Thank you for booking our Paris, Normandy & the Seine River Cruise – Your adventure will be here before you know it!
Approximately 30 days before the trip, your personalized travel documents will be sent out via email confirming all of your trip inclusions and airport transfer details. Below you will find additional information to help you prepare for the adventure that lies ahead.
All documentation required for this itinerary is the sole responsibility of the guest. Brand g Vacations will not be responsible for advising and/or obtaining required travel documentation for any passenger, or for any delays, damages, and/or losses, including missed portions of your trip, related to improper or absent travel documentation. It is suggested that copies of important documents, including your passport and visas, be kept in a separate place, in case the originals are lost or stolen.
Passport: For US citizens, a passport that is valid for at least three (3) months after your return date (or exit from the Schengen Area) is required for this program. Citizens of other countries should verify passport validity requirements with your home country government.
Visas: U.S. and Canadian citizens do not need visas for countries visited. Other nationalities should consult the local embassies or consulates for visa requirements.
Travel Protection: Travel insurance is advised to participate in this program. If you haven’t purchased a policy already, you may do so by contacting your travel agent or Brand g Vacations. You may also get a quote and purchase a policy online from Brand g’s recommended travel insurance provider, Travel Insured International. Please be sure to carry all policy information with you during your program.
Vaccinations: No other vaccinations are required for entering France but it is recommended that you discuss available vaccinations and any other health concerns you may have with your personal physician or a travel medicine specialist.
The consulates of the countries to be visited will also provide information on vaccination requirements and/or suggestions. You may also consult the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for their current recommendations. Their website is www.cdc.gov in the US.
Physical Limitations: This river cruise program is active. While there will be plenty of time to relax, there is much to see and do. Many included excursions require an extensive amount of walking over cobblestone streets, and many sites have numerous steps that may be steeper and narrower than is common in the U.S. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that all guests be in good physical condition. Brand g Vacations at its sole discretion, reserves the right to refuse passage, or to require a current passenger to end their trip, if the passenger’s state of health or physical condition may affect their own health, safety, or enjoyment or that of other passengers.
Medical: While the ship staff are trained in basic first aid, the ship does not employ staff nurses or doctors and medical facilities are not always easily accessible during the more rural portions of the trip. Any medical expenses incurred are the guest’s own responsibility and neither Brand g Vacations nor the ship is responsible for cost or quality of medical care received. Guests should bring their medications with them. A travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses while traveling internationally is highly recommended.
Dietary Preferences: Please advise us of any special dietary restrictions at least 45 days (April 5, 2026) prior to your departure. This information will be provided to the proper personnel, and to the extent possible within local conditions and limitations, every effort will be made to accommodate your needs. It is the guest’s responsibility to provide us with as much detail as possible concerning any medically related dietary concerns. Not all dietary requests can be accommodated, and we appreciate your understanding in this matter.
While there are no restrictions on the number of bags each guest may bring on board the ship, storage space is limited, and it is suggested that each guest bring only one checked bag. Additionally, all airlines impose restrictions on both size and weight, and many airlines restrict the number of bags per person. Each guest must check with their selected air carrier for limitations prior to departure, as luggage restrictions are subject to change. Guests who exceed an airline’s luggage restrictions may be asked by the airline to pay the airline’s overweight/oversized luggage fees.
An airline’s limitations on the weight and size of checked and carry-on baggage are usually found on their website or may be obtained by calling the airline directly. Please remember that international (over the water) and domestic (intra continental) restrictions may not be the same.
Your luggage and all personal belongings are solely your responsibility throughout the trip. Neither Brand g Vacations or the cruise line are responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage or personal belongings. Selecting a travel insurance plan that will cover lost or stolen luggage and/or personal items is highly recommended.
Please place luggage tags on the outside of all of your bags, including carry on and hand luggage, and include a copy of your contact information during the trip on the inside of your checked bags. Valuables and medication should only be packed in your carry-on bags (unless required to be placed in checked bags by your airline).
