FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
ONSITE FAQ
Q: How do I get to and from the Passenger Terminal (PTA) and the piers?
A: Below is a walking map from the piers to the PTA main entrance. We will have golf carts available to assist in shuttling attendees with mobility issues beginning the evening of March 13th, before the Welcome Reception.
Q: What do I do if I lost my badge?
A: Badges are required to attend all Expo events. If you lost your badge, please return to the ASTA registration desk to have a new one printed for you. A $10 re-print fee is applied. If you simply forgot your badge, you will be asked to retrieve it before admission.
Q: Can I switch meals or sessions with another attendee?
A: Meals and sessions cannot be swapped or changed. It was required by the river cruise lines to submit all dietary restrictions and attendee details so they can provide you with the most seamless experience. Please note that your sessions are attached to your event profile and we will be scanning badges for entry. If a meal or session is not in your event profile, you will not be admitted.
Q: What can my guest participate in?
A: Guests that are registered for the Expo and have an event badge can attend your meals and evening events. Guests that are not registered (do not have a badge) cannot participate in ANY Expo events. Think of your cabin accommodations like a hotel room. If you have booked a post-sailing your guest will have full access to the sailing.
Q: How do I get details on my tour?
A: If you are staying onboard a ship during the Expo, please reach out to the cruise line to coordinate your tour. If you are staying at the Movenpick or offsite, you can sign up for a walking tour provided by our event exhibitor, Project Expedition
here. You can also stop by their booth in our trade show!
Q: Where do I collect my luggage tags for my post-sailing?
A: During our Open House on March 15, please take a moment to stop by the front desk of the ship you are sailing on to grab your luggage tags. Place your tagged luggage outside of your cabin door on March 17 by 8:30 AM for pick up.
*If you wish to bring your luggage to the ship yourself on March 17, please be sure to notify the cruise line.
GENERAL FAQ
Q: What is included in my registration?
A: Your registration comes with a multitude of perks listed below.
- Special Rates at Host Ships & Hotel: As a registered attendee, you’ll have access to ASTA rates at our host ships and hotel.
- Discounted City Sightseeing Tours around Amsterdam
- Organized Ship Inspections of many River Cruise ships at nearby piers
- Most Meals: Breakfast included at your hotel or ship each day, Welcome Reception on March 13, Lunch and Dinner on the River Cruise Ships on March 14, Lunch and Dinner on the River Cruise Ships on March 15, Lunch on the Sightseeing Tours and Closing Reception on March 16
- Education to help you gain exclusive destination and river cruise selling knowledge through training seminars
- Connections to the BDMs and VPs of the partnering river cruise brands through our trade show
- Post-Expo river cruise opportunities available at an additional cost
Q: Can I still register a guest for the Expo?
A: No, our event is sold out and we unfortunately cannot add any more attendees or guests at this time. For more details on guests joining you in your cabin, please see below.
Q: Can I bring a guest if they just stay in my accommodations onboard and/or the post-Expo sailing.
A: Yes, they can stay onboard your ship during the Expo and join you on your post-cruise. They do not need to register for the Expo. Breakfast will be included with their accommodation, but lunch and dinner meals onboard ships will be for registered Expo attendees only. Similarly, ship inspections, education sessions and all other Expo activities are for registered attendees only. You will add your guest to your reservation when booking directly with the cruise line for your accommodation and/or post-Expo sailing.
Please note: Attendee badges will be scanned for entrance to all Expo functions, including meals onboard ships.
Q: What is the cancellation policy for this event?
For Cancellations Received:
On/Before October 1, 2023: Full refund
October 2-November 30, 2023: 50% of full registration fee refunded per person
On/After December 1, 2023: No refund
Please note: Membership dues included in registration are non-refundable.
Q: Who should I contact at each cruise line if I have a question about my booking or their ship(s)?
A: See below:
- Amadeus: Barb Kalemba, barb@amadeus-rivercruises.com
- AmaWaterways: ASTA@amawaterways.com
- Avalon: Shannon Burke-Banks, sburke-banks@globusfamily.com
- Riverside: Katy Gates, k.gates@riverside-cruises.com
- Riviera: Bruce Metzendorf, Bruce.Metzendorf@rivierarivercruises.com
- Scenic: Carmen Alicea, sales.support@scenicusa.com
- Tauck: salesteam@tauck.com
- Viking: salessupport@viking.com or by phone at 888-307-6966
Q: Where are the different activities taking place?
A: Activities will be spread throughout the river cruise ships and the Passenger Terminal. The trade show and General Session will be held at the Passenger Terminal, while education sessions and ship inspections will be held across all 12 river cruise ships. For specific details,
view the agenda.
Q: Who can I contact if I have questions?
A: Please email meetings@asta.org for any event-related questions.
Q: Where can I learn more about ASTA events?
A: Visit our website for a full list upcoming events.
Q: I am a travel supplier and would like more information on exhibiting at the River Cruise Expo. Who should I contact?
A: Please email exhibit@asta.org for more information on exhibiting.
Ship Inspections, City Sightseeing Tours & Post-Expo River Cruises
Q: How do I register for ship inspections, meals onboard ships and the city sightseeing tours?
A: Registration for meals onboard the ships, education sessions, and trade show time slots are now open in the Attendee Service Center until Febraury 16. The deadline to secure your meals and education sessions is Friday, February 16. No changes or late reservations will be accepted before the expo or onsite. If you do not choose your selections by February 16, reservations will be assigned to you at random.
Sightseeing Tours will be offered through the River Cruise ship in which you are staying on during the Expo. The lines will be reaching out to confirmed attendees to coordinate your tour.
Information to Help You Pack & Plan
Q: Which airport would you recommend flying into?
A: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS).
Q: What is the typical weather like in Amsterdam in March?
A: The average high-temperature in March is 11.1°C (52°F), while the average low-temperature is 3.3°C (37.9°F).
Q: What is the dress code?
A: The dress code is business casual for all Expo events; however, casual attire and comfortable walking shoes are encouraged for the city sightseeing tours on the final day.
By registering for an ASTA event, attendees must agree to the
Terms and Conditions set forth by ASTA.
