of on board facilities
Wi-Fi
Onboard Gratuities
Port fees and taxes
Full ATOL financial protection
Baggage handling fees
Day Port Arrival Departure Places you can visit on this cruise
1 Cologne - 17:00 Embarkation from 15:00 to 16:00.
2 Treis-Karden/ Alken 07:00 13:00 Guided tour of historic Treis-Karden with a visit to a distillery and tasting.
Koblenz 18:00
3 Koblenz - 12:00
Mittelrheintal Rüdesheim 18:30 -
4 Rüdesheim - 13:00
Mainz 16:00 22:00
5 Cologne 08:30 -
Excursions included in your package.
Evening tour of Koblenz, the city on the “German Corner”, past the town hall with Schängelbrunnen fountain and Liebfrauenkirche church.
Tour of Bad Ems with its wonderful spa architecture and magnificent baroque buildings.
Passage of the famous Loreley Rock.
Let yourself be amazed by artistic-musical inventions of bygone times over a glass of wine - in “Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet”.
City tour of romantic Rüdesheim with its pretty half-timbered houses and cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument.
City tour of Mainz with the magnificent Augustinian Church.
Disembarkation by 09:00.
Premium excursions can only be booked onboard. Bookings are subject to availability and weather conditions on the day of the excursion. Arrival and departure timings are to be used as a guide only. We reserve the right to make changes to itineraries and excursion programmes.
Prices based on two people sharing with flights from London and are correct at the time of going to print but are subject to change. Regional flights are available but may be subject to an additional supplement and are subject to availability. Cruise only options are available. For full terms and conditions please see page 72-75.
2 Bed Main Deck Aft
2 Bed Main Deck
Rüdesheim
2 Bed Middle Deck Aft with Openable
Panoramic Window
2 Bed Middle Deck with Openable
Panoramic Window
2 Bed Upper Deck Aft with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck Front with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck with French Balcony
Please see pages 60-71 for ship profile & deck plans.
Prices from £1,795 PER PERSON
8 days | Cologne • Amsterdam • Rüdesheim
Basel
5 Guided Tours
Ship: Rhein Melodie
Experience the whole length of the ‘Father Rhine’ stretching across Europe taking in the Middle Rhine Valley and famous Loreley Rock, whilst discovering European history in the wonderful city of Strasbourg. Castles shrouded in legend, bustling metropolises and romantic wine regions, from Basel through the Upper Rhine lowlands to the impressive Rhenish Slate Mountains and the delta of the river in the Netherlands, this Central European river cruise shows off the full beauty of the region with some truly amazing landscapes. Visit the most interesting cities in four countries: Germany, Holland, France and Switzerland, and discover impressive monuments, vineyards, castles and ruins as far as the eye can see, on a week of unforgettable experiences.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Economy flight from London and overseas transfers to/from vessel
7 nights cruise including all meals
Unlimited drinks including selected wine, beer, cocktails and all non-alcoholic drinks (see page 9)
Welcome and Farewell reception with the Captain
Nightly on board entertainment
5 Guided Excursions
Services of the Cruise Director and local guides
Sennheiser audio headsets on all excursions
Why this cruise?
• Journey through the Middle Rhine Valley
• Cruise past the famous sights of Loreley Rock
• Savour the European history of Strasbourg
Use of on board facilities
Wi-Fi
Onboard Gratuities
Port fees and taxes
Full ATOL financial protection
Baggage handling fees
1 Cologne
2 Amsterdam 08:00 23:30
3 Nijmegen 08:00 14:30
4 Cologne 08:00 14:00
Koblenz 21:30 -
5 Koblenz - 13:00
Embarkation from 15:00 to 16:00.
Tour of Amsterdam including a canal tour past the typical merchant houses. Then there will be time to explore the city yourself.
Excursion to North Holland including a visit to Volendam and a trip across Markermeer lake to Marken.
Tour of the peaceful Hanseatic town of Nijmegen.
Tour of the cathedral city of Cologne with traditional Kölsch beer. Time to explore the city yourself.
Tour of Koblenz, the city at the juncture of the Rhine and Moselle with cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, where the views are amazing.
Middle Rhine Valley Cruise past the famous Loreley Rock.
Rüdesheim 19:30 -
6 Rüdesheim - 03:00
Mannheim/ Ludwigshafen 12:00 18:00
7 Strasbourg/ Kehl 07:00 13:30
Sip a glass of wine and be amazed by the historical artistic and musical inventions at “Siegfried’s Mechanischem Musikkabinett”.
An excursion to the majestic cathedral city of Speyer.
Tour of Strasbourg including a visit to the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
8 Basel 07:00 - Disembarkation by 09:00.
Tour through Basel’s historic district including the marketplace and Münsterplatz (ends approx. 11:00 at Basel Bad station).
Use of sundeck is restricted on the section of the river between Bael and Strasbourg. Excursions included in your package.
Premium excursions can only be booked onboard. Bookings are subject to availability and weather conditions on the day of the excursion. Arrival and departure timings are to be used as a guide only. We reserve the right to make changes to itineraries and excursion programmes.
Prices based on two people sharing with flights from London and are correct at the time of going to print but are subject to change. Regional flights are available but may be subject to an additional supplement and are subject to availability. Cruise only options are available. For full terms and conditions please see page 72-75.
2 Bed Main Deck Aft
2 Bed Main Deck
2 Bed Middle Deck Aft with Openable Panoramic Window
2 Bed Middle Deck with Openable Panoramic Window
2 Bed Upper Deck Aft with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck Front with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck with French Balcony
Please see pages 60-71 for ship profile & deck plans.
Prices from £1,805
8 days | Basel • Rüdesheim • Amsterdam
Cologne
5 Guided Tours
Ship: Rhein Melodie
Discover the unique magic of the Rhine River, including fairy-tale castles, medieval towns, and spectacular terraced vineyards. Visiting the famous cities of Strasbourg, Koblenz, Amsterdam, and Cologne this Rhine river cruise is truly special as it allows you to experience the incredible highlights of the Rhine River, Europe’s most fabled waterway. Be captivated by the rich culture, history, and scenery along the banks of this river as your journey takes you across Central Europe on a river cruise that allows you to visit four countries in just eight days. You will experience the timeless towns that exude the romance of days long past, the sloping vineyards of this famous wine region and the wonderful waterways of Amsterdam. This itinerary also includes Lorelei Rock and cruising the Middle Rhine Valley.
Why this cruise?
• Rudesheim’s wine growing region
• See Koblenz at the juncture of the Rhine and the Moselle
• Amsterdam’s charming canals and gabled houses
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Economy flight from London and overseas transfers to/from vessel
7 nights cruise including all meals
Unlimited drinks including selected wine, beer, cocktails and all non-alcoholic drinks (see page 9)
Welcome and Farewell reception with the Captain Nightly on board entertainment
5 Guided Excursions
Services of the Cruise Director and local guides
Sennheiser audio headsets on all excursions
Use of on board facilities
Wi-Fi
Onboard Gratuities
Port fees and taxes
Full ATOL financial protection
Baggage handling fees
1 Basel
17:15 Embarkation from 15:00 to 16:00.
Tour through Basel’s historic district including the marketplace and Münsterplatz. (Starts 14:30 at Basel Bad station).
2 Strasbourg/ Kehl 09:15 22:00
3 Rüdesheim 13:00 -
4 Rüdesheim - 09:00
Middle Rhine Valley
Koblenz 13:00 20:00
5 Cologne 01:00 14:00
6 Amsterdam 08:00 23:30
7 Nijmegen 08:30 14:30
Tour of Strasbourg including a visit to the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Time to explore the city yourself.
Time to explore the city yourself. Experience the Rhine in Flames® fireworks show in Rüdesheim.
Cruise past the famous Lorelei Rock.
Tour of Koblenz, the city at the juncture of the Rhine and Moselle with cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, where the views are amazing. Time to explore the city yourself.
Tour of the cathedral city of Cologne with traditional Kölsch beer.
Tour of Amsterdam including a canal tour past the typical merchant houses. Excursion to North Holland with a visit to Volendam and a trip across Markermeer lake to Marken.
Tour of the peaceful Hanseatic town of Nijmegen. Then there will be time to explore the city yourself.
8 Cologne 08:00 - Disembarkation by 09:00.
Use of sundeck is restricted on the section of the river between Bael and Strasbourg. Excursions included in your package.
Premium excursions can only be booked onboard. Bookings are subject to availability and weather conditions on the day of the excursion. Arrival and departure timings are to be used as a guide only. We reserve the right to make changes to itineraries and excursion programmes.
Prices based on two people sharing with flights from London and are correct at the time of going to print but are subject to change. Regional flights are available but may be subject to an additional supplement and are subject to availability. Cruise only options are available. For full terms and conditions please see page 72-75.
2 Bed Main Deck Aft
2 Bed Main Deck
2 Bed Middle Deck Aft with Openable Panoramic Window
2 Bed Middle Deck with Openable Panoramic Window
2 Bed Upper Deck Aft with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck Front with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck with French Balcony
Please see pages 60-71 for ship profile & deck plans.
Prices from £1,905
8 days | Cologne • Amsterdam • IJsselmeer
Cologne
4 Guided Tours
Ship: nickoSPIRIT
Immerse yourself in the rich Dutch culture, with its open expanses of water and warm-hearted people. Explore the city of Amsterdam and journey into the heart of Holland as we take you to some of the most charming small towns to be found anywhere between the Rhine, Waal, Ijssel and the North Sea. Gliding through polder landscapes, you will have the opportunity to take that perfect photograph of a typical Dutch windmill or two! Explore enchanting Kampen, an idyllic little Dutch town on the Ijssel estuary as our river cruise turns in to a lake cruise on the Markermeer and Ijsselmeer.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Economy flight from London and overseas transfers to/from vessel
7 nights cruise including all meals
Unlimited drinks including selected wine, beer, cocktails and all non-alcoholic drinks (see page 9)
Welcome and Farewell reception with the Captain
Nightly on board entertainment
4 Guided Excursions
Services of the Cruise Director and local guides
Sennheiser audio headsets on all excursions
• Cruise inland on the Markermeer and Lake Ijssel
• Explore the trendy metropolis of Amsterdam
• Wander the idyllic little Dutch town of Kampen on the Ijssel estuary
Use of on board facilities
Wi-Fi
Onboard Gratuities
Port fees and taxes
Full ATOL financial protection
Baggage handling fees
Day Port Arrival Departure Places you can visit on this cruise
1 Cologne - 16:00 Embarkation from 15:00 to 16:00.
2 Amsterdam 09:00 - City tour of Amsterdam with canal tour along the typical merchants’ houses. Excursion North Holland with a visit to Volendam and a trip across the Markermeer to Marken.
3 Amsterdam - 08:00
Cruising across Markermeer und IJsselmeer.
Enkhuizen 13:30 - City tour of Enkhuizen and visit to the open-air museum.
4 Enkhuizen Kampen - 05:00 09:00 -
Tour of the charming town of Kampen at the mouth of the IJssel. - - Trip to Giethoorn - the Dutch Venice.
5 Kampen - 08:00
Deventer 12:30 -
6 Deventer Zutphen16:00 14:00 -
7 Zutphen Arnhem08:00 04:00 14:00
Guided walking tour of Deventer with its lovingly restored monuments in the historic old town.
