FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
General
Q: What's included in my registration?
A: Your registration comes with the multitude of perks listed below.
- Special rates for accommodations onboard participating river cruise ships and at our host hotel, the Hilton Vienna Waterfront
- The ability to inspect all river cruise ships participating in the Expo
- Training to help you gain valuable river cruise-selling and destination knowledge through specialized education sessions
- Sightseeing tours in Vienna organized by the river cruise ships
- Most meals, including hosted lunches and dinners on ships
- Connections to the BDMs and VPs of the partnering river cruise brands, local tour operators, and many other European travel companies through our trade show
- Access to post-Expo river cruise sailings at a discounted rate
Q: Can a non-industry/non-registered guest join me for the Expo?
A: Yes, but there are some important things to know. Non-industry guests and non-registered guests are welcome to stay with you onboard the ship you select for your Expo accommodations and join you for a post-Expo sailing. However, non-industry/non-registered guests are not able to access or attend any of the Expo activities and will not have an event badge. This includes the Welcome and Closing receptions, General Session, ship inspections, education sessions, supplier trade show, after-parties, and lunch and dinner meals onboard ships. Non-industry guests are able to enjoy breakfast on your ship during the Expo as well as all meals onboard a post-Expo sailing.
Please note: Non-industry guests onboard duirng the expo are expected to adhere to the ship's guidelines if they are prepping the ship for event service. There may be times not all ship areas are open due to the scope of this event.
Q: What is the cancelation policy?
A: The cancelation policy is as follows:
- On/Before September 18, 2024: Full refund (minus $50 cancelation fee)
- September 19-November 30, 2024: 50% of full registration fee refunded per person
- On/After December 1, 2024: No refund
Q: Where are the different activities taking place?
A: Activities will be spread throughout the river cruise ships and Messe Wien Exhibition Congress Center. The trade show and General Session will be held at the conference center, while education sessions and ship inspections will be held on the various ships. Welcome Reception will be held at our host hotel, The Hilton Vienna Waterfront. Please be sure to check our
event agenda for the most up-to-date event timing and locations.
Q: Where can I find the most up-to-date information regarding this event?
A: All event updates will be communicated through our emailed attendee communications. Please consider this as the only official line of communication regarding ASTA's event policies and updates.
Q: Who can I contact if I have questions?
A: Please email meetings@asta.org for all event-related questions. This is the best way to reach us and receive a prompt response from a member of Events staff. This includes requests for assistance with registration.
Q: I would like more information about exhibiting at the River Cruise Expo. Who should I contact?
A: Please email exhibit@asta.org for more information on exhibiting.
Post-Expo Cruises, Education Sessions and Sightseeing Tours
Q: How do I register for a post-Expo river cruise or Expo accommodations?
A: Accommodations and post-sailings can be booked through the Attendee Service Center. VIPs can start booking both on September 26, 2024, at noon ET. General admission attendees can select accommodations starting October 1, and post-sailings open October 3, both at noon ET.
Below are some key details to note as you make your bookings:
- If you are sharing a cabin with another person, for accommodations or post-cruises, only one of you needs to book. You will list the second person, whether they are attending the conference or not, as your guest.
- Once you make your cabin selection and save it to your ASTA registration, please assume you are confirmed.
- The cruise line you selected will be following up with you in early November, after registration closes, to collect additional demographic details and payment.
- Cabins are booked on a first come first served basis. When inventory sells out, please note additional accommodations are provided at the Hilton Vienna Waterfront.
Registration for both accommodations onboard and post-cruise FAMs close on October 25, 2024. Changes will not be accepted after this point.
Q: How do I sign up for education sessions and meals?
A: Sign-ups for education sessions and meals onboard ships will open in early 2025. This will be announced in advance through attendee communications and completed in the Attendee Service Center.
Q: How do I sign up for the city sightseeing tours?
A: Sightseeing tours will be arranged by each river cruise ship for those staying onboard during the Expo. Specific instructions will be provided to you by the river cruise line. For attendees staying at the host hotel or elsewhere for their accommodations, ASTA will attempt to make arrangements for a separate sightseeing tour. More information will be available closer to the event.
Q: Can non-industry guests participate in the education sessions, meals and sightseeing tours?
A: Education sessions, meals and sightseeing tours are for registered attendees ONLY. For more details regarding non-industry guests, please refer to the section above.
Please note: Attendee badges will be scanned for entrance to all Expo activities and functions, including meals.
Information to Help You Pack & Plan
Q: Which airport do you recommend flying into?
A: Vienna International Airport (VIE).
Q: What is the typical weather like in Vienna in mid-March?
A: The average high-temperature for Vienna in mid-March is 50-54°F, while the average low-temperature is 38-42°F. Pack layers, including a warm coat. The weather is typically partly sunny to overcast during this time of year, with some chance for rain.
Q: What is the dress code?
A: The dress code is business casual for all Expo activities. Casual attire and comfortable walking shoes are encouraged for the city sightseeing tours on the final day.
Q: Where can I learn more about ASTA events?
A: For a list of upcoming ASTA events, click here.
By registering for an ASTA event, attendees agree to the Terms and Conditions set forth by ASTA.
FAQs updated September 10, 2024
