If you plan on sailing through Eastern Europe, specifically Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, or Romania, there are a few important things we want to bring to your attention:
Passport Check and Border Crossings:
Not all Eastern European countries are part of the Schengen agreement, which allows for seamless travel between countries without passport checks. If your cruise itinerary includes any of the mentioned countries, you will need to hand over your passport to the onboard team. They will handle all the necessary formalities and documentation required by the local authorities. Your passport will be sent to the border police in each country to be stamped and scanned, resulting in a collection of unique stamps in your passport. The onboard team will retain possession of your passport throughout the journey as they repeat this process at every border crossing. It’s important to remember that Serbia is a non-EU country, so you must keep your passport with you while on land. The onboard team will provide you with timely information and explain the procedures. To ensure the safety of your passport, we recommend considering the purchase of an anti-theft neck wallet from our recommended Travel Accessories page. Losing your passport can be a hassle, as it may require disembarking the ship and dealing with the Embassy from there. So, keep your passport safe and secure, especially in tourist areas where pickpocketing is frequent.
Currency and Payment:
Most countries in Eastern Europe have their own currency, so it might be beneficial to exchange some money into the local currency. While souvenir shops and street vendors often accept dollars or euros due to their reliance on tourism, supermarkets and restaurants typically prefer payment in the local currency. However, credit cards are widely accepted in these establishments. Always inform yourself of the current exchange rates, so that you are not overcharged if you decide to pay in your preferred currency. For more information on using cash and credit cards, please refer to our dedicated page.
Experience the Charm:
Eastern Europe is a captivating region with a rich history, friendly and welcoming people, and mouthwatering cuisine. As you sail through the most beautiful part of the Lower Danube, you’ll witness the breathtaking beauty of the Iron Gorge or Kazan Stretch, pass through the biggest lock, the ,,Iron Gates 1ยดยด and hear fascinating stories about the area’s past. When sailing between Serbia and Romania, it’s important to note that you will be crossing two different time zones throughout the day. If your phone is set to “automatic time change”, it will constantly adjust the time, which can be confusing and potentially cause you to miss out on onboard activities. To avoid any inconvenience, we recommend deactivating the automatic time change option in your phone settings. Instead, manually set your phone’s time to match the local time on the ship. This way, you can ensure that you stay on schedule and don’t miss any of the exciting activities planned for your day onboard.
We have extensive experience navigating this region and are here to provide you with all the information you need. Feel free to contact us if you’d like to learn more. We’re dedicated to ensuring your journey is as enjoyable and seamless as possible!