Excursion to Het Loo - former baroque royal palace in Apeldoorn. Tour of the picturesque town of Zutphen.
City walk Arnhem with Eusebiuskerk and Duivelhuis. Afterwards, time for your own discoveries.
8 Cologne 08:00 - Disembarkation until 09:00.
Excursions included in your package.
Premium excursions can only be booked onboard. Bookings are subject to availability and weather conditions on the day of the excursion. Arrival and departure timings are to be used as a guide only. We reserve the right to make changes to itineraries and excursion programmes. 2023 departures are 8 Days, Frankfurt to Frankfurt with similar itinerary. Visit our website for more info.
Prices based on two people sharing with flights from London and are correct at the time of going to print but are subject to change. Regional flights are available but may be subject to an additional supplement and are subject to availability. Cruise only options are available. For full terms and conditions please see page 72-75.
2 Bed Main Deck Front
2 Bed Main Deck
1 Bed Main Deck
2 Bed Middle Deck Aft Lowerable
Panoramic Front
2 Bed Middle Deck Front Lowerable
Panoramic Front
2 Bed Middle Deck with Lowerable
Panoramic Front
2 Bed Upper Deck Aft with Lowerable
Panoramic Front
2 Bed Upper Deck Front with Lowerable
Panoramic Front
2 Bed Upper Deck with Lowerable
Panoramic Front
Please see pages 60-71 for ship profile & deck plans.
Markermeer
Prices from £1,405 PER PERSON
6 days | Cologne • Amsterdam • Rotterdam
Cologne
4 Guided Tours
Ship: Rhein Melodie
Tulips? Holland! Come and see for yourself. The Keukenhof flower park is transformed into a multicoloured spectacle every spring. A visit to Amsterdam is naturally also on the itinerary, and it includes a trip on the famous canals past the city’s traditional town houses. North Holland is famous for its pretty countryside and the traditional windmills. Markermeer and IJsselmeer, two large inland waters, are an additional cruise highlight. Rotterdam with its gigantic port and pretty Nijmegen are also important components of a cruise that appeals to all the senses.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Cologne
Economy flight from London and overseas transfers to/from vessel
5 nights cruise including all meals
Unlimited drinks including selected wine, beer, cocktails and all non-alcoholic drinks (see page 9)
Welcome and Farewell reception with the Captain Nightly on board entertainment
4 Guided Excursions
Services of the Cruise Director and local guides
Sennheiser audio headsets on all excursions
• Enjoy the famous Dutch tulip fields at Keukenhof, one of the largest flower gardens in the world
• Visit North Holland’s countryside with picturesque Schiedam windmills
• Explore Nijmegen, one of the oldest towns in the Netherlands
Use of on board facilities
Wi-Fi
Onboard Gratuities
Port fees and taxes
Full ATOL financial protection
Baggage handling fees
Day Port Arrival Departure Places you can visit on this cruise
1 Cologne - 16:00 Embarkation from 15:00 to 16:00.
2 Amsterdam 08:00
3 Amsterdam - 08:00
Enkhuizen 13:30 22:00
4 Rotterdam 12:00 22:00
5 Nijmegen 07:00 14:30
Excursion to the famous Keukenhof, Europe’s biggest flower garden.
Tour of Amsterdam including a canal tour past the typical merchant houses.
Cruising across Markermeer und IJsselmeer.
Tour of Enkhuizen and visit to the open-air museum.
Tour of modern Rotterdam and its futuristic architecture.
Tour of the peaceful Hanseatic town of Nijmegen. Then there will be time to explore the city yourself.
6 Cologne 08:00 - Disembarkation by 09:00.
Excursions included in your package.
Premium excursions can only be booked onboard. Bookings are subject to availability and weather conditions on the day of the excursion. Arrival and departure timings are to be used as a guide only. We reserve the right to make changes to itineraries and excursion programmes.
Prices based on two people sharing with flights from London and are correct at the time of going to print but are subject to change. Regional flights are available but may be subject to an additional supplement and are subject to availability. Cruise only options are available. For full terms and conditions please see page 72-75.
CABIN KEY
2 Bed Main Deck Aft
2 Bed Main Deck
2 Bed Middle Deck Aft with Openable Panoramic Window
2 Bed Middle Deck with Openable Panoramic Window
2 Bed Upper Deck Aft with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck Front with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck with French Balcony
Please see pages 60-71 for ship profile & deck plans.
We associate savoir vivre with café au lait, croissants and baguettes, but also with excellent red wines, fresh oysters and coq au vin. Yet there is far more to French lifestyle than culinary delights. It also embraces time-honoured cities, sun-kissed natural landscapes, wild horses and flamingos – to mention just a few things. Our river cruise routes give you the opportunity to experience as many of the interesting facets of France as possible. The Rhône and Saône lead straight into the beautiful countryside of southern France, past historically significant towns such as Lyon, Arles and Avignon and spectacular scenery.
If France is the European centre of luxury, Lyon is one of its strongholds. In the oldest part of the city, “Vieux Lyon” you will find traboules – secret covered passageways between the alleys. They were used in the olden days by workers to transport silk and fabric bales through the city. Today, they are used by the numerous cafés and bars to transport delicious food and beverages on trays. One such delicious
beverage is fruity Beaujolais, the wine produced at the vineyards to the north of the city. Proud Lyon has UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status.
It is also a Catholic Church diocese with Lyon Cathedral – seat of the archbishop – and the Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, both impressive buildings in their own right. The Burgundy region has a long history, too. But it was the secular rather than the spiritual gentlemen who settled here. Influential medieval dukes selected Beaune as the location of their palace.
Prices from £1,855 PER PERSON
8 days | Lyon • Chalon • Arles • Lyon
4 Guided Tours
Ship: Bijou du Rhone
Take a journey through the colourful countryside in the south of France and savour the beauty of its historical cities, including the famous Ardèche Gorge, where you will enjoy some of France’s most beautiful natural scenery. Continue into Provence and the Camargue, where the incomparable atmosphere inspired Van Gogh. From Lyon, the cruise heads north on the Saône, to Chalon-sur-Saône, with an excursion to Burgundy and a visit to the famous Hôtel-Dieu, then on the Rhône towards the Mediterranean Sea. Learn why the Romans felt so at home in Mâcon and Arles, then see the great buildings of Avignon, such as the magnificent Papal Palace.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Economy flight from London and overseas transfers to/from vessel
7 nights cruise including all meals
Unlimited drinks including selected wine, beer, cocktails and all non-alcoholic drinks (see page 9)
Welcome and Farewell reception with the Captain Nightly on board entertainment
4 Guided Excursions
Services of the Cruise Director and local guides
Sennheiser audio headsets on all excursions
Why
• Walk in the footsteps of Romans in Arles and at the Pont du Gard aqueduct
• Enjoy the wild horses and flamingos of the Camargue region
• Explore the impressive natural scenery as we pass through the Ardèche Gorge
Use of on board facilities
Wi-Fi
Onboard Gratuities
Port fees and taxes
Full ATOL financial protection
Baggage handling fees
1 Lyon - 22:30
2 Chalonsur-Saône 11:00 18:00
Mâcon 23:30 -
3 Mâcon - 12:00
Belleville 14:30 15:00
Trévoux 16:30 19:00
4 Viviers 12:30 18:30
5 Arles 03:00 18:00
Avignon 22:30 -
6 Avignon - 15:30
Châteauneufdu-Pape 17:30 18:15
7 Lyon 15:30
8 Lyon
Places you can visit on this cruise
Embarkation from 17:00 to 19:00.
Excursion in Burgundy including a visit to Beaune and the famous Hôtel-Dieu with its distinctive, colourful roof.
Excursion to the impressive and history-steeped Cluny Abbey. or to the beautiful Château de Cormatin.
Excursion to Beaujolais with a tour of the medieval village of Oingt and a wine-tasting experience at a vineyard (starts Belleville/ends Trévoux).
Sensational landscapes on the excursion to the Ardèche Gorge with its steep cliffs, and a visit to the lavender museum. Time to explore by yourself.
Tour of Arles with its splendid Roman architecture, e.g. the mighty arena. Excursion to the exceptional Camargue including a visit to a bull farm.
Tour of Avignon including the famous Pont d‘Avignon and the Papal Palace. Time to explore by yourself.
Excursion to the famous Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct (starts Avignon/ ends Châteauneuf-du-Pape).
Tour of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage historical district of Lyon with its impressive basilica.
Time to explore the city yourself.
Disembarkation by 09:00.
Excursions included in your package. Premium excursions can only be booked onboard. Bookings are subject to availability and weather conditions on the day of the excursion. Arrival and departure timings are to be used as a guide only. We reserve the right to make changes to itineraries and excursion programmes.
Prices based on two people sharing with flights from London and are correct at the time of going to print but are subject to change. Regional flights are available but may be subject to an additional supplement and are subject to availability. Cruise only options are available. For full terms and conditions please see page 72-75.
2 Bed Main Deck
2 Bed Middle Deck Front
2 Bed Middle Deck
2 Bed Deluxe Middle Deck with Lowerable Panoramic Front
2 Bed Deluxe Upper Deck Aft with Lowerable Panoramic Front
2 Bed Deluxe Upper Deck with Lowerable Panoramic Front
Prices from £1,755 PER PERSON
8 days | Paris • Le Havre • Paris
4 Guided Tours
Ship: Seine Comtesse
Discover why northern France has remained such a unique and distinctive muse for so many great artists over the centuries. Experience an intense insight into French life combined with inspirational landscapes and stunning natural beauty. Enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of delightful little towns, admire the imposing Chalk Cliffs on the Alabaster Coast and relax on a stroll through the small seafaring and artistic town of Honfleur with its half-timbered houses and picturesque marina. See why Claude Monet was so inspired by the gardens of his home in Giverny and spend the day in historic Rouen exploring its wonderful medieval alleyways and Gothic architecture. Paris forms the crowning glory of your cruise, including the chance to enjoy famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Montmartre, the famous Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Enjoy a taste of the famous French capital nightlife with a visit to one of its famous Parisian cabaret shows.
• Discover picturesque villages and the wild romantic landscapes of Normandy
• Enjoy iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, SacréCoeur and Montmartre in Paris
• Indulge in a unforgettable, unique and glamorous Parisian cabaret show
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Economy flight from London and overseas transfers to/from vessel
7 nights cruise including all meals
Unlimited drinks including selected wine, beer, cocktails and all non-alcoholic drinks (see page 9)
Welcome and Farewell reception with the Captain Nightly on board entertainment
4 Guided Excursions
Services of the Cruise Director and local guides
Sennheiser audio headsets on all excursions
Use of on board facilities
Wi-Fi
Onboard Gratuities
Port fees and taxes
Full ATOL financial protection
Baggage handling fees
1 Paris - 20:00
Places you can visit on this cruise
Embarkation from 16:00 to 18:00.
2 Rouen* 16:00 19:00 Tour of the “Gothic Open-Air Museum” in Rouen with its numerous church towers and old half-timbered buildings.
3 Le Havre* 05:00 19:00
4 Caudebecen-Caux* 02:00 13:00
Excursion to the picturesque maritime and artist village of Honfleur. Tour of Le Havre followed by an excursion to picturesque Étretat on the high chalk cliffs of the Alabaster Coast.
Excursion to monastery country with a visit to the impressive Jumièges Abbey and St. Martin de Boscherville Abbey.