Please be sure to contact your airline prior to departure and verify there have been no changes to the flight number or schedule. If you have an airport transfer confirmed with Brand g Vacations, please advise of any schedule change affecting your airport pick up time.
Familiarize yourself with current airport security procedures and arrive at the airport at least two and a half (2.5) hours prior to your scheduled departure. During peak travel times, you may want to arrive three (3) hours prior to your scheduled departure time.
Most items you purchase internationally can be brought back into the US and Canada. We do recommend, however, that you check with both your home country’s customs office for current restrictions, as well as with the embassies of the countries you are visiting for any restrictions on items that may be unlawful to take outside their borders.
When you return to your home country, you should be prepared to declare everything you purchased or acquired while traveling. Many countries will ask you to complete a customs form, which will require descriptions and values of the items. These forms are easier to complete if you keep your sales receipts easily accessible. Most countries have set customs duty exemptions for both quantity and value of certain items. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with these allowances and limits prior to your travel.
Guests who provided their independently arranged flight details to Brand g Vacations no later than 45 days (April 5, 2026) to departure, will automatically have airport arrival and departure transfers arranged. Flight arrangements must also be made in accordance with Brand g vacations flight recommendations. Guests are responsible for checking with the airlines and providing their most up-to-date flight details. Please contact your travel agent or Brand g Vacations if you have any questions about your flight arrangements. See contact Info section for the up to date telephone contact details. Look at your individual cruise document (emailed 30 days prior to travel) for your personal transfer details. However, the following information will generally apply.
Arrival Transfers are provided for flight arrivals, from the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to the ship or to a Paris hotel. Please consult the travel documents, which will be emailed to you approximately 30 days prior to the trip start date for instructions on where to meet your transfer at the airport.
Departure Transfers: are provided from the the riverboat to the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or to a Paris hotel after which no further transfers will be provided. A departure confirmation will be provided to you during the trip advising you of the meeting time and place for your transfer.
Travel Delays: If you experience a travel delay while still in your home country, after working with your air carrier to revise your flight schedule, please contact Brand g’s Office at +1-952-405-9309 to advise us of your revised arrival date and time. If the line is busy or you are calling outside of general business hours, please leave a message or email [email protected]
If you have already departed your home country, please contact our local staff at the numbers provided below in the Important Contact Information section. Please note, this section may not be added until we email your personalized travel documents to you about 30 days prior to the trip start date.
If you purchased travel insurance that covers flight delay and cancellation expenses, you will also want to contact your travel insurance company to start a claim for expenses incurred during your delay. If the delay is serious enough that you will miss the starting point of your cruise, any additional hotel, and/or flight arrangements necessary to meet your group will be at your expense.
Baggage Delays: Baggage delays unfortunately occur from time to time, especially during peak travel periods. If you discover any bag did not make it to your destination, do not leave the airport baggage area without completing a Lost Baggage Report with your air carrier. This report is essential to the tracking of your claim. If you have an airport transfer scheduled, and are traveling with a companion, we recommend that one person exit the baggage claim area and locate the representative to inform him or her of the situation. This will allow the representative to ensure that the transfer is properly provided. Give the air carrier a copy of your travel itinerary, along with the hotel and ship contact information. Report your lost baggage to your Brand g Vacations Tour Leader and provide them with a copy of your Lost Baggage Report. Brand g Vacations is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and/or personal belongings. Selecting a travel insurance plan that will cover lost or stolen luggage and/or personal items is highly recommended.
A Brand g Vacations Tour Leader will be with you during your travel program to handle all the details, leaving you to relax and enjoy your vacation.
