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To Our "Valued" Guests!

Welcome to the fascinating world of cruising! We are exited to introduce this new sailing itinerary to you along with the fascinating cultures and people of Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina!

Before we begin, however, please bear in mind that the recent changes in the economic and political ideologies of these countries have contributed to rapid economic growth - and to all the growing pains that go with it. Your participation in traveling to these countries not only helps their economies but also spreads the friendship and understanding between our people. Therefore, you act as an "Ambassador" of the United States when visiting this part of the world. The impression you leave will have an everlasting effect on future relations between these countries and your own.

It is therefore important that we advise and prepare you for some of the cultural and social differences you will encounter. These Tour and Travel Tips have been designed to provide useful information and helpful suggestions to ease your adjustment and help you get around any obstacles you may encounter. Your journey will be greatly enhanced if you take the time to prepare for it. Thoroughly acquaint yourself with the information provided herewith - but also talk to others who have been, study one of the many comprehensive guide books available – and browse the Internet. The effort you put into planning your trip before you go will make all the difference. Thank you!

A few courtesy reminders:  Make it your responsibility to be on time so as not to hold up the group. Be attentive and refrain from talking to your neighbor while the guides are speaking or providing information regarding the tour. Wait for all information to be given before asking questions. Any special requests regarding group activities should be directed to the Tour Director who is responsible for representing the interests of the whole group. Your local guides will refer all requests back to the Tour Director. Your cooperation in these matters will not only be greatly appreciated but will increase both the group’s and your personal enjoyment of the tour.

 

GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

Vouchers: If traveling within a group or on any set program vouchers will not be required or issued. If traveling as an individual and/or deviating from the regular itinerary, we may issue vouchers for services paid for. When included, vouchers will be listed on the check-off list sent with your final documents.

Air Tickets: Whenever tickets are issued by our company, they will be included with your final documents. In some instances, when tickets are issued directly by the airlines involved, they may be sent to you under separate cover. Please see check-off list.

Transfers: If you have purchased your airfare or have prepaid your arrival transfers through us, please look for our Tour Guides holding your names on a sign after exiting the Customs Area of the airport!

If you have purchased land/cruise only and are arranging for your own arrival and departure transportation, the names and addresses of your hotel and the port locations will be listed on the Contact List enclosed and sent with your final documents!

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Before leaving home, please ensure that you have your valid PASSPORT and appropriate VISAS. Based on our programs and countries visited, at the time of printing, US citizens do not need a visa for entering Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Please make sure your US passport has a validity of at least 6 months beyond your scheduled travel dates and check for visa updates with the U.S. or the appropriate foreign consulates at least 90 days prior to your departure. If you are a foreign national – please check with each country’s consulate, as rules may be different. Obtaining a visa and proper travel documents are YOUR responsibility!

BAGGAGE: Make a detailed list of everything you pack for the trip, and then leave this list at home. We cannot be responsible for lost baggage, but most airlines will make every effort to recover baggage or to offer some compensation if you are able to itemize the suitcase contents. It is also a good idea to tape a piece of paper INSIDE your luggage, which shows your full name, home address and telephone number. The purchase of Travel Insurance is always strongly recommended!

BAGGAGE WEIGHT: Please remember that weight allowances vary and are lower when flying domestic, and intra-continental routes, utilizing smaller aircraft. Check with the respective airline for instructions and pack accordingly – or you may face overweight surcharges!

BAGGAGE TAGS: Will be provided with your documents. If you would like your luggage to take the same vacation you do – please use them! Please note: The tags have been designed to allow you to list up to 6 points of travel (hotel to ship, ship to hotel, etc.). DO NOT DISCARD THEM! Simply cross out your previous location and write in your next destination (and room or cabin number if you know it). This will help our staff and porters deliver your luggage to you in the shortest possible time.

SQUARE LUGGAGE STICKERS: May also be provided. Please stick them visibly on your suitcases when possible - the stickers will allow you, our guides and porters to recognize them quicker and get them to their destination faster!

BADGES: Please wear the buttons/badges provided at all airports, transfer points, hotels and at any time you are embarking / disembarking the ships. Not only does your badge assist us in providing adequate security on the vessels by identifying you as a group member to our guides, staff and security personnel, it also allows you get to know your fellow passengers sooner! 

