
Introduction
Einar - Norse Earl of Orkney
A strong warrior, Einar wrested control of the Orkney and Shetland Islands from Danish warlords in the late 9th century after his brother Hallad was unable to hold his ground there. The dynasty that he founded ruled the archipelago until 1470.
Whilst most of the ships have a lift on-board, it will not operate to all decks. At some mooring places, or where the ship is moored alongside another vessel, access to the ship may be via the sun deck, and require the navigation of steps. Additionally, the ships are not adapted for wheelchair access; if you are intending to take a wheelchair with you please contact Riviera.
River cruises operate with a smaller crew than ocean cruises and do not have the crew available to personally attend to passengers with reduced mobility therefore a travelling companion would need to be able to help with any physical needs.
The itinerary they include within their river cruises involves shore excursions visiting places with cobbled streets which can be on an incline making navigation of these streets difficult for anyone with reduced mobility. Cruising along European rivers gives you the opportunity to take in the spectacular scenery and there is a lot to enjoy from the comfort of the ship. If you can’t do many shore excursions, river cruising in Europe can still be very enjoyable and worthwhile, please contact Riviera Travel with any concerns you may have.
If you have any concerns about your health whilst on tour please see your Cruise Director or Tour Manager. They will be able to advise you about chemists and availability of doctors, etc. In an emergency you could always phone our emergency number as issued on your itinerary.
Whilst there is no on-board medical personnel, the ship can stop at any time to transfer any passenger requiring emergency medical attention to local medical facilities.
If you have made a special request, they will do their utmost to see that your wishes are carried out. However, they cannot guarantee that your requests will be met.
There is no requirement to bring formal dress; smart/casual is acceptable for both day and evening as there is no dress code enforced. Men may wish to wear a jacket and tie for dinner. The Captain’s Dinner offers the opportunity, should you wish, for more special attire.
For all 2018 river cruises Riviera Travel offer a selection of drinks packages available to purchase and the price is dependant on the length of the cruise, so please check each tour page for more details. This includes the following with lunch and dinner: draught beer; non-alcoholic beer; soft drinks; juices; red, white and rose house wines; and wine recommendations from the menu. If you choose not to purchase a drinks package, or you are travelling on a 2017 river cruise, there is a vast selection of drinks on board each ship available for individual purchase. To see an example wine list please see our information regarding life on board.
The minimum age limit is 12 years old at the date of departure. Riviera Travel reserve the right to limit the number of children on any particular cruise. Any minor must be accompanied by and share a cabin with an adult aged 21 or over. If the adult is not the minor’s parent, a ‘Parental Consent Guardianship Form’ must be signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to sailing.
As with your stateroom, the public areas are designed to make the most of the splendid views. Whether from the sun deck, the Panorama Lounge or the restaurant, a river cruise provides uninterrupted sightseeing, from the time the morning mist rises from the water to when the setting sun announces the end to another remarkable day.
Enjoy sunshine and fresh air while you take in 360-degree views of the scenery. Stand at the railings or relax in a comfortable deck chair. Some of the seating has a canopy for those who prefer shade. The sun deck is adjacent to the Sky Bar and there is an access way to the bridge.
Located in the Lounge, the bar is lively and inviting - a gathering place for guests to view the scenery, have a drink and catch up on the day with friends.
Located in the heart of the Upper deck adjacent to the Aquavit Terrace, the library has comfortable seating and excellent reading light. Our ships’ libraries carry approximately 80 books, in various languages but mostly English, and several games such as chess, backgammon and playing cards. Pick up a magazine or board game and enjoy it in the lounge just steps away.
Forget to bring something? Looking for a magazine or some gift items? The onboard boutique on the main deck has everything you need to make your voyage comfortable and convenient.