Thank you for booking our 2026 Budapest to Bucharest Danube 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: While some countries in Europe only require 3 months validity on your passport, others require 6 months even if you are only transiting through that country. Therefore, we advise all guests to ensure their passports are valid for a minimum of 6 months after your last date of travel. Entry visas are not required for US citizens. Residents of other countries should check with the nearest consulate of each country visited on this itinerary to determine passport and visa requirements.
United Kingdom (UK) Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
All U.S. citizens traveling to or transiting through the UK for tourism will need to obtain an UK ETA to travel. Applications may be submitted via the UK Government website. Decisions are typically made within three working days, and the ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization system for travelers visiting European countries within the Schengen Area. The ETIAS is expected to launch in quarter 4 of 2026. While the exact start date has not been announced, it will likely not be required for trips starting before October 2026. While not yet active, we recommend staying updated on any announcements regarding its implementation.
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: Make sure you are up to date on routine vaccines before every trip. It is recommended that you discuss vaccinations available and any other health concerns you may have with your personal physician or a travel medicine specialist.
The embassies of the countries to be visited will also provide information on vaccination requirements and/or suggestions. US citizens may also consult the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for their current recommendations for the countries visited. Citizens of other countries should consult their own center for disease control.
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 (June 28, 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.
Please be advised that most hotels do not allow check-in earlier than 3:00pm and arrivals before this time may need to wait until the room becomes available. Hotel check-out is usually no later than 11:00am.
If your arrival or departure schedule does not coincide with these times, you may ask the hotel to store your luggage while you explore independently. Should you wish to purchase an additional hotel night, to guarantee availability of your room. Feel free to contact your travel agent or Brand g Vacations.
Arrival: You should schedule your flights to arrive in Budapest by Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Embarkation will begin at 4:00pm on August 12, 2026.
Departures: You should plan to fly home from Bucharest on or after August 20, 2026 any time. Check-out of the hotel is Noon on August 20, 2026.
Guests who provided their independently arranged flight details to Brand g Vacations at least 45 days (June 28, 2026) to departure, will automatically have 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.
Arrival transfers are provided for flight arrivals, from the Budapest Airport (BUD) to the ship or to a Budapest hotel. If you choose to arrive early, we will provide your transfer from the airport to your hotel. Onward transfer to the ship will need to be arranged independently.
Departure transfers are provided from the Radisson Blu in Bucharest to the airport (BUH) or to another Bucharest hotel after which no further transfers will be provided.
Contact our team or your travel agent to ensure arrangements outside of these arrival and departure transfers will be included. Booked guests should provide their arrival and departure details 45 days prior to the trip to ensure transfer availability.
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 at 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.
If you have already departed your home country, please contact our local representatives at the numbers provided on your personalized travel documents.
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 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 Nova offer free internet and Wi-Fi access.
The currency in most of Europe and onboard the Amadeus Nova 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, 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. The hotels have open areas where smoking is allowed and may offer smoking areas in specific sections of some indoor lounges. All hotel rooms and ship staterooms are non-smoking. We ask everyone to refrain from smoking while on excursions.
The voltage in hotels and onboard 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. The ship also has two USB ports on each side of the bed. 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. Excursions vary in difficulty level. Specific excursion information can be found in the daily itinerary. 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. 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.
Most host hotels are fitted with elevators for guest use however some rooms may have to be reached via stairs. The ship has an elevator however, it does not reach the Sun Deck. 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, from a hotel, 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: 77/57 degrees F
Travel Essentials:
In general, the following items are essential for any destination:
It is recommended that you bring duplicates of prescription eyewear, copies of prescriptions for any medications (generic equivalents are usually easier to obtain), copies of credit card information, and copies of your passport information pages and visas.
Clothing
Health & Personal Items
Electronics
Day Bag Essentials
Specialty Items (optional)
Laundry: Laundry service is available for an extra fee on board. Instructions and fees will be listed in your Guest Service Directory book. Self-service laundry facilities are not available on board.