NOTE: Since people go by nicknames, our buttons/badges come blank. Please print your name the way you would like to be addressed by using a permanent marker and wear the badges at least for the first few days.

PASSENGER MIX: Onboard the MS Arion, there is usually an international mix of people from all over the world – England, France, Germany, - even local folks! A great way to meet the people of the world and make new and long lasting friends! The on board languages are English and French.

CLOTHING SUGGESTIONS: The dress code on our cruises is INFORMAL! So please - PACK LIGHTLY! Combine a few tee shirts, several shirts, a turtle neck with 2 wrinkle free slacks, one skirt, one sweater, a pair of shorts, a wind-breaker and a sports jacket - and you are done! Leave your formal evening clothes at home; tuxedos and evening gowns are inappropriate! The only times you may wish to "dress up" are for the Captain’s Cocktail and Farewell Dinners aboard the ship; on these occasions, a jacket and tie for gentlemen, and a cocktail dress for the ladies will be fine. But generally, the dress code is informal (and that goes for excessive jewelry too!) Remember - you are traveling to see - not to be seen! Keep it simple and you'll thank yourself later! DO pay particular attention to footwear - you should have a good pair of comfortable walking shoes with thick rubber soles and firm arch supports. If you buy new shoes, "break them in" before the trip. Suitable footwear aboard the ship would be sneakers, deck shoes, tennis shoes and similar rubber-soled shoes. Our cruises involve extensive walking during visits ashore, so you need to be comfortable!

PHYSICAL DISABILITIES: Please note that the majority of passenger vessels have limited services for the physically impaired. There is one elevator on board the MS Arion, linking the Reception/Main deck to the Navigator Deck - however, steep staircases are the norm. In addition, the itinerary warrants that all of the shore excursions are done on foot. Therefore, severe walking disabilities may limit the passengers’ overall enjoyment on these programs.

Regretfully, we do not recommend these cruises to  severely disabled or wheelchair bound passengers!

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

DOCKING LOCATIONS: For those passengers arriving directly to our ship on the day of embarkation, please note the docking location of our ship, which is currently:

MS Arion, Port of Koper, SLOVENIA, Passenger terminal

Koper can trace its name back to the Roman town of Caprea. Nowadays, Koper is known as a coastal town and the largest commercial port in Slovenia. Koper can be reached via the following airports: TRIESTE, Italy (20 km – apprx 30 minutes by car/bus), VENICE, Italy (177km – apprx. 3 hrs by bus/car), LJUBLJANA, Slovenia (110 km – 1:30 min) and ZAGREB, Croatia (240km-- 2:30 min)

CAUTIONS FOR EXPORTING

ART / ANTIQUES: Works of art such as paintings and sculpture cannot be taken out of the countries. Antiques such as icons, old coins, weapons, furniture, samovars and musical instruments can be taken out only if you have a permit from the Ministry of Culture from each respective country. 

YES Items such as coats, carpets, jewelry and crystal, in reasonable quantities and purchased at legitimate shops can be taken out of the country and NO custom fees are applicable.

SUGGESTED SOUVENIRS: Any types of handicrafts are usually of the highest quality. Croatia is also famous for a number of internationally recognized wines (“Posip, Postup, Dingac”)

PHOTOGRAPHY: Please do not photograph people without first asking for their permission to do so. Do not take photographs of airports or other military bases or installations. Remember to bring all the film you will need, because outside of major cities, new film may be hard to find and not of the same quality you are used to from home.

VIDEO CAMERAS: Please remember that Europe utilizes a different standard (PAL/SECAM) than the United States (NTSC). THEY ARE NOT COMPATIBLE! Remember to bring enough blank tapes and if purchasing videotapes locally, make sure they are marked NTSC. Important: European DVDs are encoded differently from US DVDs. If you purchase a DVD in Europe, even if it is without a Region code, you may only be able to play it in laptop computers but not your DVD player.

