FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

General

 

Q: What is the embarkation process for the Expo?

A: Embarkation begins at 10:00 AM on March 12.

  • Shuttle Service: Hertz Hoppers will provide transportation for attendees staying at the Hilton Vienna Waterfront. Shuttles will run from 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM, circulating between the piers and the hotel.
  • Badges for Ship Attendees: If you are staying on a ship, your badge will be delivered to your cabin. If you are missing a badge or need corrections, visit the Pier 3 meeting room at the Hilton Vienna Waterfront on March 12. 
  • Badges for Offsite Attendees: Attendees staying offsite can also pick up or print their badges at the Pier 3 meeting room at the Hilton Vienna Waterfront on March 12. We recommend doing so before 5:00pm, when we expect lines to be longest at the Welcome. Hours are from 10:00am - 6:30pm. 


Q: What is the disembarkation process for the Expo?

A: Disembarkation will take place on March 16. Please follow the appropriate instructions based on your plans:

Post-Cruise Attendees

  • Obtain a post-cruise bag tag from your ship during the ship open house or the trade show.
  • Place your tagged bag outside your door by 8:00 AM. It will be transferred to your post-cruise ship during the city tours.
  • If you are staying at the Hilton Vienna Waterfront, drop your tagged bag at the Pier 4 meeting room by 10:00 AM.
  • City tours will conclude by 2:00 PM, at which point you should proceed to your post-cruise ship.

City Tour Only Attendees (Not Joining a Post-Cruise)

  • Tag your bag with a HITLON bag tag and place it outside your cabin by 8:00AM.
  • Bags will be transported to the Hilton Vienna Waterfront and available for pickup at the Pier 4 meeting room starting at 2:00 PM. All bags must be picked up by 5:00pm. 
  • This room will be secure and monitored by an ASTA staff member until 5:00pm.

Attendees Departing on March 16 (No City Tour or Post-Cruise)

  • All attendees must check out and disembark by 10:00 AM. Please keep your luggage with you!
  • We’re sad to see you go but appreciate your participation—safe travels!
 

Q: What transportation is available during the event?

A: This year, we are proud to partner with Hertz and AmaWaterways to expand our transportation services.

  • Hertz Hoppers: These shuttles will run on a continuous loop between the Hilton Vienna Waterfront and the piers. Please refer to the transportation map for specific routes and timing.

    Hertz Hopper eBus Schedule:

    • March 12: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
    • March 13: 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    • March 14: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
    • March 15: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
 
  • AmaWaterways Shuttles: Large shuttles will operate throughout the day, transporting attendees between all major event locations. These transfers will provide direct service from the piers to VIECON, where the general session and trade show will take place. They will also cover transportation to the welcome reception.

For more details, please check the transportation map.



 

Q: Where are the different activities taking place?

A: Activities will be spread throughout the river cruise ships and VIECON (Previously Messe Wien). 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. Our 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 attendee emails. Please consider this as the only official line of communication regarding ASTA's event policies and updates. You may also visit our Event Updates web page for a central location of all new information regarding River Cruise Expo. Additionally, you can review the event agenda and agenda at a glance for a full overview of Expo activities.

 

Q: I'm an attendee staying at the host hotel or offsite. What are my options for March 12 sessions and meals, and March 16 tours?


A: 
Education Sessions – March 12

Not all ships will be offering education sessions, as participation is based on each ship's embarkation schedule and availability. Only attendees staying on participating ships will have access to these sessions.

Dining – March 12

Attendees staying at offsite hotels may dine on participating ships through a walk-up reservation system. Reservations will be accepted based on the ship’s dining room availability for the evening. Please prepare to visit the ship you would like to dine on, and check at their front desk for availability. You must have your badge in order to dine this evening.  

Tours – March 16

  • Hotel Attendees: A complimentary Vienna Pass will be available for pickup at the ASTA Help Desk. This pass grants free admission to select attractions and includes access to the Vienna sightseeing bus.
  • Please return from your Vienna explorations by 2:00 PM if you are embarking on a post-cruise. If you dropped your bags with ASTA in the morning, you may proceed directly to your post cruise. 
  • ASTA extends its gratitude to Austrian Leading Sights for their generous partnership with the Vienna Pass!

For details on attractions included, visit: Vienna Pass

 

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. Attendee badges will be scanned for entrance to all Expo activities and functions, including meals. 

Please note: Non-industry guests onboard during 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'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: What is the cancellation policy?

A: The cancellation 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: 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: Registration for both accommodations onboard and post-cruise FAMs closed 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 are available to reserve in the Attendee Service Center and close for sign up on Friday, February 14 at 5:00 PM ET.

 

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 directly by the river cruise line either before arriving in Vienna or when you are onboard for the expo. 
 

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 February 11, 2025

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