The AMADEUS Aurea is not just a technical masterpiece but also a floating paradise for connoisseurs.
Enjoy relaxing moments in 12 spacious suites with balconies or 67 bright outside cabins featuring panoramic windows. Savor culinary highlights in the elegant Panorama Restaurant or unwind on the sun deck with its outdoor pool and Lido Bar. For active moments, a state-of-the-art fitness room is at your disposal, while the “River Terrace” invites you to dream. Cutting-edge environmental technologies, such as a hybrid propulsion system and an efficient heat recovery system, make your journey not only comfortable but also sustainable. Set sail with us and experience unforgettable journeys along Europe’s most beautiful rivers.
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 Panorama Bar, tastefully decorated, is located at the front of the ship, and offers panoramic views. Cocktails and games, dancing, and other forms of entertainment all happen here. Complimentary beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages are served here throughout the cruise.
Take advantage of the sun deck to relax! It is equipped with seating, games, and a pool, allowing you to cool off while enjoying a panoramic view of the magnificent landscapes.
The Amadeus Aurea has a small gym with cardio and resistance equipment.
As part of a commitment to a clean, safe, and healthy onboard environment, and in line with COVID-19 regulations, the Amadeus Aurea 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.
Your cruise includes free Wi-Fi.
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.
All deluxe cabins and suites are equipped with comfortable, spacious bathrooms, an infotainment system, a flat screen television, a telephone, a cabin safe, a minibar and individually adjustable air conditioning. The suites also have an accessible outdoor balcony with a seating area. En-suite bathrooms are provided with shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion. Electrical current is 220V, the European standard. All 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.
The Radisson Blu Bucharest Hotel is near popular landmarks in exciting Bucharest. Located in the heart of the city, on the well-known boulevard Calea Victoriei. The Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest, stands out for its elegant appearance, modern design, and luxurious amenities.
Dates of Stay: Aug 19-20, 2026
On a Brand g Vacations cruise, every night is opening night. These are the Brand g Signature Entertainers who will be providing fabulous entertainment throughout the cruise.
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 parties during the cruise, which may include a welcome party, a T-Dance, and quiz shows. If you should choose to participate, great; if you’d rather just be a voyeur, that is totally fine as well.
We will update you on the booked guest pages with any themes prior to your trip.
ALL ABOUT ME! – Brand g Welcome Party
At Brand g it’s all about *YOU* and we want to know more! You can wear anything that shares or expresses something about you like your hometown pride, or a favorite color, sport, or hobby. It can be as simple as a t-shirt or hat, or you can dress to impress in a full costume. It’s all up to what your imagination and suitcase will allow. Whatever you dream up, in the spirit of good clean fun, it’s welcome to spark a conversation and get this all-about-you welcome party started.
TRUE BLUE DANUBE
It’s just a boatload of people all wearing blue sailing on the Danube. It’s your body, your style, your charm, your choice… just paint that perfectly beautiful canvas of you with some blue.
We hope you’ll find the linked pages below useful when planning your free time before, during and after your trip. They contain city insight information for Budapest, one of the sites visited as part of the Brand g itinerary, offering nightlife and restaurant recommendations as well as other things to do and see.
A complete list of emergency contact details for you and to share with your friends and family back home, will be posted here at the time your travel documents are provided to you (approximately 30 days prior to departure):
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 info@brandgvacations.com.
The countries visited operate on the CEST (Central European Summer Time GMT+1 hours), so when it is 12:00pm in New York it is 6:00pm in Budapest.
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.
Always keep the ships number on your phone in case you get separated from the group during an excursion.
| Accommodations | Dates of Stay | Address/Port/Slip | Phone Number |
| Amadeus Nova | Aug 12-19, 2026 | TBD | + 43 664 223 1079 |
| Radisson Blu Bucharest | Aug 19-20, 2026 | Calea Victoriei 63-81, Sector1 | +40 21 311 9000 |
| Emergency – European General Emergency Police & Fire | 112 |
Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed of deals and promotions