NOTE: Most museums and galleries now either charge a fee for taking photos or videos
( from €3 to €7 depending on institution) or may not allow photography at all.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS (when applicable)

HOTELS: On some of our tours and cruise packages, in order to conform to airline schedules, we add pre/post stays at hotels in various cities (check your itinerary). In all such cases we use First Class or best available and breakfast is usually included (please consult your final documents for specific information). In all cases, hotels are carefully selected to provide the best combination of location, comfort and value. But remember - the quality and service levels at some of these hotels may still lag behind what we are used to in the west! The actual hotels used on your particular departure will be showing on your "Hotel and Contact List" included with your final documents.

CRUISE RULES

Your enjoyment of the trip will depend in large part on your positive attitude. Here are a few pointers that will help you prepare for your journey regardless of the country you are visiting.  

1. Maritime Law - As with a pilot on a plane, the Captain of a ship is the ultimate law. He is responsible for the ultimate safety and comfort of the vessel and its passengers. It is within the Captain's jurisdiction to change the sequence of stops, ports if necessary due to inclement weather conditions, high or low water levels, dock and lock schedules, technical reasons etc. The Captain has the right to remove unruly passengers, quarantine the ship in case of disease and similar. Therefore, although unlikely, certain changes in schedules may happen. Though we expect to provide sightseeing of all of the major attractions listed in our cruise programs, there is always a possibility that the sequence of touring may be altered to take into account the operating hours at museums, galleries and monuments. Shore excursions may be changed in response to sailing conditions and other factors. Your understanding and cooperation in such instances is highly appreciated!
 
2. Cultural Differences - Remember that you may be traveling through countries whose political, social and cultural backgrounds may be different from your own. Do not let political differences govern your perspective. Instead, travel with an open mind, and you will satisfy your curiosity about the people, their lands, their history and their culture.
 
3. Service - If you receive poor service at any point, try to take it in good humor and solve it directly. 
   If you have any serious complaints, take them to your guide and/or Cruise Director.
 
4. Bureaucracy - Expect a little bit of red tape, and try not to be bothered by bureaucratic rituals, which may be different from country to country. 
 
5. Do not compare things you see by American standards. Although clean and comfortable, all our vessels, including the MS Arion, are small and practical and should not be compared with the huge mega ships. Above all, keep your sense of humor and enjoy the cultural legacies, physical geography and rich variety of people you will encounter as you sail along the splendid Adriatic Coast. 
   

MS ARION

We are delighted to feature the refurbished, Portuguese owned MS Arion. This lovely lady features 162 cabins over 5 decks for a maximum of only 320 passengers! All cabins are equipped with modern comforts; 2 twin or 1 queen sized bed, a bathroom with separate shower and hair dryer, a TV with in-house movies, music, telephone, air conditioning, a min-safe and plenty of wardrobe space! An international crew of 145 is complemented with an additional team of 28 guides and entertainers – all of whom will make every effort to keep you happy! While the MS Arion should not be compared to the newest ultra deluxe Mega Ships with “rock-climbing walls”, ice skating rinks and similar, our ship is a cozy vessel that will remind you of the way cruising used to be – fun, casual, relaxed and exploratory, since due to her small size she can sail into ports not accessible to the “big ocean cruisers.”

KEYS: Old style turn keys are used for cabins – 2 per cabin. 

LINEN/TOWELS: Cabins are cleaned every day and towels are exchanged daily. Bed linens are exchanged twice a week. Passengers are kindly asked not to take the bathroom towels from their cabin up to the pool – there are towels available in the pool area on deck. 

LAUNDRY FACILITIES: Laundry service is available on board. As with all other services, laundry is billed to your account which you can settle the night before you disembark. A detailed list on costs will be found in your cabin. Please note that there is no dry cleaning on board.

COMMUNICATION: There is a Radio Room on the Navigators deck, which can be used for international phone calls and fax transmissions (for a charge). These services are not available while in port. In an emergency, we recommend that your family contact our US office or our authorized overseas representatives who will forward urgent messages via the port and river authorities. However, information may take 24 hours or more to get to their intended recipient.