The ability to stay in touch with friends and family is an important part of travel, and many guests choose to bring cell phones on the trip. International roaming charges can be expensive, and it is advisable to contact your domestic carrier to determine the charges and plans available for each country you are visiting, then select the best available plan for your expected usage. In some countries, SIM cards are available for purchase that can be used in an unlocked phone (call your carrier to determine if your phone is, or can be, unlocked), providing a local number that can be used both locally and internationally, usually at a significantly lower rate.
Making international calls from hotels is possible, but costly. Connection fees are usually applied, in addition to other call charges.
The Brand g Vacations included hotels and the Amadeus Diamond offer free internet and Wi-Fi access.
The currency in France and onboard the Amadeus Diamond is the Euro. The ship operates on a ‘cashless’ system and all charges are billed directly to each guest’s onboard account. While onboard, guests will sign for all purchases and pay their charges at the end of the cruise in Cash (Euros only) or with a credit card; cards accepted are American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. Credit cards will be charged in Euros. Debit cards and Travelers Checks cannot be accepted for settling the onboard account.
ATMs: connected to bank networks such as PLUS or Cirrus are widely available in most major metropolitan areas, airports, city centers, and some hotels. Fees for transactions vary. ATMs are not available onboard the ship and may be limited in the smaller towns and villages along the river. Your bank can tell you which network your ATM card can access, and whether a debit or credit card must be used. It is also recommended that guests bring an overseas contact number for your bank or credit card company in case you require assistance while traveling.
We recommend that you change or withdraw enough local currency while in larger cities, as ATMs and banks may not be readily available in some of the smaller towns along the itinerary. Also, we recommend that you not carry bills in large denominations, as many merchants are hesitant to accept them due to counterfeiting. Local banks can break the larger bills into smaller denominations for you.
Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards internationally. American Express is accepted at most major hotels and large vendors. Smaller vendors and particularly restaurants may not accept American Express for payment. Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, and American Express cards are all accepted onboard.
There may be some stores or locations where cash is preferred (especially for small purchases) or where a card cannot be used for purchases. We recommend bringing at least one major credit card as well as an ATM card that is both a debit and credit card.
Please contact your bank and/or credit card companies to let them know that you will be leaving the country to avoid any problems using your credit or debit cards overseas.
Optional Gratuities for the included components of this program have been pre-paid. You are welcome to provide additional tips at your discretion.
On the ship, smoking is allowed only on designated parts of the Sun Deck. We ask everyone to refrain from smoking while on excursions.
The voltage onboard the ship is 220v, European standard. To use any electrical products from the US or Canada you will need a plug adaptor and any device that is not dual voltage will require an electrical converter. Many electronic devices have built-in electrical converters, however, please check the manufacturer’s specifications for specific details.
Your tour program includes comprehensive shore excursions led by a local English-speaking guide; these excursions have been designed to provide you with the best possible experience. Your Brand g Vacations Tour Leader will provide details on each day’s excursion(s) and timing. Should guests be concerned about any aspect of an excursion, please inform your local guide or Tour Leader.
Some temples, Churches, Mosques and other tourist attractions may require a dress code. Your Brand g host or cruise manager will alert you to any such dress requirements prior to the excursion. If you plan to bring a cell phone or tablet on excursions, please ensure it is set to “silent.” Guides will alert you when photos and/or flash photos are not allowed.
The ship has an elevator however, embarkation/disembarkation facilities may also be difficult to navigate with wheelchairs or walkers. The cruise line does not accept guide or support dogs. Electric mobility scooters or any other mobility mechanical devices are NOT permitted for use on the ship.
Some of the places we visit on this itinerary are not handicapped accessible. Please note: the American with Disabilities Act does not apply in Europe and accessibility to some sights may be limited for those with mobility impairments. Excursions may involve walking over uneven ground and some excursions are walking tours only. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that all guests be in good physical condition.
At its sole discretion, Brand g Vacations reserves the right to refuse passage, or to require a passenger to end their trip if the passenger’s state of health or physical condition may affect their own health, safety, and enjoyment, or that of other passengers.