Rouen 19:00 23:30 Enjoy a French chanson evening on board the ship.
5 Vernon 08:00 14:00
6 Conflans-SainteHonorine 00:30 14:00
Paris 19:30 -
Excursion to Giverny including Monet’s house with its paradisical garden and famous water lily pond.
Excursion to the James Bond movie set Château de Chantilly.
Attendance of an evening cabaret show in Paris.
7 Paris - - Tour of the cosmopolitan city of Paris to take in famous sights such as the Eiffel Tower or the Champs-Élysées. Excursion to Montmartre and a visit to the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
8 Paris - - Disembarkation by 09:00.
Excursions included in your package.
Premium excursions can only be booked onboard. Bookings are subject to availability and weather conditions on the day of the excursion. Arrival and departure timings are to be used as a guide only. We reserve the right to make changes to itineraries and excursion programmes.
Please see pages 60-71 for ship profile & deck plans.
Prices based on two people sharing with flights from London and are correct at the time of going to print but are subject to change. Regional flights are available but may be subject to an additional supplement and are subject to availability. Cruise only options are available. For full terms and conditions please see page 72-75.
2 Bed Main Deck
2 Bed Middle Deck Front
2 Bed Middle Deck
2 Bed Deluxe Middle Deck with Lowerable Panoramic Front
2 Bed Deluxe Upper Deck Aft with Lowerable Panoramic Front
2 Bed Deluxe Upper Deck with Lowerable Panoramic Front
The Portugese are experts at living near, on and with water both on the Atlantic Coast and in the Douro region, one of the oldest winegrowing regions in the world. An excellent micro climate not only provides the perfect conditions for the premium vines to grow, but also for impressive cruises up and down the river.
The Douro Valley, with its steep vineyards, romantic villages and fascinating views, is one of the most beautiful regions of Portugal. UNESCO agrees, which is why the thirdlongest river on the Iberian peninsular with its steep slopes has World Cultural Heritage status. The grapes grown here are used to make the famous table and liqueur wines that northern Portugal is famous for – here in Europe and around the world.
The Douro – or Duero as it is known here – begins in Spain before crossing Portugal from the east to west and flowing into the Atlantic Ocean at Porto. On its journey it flows past proud vineyards, medieval towns and beautiful landscapes. Then, when it reaches the port city of Porto with its mix of traditional and modern architecture, it flows into the ocean. Our wonderful river cruises take us from the Spanish border to the sea.
Prices from £1,645 PER PERSON
8 days | Porto • Douro Valley • Porto
4 Guided Tours
Ships: Douro Queen / Douro Serenity
Known for its UNESCO World Heritage site status characterised by steep slopes and stunning wine terraces, the Douro Valley has every right to call itself one of the most impressive river landscapes on the European continent. Explore the beauty of Porto’s architecture and finest ports, with a wine tasting experience in an historical wine cellar before we leave. Enjoy a guided tour through the tranquil city of Pinhão for dinner at a traditional vineyard and explore the Spanish city of Salamanca. A ‘living museum’ where you can practically touch history in the form of centuries-old buildings. Extend your 8-day cruise with a hotel stay in Porto or Lisbon to explore more of the Portuguese heritage, culture and wine!
Atlantic
Braga
Guimarães
Porto Régua Pinhão
Caldas de Aregos
Lamego
Barca d’Alva
Portugal
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Pocinho
Vega Terrón
Castelo
Rodrigo
Spain
Douro
Salamanca
• Explore colourful towns, picturesque villages and spectacular landscapes
• Wander through Porto’s enchanting old city centre and admire the famous bridges
• Sample fine port wine on the banks of the Douro and visit a traditional quinta for lunch
Economy flight from London and overseas transfers to/from vessel
7 nights cruise including all meals
Unlimited drinks including selected wine, beer, cocktails and all non-alcoholic drinks (see page 9)
Welcome and Farewell reception with the Captain Nightly on board entertainment
4 Guided Excursions
Services of the Cruise Director and local guides
Sennheiser audio headsets on all excursions
Use of on board facilities
Wi-Fi
Onboard Gratuities
Port fees and taxes
Full ATOL financial protection
Baggage handling fees
Places you can visit on this cruise
1 Porto - - Embarkation from 17:00 to 19:00.
2 Porto - 14:30
19:00 -
3 Caldas de Aregos - 07:00
Pinhão 11:00 -
4 Pinhão - 08:00
Barca d’Alva/ Vega Terrón 14:00 -
Tour of Porto, the city named after the port wine produced there and a wine tasting experience in a wine cellar.
Walk around pretty Pinhão and visit the famous rail station decorated with blue & white ceramic tiles. Visit to a traditional quinta (wine estate) with lunch. Excursion to the magnificent Baroque Mateus Palace in Vila Real with its beautiful park-like garden.
Excursion to Castelo Rodrigo, one of the historic Portuguese parishes with its history-steeped castle ruin.
5 Barca d’Alva/ Vega Terrón - 18:00 Full-day excursion to the Spanish university city of Salamanca with its impressive cathedral and Plaza Mayor (including lunch).
Pocinho 20:00 -
6 Pocinho - 07:00
Régua 14:30 -
7 Régua - 07:00
Porto 14:00 -
Excursion to the pilgrimage town of Lamego with its impressive open staircase and Gothic cathedral.
Excursion to Portugal’s “Cradle”, Guimarães. or a visit to Braga, the country’s modern and vibrant religious centre.
8 Porto Disembarkation by 09:00.
Excursions included in your package.
Premium excursions can only be booked onboard. Bookings are subject to availability and weather conditions on the day of the excursion. Arrival and departure timings are to be used as a guide only. We reserve the right to make changes to itineraries and excursion programmes.
2 Bed Main Deck Aft
2 Bed Main Deck
2 Bed Upper Deck Aft (Douro Queen only)
2 Bed Upper Deck Front (Douro Queen only)
2 Bed Upper Deck with Balcony (Douro Queen only)
2 Bed Middle Deck Aft (Douro Serenity)
2 Bed Middle Deck with Lowerable Panoramic Front (Douro Serenity only)
2 Bed Upper Deck with Lowerable Panoramic Front (Douro Serenity only)
2 Bed Deluxe Upper Deck with Loggia Balcony (Douro Serenity only)
2 Bed Junior Suite Upper Deck with Loggia Balcony (Douro Serenity only)
Prices based on two people sharing with flights from London and are correct at the time of going to print but are subject to change. Regional flights are available but may be subject to an additional supplement and are subject to availability. Cruise only options are available. For full terms and conditions please see page 72-75.
Please see pages 60-71 for ship profile & deck plans.
Discover European Christmas markets by river cruise. Originating in Germany and dating back as far as the late Middle Ages, Christmas markets, or Christkindlmarkt as they are also known, have in recent years become increasingly popular throughout northern Europe. And there’s no better way to experience this tradition than with a Christmas market cruise. The delicious waft of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts, along with a backdrop of festive sounds and twinkling lights ensures that the air is filled with delightful Christmastime cheer. Full of yuletide charm, these markets are truly a joyful treat for all the senses—plus a great opportunity to pick up festive decorations and gifts for loved ones. Late November and early December offers you the opportunity to embark on your very own Christmastime adventure.
For 2023 and 2024 we have many more Christmas and New Year river cruises on the Danube and on the Rhine for you to choose from. They are the perfect way to enjoy a relaxed Christmas away from home but still treasure all the traditions - the Christmas decorations, the warm and cozy ambience of Christmas whilst being a pampered guest aboard your river vessel!
Our uniquely designed itineraries allow guests to remain relaxed, giving you time to
appreciate your surroundings and the ports of call visited. Experience a very special Christmas Eve Mass inside the atmospheric UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral of Speyer followed by a sumptuous festive gala dinner aboard your river vessel. Or why not try our New Year cruises, allowing you to celebrate in style aboard your chosen river boat, taking advantage of joining in the new year celebrations whilst visiting and experiencing wonderfully new and exciting destinations. So, whether you choose to see in the New Year in the beautiful city of Vienna or in the popular city of Amsterdam there are more options available, than ever before.
5 - 6 days | Passau • Vienna • Passau
3 Guided Tours
Ship: nickoVISION
This short pre-Christmas trip is the perfect way to get in the mood for the busyness and excitement of the festive season. Enjoy the splendour of the Austrian cities of Vienna and Linz and take a stroll through the festive Christmas markets, while soaking up the atmosphere of this most wonderful time.
NEW FOR 2024 DATES – We have included 1 night pre-cruise hotel in Passau, premium hotel with breakfast.
2023 PRICES PER PERSON - 5 Days
from £1,115
2024 PRICES PER PERSON - 6 Days
For a full itinerary please visit our website at www.nicko-cruises.co.uk. Please see pages 60-71 for ship profile & deck plans.
7 days | Passau • Vienna • Budapest Passau
4 Guided Tours
Ship: Viktoria
The yuletide season transforms Vienna’s beautiful squares into delightful Christmas markets. Festive lights illuminate the Old Town. The Christmas season adds another layer of beauty to the already romantic charms of Budapest. Stroll among the stalls at Budapest’s Christmas market and immerse yourself in the cheerful atmosphere as you shop for handmade decorations.
NEW FOR 2024 DATES – We have included 1 night pre-cruise hotel in Passau, premium hotel with breakfast.
2024 PRICES PER PERSON
Prices from £1,345
4 days | Cologne • Amsterdam • Cologne
3 Guided Tours
Ship: nickoSPIRIT
Our short Advent cruises are full of highlights, from ancient half-timbered buildings and legend-steeped castles to vibrant Amsterdam, not to mention the plus picturesque scenery and cosy tranquillity. You will find an informal atmosphere and good company on board our modern ships. Their stylishly furnished cabins are oases of peace and quiet with wonderful views of the wintry riverbank landscapes. Relax and enjoy the cruise.
2023 PRICES PER PERSON
7 days | Cologne • Rüdeshelm • Strasbourg
Cologne | 4 Guided Tours
Ships: Rhein Symphonie / nickoSPIRIT
A Christmas cruise filled with festive magic, from the castles of the Rhenish Slate Mountains and the legendary Loreley Rock to Strasbourg’s world-famous Christmas Market and the picturesque old quarter of Mainz. There will also be the chance to experience a very special Christmas Eve Mass inside the atmospheric UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral of Speyer.
2023 PRICES PER PERSON 2024 PRICES PER PERSON
Prices from £1,045
Cruise the incomparable beauty of the Middle Rhine Valley, a place where the fairy-tale castles of the Rhenish Slate Mountains and the legendary Loreley Rock have inspired artists through the ages.
Enjoy a stroll through two festive Christmas markets and sample the local delicacies with a glass of mulled wine or two!
2023 PRICES PER PERSON
For a full itinerary please visit our website at www.nicko-cruises.co.uk. Please see pages 60-71 for ship profile & deck plans.
7 & 9 days | Passau • Vienna • Budapest
Melk • Passau | 4 Guided Tours
Ships: Bolero / nickoVISION / Maxima
Feel yourself begin to relax from the moment you step on board on our comfortable river cruise ships. Spending Christmas on the river is the most relaxing experience ever. Visit magnificent Esztergom Basilica and enjoy the holiday in festively decorated Budapest and historic Bratislava. Enjoy the panoramic river scenery as the galley crew treat you to a festive gala dinner on Bolero, Maxima or nickoVISION.