TABLE ASSIGNMENTS: During your first meal on board, you will be assigned a table, which will be yours for the duration of the cruise. For those passengers wishing to share their tables with friends and companions, it is important to make these arrangements during your first meal. Also, if you have special dietary requirements, you must advise our Guides and Maitre D' on the first day – your requests will be honored as much as possible.

REQUEST FOR SEATING: Although our staff will attempt to honor all passenger requests for specific seating, we must reserve the right to assign and change meal seating based on the availability, passenger profile and capacity of the restaurants for your specific sailing date. All meals are served in one seating.

MEALS: Your personal dining room steward will serve you in a relaxed and unhurried environment, while you enjoy the passing scenery through panorama-sized windows. Breakfast and lunch are served either in the restaurant or buffet style in the Lido Lounge and on the Sun Deck. Dinner is a wonderful culinary experience with well balanced, 6 course menus, established by the Master Chefs, who are members of culinary associations such as “Les Toques Blanches Internationales”. Water is included in all meals and additional soft drinks, beverages and wine can be purchased from the waiters.

WATER: Even though the tap water onboard is of comparably good quality, we recommend against drinking the tap water on the ship or anywhere on your route. Bottled water, available for sale on board, is your safer option.

EARLY MORNING TEA & COFFEE: Complimentary tea and coffee are served every morning in the Lido Bar on Promenade deck 30 minutes prior too the opening of the restaurant. Late night snacks are also served in the piano bar and lounge.

SPECIAL DIETS: The chefs can and will prepare vegetarian dishes if informed in advance. However, restrictive diets such as Salt free, sugar free or fat free meals as well as Herbal, Kosher, Jenny Craig etc. are not available. 

ELECTRICITY: Electrical current in hotels and on board ships is the European 220 volts/50MHZ. 
In order to use any appliances (including shavers, hair dryers, chargers for movie camera's etc) you will need to bring 2 things: 

1) UNIVERSAL TRANSFORMER to convert from the US 110 Volts to the 220.
2) UNIVERSAL ADAPTER PLUGS for sockets, which are different than at home. Since there are no supplies of converters/ adapters on board we highly recommend you purchase a transformer/ adapter plug set at any convenience or appliance store before you leave.
Please consult the reception desk if you need to utilize any other small appliances.

ELEVATORS: There is one elevator – serving all decks between Navigator and Main/Reception Deck – no access to Ocean/Low Deck. 

POOL: A small salt water pool in which you can take a refreshing dip after a day of sightseeing is located on the Sun Deck. 

VALUABLES: Each cabins has a mini-safe, however, we recommend that you do not bring valuables on your trip, including excessive jewelry (you won't need it!)

GIFT SHOP: A small gift shop with a limited selection of souvenirs, clothes and miscellaneous items is located on the Promenade Deck.

BEAUTY SALON: There is a hairdresser and Beauty Salon located mid-ship on the Promenade deck. Treatments for both ladies and gentlemen are available at additional charge.

PUBLIC AREAS: The MS Arion has a small pool, sun decks, promenade lounges, an outdoor “winter garden” for relaxing moments, a library with a range of books, a cocktail bar and an intimate piano bar.

THEATER/ENTERTAINMENT: The ship also has a full size theater. Three internationally themed song and dance performances are held during each 7 day sailing. These are complemented with a live band, and a pianist in the piano bar. Several lectures about the countries you are visiting are held during the sailing by expert lecturers. CASINO: While there is a small casino on board, please note that it is usually open only during the time the ship sails, or on some evenings. Please check your itineraries distributed to your cabin every day for more details.

Smoking in this part of the world is still a mass habit. On the ship, however, smoking is limited to only 3 designated areas: the bar, the Sun Deck, and one wing of the winter garden. Smoking in the restaurants and on buses, at any time, is not allowed.

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS: Due to limited services for the disabled on board and because of extensive walking on our excursions, we do not recommend these cruises to people with severe disabilities. Those passengers with lighter physical disabilities are kindly asked to report them to us at the time of booking. Most cabin doorways and public rest rooms are not wide enough to allow access by standard wheelchairs. Passengers with severe walking or other disabilities may find certain areas of the ship inaccessible. Passengers with physical impairments must therefore be self-sufficient since services of a personal nature cannot be provided by the vessel's crew or staff.

