Health & Money Matters

HEALTH MATTERS

VACCINATIONS

Currently there are no mandatory vaccinations for visitors to any of our destinations, but it is a good idea to be current on your routine immunizations, i.e. tetanus shots. We suggest you consult your doctor for recommendations.

ACTIVITY LEVELS

Our included sightseeing itineraries are outstanding, but some can be strenuous; therefore a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. There is extensive sightseeing of ancient archaeological sites which involve walking on uneven surfaces, up and down multiple stairs, and a number of ports on the itineraries require disembarkation with ship’s or local tenders. The Shore Excursion guide, which will be sent with your final documents, and the Daily Program distributed each evening onboard will indicate the expected level of walking for each excursion. These levels range from Moderate to Heavy.

Guests with mobility issues may always opt out of any included tour as they wish or, guests may simply choose to take a break from touring on certain days. There will be times when access to sites is restrictive for guests with mobility or medical issues that require routine use of medical apparatus, such as a Zimmer frame, oxygen concentrator, or wheelchair. As a reminder, Voyages to Antiquity should have been advised at time of deposit of any Special Needs requirements especially as regards medical apparatus. All guests need to be self-sufficient or have an able-bodied guest traveling with them to take full responsibility for any assistance that may be required. 

PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES, EYEGLASSES

Please be sure to bring extra supplies of your prescription medicines as not all medications are the same or available in each country. It is also helpful to have copies of your prescriptions with you on your travels. If you are a diabetic, insulin can be stored in the Medical Center, and staterooms (categories A-G) are equipped with a mini-refrigerator. Arrangements will also be made for safe disposal of sharps.

Similarly, it is highly recommended that you bring a duplicate pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses along with a copy of the prescription in case there is a replacement need. .

MONEY MATTERS ONBOARD

A “cashless” system is operated onboard the Aegean Odyssey with all purchases charged to your cabin account and you will be required to register a credit card or debit card at the Reception Desk shortly after embarkation. The final account can be settled in US$ or UK£ at the end of the cruise. Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards (a surcharge of 2% applies to American Express transactions), some bank issued debit cards, cash and travelers checks can be used for settlement. Personal checks cannot be accepted.

Onboard, limited cash exchange facilities may be available at the Purser’s office and the rate of exchange is based on current tourist rates. There is a small fee for exchange of funds onboard, similar to what you would expect to pay any other currency exchange facility.

MONEY MATTERS ASHORE

CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES

For up-to-the-minute exchange rates, consult a major newspaper or bank. You can also check via the web at www.xe.net
There is no need to obtain local currency before your trip, although we suggest that you exchange some money at the airport on arrival. ATM’s are widely available in most international airports. Traveler’s checks may be difficult to exchange and personal checks are generally not accepted overseas. Credit cards, Euros, US dollars and debit cards are accepted virtually everywhere.

If you use a credit card, you may want to compare the fees your card charges beforehand and verify that it can be used internationally. Note that many banks impose a fee for ATM usage, so check with your bank for overseas affiliations.

GRATUITIES ASHORE

Porterage of your luggage is included between the Aegean Odyssey and the port customs areas, and if you have purchased air or optional land programs from Voyages to Antiquity, overseas airport and overseas hotel porterage is also included (except inside baggage halls where our staff or porters are not allowed to enter). If you are traveling independently of Voyages to Antiquity air or land programs, a good rule of thumb for porterage is $2 to $3 per bag.

On shore excursions, it is customary to show your appreciation to the guide and driver and we recommend the following guideline:

• Local Guide, per person: $2 to $3 depending on tour length
• Driver, per person: $1 to $2 depending on tour length