FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Updated: October 3, 2022

General   l   Ship Inspections, Post River Cruise FAMs & City Sightseeing Tours    l   Pack & Plan

 

General

Q: I missed the previously live webinars about this event. Can I watch the recordings somewhere?

A:  Absolutely! All webinar recordings can be found at https://www.asta.org/professional-development/webinars.


Q: What are the COVID-19 policies for this event?

A:  Masks are not mandatory at ASTA events. 
 

Q: What are the entry & exit requirements for Hungary?

A:  Visit the U.S. Embassy in Hungary's website for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. 
 

Q: Do I need to have travel insurance to attend the Expo or participate in a post-cruise?

A:  Travel Insurance is not required to attend but it is strongly recommended. Should any River Cruise Expo attendee test positive for COVID during the course of the event and require quarantine or medical care during travel, the costs for such could be prohibitive and will be the sole responsibility of the attendee. A travel insurance policy may cover these and other unexpected costs incurred before or during your trip. Consult with your travel insurance provider to discuss coverage options to ensure that you are adequately protected.
 

Q: Will transfers be provided from the Budapest airport to the host hotels?

A:  No. Attendees are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the conference upon arrival to Budapest. 
 

Q: Can guests attend the ship inspections, sessions or city sightseeing tours?

A:  Your Non-Industry Guests who are not registered for the Expo cannot attend sessions, evening events, meals on ships, tours, or post-cruises. These options are only opened to advisors and guests who are registered for the Expo.
 

Q: What if I Test Positive for COVID-19 at the Expo or on a post cruise?

A:  If you begin experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or a positive test result while onsite at an ASTA event, you are required to quarantine in your hotel room immediately and call ASTA Staff at +1-203-247-7184. Any spouse or roommate who has been staying in your room with you is also required to quarantine for forty-eight (48) hours, upon which time they will be required to take a COVID-19 test and receive a negative result to end quarantine. ASTA Staff will assist in securing a separate room for your spouse or roommate if required. All costs incurred due to quarantine will be at the attendee’s own expense. 
 
*Please note, local destination guidelines and policies supersede ASTA’s Covid-19 policies. The policies above may change depending on the event location. 
 

Q: Where are the different activities taking place?

A:  Activities will be spread throughout the river cruise ships and the host hotel. The trade show and General Session will be held at the InterContinental, while education sessions and ship inspections will be held on various ships. Welcome and closing receptions will be held offsite - locations to be announced! 
 

Q: What is ASTA Global River Cruise Expo and where will it be taking place?

A: This one-of-a-kind event is to bring together our River Cruise partners from all over the world in one place to showcase the latest and greatest in their fleets for ASTA members.

  • Destination: Budapest, Hungary
  • Dates: March 15-18, 2023
     

Q: What’s 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 Budapest
  • Organized Ship Inspections of many River Cruise ships at nearby piers
  • Most Meals: Breakfast included at your hotel or ship each day, Lunch and Welcome Reception on March 15, Lunch and Dinner on the River Cruise Ships on March 16, Lunch on the River Cruise Ships on March 18, Lunch on the Sightseeing Tours and Closing Reception on March 18 
  • 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
  • Pre/Post River Cruise opportunities available at an additional cost


Q: Will you be offering pre-educational journeys?

A: ASTA will not be hosting a pre-educational journey. However, we have partnered with local vendors for attendees to coordinate pre-journeys. 
 

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: Please asta.org/professional-development/events to learn more about our upcoming events.
 

Q: I would like more information on exhibiting at ASTA Global River Cruise Expo. Who should I contact?

A: Please email exhibit@asta.org for more information on exhibiting.
 

Q: How do I register a colleague or guest?

A: Simply fill out the Registration Form for them and select "Non-Industry Guest" or "Travel Advisor" if they are a colleague. Make sure to use a different email address than the one you used to register yourself.  You can register your cabin guest when registering for your Post River Cruise FAM but they must be signed up for the Expo via the registration form first. Only Travel Advisors can book the Post Cruises and add on guests to their cabin booking.  



Ship Inspections, City Sightseeing Tours & Post River Cruises

 

Q: How do I register for the Ship Inspections and meals onboard?

A: Register in the Attendee Service Center


Q: How do I register for the City Sightseeing Tours?

A: This will become available in the attendee service center soon!
 

Q: Can guests attend the ship inspections, sessions or city sightseeing tours?

A: Your Post-Cruise Cabin Guests who are not registered for the Expo cannot attend sessions, evening events, meals on ships or tours. These options are only opened to advisors and guests who are registered for the Expo.


Q: How do I register for the Post River Cruise FAMs?

A: All post-cruise bookings are managed by the ship brand. You can find booking links in the Attendee Service Center. 
 

Q: Can guests attend the pre/post river cruises?

A: Guests registered for the expo are allowed to attend post-cruises. 
 

Q: I am on a post cruise and I want to know the latest regulations for each destination on the itinerary. Where can I get the most updated information for these requirements?

A:  As you know, COVID-19 regulations change rapidly. We recommend you use Sherpa to stay on top of the latest requirements. https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions 
 

Q: Are COVID-19 vaccinations and masks required to participate in a post-event cruise?

A: Each cruise line's vaccination and mask requirements apply to ASTA Global River Expo post-cruises. Please visit the company's website for complete details. 


Information to Help You Pack & Plan

 

Q: Which airport would you recommend flying into?

A: Budapest Airport (BUD) Budapest, 1185 Hungary

Q: What is the typical weather like in Budapest 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). (Source )

Q: What is the dress code?

A: See below for more information.
  • Trade Show: Business
  • Meals on Ships/Ship Inspections: Business Casual
  • Sightseeing Tours: Casual and Comfortable Shoes (If doing the City of Spas Tour, bring a bathing suit)


By registering for an ASTA Event, attendees will be asked to agree to the Terms and Conditions set forth by ASTA.
 


ASTA is committed to providing you a safe experience during our in-person events. For a list of what will be required in terms of test, vaccinations and boosters for the ASTA Global River Cruise Expo, click here. Click to view our current Health & Safety Guidelines.

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