NEW FOR 2024 DATES – We have included 1 night pre-cruise hotel in Passau, premium hotel with breakfast.
2023 PRICES PER PERSON - 7 Days
2024 PRICES PER PERSON - 9 Days
Prices from £1,400
9 days | Cologne • Antwerp • Amsterdam
Cologne | 4 Guided Tours
Ship: nickoSPIRIT / Rhein Symphonie
Gelukkig nieuwjaar! Welcome the New Year in the canal city of Amsterdam. A tour of the city and an evening canal trip will provide you with brand new insights into the Dutch capital, with its numerous museums and tourist attractions. It is one of the many highlights on this exciting New Year cruise. You will also love historic Antwerp, the EU capital of Brussels and modern Rotterdam. Spend the most special day of the year in the most vibrant cities on the Rhine-Meuse Delta.
8 & 9 days | Passau • Vienna • Budapest
Passau | 4 Guided Tours
Ships: Bolero / nickoVISION
Picturesque snow-covered landscapes with magnificent buildings: the great cities of the Danube look spectacular during the wintertime. This very special cruise includes two nights in Vienna for New Year’s Eve in the Austrian capital and plenty of time to explore its cultural and historic highlights by day.
NEW FOR 2024 DATES – We have included 1 night pre-cruise hotel in Passau, premium hotel with breakfast.
Award-winning nickoVISION has been redefining standards for innovation and style ever since her launch, with lightfilled rooms and a modern, stylish design that catches the eye immediately.
The beautiful sun deck is perfect for relaxing in the open air or enjoying a refreshing swim in the pool. There’s even a putting green and large hammocks for taking a nap. The spa and fitness area has an infrared controlled Finnish sauna and steam bath; or if working up a sweat is more your thing, a range of weights and state-of-the art cardio machines will help get those endorphins flowing.
Browse the library and souvenir shop. Enjoy a drink on the veranda of the VISIONbar and watch the sunset from the ship’s bow. Reconvene for dinner in a choice of three inclusive restaurants, where flexible mealtimes and a choice of tables are perfect for those who dislike having to decide in advance when or where to dine. After which, the panorama salon and bar awaits, for a night-cap and some high-quality evening entertainment.
We have invested a lot of passion in the furnishings and amenities you will find in nickoVISION’s 14 m² outside cabins. Windows on the main deck cannot be opened, but on the middle and upper deck, openable French balconies ensure you get the best views. Amenities include conditioning, radio, telephone, satellite TV, shower/WC, hairdryer, fridge and a safe.
nickoVISION has three restaurants (all inclusive), a panorama salon, the VISIONbar with veranda at the bow, a sun deck with pool, sunsail, sun loungers, chairs and tables, two big hammocks and a putting green. A gym with cardio equipment and weights, a spa with sauna and steam bath, a library, a lift between the main, middle and upper deck and a souvenir shop are also available.
NOTE: nickoVISION has a lift running between the main, middle, and upper deck, but the use of stairs is required to reach the sundeck.
The currency on board is the euro. At the end of the cruise you can conveniently pay for any excursions booked on board in cash, with your debit card (PIN needed) or with your credit card (Mastercard, VISA).
Language(s): German/English
Capacity: 220 passengers
Crew: 54 crew members
Voltage: 220 volts
Length: 135.00 m
Width: 11.45 m
Depth: 1.60 m
Wi-Fi: Included
2 Bed Main Deck Front
2 Bed Main Deck
2 Bed Middle Deck Aft with French Balcony
2 Bed Middle Deck Front with French Balcony
2 Bed Middle Deck with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck Aft with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck Front with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck with French Balcony
Upper Deck (all cabins with French Balcony)
Middle Deck (all cabins with French Balcony) Main Deck Bar
Sun deck with small pool and putting green
2 Bed Cabin Middle and Upper Deck
Mario’s Grill
Built in 2021, nickoSPIRIT is the ideal size for cruising along the Rhine, Main and Moselle. Her glazed bow offers fantastic views in all weather, from the snowy landscapes of midwinter to the verdant blooms of the brightest summer day, the modern glass-steel design conjures an appealing sense of light and space across every part of the ship. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment in the company of a good book in the library, relaxing in a lounger on the sun deck, or socialising with fellow like-minded passengers in the shade outside, there’s always plenty of room for individuality.
A choice of three included restaurants means those who dislike having to decide in advance when or where to dine can enjoy more spontaneity. Dine al fresco in the panoramic “garden” on the bow, the main restaurant on the middle deck, or on the terrace at the aft of the upper deck. A spacious wellness and fitness area with sauna and whirlpool offers plenty of scope for relaxation and reinvigoration. Reception and the shore excursion office are all conveniently located near the atrium and of course there’s always the souvenir shop for that last minute gift!
NOTE: nickoSPIRIT has a lift connecting all interior decks, but the use of stairs is required to reach the sun deck.
We have poured a lot of passion into the 14 m² outside cabins with their light colours and modern design. At the guests’ request, the double bed can be split into two singles. The panoramic fronts on the middle and upper deck cabins provide excellent views. Cabins on the main deck have a window that does not open. There is plenty of space in the wardrobe for your clothes.
The nickoSPIRIT has three restaurants - all inclusive, a panorama salon, a bar with a large veranda at the bow, a sun deck with sun shading, sun loungers, chairs, and tables. There is also a spa and gym with sauna and rest area, a lift between the main, middle and upper decks, a library and a souvenir shop.
The currency on board is the euro. At the end of the cruise you can conveniently pay for any excursions booked on board in cash, with your debit card (PIN needed) or with your credit card (Mastercard, VISA).
Language(s): German/English
Capacity: 170 passengers
Crew: 38 crew members
Voltage: 220 volts
Length: 110.00 m
Width: 11.40 m
Depth: 1.70 m
Wi-Fi: Included
Upper Deck (all cabins with lowerable panoramic front) Middle Deck (all cabins with lowerable
Restaurant salon free eatery at the stern
2 Bed Cabin Middle and Upper Deck with lowerable Panoramic Front
Comfort, style, a modern interior, and panoramas galore, the full glazing of sister ships Bolero, Viktoria, Maxima and Bellejour’s restaurants and bars allows for excellent views of the passing landscape, while outside on the sun deck, loungers, awnings, and wind protection offer a place to relax or take a stroll, whatever the weather. The hub of these ships is the atrium’s sweeping staircase, where the staff on reception are always on hand to assist. Enjoy a quiet moment with a good book in the library, before making your way through to the dining room, where our friendly service team will be on hand to offer a range of international cuisine, alongside traditional dishes inspired by the destinations you will be visiting.
All cabins on Bolero, Viktoria, Maxima and Bellejour are stylishly and comfortably appointed outside cabins with individually adjustable air-conditioning/heating, shower/ WC, satellite TV with radio, hairdryer, fridge, safe and telephone. The cabins are approx. 16 m² in size and have double beds that can be separated into singles by request. The cabins on the middle and upper deck have floor-toceiling panorama windows that open (French balcony). The cabins on the main deck have large portholes that do not open. Some 2-bed cabins can be occupied by 3 people.
All four ships have a panorama restaurant, a panorama salon with bar, a souvenir shop, a spa with sauna, a rest area with two loungers, a whirlpool and gym equipment, as well as a sun deck with windbreak elements, a sun sail, sun loungers, chairs and tables.
The currency on board is the euro. At the end of the cruise you can conveniently pay for any excursions booked on board in cash, with your debit card (PIN needed) or with your credit card (Mastercard, VISA).
Language(s): German/English
Capacity: 180 passengers
Crew: 40 crew members
Voltage: 220 volts
Length: 126.70 m
Width: 11.40 m
Depth: 1.50 m
Wi-Fi: Included
Sun Deck
2 Bed Main Deck Front/Aft
2 Bed Main Deck
2 Bed Middle Deck Aft with French Balcony
2 Bed Middle Deck Front with French Balcony
2 Bed Middle Deck with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck Aft with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck Front with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck with French Balcony
Upper Deck (all cabins with French Balcony)
Middle Deck (all cabins with French Balcony)
nicko cruise director Panorama restaurant Panorama salon
Spa and gym
Whirlpool
Stairs
NOTE: All ships have stairs between all decks, but no lifts are available.
Belvedere offers a few larger suites, with beds that have been diagonally positioned to look straight out across the water, turning your night-time slumber into a living cinema screen. Whichever cabin you choose, you’re guaranteed great views and ample public places to relax and soak up the riverside landscapes, from the spacious sun deck to the Panorama Restaurant.
2 Bed Main Deck Front/Aft
2 Bed Main Deck
2 Bed Middle Deck Aft with French Balcony
2 Bed Middle Deck Front with French Balcony
2 Bed Middle Deck with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck Aft with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck Front with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck with French Balcony
2 Bed Junior Suite Upper Deck & French Balcony
cruise director
Here our friendly service team will be on hand to offer a range of international cuisine and traditional dishes inspired by the countries you visit, as you watch the world go by through floor to ceiling windows.
Guest capacity 176
NOTE: Belvedere has stairs between all decks, but no lifts are available.
The large panoramic windows of sister ships Rhein Melodie & Rhein Symphonie make them perfect for enjoying the views of “Father Rhine” on a variety of cruises through central Europe. Their vast sun decks are an inviting place to appreciate the cinema of the river, before heading down to the upper deck, for a drink in the light and airy
panorama salon and bar, or a chance to read a few more pages of your favourite book in the peaceful library lounge. At the heart of each ship is the atrium, where a grand staircase leads down to the middle deck for the reception desk and shore excursion office, boutique shop and Panorama Restaurant, is large enough to serve all passengers in one sitting.
2 Bed Main Deck Aft
2 Bed Main Deck
2 Bed Middle Deck Aft with Openable Panoramic Window
2 Bed Middle Deck with Openable Panoramic Window
2 Bed Upper Deck Aft with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck Front with French Balcony
2 Bed Upper Deck with French Balcony
NOTE: Both ships have stairs between all decks, but no lifts are available.
Fully renovated in the spring of 2019, our jewel in the South of France is ideal for cruising the Rhône and Saône. On warm, bright days the sun deck has plenty of loungers and deckchairs for relaxing. There’s even a giant chess board at the aft of the deck if the mood takes you! For optimum views
in every location, the panoramic bar and salon has floor to ceiling windows that really let the outside in, making it the perfect place to watch the world go by. The dining room is just as light and able to cater for all passengers in one sitting.
NOTE: Bijou Du Rhône has two sets of stairs between all decks, but no lifts are available.
In keeping with her name, Seine Comtesse cruises through the romantic Normandy countryside like a true French countess. Aristocratic in style since her recent refurbishment, on warm, bright days the sun deck has plenty of loungers and deckchairs for relaxing. There is even a giant
chess set if the mood takes you! The panoramic bar and salon has floor to ceiling windows to showcase the amazing views, making it the perfect place to watch the world go by. The dining room is just as light and able to cater for all passengers in one sitting.
NOTE: Seine Comtesse has two sets of stairs between all decks, but no lifts are available.
Taking advantage of the warm Portuguese weather, Douro Queen’s sun deck runs the length of the ship, offering a swimming pool for a refreshing dip, comfortable loungers for relaxation, as well as tables and chairs with the sunshade canopy. The main deck is where you will find the passenger’s reception desk, the cruise director’s office, the lounge, the gift shop, and the panorama salon with bar, offering live
music in the evenings, or a comfortable spot to indulge in a good book. Located on the lower deck, the charming restaurant offers a range of local Portuguese delicacies, or international dishes to suit all tastes, accompanied by fine wines from the world-famous grape-growing region through which you will be travelling. Douro Queen was refurbished in Summer 2022.
