UK’s new ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is up and running!
You must submit if disembarking in the UK!
The United Kingdom officially launched their ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) application process for United States citizens. If you are traveling to the UK you will need to be sure to apply and obtain this authorization prior to your departure. (Shortly after introducing ETA, they made the change that you will not need an ETA if you are only going through the airport “in-transit” and not going through customs.)
This application costs £10 and is done online. The website states it could take up to three days to process, so don’t wait until the last minute! Click here for more information and to apply.
CAUTION: If you type in “ETA” to a Google search there are many websites that appear to be “official”. However, you will end up paying too much if you use a website other than the UK government website. You should look for the “.gov.uk” address to make sure you have the correct information.
ETIAS for European Countries
We are continuing to monitor when this will start, and the EU recently announced it will not start until the last quarter of 2026. Viking has told us they will be sending out announcements to travelers once it finally goes into effect and the European Union will inform about the start of the ETIAS several months prior to it’s launch. Click here for the official ETIAS website.
One less thing to have to think about – at least for now!
Prague Tips and Highlights
Many of our guests begin or end a European river cruise with a visit to the city of Prague in Czechia. Considered one of the most beautiful cities anywhere, the spectacular skyline of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture incorporating gold, copper, tile and marble features magnificent cathedrals, opulent palaces, and grand concert halls and gives the city its nickname “City of a Hundred Spires.” Carol and Doug visited Prague again on the Cities of Light itinerary in March, which you can read about in the upcoming April print edition of the Compass. Here are a couple of additional favorites from some of our IGT clients who have been there recently.
Carolyn and Eric Olson spent many hours exploring the Jewish Quarter when they visited Prague as a post-cruise extension after the Danube Waltz last fall. They highly recommend the self-guided walking tour covering Jewish history from 1400 to the present. Don’t miss the oldest synagogue in Europe, the Old New Synagogue, attended by worshipers since 1270 and the Old Jewish Cemetery next door.
The Folklore Dinner excursion in Číčovice was a favorite for the Olsons. Carolyn was intrigued by the cimbalom, a Hungarian hammered dulcimer in a trapezoidal box, which was played expertly. And she and Eric even got to try out some of the folk dances as the musicians played.
Kathy and Steve Pruss enjoyed dinner at Kampa Park, a Michelin restaurant right on the Vlatka River in New Town. They have a diverse menu of delicious local creations, including a Tiger Prawn appetizer which Steve says is not to be skipped. Go at twilight to watch the tour boats circle below the Charles Bridge while sipping an aperitif. Steve also recommends the St Thomas Dark Beer offered at the Augustine Hotel bar, which he describes as being in a class by itself.
Kampa Park
Steve also discovered that seniors over age 65 can travel around Prague for free on city transit. You have to prove your age with your passport, or you can purchase a PID pass at the airport if you bring your passport and a recent photo measuring 3.5 x 4.5 cm. The PID pass also gives you access to trains. You can find more information at this link.
April 2025 Special Offers
Ask us about options for an extra $250 in shipboard credit on applicable sailings. We want to make sure you get the best deals!
Call Carol at 770-421-9627 now to secure your spot on these incredible itineraries!
Free Airfare/ Reduced Cruise Fares and Free Silver Spirits Beverage Package (SSBP) on 2025 sailings:
Canada & Greenland Explorer(15 Days; Toronto, Ontario, to Nuuk) Starting from $9,995pp (Jul 15 & Sep 15 sailings)
Great Lakes Collection (15 Days; Toronto, Ontario, to Duluth, MN) Starting from $9,995pp (Jun 3, 16, 30 sailings)
Into the Northwest Passage (15 Days, Nuuk to Nuuk) Starting from $9,995pp (Jul 29/ Aug 10, 22/ Sep 3 sailings)
Note that these prices won’t be shown on the website. Our priority is ensuring you get the absolute best deals!
Call Carol at 770-421-9627 or Carol@ImagineGoingThere.com for up-to-date availability and best pricing– plus we’ll add $100 pp in shipboard credit to your reservation, which you won’t get by calling direct!
"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant."
- Robert Louis Stevenson
About Imagine Going There Travel
Carol is a Viking Master Cruise Expert and Group Travel Specialist, and she loves getting people together to enjoy the intimacy and hospitality unique to small ship cruising.
Consequently, our clients benefit from the “inside information” we have as a result of the great relationships we have developed over the years. They don't have to call an 800-number hoping to get a knowledgeable professional to answer their questions, and are also on the “first-to-know” list for specials and bonuses, all while receiving the signature TLC we put into every trip.
Vacations are the highlight reels of the year, and each one needs to be truly memorable.
Great Vacations Matter, Because Great Memories Matter Most
P.S. Whether you have questions about your upcoming cruise, or you have a Future Cruise Voucher you're trying to put to the best use, feel free to contact me at 770-421-9627 or email Carol@ImagineGoingThere.com. I'll be happy to answer all of your questions and give you the best advice for your Viking dollars.
P.S.S. If you've booked direct with Viking in the last 60 days, call 770-421-9627 to get an additional $200 shipboard credit to your reservation!
Imagine Going There Travel, 3600 Dallas Hwy, Suite 230-215, Marietta, GA 30064, USA