In the countries in which we operate, pickpockets are not uncommon, and caution is encouraged. When sailing, please lock cabin doors, reducing the opportunity for theft. Cabins are fitted with safes for personal use. Brand g Vacations cannot be held liable for loss of money, jewelry, or other valuable items from the ship or while on an excursion ashore during a voyage. A travel insurance policy will typically cover most incidents of loss or theft.
The ship has been outfitted with a sophisticated filtration system, and the tap water in each stateroom is safe for drinking. In addition, bottled water is provided in your stateroom for your comfort.
Weather forecasts are widely available on the Internet, and some of the favorites for large, international cities are www.weather.com and www.cnn.com/weather.
Average temperatures:
WHAT TO BRING
Travel Essentials:
The following items are essential for any destination:
– Sunglasses
– Sunscreen
– Insect repellent
– Hat
– Rain jacket or windproof jacket
– Umbrella
– Copies of prescription eyewear and medications (include generic equivalents)
– Copies of credit card information
– Copies of your passport information pages and visas
– Camera
Clothing:
Comfortable, sporty, casual clothing is appropriate throughout the trip.
– Natural and/or moisture-wicking fabrics in light colors that may be layered (e.g., lightweight shirts, khakis, slacks, skirts, dresses, and walking shorts)
– Lightweight jacket or pullover for early mornings, late evenings, or air-conditioned spaces
– Lightweight rain jacket
– Shorts or lightweight pants for daytime activities
– Sport jackets and cocktail dresses are not needed at any time during this program. However, we do recommend a few dressier outfits for dinners and evenings out.
Footwear:
As you will engage in significant walking over uneven terrain, we recommend:
– Comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support
– Sturdy footwear for outdoor activities
Additional Recommendations:
– Sun hat
– Sweater or jacket for cooler weather
– Lip balm
– Waterproof jacket and pants (optional for rainy days)
– Comfortable shoes for excursions
– Extra warm layer of clothing for colder regions
Laundry: Full-service laundry is available on board. Please inquire at the Front Desk for a list of services and fees. There is no self-service laundry facility.
The ship has been a highlight of the Amadeus fleet since it was built in 2009, and is the new jewel on the French waterways after its complete renovation in 2019. Your accommodation on board is both elegant and comfortable with an effortless combination of the vibrant energy of a river cruise with an increasingly calm and intimate ship experience following the award-winning model of Amadeus’ new generation Silver class ships, but offers even further innovative developments.
The ship’s onboard restaurant provides a relaxed environment and accommodates all guests with open seating. It offers international and local cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are sumptuous buffets, with evenings featuring chef’s specialties and regional dishes all served with complimentary coffee, tea, water, wines, beers, and soft drinks.
Please notify Brand g Vacations in advance if you have any special dietary concerns or considerations that need to be considered. We will do our best to ensure that your request is accommodated but cannot guarantee all dietary needs and preferences can be met. All mealtimes are scheduled around tour departures, and breakfast may take place early in the morning.
The lounge serves an early riser breakfast as well as a light lunch alternative. Afternoon tea is also served as well as late-night snacks. Brand g Signature Entertainers will perform nightly in the lounge after dinner followed by music. Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are served in the Panorama Bar throughout the cruise.
The ship’s exclusive “open-air lounge, is in the bow and its specially designed glazing provides an incomparable view of the passing riverside scenery while providing protection against wind and rain.
The 24 hr. Club is the perfect place to relax during the day taking in the view, playing cards or board games while taking advantage of the complimentary coffee and tea. In the evening it is the perfect alternative venue to the Panorama lounge where the signature entertainers will perform after dinner.
The Fitness Center offers modern fitness equipment. The hours of operation are generally from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm but may be adjusted based on each day’s program. Use of the equipment is at your own risk. The Salon offers massage and hair services (by appointment onboard).