Souvenir shop
Stairs
NOTE: Douro Queen has a lift connecting all interior decks, but the use of stairs is required to reach the sun deck.
Purpose built to comfortably navigate the River Douro’s five locks, MS Douro Serenity’s sleek tinted glass makes for a modern looking ship that’s also a charming place to relax and enjoy the beauty of this spectacular wine-growing region. On-board amenities include a small fitness room, spa, and
sun deck, with a swimming pool and comfortable loungers. On the upper deck, the stylish lounge bar is located at the heart of the ship. The main deck is where you will find the souvenir shop and the ship’s chic restaurant, large enough to accommodate all passengers in one sitting.
NOTE: Douro Serenity has a lift connecting all interior decks, but the use of stairs is required to reach the sun deck.
These booking conditions together with our General Information, Privacy Policy and any documents referred to in them will apply to: (A) Your use of our website; (B) Our supply of products and services; and (C) Our contact with you, so please read them and the product descriptions through carefully before booking.
Please note that to book any of the products described on our website or to you over the telephone you must agree to be bound by these booking conditions. If you have any questions about the booking conditions, please contact us for clarification prior to booking.
References to “you” and “your” include the first named person on the booking and all persons on whose behalf a booking is made or any other person to whom a booking is added or transferred. References to “Travel Arrangement(s)” in these booking conditions are to the accommodation, transport, cruises, experiences, activities, car hire and other services we offer for sale. References to “Supplier” means the supplier of the Travel Arrangements including but not limited to accommodation providers, cruise lines, transfer providers, experience and activity providers and car hire companies. References to “Principal Supplier” or “Principal” means the Supplier with whom your contract is with.
Please understand that if you refuse to accept these booking conditions, you will not be able to make any bookings with us for any products or services we offer for sale.
About Us
We are Light Blue Travel Ltd (‘Light Blue Travel’, ‘we’, ‘us’, ‘our’) a company registered in England and Wales Company No: 2686703 with its registered office at 2nd Floor Nucleus House, 2 Lower Mortlake Road, Richmond, UK TW9 2JA and trading office at 1 Longview Terrace, Histon Road, Cambridge CB4 3JH.
By making a booking, the first named person (the ‘lead name’) on the booking agrees on behalf of all persons detailed on the booking that he/she:
a. has read these booking conditions, and the General Information and has the authority to and does agree to be bound by them;
b. consents to our use of personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and is authorised on behalf of all persons named on the booking to disclose their personal details to us, including where applicable, special categories of data (such as information on health conditions or disabilities and dietary requirements);
c. is over 18 years of age and resident in the United Kingdom and where placing an order for services with age restrictions declares that he/she and all members of the party are of the appropriate age to purchase those services;
d. accepts financial responsibility for payment of the booking on behalf of all persons detailed on the booking and is authorised to use the credit or debit card that is used to pay for the booking;
e. has provided information that is true and accurate;
f. will only make legitimate reservations. False and/or fraudulent reservations are strictly prohibited.
Please Note: We act in the following capacities: as a Package Organiser/Principal in the sale of Package Holidays in accordance with the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 (‘PTRs’); as a Principal in the sale of single-element Travel Arrangement bookings; or as agent in the sale of Packages or single-element Travel Arrangement. This means that your contract will always be with Light Blue Travel regardless of what you book. You will be advised at the time of booking which one of these scenarios applies to your booking and it will also be confirmed on your confirmation invoice. For the avoidance of doubt, we do not sell Linked Travel Arrangements (as defined under the PTRs). Our obligations to you will vary depending upon what you book with us, and we have tried to set them out below as clearly as possible:
(A) Section A contains the conditions which will apply where we are acting as Principal to your booking whether you are booking a Package or a single element Travel Arrangement. Sections B OR C will also apply depending on what you have booked.
(B) Section B contains the conditions in addition to Section A which will apply when you make a booking for a Package with us where we act as the Package Organiser and Principal.
(C) Section C contains the conditions in addition to Section A which will apply where you make a booking for a singleelement Travel Arrangement booking with us where we act as Principal.
(D) Section D contains all the conditions which will apply where you make a single-element Travel Arrangement booking with us, where we are acting as agent. Please note that the Section D terms and conditions are completely standalone.
SECTION A
1. Your Holiday Contract
All bookings are subject to availability at the time of booking. We do not guarantee that any of the Travel Arrangements or Packages we advertise will still be available at the time of booking. Your booking with us is subject to the relevant parts of these booking conditions and we advise you to read these carefully prior to booking. In addition to being bound by our booking
conditions you will also be bound by the terms and conditions of the companies we choose to facilitate your booking, such terms and conditions are available on request.
A contract will exist with us, as Principal, for your Package or Travel Arrangement as soon as we issue our confirmation invoice via email with a booking reference number. We dispatch this confirmation invoice to the lead name and the lead name will become directly responsible for the payment of the total price and if applicable, any cancellation charges. The lead name will also be responsible for passing any information regarding the booking or any changes made in relation to the booking to all members of the booking party including, but not limited to, information on schedule changes or copies of booking confirmations.
Please check your confirmation invoice carefully on receipt. In the event of any discrepancy in the details contained on the confirmation invoice please contact us immediately at sales@lightbluetravel.co.uk as it may not be possible to make changes at a later date and/or you may have to pay amendment or cancellation fees in accordance with section 4.
These booking conditions are governed by English Law, and the jurisdiction of the English Courts. You may however, choose the law and jurisdiction of Scotland or Northern Ireland if you wish to do so.
2. Your Holiday Price and Payments
We reserve the right to alter the prices of any of the Packages or Travel Arrangements shown. You will be advised of the current price of anything that you wish to book before your contract is confirmed. All prices include any applicable VAT. The information and prices shown in this brochure or on our website may have changed by the time you come to book. Although we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information and prices at the time of publication, regrettably errors do occasionally occur. You must, therefore, ensure you check the price and all other details of your chosen Package or Travel Arrangement with us at the time of booking. Should we become aware of the need to revise information or prices, we may do so by informing you before we accept your booking. In this case, the revised information or prices will be considered to form part of our contract with you as if they had originally been published in our brochure or on our website. We will not be liable for booking errors which are attributable to you or which are caused by unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances as defined in section 6. Where the Package or Travel Arrangement has been incorrectly priced and the booking has already been confirmed, we reserve the right to cancel the booking and refund all monies paid to you.
When you make your booking you must pay a minimum deposit of £450 per person unless you are advised otherwise. If we have to make special flight arrangements we reserve the right to charge you the full cost of these flights at the time of your booking. We will quote you the cost of these arrangements before we confirm your holiday. If we advise you prior to booking that your flights are ‘non-refundable’ then no refund will be due to you for your flights if you later cancel unless we can obtain a refund for you from the airline. Infants must be under two years of age on the date of return travel to qualify for infant status.
Unless you are otherwise advised by us, the balance of the price of your Package or Travel Arrangements must be paid at least 90 days before your departure date and the date will be advised on your confirmation invoice. If the balance is not paid in time we reserve the right to cancel your holiday arrangements and retain your deposit. Please see section 4 ‘If You Change or Cancel Your Holiday’ (below) for cancellation terms.
Please note: Resort fees including, car parking and refundable deposits are now commonly charged by hotels/resorts, which can only be paid locally and not at the point of booking. We will do our best to inform you of such fees but accept no responsibility for the payment of fees. If you are unclear as to whether resort fees will be payable please ask and we will do our best to advise you.
3. Insurance
It is a condition of booking with us that you take out appropriate travel insurance and you are not permitted to travel with us without having adequate travel insurance in place.
Your policy should include cover for (i) cancellation or curtailment of your holiday as a result of circumstances outside your control (including accident or illness and inability to travel for other reasons), (ii) personal accident, (iii) personal liability, (iv) medical expenses and repatriation in the event of medical need, and (v) cover for costs and liability arising from any specific activity you intend to participate in. Please note, it is your sole responsibility to ensure that the travel insurance purchased is suitable for your particular needs, including without limitation, in respect of any pre-existing medical condition (which must be disclosed to the insurer prior to purchasing the policy.)
Any travel insurance you purchase must include specific cover for Covid-19 related issues and incidents which may affect your Package or Travel Arrangements and, if necessary, travelling to a destination subject to a FCDO advisory against travel.
It remains your responsibility to read and understand the insurance policy and ensure that it is suitable and adequate for your particular needs. Please read your policy details carefully and take them with you on holiday. If you choose to travel without adequate insurance cover, we will not be liable for any losses suffered by you in respect of which insurance cover would otherwise have been available.
Changing Your Holiday
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your Package or Travel Arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name on the booking. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of £40.00 per person per change and any further cost we incur in making this alteration. You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible.
Certain parts of Packages and Travel Arrangements (e.g. scheduled flight tickets or “non-refundable flights”) may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the Package or Travel Arrangement.
Cancelling Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your Package or Travel Arrangement at any time. Written notification from the lead name on the booking must be received at our offices. Since we incur costs in cancelling your Package or Travel Arrangement, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges shown below in addition to an administration charge of £40.00 per person. Charges may be higher where the flights and/or other parts of your Package or Travel Arrangement we have confirmed to you are “non-refundable” and this will be advised to you at the time of booking. Any party members who travel will receive a revised invoice based on the new party size. If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.
If you wish to cancel an element of your Package or Travel Arrangement before the full balance is paid your deposit will not be refunded and will not be used to cover any outstanding balance. Certain arrangements may incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the Package or Travel Arrangement after it has been confirmed.
In the case of scheduled flights these are non-refundable and are usually fully payable at the time of booking as advised on your booking confirmation invoice. In some cases a deposit is payable and you will be advised of the balance payment date on your confirmation invoice. Once the balance payment date has been surpassed you will be fully liable for the payment of the balance.
Even if an element of your Package is non-refundable, if you wish to cancel your booking you may also have to pay the following cancellation charges in respect of the other elements of your Package.
River Cruise Package Bookings
Amount of cancellation charge:
More than 90 days before departure – Deposit only
61 - 90 days before departure – 50%
31 - 60 days before departure – 75%
0 – 30 days before departure – 100%
Cancelling Due to FCDO Advice & Covid 19
Where you choose to travel to a destination subject to Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (‘FCDO’) advice against non-essential travel, you accept that once your booking has been confirmed, if you decide not to travel due to FCDO advice, you will have to pay our standard cancellation charges as shown in this section. You are not entitled to cancel and receive a full refund in these circumstances as it is assumed and you confirm that you have made your booking with full knowledge of FCDO advice against non-essential travel.
Please note that we will have no liability for any refunds, compensation, costs, expenses or other losses of any kind incurred by you (including, where applicable, the cost of medical treatment), in the following circumstances:
(i) If you, or anyone in your booking party, test positive for Covid-19, or are notified or otherwise become aware that you have, or suspect you may have, come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 (or where they otherwise suspect they may have Covid-19) and have to selfisolate for a period of time.
