2027 Amsterdam to Switzerland Riverboat Cruise

Being Gay in Europe

Being LGBTQ+ is widely accepted in all of the countries we visit.

Climate

In spring, the weather in this part of Europe has ranged from a chilly and rainy 55° to a sunny, warm 80°! Plan to dress in layers and prepare for anything. Check www.weather.com for the most current weather.

Currency

Holland, Germany, and France use the Euro. Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc. Check www.xe.com for current rates.

Languages

The languages most commonly spoken in the countries we’ll visit are Dutch, German (and the Swiss German dialect), and French, but most people also speak English!

Celebrations: Birthdays, Anniversaries, Honeymoons, and More

If you will have a birthday or celebration during your vacation and have not already informed your Olivia Travel Consultant, please let us know as soon as possible, but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.

You can register at Olivia Honeymoon Wishes for your honeymoon, anniversary, or other special celebration; browse through the selections and let your friends know just how easy it is for them to purchase a gift for you.

Connect with Other Guests: Join the Facebook Group

If you'd like to chat with people who are going on the trip, join 2027 Amsterdam to Switzerland Riverboat Cruise Facebook Group.

Travel & Entry Requirements

We’ve provided an easy tool to allow you to check the latest requirements and provisions for your travel plans: please click here. For specific entry requirements to your chosen destination, simply click on your arrival country under "Where to?" and enter your travel dates.

Passports & Visas: All travelers will need a passport that is valid for six months after the last day of your trip. If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a visa.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with both your country’s consulate and the consulates of the other countries we will be visiting to ensure that you do not need an entry visa or other additional documentation.

IMPORTANT: The European Union is introducing the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in 2026. ETIAS is designed as an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling from 60 countries, including the United States and Canada. This system is being implemented to enhance security and streamline the entry process for travelers visiting the European Union.

Starting in 2026, if you are planning to visit one of the 30 EU countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, you will be required to complete a digital application through the official ETIAS website or mobile application. This requirement will apply to travelers who do not currently need a visa for entry into these countries. While this might be an additional step in your travel preparations, it is designed to improve your overall experience by reducing waiting times and enhancing security measures. You can fill out your applications at: https://www.etiaseu.com/ once the site goes live. Please be aware that most ETIAS applications will incur a processing fee of 20 Euros. It is free for people over the age of 70. These ETIAS are good for up to 3 years with unlimited entries.  (dates and prices subject to change)

Canadians:  Please visit the Canadian ETIAS for more Information and to fill out your application when it goes live in 2026. ETIAS Application Form | Apply ETIAS from Canada

Specific Needs: Dietary, Medical, Mobility, and Other

If you have any medical, mobility, dietary, or other special requirements that you haven't yet shared, please reach out to [email protected] as soon as possible. To verify if we can accommodate your needs, kindly do so at least 90 days before your trip.

Vacation Stretchers

We will not be offering vacation stretchers in Amsterdam.

We will offer 1- and 2-night post-cruise vacation stretchers in Zürich.  Please check back for more information, available approximately 11 months prior to sailing.

To assist with your post-trip plans, (air, hotel, transfers and more) we recommend our LGBTQ+ Travel agent Debbie Gudis at Go Travel: (877) 777-5210 or (408) 364-7300.

Amsterdam: We always recommend coming in at least one day early to avoid the stress of unexpected delays and to further enjoy this LGBTQ+ friendly city. The Doubletree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station is one of the best located hotels. We also recommend the Movenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre, although it’s a little further away, but still walking distance from the city center and train station. Or perhaps you would rather enjoy a more quiet, upscale hotel on the canal at the Pulitzer Amsterdam, voted Best Hotel by readers of Travel & Leisure, or choose from other boutique hotels. Book early and directly through the hotels for the best pricing! 

If you are interested in touring the Anne Frank House, you will need to reserve your tickets in advance. Visit Tickets | Anne Frank House.  This is the only place tickets can be purchased, and you must reserve the date and timeslot for your visit in advance.  Possible dates/times to visit would be any day prior to the morning or afternoon of April 13. There will be an optional Keukenhof Gardens excursion departing sometime between 10:30 am and 1 pm (time TBA closer to the date).  Otherwise, the all-aboard time is 5 pm on April 13. Or you can visit late morning on April 14 (after the included Canal ride, which will be over by 10:30 am).  You need to be back on the ship no later than 1 pm for departure to Cologne.

Vaccinations

Please check with your local Public Health Department or personal physician regarding immunization requirements for all countries on your itinerary. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at: www.cdc.gov. Just click on “Traveler’s Health” followed by “Vaccinations.”

Air Travel

Airports: You will need to fly into Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS) and out of Zürich Airport (ZRH). We encourage all guests to arrive at least one day early to avoid the stress of unexpected delays.

Airfare Discounts: Save up to 10% on your airfare through our partner, United Airlines. Airfare discount codes will be available approximately 11 months prior to the departure date. Check back here for details.