DOCTOR: A qualified physician is on board the ship. Customary charges will be made for all medical care and services. Please note that the medical facilities and personnel are only equipped to provide basic medical care. They cannot offer care for conditions requiring specialized expertise or equipment. Passengers with such conditions, or in the event of an emergency, may be evacuated to a medical care facility ashore at the passenger's own expense. Existing medical problems which may require treatment by the vessel's physician must be brought to our attention at the time of booking. Neither we nor the vessel's owners and operators shall be liable for any act or omission of the physician and/or nurse. If you require special medicines, it is essential that you bring them with you from home, as only a limited range of general type medication is available!

CURRENCIES: While most of Western Europe has adopted the EURO, Croatia uses the Kuna and at the time of printing, payments in local currency was required for most purchases on shore. (Bosnia and Herzegovina, though it has its own currency, accepts Kuna and EURO). The best recommendation we have is to either purchase Euros prior to your departure or take along US cash and travelers checks. There is a purser on board who will exchange money to a limited extent. In addition to that, the staff of the MS Arion will gladly direct you to exchange offices as you arrive in the various ports of call. Credit cards are accepted everywhere in the major cities but not widely accepted in the smaller towns and villages along the route, so having cash on hand in smaller 5/10/20 Euro denominations will come in handy!

How much cash to bring with you? Although everyone is different, we suggest that you bring at least $500 per person - two hundred of which we recommend to exchange for EURO. If you are planning on purchasing more expensive items you may want to bring more….

IMPORTANT NOTE ON PAYMENTS ON BOARD SHIP: While the currency on board is the EURO, the ship has a cashless policy that is strictly enforced. All expenses incurred on board are billed to your cabin and settled one day prior to the end of the cruise. Final bills may be paid by EURO cash or by credit card – but please note – only Visa or Mastercard are accepted!

 

TIPPING POLICY:

SHIP CREW: Due to the cashless policy on board the vessel, the shipping company requires that Tips shared by all Crew members be prepaid in the amount of 7 Euros per day/per person or approximately 49 euros/per person per sailing. This amount (roughly $60 USD per person) will be billed to your tour invoice and must be paid with your final payment for the cruise program.

TIPPING RECOMMENDATIONS OUTSIDE OF THE SHIP CREW:

On board your vessel as well as during shore excursions, you will be assisted by English speaking Cruise Guides and Excursion guides. These service providers do not participate in the pre-paid tips to the crew. Therefore, it is customary to tip the local guides 1 to 2 euros per person ( + 1 Euro for the driver if a bus is involved). Your on board Cruise Guide/s will appreciate a 1-2 Euro tip per day (10 to 20 Euros subject to your satisfaction) - given to them at the end of your cruise.

DAILY SCHEDULES AND INFORMATION

Information regarding sightseeing, meal hours and updated on-board activities for the next day, are printed and distributed to each cabin during dinner the previous evening. In addition, updated information is displayed on notice boards, found near various public areas. Please remember to check these boards from time to time since they will always be updated in case of any last minute changes. 

AVERAGE TEMPERATURES IN SLOVENIA/CROATIA

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Koper	Low	39	40	43	48	58	64	67	68	64	55
	High	47	49	56	64	74	78	85	83	76	67
Split	Low	42	45	48	54	60	66	72	74	67	58
	High	51	55	58	66	74	81	87	88	78	68
Zagreb	Low	29	32	38	48	54	58	60	62	58	48
	High	36	44	54	62	70	76	81	82	76	66

 

We hope we have been able to provide you with enough general information that cover the most frequently asked questions. If there is something we missed, please feel free to give us a call or send us a note. Otherwise – have a WONDERFUL TRIP & BON VOYAGE!

VALUE WORLD TOURS, INC.
17220 NEWHOPE ST. #202 & #203
Fountain Valley, CA., 92708, USA
Tel: (714) 556-8258, Fax: (714) 556-6125, 
Email: travel@valuecruises.net Web: www.valuecruises.net 

Updated January 24, 2008- dz Property of Value World Tours, Inc @ All rights reserved Information provided herewith was correct at the time printing but is subject to change without notice