If this happens within 14 days of your departure date, you must contact us immediately as you may no longer be able to travel. We will offer you the following options where possible and subject to availability:
(a) Postponing your holiday to a later date. We will notify you of any impact on the price the postponement may have (please note that you may have to pay full cancellation charges on some elements of your holiday, such as the flight, as well any increase in cost imposed by Suppliers);
(b) If not everyone on the booking is affected, you will have the right to transfer your place on the holiday to another person nominated by you, subject always to compliance with the requirements within our booking conditions;
(c) Cancelling your booking, in which case we will impose our standard cancellation charges as at the date of cancellation by you.
You may be able to claim these costs back from your travel insurance – please check your policy wording. If this happens whilst you are on your holiday, please notify us immediately and we will provide such reasonable assistance as we can in the circumstances. However, we will not be responsible for covering the cost of any curtailment of your holiday, missed transport arrangements, additional accommodation required, or other associated costs incurred by you. Your travel insurance may cover some of these costs for you –please check the policy wording.
(ii) You fail any tests, checks, have not had any required vaccinations and within the required timeframes or have proof thereof or other measures imposed by a Supplier, airline, port or airport, border control authority or other government body or local authority or fail to submit for testing or assessment when requested to do so, and as such you are denied boarding, entry to the destination, access to the travel services or you are otherwise unable to proceed with your holiday, or any part of the holiday, or you are required to self-isolate within the destination. Your travel insurance may cover some of these costs for you – please check the policy wording.
(iii) You are required to isolate on your return home.
If We Cancel Your Holiday
We may in exceptional circumstances be required to cancel your booking in which case a full refund of all monies paid will be made to you. We regret we cannot meet any expenses or losses that you may incur as a result of change or cancellation, including any additional travel arrangements that you have made via another company.
Very rarely, we may be forced by unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances (see section 6 below) to change or terminate all or some of your arrangements after departure. If this situation does occur, we regret we will be unable to make any refunds, pay you compensation or meet any costs or expenses you incur as a result.
Where you have booked a Package, additional terms and conditions apply to your booking, please see section 24.
If We Change Your Holiday
It is unlikely that we will have to make any changes to your Package or Travel Arrangements, but we do plan the arrangements many months in advance. Occasionally, we may have to make changes and we reserve the right to do so at any time. Most of these changes will be minor and we will advise you of them at the earliest possible date. Examples of minor changes include alteration of your outward/return flights by less than 12 hours, changes to aircraft type, change of accommodation to another of the same or higher standard, changes of carriers. See additional provisions and examples that apply to Packages at section 24.
If we make a major change to your Package or Travel Arrangement, we will inform you as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before your departure. You will have the choice of either accepting the change of arrangements, accepting an offer of alternative travel arrangements of comparable standard from us if available (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value), or cancelling your Package or Travel Arrangement and receiving a full refund of all monies paid. This doesn’t apply for minor changes. Additional provisions may apply to Packages (see section 24).
6. Unavoidable and Extraordinary Circumstances
In these booking conditions, unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances (also known as Force Majeure) means a situation which is beyond our or the Supplier’s control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken. Such situations are likely to include, but are not limited to whether actual or threatened, war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, flood, epidemics and pandemics, fire, airport, port or airspace closures, restrictions or congestion, flight or entry restrictions imposed by any regulatory authority or other third party, an FCDO advisory against travel to a particular destination and any other government restrictions on travel. Except where otherwise stated in these booking conditions, we have no liability including for compensation, costs and expenses in such situations.
Brexit Implications: please note that certain Package and Travel Arrangements may be affected as a result of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union. This could include changes to the visa requirements of British citizens travelling to, within or through the EU. This is something we will continue to monitor and will advise you as soon as possible if we become aware of any confirmed bookings that will be affected. However, since this is something which is completely unprecedented and outside our control, we would treat any such changes as unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, and whilst we will endeavor to provide suitable alternative arrangements or refunds where possible, we will not be liable to pay you any compensation.
We shall have no liability to you for any changes, cancellations, failure to perform, or delay in performance of, any of our obligations that are caused by unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances. If such an event takes place and if affects the performance of our obligations to you, we will contact you as soon as reasonably possible to notify you. If you have any concerns about a booking, please contact sales@lightbluetravel.co.uk. We regret we will be unable to issue any refunds, pay you compensation or meet any costs or expenses you incur as a result.
7. Covid 19
Please bear in mind that Covid-19 and the measures and other action being taken by governments, public authorities and businesses to manage its effects (including implementation of mandatory social distancing, face masks/ coverings, hand sanitization and temperature checks) is likely to have an impact on Packages and Travel Arrangements for a considerable period of time. We may, for example, be unable to provide certain advertised services or facilities as a result.
Such measures / action may be introduced or changed with little or no prior notice. Greater flexibility is therefore likely to be required for the foreseeable future which we would ask you to bear in mind at all times, both before and after departure. Any impact which such measures / action has on your holiday will not constitute a significant alteration to your contracted arrangements and will not entitle you to cancel without payment of the applicable cancellation charges as a result.
8. Flights
Occasionally flight operators change the flight times and for that reason it is important that you confirm your flight times two days prior to departure.
For inbound flights, it may be necessary to reconfirm your flight with the airline. Please check this in the correspondence received from the airline or flight provider including all the relevant booking conditions. You should take a note of any reference number or contact name when reconfirming. If you fail to reconfirm you may be refused permission to board the aircraft and you are unlikely to receive any refund.
We cannot accept responsibility in the event that you miss your flight if you do not confirm your flight times as described above.
We are not always in a position at the time of booking to confirm the carrier(s), aircraft type and flight timings which will be used in connection with your flight. Where we are only able to inform you of the likely carrier(s) at the time of booking, we shall inform you of the identity of the actual carrier(s) as soon as we become aware of this. The carrier (s), flight timings and type of aircraft shown on our website and on your ATOL receipt (where applicable) are for guidance only and are subject to alteration and confirmation. The latest timings will be shown on your tickets which will be dispatched to you approximately 7-14 days prior to travel. You must check your tickets very carefully immediately on receipt to ensure you have the correct times. It is possible that flight times may be changed even after the tickets have been dispatched, we will contact you as soon as possible if this occurs. Any change in the identity of the carrier(s), flight timings, and/or aircraft type will not entitle you to cancel or change to other arrangements without paying our normal charges.
You have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from the airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be published at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. Reimbursement in such cases is the responsibility of the airline and will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your Package or Travel Arrangement price from us. If your airline does not comply with these rules you should complain to the CAA’s Passenger Advice and Complaints Team (PACT) on 020 7453 6888 or visit www.caa.co.uk.
Please note that in accordance with Air Navigation Orders, in order to qualify as an infant status, a child must be 2 years and under on the day of his/her return flight.
Where you have booked a Package or Travel Arrangement that does not include flights and you have booked flights separately in order to take part in a Package or Travel Arrangement we accept no responsibility for any flights, cancellations, amendments whatsoever.
9. ABTA
We are a member of ABTA, membership numbers D6183 and V9324. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. Further information on the code can be found on ABTA’s website www.abta.com. Please note that ABTA membership only applies to services shown as provided by Light Blue Travel and not to services provided by any third parties.
10. If You Have a Complaint
If you have a problem during your Package or Travel Arrangement, please inform the relevant Supplier (eg your hotelier or cruise line) and our resort representative, where applicable, immediately, who will endeavour to put things right. Please complete an Event Report while in resort and ask our representative or the Supplier to sign it. If you fail to follow this procedure we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify your complaint whilst you were in resort and this may affect your rights under this contract. If your complaint is not resolved locally you should follow this up within 28 days of your return home by writing to our Quality Service Department at Light Blue Travel, 1 Longview Terrace, Histon Road, Cambridge CB4 3JH giving your booking reference number and all relevant information. Please note we do not write to clients when we receive Event Reports sent to us by our resort representatives.
If a complaint arising from your holiday contract cannot be resolved amicably we can offer you ABTA’s scheme for the resolution of disputes which is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. If we can’t resolve your complaint, go to www.abta.com to use ABTA’s simple procedure. Further information on the Code and ABTA’s assistance in resolving disputes can be found on www.abta.com.
11. Additional Assistance in Resort
If you’re in difficulty whilst in resort and ask us to help we will provide appropriate assistance, in particular by providing information on health services, local authorities and consular assistance; and helping you to find alternative arrangements and any necessary phone calls/emails. You must pay any costs we incur if the difficulty is your fault.
12. Excursions
Excursions or other tours, activities, facilities or services that you may choose to book or pay for whilst you are on holiday do not form part of your Package or Travel Arrangements provided by us. For any excursion, tour, activity, facility or service that you book, your contract will be with the operator of that particular service and not with us. We are not responsible for the provision of that service or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the operator.
13. Your Responsibilities
(a) Your specific passport and visa requirements and other immigration requirements are your responsibility and you should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates.
(b) Health & Entry Requirements (see section 14). You must check what vaccinations (including but not limited to Covid-19 vaccinations and timeframes) and/or quarantine requirements, if any, are required for your selected destinations.
(c) Airline regulations require women who are 28 weeks pregnant or more on the date of the return travel to have a doctor’s certificate stating that they are fit to travel. All pregnant women should check the time limits for travel as most airlines do not accept passengers who are more than 34 weeks pregnant at the date of return travel. In addition, for cruise bookings, women who are up to 23 weeks pregnant at the end of the cruise are required to produce a medical certificate of fitness to travel. The Carrier cannot for safety reasons carry pregnant women of 28 weeks or more by the end of the cruise. The Carrier reserves the right to request a medical certificate at any stage of pregnancy and to refuse passage if the Carrier and/or the Master are not satisfied that any pregnant passenger will be safe during the cruise.
(d) You should provide us with full details if you have any form of disability or impairment which may restrict the enjoyment of your holiday before we issue our confirmation invoice (in the case of cruises see section 17). We will only provide precise information on the suitability of your Travel Arrangements taking into account your needs if you specifically request us to do so. Acting reasonably, if we are unable to properly accommodate your needs, we will not confirm your booking and/or if you did not give us full details at the time of booking, we will treat it as cancelled by you when we become aware of these details. In the case of a cruise booking you may be required to complete a health questionnaire prior to boarding (see section 17).
(e) You must be responsible for the behaviour of yourself and your party. We can refuse to accept you as a customer or refuse to continue dealing with you if your behaviour is, in our opinion or the opinion of the airline pilot, hotelier, villa manager, other guests or other person in authority disruptive, dangerous, or annoying to other people or property.
(f) To take reasonable care of your baggage and to insure any high value items as we cannot accept liability for such items.
(g) To arrange holiday insurance (see section 3).
(h) To be aware of current FCDO advice at the time of travel and whilst in resort and any testing and quarantine requirements on your return home.
All costs of the above must be paid by you. We do not accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to obtain and carry all required documentation or to otherwise comply with all applicable requirements (including health/covid 19 related ones). If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents results in fines, surcharges, other financial penalty, costs or expenses being incurred by us, you will be responsible for reimbursing us accordingly. If you are unable to travel as a result of failure or inability to comply with any health related or other requirements, cancellation charges will apply.
You must check entry and other official requirements for all countries to or through which you are travelling as well as any requirements applicable on your return to your home country, at the time of booking and in good time before and close to departure. Requirements are likely to change and travel restrictions may be imposed (which could be at no or very short notice prior to departure) as a result of the coronavirus situation. You must also keep up to date with this information while you are away.