There is a gift shop onboard with a limited selection of souvenirs and other sundries. All purchases are charged to your shipboard account. The hours of operation are adjusted to each day’s program. Please note: No over-the-counter medications are available, in accordance with European laws.
As part of a commitment to a clean, safe, and healthy onboard environment, and in line with COVID-19 regulations, Amadeus practices a strict sanitization protocol. To assist in this important matter, the ship kindly asks all guests to wash their hands frequently and to consistently use the hand-sanitizer machines when entering the ship and when entering the restaurant. The machines are located just inside the main entrance to the ship and at the entrance to the restaurant.
Full-service laundry is available on board. Please inquire at the Front Desk for a list of services and fees. There is no self-service laundry facility.
Local river authorities allocate docking space around ship arrivals and departures in port. Typically, river ships dock facing upstream. Occasionally port conditions require ships to tie up alongside each other, in which case guests may be required to walk through another ship to access their own ship. This is part of the river cruise experience and is perfectly normal and beyond the control of Brand g Vacations and the ship company. Guests may experience obstructed views from staterooms when the ship is docked.
As the ship is often in motion, and the decks are sometimes slippery, please take care when moving about the decks. Stairs may be steeper than you are used to, and it is best to always use the handrails.
Every stateroom is appointed with an individual thermostat for air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a hair dryer, a spacious wardrobe, a safe, and a bathroom provided with shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion. Amadeus Suites are additionally equipped with a minibar and a comfortable seating area. Electrical current is 220V, the European standard. Most staterooms have hotel-style beds that can be positioned separately or together. Your stateroom will be serviced by your Stateroom Attendant daily. Security and maintenance checks may also be performed.
Visitors are generally not permitted onboard the ship and are not allowed to join any shore excursions. Please make arrangements to meet your friends and relatives onshore.
Number of cabins: 74
Capacity: 146 passengers
On a Brand g European river cruise, every night is opening night we are excited to have the following Brand g Entertainment on board for your enjoyment.
Although the focus of our cruises is mainly on sightseeing and socializing, we do like to mix in a bit of frivolity as well. With that in mind, we’re planning a couple of themed deck parties during the cruise. If you should choose to participate great, if you’d rather just be a voyeur that is totally fine as well.
Party Themes to be determined
Below you’ll find two lists of hotels. One is a list of hotels in the popular Le Marais district, and another is a list of hotels frequented by our guests. I’ve also provided a link that shows the area the ship will most likely be docked.
Hotel recommendations:
Le Marais:
Hotels booked by our guests in the past:
While we won’t know the exact docking assignment until closer to the trip, the Amadeus Diamond will most likely be docked at Port de Javel Bas or Port de Grenelle or along the stretch of river seen HERE.
Please see the following city insight(s) which may give additional information about the city’s visited on your trip and gives an indication of what sights you will see as paret of the included tours and what other sights you could visit if you have additional time.
If needed, the Brand g Vacations office is available to support you Monday – Friday 9:00am to 6:00pm Central Standard Time at +1.952.405.9309. Also, you may email [email protected].
The countries visited operate on the CEST (Central European Summer Time GMT+2 hours), so when it is 12:00pm in New York it is 6:00pm in France.
International telephone calls can be placed by dialing the International Access Code (011), the country code and then the phone number. If your inbound flights are delayed for any reason, please contact our local representatives immediately.
Paris Arrival Transfer Representative: TBD
AMADEUS DIAMOND: +33 (0) 624 742 802
• If dialing from U.S, Canada or Australia, please dial ‘011’ in front of the number above. When calling from other countries dial ‘00’ in front of the number above, or contact your telephone provider for assistance.
• If dialing from a cell phone, please dial “+” in front of the number above (no need to include ‘011’ or ‘00’).
• Calls are directed to the ship’s reception desk which is open 24 hours.
• At times, the vessel may be out of the phone service area, so please retry later if your call is not answered.
Band g Hosts
TBD
Emergency – European General Emergency Police & Fire – dial 112
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