Flight Arrival and Departure Times: Your flight out of Zürich Airport (ZRH) should depart after 11 am on April 20, 2027 to be eligible for the included group transfer from the ship in Basel to Zürich Airport. If your flight departs before 11 am, you may need to arrange for your own taxi transfer to the airport, which can cost over 250 Euros.

Luggage Allowances: The included group transfer from the ship to Zürich Airport to the ship limits luggage to one piece per person, plus a carry-on. Airlines often restrict (or charge) excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances. For ease of travel in Europe, we recommend bringing no more than one large piece and a smaller carry-on.

Ship Embarkation

Check-In: Official check-in will be available in the late afternoon. If arriving to the ship prior to check in, you can board the ship after 8:30 am, drop off your luggage, and enjoy the lounge with small snacks and coffee, tea, and water. You can also venture out on your own to enjoy Amsterdam or choose an optional afternoon tour. Suites and staterooms will be available to access after 4 pm.

Port Location: The riverboat will be docked in Amsterdam at a location approximately 45 minutes from Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS). Exact location will be shared in your final trip documents which will be sent 2-3 weeks prior to departure, or on the AvalonGo app a few days prior to embarking.

Electricity

The cabins have 110- and 220-volt electricity. Adapters should have 2 round prongs (type C). One USB outlet is also available.

Entertainment & Programming

We will bring two Olivia entertainers to perform on several evenings, as well as enjoy some of local entertainment along the way.

River cruising is all about port destinations. Don’t expect the same ship-activity packed schedule or various “Theme” nights that you might find on a big ship or resort! We always have one “Casual-Elegant” night to wear the best outfit you brought. Gowns and tuxedos are not appropriate for riverboats.  Casual attire is!  

On a typical day, following breakfast we will enjoy a walking tour of the new city we have arrived in, followed by lunch on board and either an optional extra walking (or other) tour or free time to explore. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a fun and informative lecture on the history of the area or take that well-deserved nap. It’s your vacation! In the evenings, we will be delighted by local entertainers or one of our two Olivia artists. After the shows, enjoy our riverboat version of “Club O,” with our talented staff taking turns being a “guest DJ” to provide dancing music in the main lounge. Or you may choose to get to bed early for your next full day! 

Excursions

A walking and/or city tour is included in each of the ports visited. Optional tours, ranging in price from approximately €39 to €79 or more, may be booked on the Avalon website about 30 days prior to the trip or on board and will not conflict with your included tours.

Gratuities
Gratuities for your Avalon cruise director, cabin steward, dining staff, reception, bar staff, and other behind-the-scenes crew are included in your cruise fare. Additional tipping for exceptional service is optional.

Tipping is not included for local guides and bus drivers on included or optional tours. We recommend the following as a guideline:

• Local guide: 2–3 € per person (half day), 5 € per person (full day)
• Bus driver: 1 € per person (half day), 2 € per person (full day)

Internet and Email

Complimentary wifi is included on board in public spaces and in your cabin for use on your personal digital devices (phone, laptop, or tablet computer). There is an onboard internet center with two desktop computers for guest use. Faxes can be sent from the reception desk for a charge.

Laundry Services

Laundry and pressing services are available; prices will be available onboard the ship. Dry-cleaning and self-service laundry facilities are not available.

Medical Services

The ship will be minutes away from hospitals when we are docked and will be close to local towns when we are cruising along the river. The ship does not have an onboard doctor.

Money: On-Board Purchases

The currency used on board is Euros (€). All purchases made on the ship will be charged to your onboard account, which you will create when you first check in. Cash, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Please check with the ship’s front office for further details.

Phone

Each cabin has a phone for calling other cabins and for making international and local calls. There is an additional fee to use this phone for international or local calls; cost is available on board. We suggest that you check with your cell phone provider for international service.

Smoking Policy

The interior of the Avalon Vista is entirely nonsmoking. Smoking is not permitted in your cabins or on cabin’s Open-Air^SM balconies. A smoking area will be designated on an outdoor deck.

Transfers to the Airport

Your cruise includes a group transfer from the ship in Basel to the Zürich International Airport (ZUR) on April 20 for flights departing after 10:30 am. Should you have a flight departing earlier than 10:30 am, the taxi cost can be upwards of 300 Euros. The ship will be happy to assist in arranging for a taxi at a specific time. Payment for the taxi can be made with the driver.

Vacation Stretchers

We will offer 2- and 3-night post-cruise vacation stretchers in Zürich.  Please check back for more information, available approximately 9-11 months prior to sailing.

In Zürich, you’ll travel to Mt. Titlis and take a tram up to the top for a beautiful 360° view of the Alps, returning to Zürich for a local guided walking tour with very knowledgeable and fun local Lesbians. The following day you’ll venture out through the beautiful countryside to visit a quaint village for lunch to try local specialties and will make your own delicious Swiss chocolate bar at a Swiss chocolate factory (tastings included)!