Details of any compulsory health requirements applicable to your holiday are shown are shown on our website or will otherwise be advised at the time of booking. It is your responsibility to ensure you obtain details of and comply with all recommended and required vaccinations, health precautions and other health related measures (including those which are introduced to deal with coronavirus) in good time before departure. Details are available from your GP surgery, local travel clinic and the National Travel Health Network and Centre http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/.
Information on health abroad is also available on www.nhs. uk/Live-well/healthybody/before-you-travel Vaccination and other health requirements/recommendations are subject to change at any time for any destination, including at short or no notice. Please therefore check with a doctor or clinic or other reliable source of information not less than 6 weeks prior to departure and also closer to departure to ensure that you are aware of and can meet the necessary requirements and have the latest information. Please be aware that there may be enhanced screening/monitoring at exit and entry points both in the UK and overseas. In certain situations and when arriving from certain countries, you may be required to self-isolate or quarantine for a set period on arrival.
It is the responsibility of the person who makes the booking to ensure that all persons travelling are in possession of all necessary travel and health documents before departure. All costs incurred in obtaining such documentation must be
paid by you. We do not accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to obtain and carry all required documentation or to otherwise comply with all applicable requirements (including health/coronavirus related ones). If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents results in fines, surcharges, other financial penalty, costs or expenses being incurred by us, you will be responsible for reimbursing us accordingly. If you are unable to travel as a result of failure or inability to comply with any health related or other requirements, cancellation charges will apply.
15. Special Requests
Neither we nor the Suppliers are obliged to provide any assistance or meet special requests unless we have agreed as such in writing. For your own protection, you should obtain confirmation in writing from us that your request will be complied with (where it is possible for us to give this) if your request is important to you. Confirmation that a special request has been noted or passed on to the Supplier or the inclusion of the special request on your confirmation invoice or any other documentation is not confirmation that the request will be met. Unless and until specifically confirmed, all special requests are subject to availability. We regret we cannot accept any conditional bookings, i.e. any booking which is specified to be conditional on the fulfilment of a particular request. All such bookings will be treated as “standard” bookings subject to the above provisions on special requests.
16. Your Privacy
Information provided by you to us in connection with your Package or Travel Arrangement will be collected and held by us as a data controller in accordance with Data Protection laws and our full Privacy Policy is available here. In order to process your booking and to ensure that your Package or Travel Arrangement can be properly performed we need to collect certain personal details from you. These will include, where applicable, the names and addresses of party members, their passport and insurance details, credit/ debit card or other payment details and (with your specific consent), special requirements such as those relating to any disability or medical condition which may affect the chosen holiday arrangements and any dietary restrictions which may disclose your religious beliefs. We must pass on your personal details to the companies and organizations who need to know them so that your holiday can be provided (for example your cruise operator, airline, hotels, credit/debit company or bank). The information may also be provided to public authorities such as customs/immigration if required by them, or otherwise as required by law. If you fail to provide us with this information, we may not be able to plan or confirm your booking. We have appropriate security measures in place to protect the personal details you give us. You are entitled to ask us what details of yours are being held or processed, for what purpose and to whom they may be or have been disclosed; to delete, rectify or block the information we hold about you; to complete and restrict its use and to port it to another organisation. You have the right to object to the processing of your data in some circumstances and where we have asked for consent to process your data in ways additional to those listed above (for example, for marketing purposes), you may withdraw this consent.
SECTIONS 17 – 21 APPLY TO CRUISE BOOKINGS ONLY
17. Fitness to Travel
We and any carrier are entitled to administer a health questionnaire prior to boarding. In order to ensure that the carrier is able to carry passengers safely and in accordance with applicable safety requirements. When completing the questionnaire or embarking the ship, you warrant that you are fit to travel by sea and that your conduct or condition will not impair the safety of the cruise ship or inconvenience the other passengers. You must disclose any medical symptoms of any illness (including but not limited to covid-19 symptoms), injury or infirmity bodily or mental or any circumstances suggestive of exposure to any infection or contagious disease, or any other reason that is likely to impair the safety or reasonable comfort of other persons onboard, via the health questionnaire or otherwise. We and any carrier reserve the right to require any passenger to produce medical evidence of fitness to travel in order to assess whether that passenger can be carried safely.
If it appears to us or the carrier, the Master or the Cruise Ship’s doctor that you are unfit for travel (amongst other reasons we will deem that person unfit to travel if in the 48 hours or less before sailing they have suffered with any medical symptoms suggestive of a viral illness including but not limited to diarrhoea, vomiting, high temperature, persistent cough, loss of taste or smell or other flu-like or Covid-19 symptoms), likely to endanger safety, likely to be refused permission to land at any port, or to render the Carrier liable for passenger maintenance, support or repatriation, then the Carrier or the Master shall have the right to take any of the following courses: (i) Refuse to embark you at any port; (ii) Disembark you at any port; (iii) Transfer you to another berth or cabin; (iv) (If the Cruise Ship doctor considers it advisable), to place or confine you in the Cruise Ship’s Hospital or to transfer you to a health facility at any port, at your expense (v) to administer first aid or any drug, medicine or other substance.
We and the carrier reserve the right to request proof of a complete course of covid-19 vaccinations (including any available boosters) and the dates these were carried out and we reserve the right to cancel, at any time without penalty, any Package, or Travel Arrangement on the basis of any reason relating to covid-19 vaccinations including but not limited to whether these injections have taken place, how many of the vaccinations have taken place, the timeframes or the brand of injection received. In the event that we have to
cancel due to any of these reasons, we will have no liability for any refunds, compensation, costs, expenses or other losses of any kind incurred by you (including, where applicable, the cost of medical treatment).
Where you are refused embarkation as a result of safety and/ or fitness to travel, neither we nor the carrier shall be liable for any loss or expense you experience as a result, nor shall you be entitled to any compensation from us or the carrier. Further, if you or any other passenger for whom you are responsible embarks contrary to this section, you shall be responsible for any loss or expense incurred by us, the carrier or the Master in consequence of such.
18. Equipment and Special Care
The vessels have a limited number of cabins equipped for disabled persons. Not all shore excursions, ports, areas or equipment on the vessels are suitable for access to wheelchairs, disabled persons or persons with reduced mobility. You must check with us at the time of booking to enable us to assess your needs and to ensure that the circumstances do not pose a danger to other passengers. Our decision will be based on safety and will be binding. Passengers who need assistance and/or have special requests or need special facilities, care or equipment with regard to accommodation, seating or services required or their need to bring medical equipment must notify us at the time of booking. You must organise any personal care or supervision yourself at your own expense. The vessel is unable to provide respite services, one to one personal care, supervision or any other form of care for physical or psychiatric or other conditions. Where strictly necessary for the safety of the passenger we and or the carrier can require that a passenger is assisted by an accompanying person who is fit and able to provide the assistance required.
Those passengers confined to wheelchairs must furnish their own standard size wheelchairs and must be accompanied by a travelling companion who is fit and able to assist them. Any ship’s wheelchairs are available for emergency use only. It is your responsibility to ensure that all medical equipment is in good working order and that you have enough equipment and supplies to last the entire voyage. The ship does not carry any replacements and access to shore side care and equipment may be difficult and expensive.
You must be able to operate all your equipment. Unless we or the Carrier agree otherwise and in writing you are limited to bringing 2 items of such mobility or medical equipment on board per cabin with a total value not exceeding £2200. All equipment must be capable of being carried safety and must be declared before the cruise. The Carrier may decline to carry such equipment where it is not safe to do so or where it has not been notified in time to enable a risk assessment to be carried out.
19. Assistance Dogs
Please note that assistance dogs are subject to relevant legislation regarding travel. It is your responsibility to check that the assistance dog can be carried to the ports of embarkation and disembarkation and that the dog is not prohibited from going ashore at the various ports of call. Assistance dogs must have all necessary papers and comply with the relevant legislation regarding health, inoculations, training and travel.
20. Medical Treatment
The Vessel carries medical supplies and equipment as required by its flag state. Neither the Carrier nor the doctor shall be liable as a result of any inability to treat any medical condition.
In the event of illness or accident, passengers may have to be quarantined, landed a shore by the Carrier and/or Master for medical treatment. The Company makes no representations regarding the quality of medical treatment at any port of call or at the place at which the passenger is landed. Medical facilities and standards vary from port to port and we make no representations or warranties in relation to such standards.
21. Maritime Passenger Rights EU Regulation 1177/2010
Definition
‘Disabled Person’ or ‘Person with Reduced Mobility’ means any person whose mobility when using transport is reduced as a result of any physical disability (sensory or locomotor, permanent or temporary), intellectual or psychosocial disability or impairment, or any other cause of disability or impairment or as a result of age, and whose situation needs appropriate attention and adaptation to his/her particular needs for the services made available to all passengers.
The following sections (except ‘delay’ and ‘complaints’ which apply to all passengers with confirmed bookings) apply to you if you are a Disabled Person or a Person with Reduced Mobility where you have booked a cruise. Where the below information conflicts with our booking conditions, the information below shall take priority to the extent of any inconsistency.
Information Light Blue Travel’s priority is always the comfort and safety of its passengers. We will give you information about whether the arrangements you have chosen are generally suitable for persons with reduced mobility and at the time of booking we will also ask you to provide as much detail as possible of the matters given below so that the company can consider its obligation to carry the passenger in a safe or operationally feasible manner, taking into account any issues relating to the design of the passenger ship or port infrastructure and equipment including port terminal which may make it
impossible to carry out the embarkation, disembarkation or carriage of the passenger which may have an impact on the passengers safety and comfort.
The passenger is asked to provide full details at the time of booking if the passenger is unwell, infirm, disabled or has reduced mobility:
a. If the passenger requires a special disabled cabin, since there are a limited number of these available and since Light Blue Travel would like to, wherever possible, accommodate the passenger so that the passenger is comfortable and safe for the duration of the cruise
b. If the passenger has any special seating requirements
c. If the passenger needs to bring any medical equipment on board d. If the passenger needs to bring a recognised assistance dog on board the vessel. Please note that assistance dogs are subject to national regulations.
In the event that Light Blue Travel determines that it is able to provide access to a cruise following its assessment of the above, the passenger must arrive in sufficient time before departure to enable Light Blue Travel to facilitate such access.
Accompanying Person
Where Light Blue Travel considers strictly necessary for the safety and comfort of the passenger and in order for the passenger to fully enjoy the cruise, it may require the disabled person or persons with reduced mobility to be accompanied by another person who is capable of providing the assistance required by the disabled person or person with reduced mobility. This requirement will be based entirely on Light Blue Travel assessing the need of the passenger on grounds of safety and may vary from vessel to vessel and/or itinerary to itinerary.
Medical Equipment
It is important that passengers contact the manufacturer or Supplier to ensure that any medical equipment they are intending to bring on board is safe to use. It is the responsibility of the passengers to arrange delivery to the docks prior to departure of all medical equipment and to notify the company prior to booking if they need to have medical equipment on board so that the company can ensure that the medical equipment can be carried safely. It is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure that all medical equipment is in good working order and for arranging enough equipment and supplies to last the entire voyage. The ship does not carry any replacement and access to shoreside care and equipment may be difficult and expensive. Passengers must be able to operate all equipment.
Limitation
Subject to sections 6, 25 and/or 29 (as applicable) of these booking conditions, the cost of loss or damage to mobility and other medical equipment caused by the fault or neglect of Light Blue Travel, its sub-contractors or agents is subject to Light Blue Travel’s absolute discretion to either repair or replace the equipment. Except where Light Blue Travel agrees otherwise and in writing at the time of booking, passengers are restricted to having on board the vessel two pieces of mobility or other medical equipment with a combined value not exceeding £2200 per cabin.
Delay
Where Light Blue Travel reasonably expects the departure of a cruise to be delayed for more than 30 minutes beyond its scheduled departure time, passengers will be informed of the delay and the estimated time for departure and arrival of the resumed service. Where the cruise is reasonably expected to be delayed more than 90 minutes beyond its scheduled departure time, passengers departing from the port terminal shall be offered free of charge snacks, meals or refreshments as are appropriate given the waiting time, provided they are available and can reasonably be supplied. If the delay in departure necessitates a stay of one or more nights or a stay additional to that intended by the passenger where and when physically possible Light Blue Travel shall, subject to sections 5, 6 and/or 24 (as applicable) of these booking conditions, offer passengers departing from port terminals free of charge adequate accommodation on board or ashore, and transport to and from the port terminal and place of accommodation in addition to the snacks, meals and refreshments previously referred to. The maximum amount that Light Blue Travel will pay for accommodation ashore and transport to and from the port terminal shall be equivalent to 80 Euros per person per night for a maximum of three nights. Light Blue Travel will not have an obligation to provide such accommodation ashore where the delay is caused by weather conditions endangering the safe operation of the ship or where the cancellation or delay has been caused by you.
Complaints Procedure
Complaints relating to EU Regulation 1177/2010 concerning the rights of passengers when travelling by sea and inland waterways must be made to the company within two months from the date on which the service is performed. Within one month the company shall respond to the passenger that the passenger’s complaint has been substantiated or rejected or is still being considered. However, the time taken to provide the final reply shall be no longer than two months from the receipt of the complaint. If your complaint remains unresolved it will be referred to ABTA or another appropriate independent complaints handling body.
23. Package
Your contract is with Light Blue Travel as “Package Organiser” under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 (“PTRs”).
A “Package” exists if you book a combination of at least two different types of the following individual travel services, for the purpose of the same trip or holiday:
a. transport (including but not limited to flights, trains and coaches and does not including minor transport services such as a guided tour or a transfer); or
b. accommodation; or
c. rental of cars, motor vehicles or motorcycles (in certain circumstances); and
d. any other tourist service not intrinsically part of one of the above travel services, provided that those travel services are purchased together from a single visit to our website and selected by you before you agree to pay; or are advertised, sold or charged at an inclusive or total price; or advertised or sold under the term “package” or a similar term.
You will receive the rights and benefits under the PTRs. It is our duty as the Package Organiser to ensure that you have been provided with all details set out here https://www. legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2018/9780111168479/schedule/1 before the booking is made. If you have not been given sufficient information please let us know immediately.
You should also be provided with all the following information as set out here https://www.legislation.gov. uk/ukdsi/2018/9780111168479/schedule/5 which will be provided in the package travel contract. If you have not been given sufficient information please let us know immediately. More information on key rights under the Package Travel and Linked Arrangements Regulations 2018 can be found here https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ ukdsi/2018/9780111168479/schedule/2
23. Transferring Your Package
You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to the booking, by giving us notice in writing as soon as possible and no later than 7 days before departure. Both you and the new traveller are responsible for paying an administration fee of £40.00 per person, all costs we incur in making the transfer and any balance payments still due. We will advise you of any costs before you proceed with the transfer. No refunds will be given for persons unable to travel or for unused services. The new traveller agrees to be bound by these booking conditions.
24. If We Change or Cancel your Package
Where you have booked a Package and we make a significant change to or cancel the Travel Arrangements which form your Package, the provisions of this section 24 will apply.
We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances:
Surcharges
Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports or exchange rates mean that the price of your Package may change after you have booked. However, there will be no change within 20 days of your departure. We will absorb, and you will not be charged for, any increase equivalent to 2% of the price of your Package, which excludes insurance premiums and any amendment charges. You will be charged for the amount over and above that plus an administration charge of £40 per booking. If this results in an increase equivalent to more than 8% of the price of your Package, you will have the option of accepting the changed price, accepting a change to another holiday if we are able to offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value), or cancelling and receiving a full refund of all monies paid, except for any amendment charges. Should you decide to cancel: 1) you must do so within the time period shown on your final invoice 2) We will provide a refund of insurance premiums paid to us if you can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse your policy.
Should the price of your holiday go down due to the cost changes mentioned above, then any refund due will be paid to you minus an administration charge of £40 per booking. Please note that Packages are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other protection in place.
If we make an insignificant or minor change to your Package, we will make reasonable efforts to inform you as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before your departure, but we will have no liability to you. Examples of insignificant changes may include alteration of your outward/return flights by less than 12 hours, changes to aircraft type, change of airline routing (including from non-stop to indirect flights), change of accommodation to another of the same or higher standard, changes of carriers or minor changes to services available at the accommodation. Please note that carriers such as airlines may be subject to change.
If we are constrained by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your Package you will have the rights set out below.
We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly but in any event within 7 days as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be cancelled.
• If you choose to accept a refund:
1. we will provide a full refund of your travel insurance premiums if you paid them to us and can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse your policy.
2. we will pay compensation as detailed below except where the significant change is due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, which means a situation beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.
The compensation that we offer does not exclude you from claiming more if you are entitled to do so.
Period before departure in Amount you will which we notify you receive from us
More than 90 days £NIL
Between 57 - 90 days £10
Between 29 - 56 days £20
Between 14 - 28 days £30
Between 7 – 13 days £40
Less than 7 days £50
After departure, where we are unable to ensure your return as agreed because of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances defined in section 6, we will bear the cost of necessary accommodation if possible of equivalent category for a period not exceeding (a) 3 nights per traveller (exceptions apply in respect of persons with reduced mobility and people travelling with them, pregnant women and unaccompanied minors, as well as persons in need of specific medical assistance, provided that we have been notified of their particular needs at least 48 hours before the start of the package); or (b) where a different period is specified in any passenger rights legislation applicable to the relevant means of transport for your return, for the period specified in that legislation.
The above sets out the maximum extent of our liability for changes and cancellations and we regret we cannot meet any other expenses or losses you may incur as a result of any change or cancellation.
Cancellations
We reserve the right in any circumstances to cancel your Package. For example, if the minimum number of clients required for a particular Package is not reached, we may have to cancel it. Where applicable, the minimum number required will be provided to you with the holiday description, along with the time limit for us to tell you if the Package has to be cancelled. However, we will not cancel your Package less than 90 days before your departure date, except for unavoidable or extraordinary circumstances (section 6), failure by you to pay the final balance or because the minimum number required for the Package to go ahead hasn’t been reached.
If we are unable to provide the booked Package, you can either have a refund of all monies paid or accept an offer of an alternative Package of comparable standard from us, if available (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). If it is necessary to cancel your Package (unless for unavoidable or extraordinary circumstances) we will pay you compensation as set out in this section.
Period before departure in Amount you will which we notify you receive from us
More than 90 days £NIL
Between 57 - 90 days £10
Between 29 - 56 days £20
Between 14 - 28 days £30
Between 7 – 13 days £40
Less than 7 days £50
The compensation that we offer does not exclude you from claiming more if you are entitled to do so.
25. Our Liability to You
You must inform us without undue delay of any failure to perform or improper performance of the travel services included in this Package. If any of the travel services included in your Package are not performed in accordance with the contract, or are improperly performed, by us or the Suppliers, and this has affected the enjoyment of your Package, you may be entitled to an appropriate price reduction or compensation or both. We will not be liable where any failure to perform or improper performance of the travel services is due to: you or another member of your party; or a third party unconnected with the provision of the travel services in the Package and is unforeseeable or unavoidable; or unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, which means a situation beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.
Our liability, except in cases involving death, injury or illness, shall be limited to a maximum of two times the cost of your Package. Our liability will also be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to
a) The contractual terms of the companies that provide the travel services that make up your Package. These terms are incorporated into this booking; and
b) Any relevant international convention, for example the Montreal Convention in respect of travel by air, the Athens Convention in respect of travel by sea, the Berne Convention in respect of travel by rail and the Paris Convention in respect of the provision of accommodation, which limit the amount of and conditions under which compensation can be claimed for death, injury, delay to passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of any limitation of the extent of or the conditions under which compensation is to be paid under these or any conventions.
c) Loss of and/or damage to any luggage or personal possessions and money. The maximum amount we will have to pay you in respect of these claims is an amount equivalent to the excess on your insurance policy which applies to this type of loss per person in total because you are assumed to have adequate insurance in place to cover any losses of this kind.
You can ask for copies of the travel service contractual terms, or the international conventions from sales@lightbluetravel.co.uk. You have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details will be publicised at UK and EU airports and available from airlines. However reimbursement in such cases will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your holiday cost from us. Your right to a refund and/or compensation from us is set out in these booking conditions. If any payments to you are due from us, any payment made to you by the airline or any other service provider will be deducted.
If it is impossible to ensure your return as scheduled due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances (section 6), we will bear the cost of necessary accommodation, if possible of equivalent category, for a maximum of three nights. The limit doesn’t apply to persons with reduced mobility and any person accompanying them, pregnant women and unaccompanied minors, or persons in need of specific medical assistance, provided that you notified us of these needs at least 48 hours before the start of your holiday.
It is a condition of our acceptance of liability under this section that you notify any claim to ourselves and our Supplier(s) strictly in accordance with the complaints procedure set out in these booking conditions at section 10.
When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you have received or are entitled to receive from any Suppliers of any parts of the Package for the complaint or claim in question.
Where any payment is made, the person(s) receiving it (and their parent or guardian if under 18 years) must also assign to ourselves or our insurers any rights they may have to pursue any third party and must provide ourselves and our insurers with all assistance we may reasonably require.
Please note, we cannot accept any liability for any damage, loss or expense or other sum(s) of any description: (a) which on the basis of the information given to us by you concerning your booking prior to our accepting it, we could not have foreseen you would suffer or incur if we breached our contract with you; or (b) relate to any business.
We will not accept responsibility for services, facilities, excursions or activities which do not form part of our agreement or where they are not advertised in our brochure.
26. Financial Protection
We provide full financial protection for our flight inclusive Packages, by way of our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence number 5489, issued by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 022 1500, email claims@caa.co.uk. When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.
We will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where we aren’t able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable).
If we are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme.
For further information visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk
We provide full financial protection for our (nonflight) Packages by way of a bond held by ABTA – The Travel Association, 30 Park Street, London, SE1 9EQ, www.abta.com. You agree to accept that in the event of our insolvency ABTA may arrange for the services you have bought to continue, or for a suitable alternative to be provided at the same cost as your original booking. You also agree to accept that in circumstances where the Supplier provides the services you have bought, you agree to pay any outstanding sum under your contract with us to that alternative travel service provider. However, you also agree that in some cases the services will not be provided, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under ABTA’s Scheme of Protection (or your payment card issuer where applicable) for a refund of the monies you have paid.
Latest revision: November 2021
Financially Protected
nicko cruises is represented in the UK by Light Blue Travel (ABTA D6183 & V9324 ATOL 5489)
For reservations call 01223 568907 or contact your local Travel Agent sales@lightbluetravel.co.uk
www.nicko-cruises.co.uk
