Circumstances are developing in such a way that we are increasingly starting to travel around our country. And it's great! In summer, we most often choose the opportunity to relax and improve our health on the beaches of Crimea, Krasnodar Territory, Caucasus or broaden your horizons by going on a sightseeing trip to the cities of Russia.
But there is another option summer holiday that combines cognitive sightseeing vacation, and the opportunity to swim and sunbathe on the beaches of Russian rivers - these are river cruises in Russia. Their routes run along almost all navigable rivers of our country. These are, of course, the Volga and the Don, the Oka and the Kama, the Northern Dvina and the Sukhona, the Yenisei, the Lena and the Ob, Lake Onega and Ladoga.
Go to fascinating river cruise can be from a variety of Russian cities. And this does not require any of the complicated paperwork that always accompanies cruise trips abroad. By the way, you can travel on cruise ships from late April to early October.
River cruises are classic and sightseeing, wellness and event, pilgrimage, fitness cruises and others. They also differ in duration. Very short - 2-3 days - these are weekend cruises, which are convenient for those who like to have an interesting and eventful vacation from Friday to Sunday. As part of such short cruises, you can visit many cities.
Most often go on a 5-8 day cruise active tourists who love sightseeing. These can be routes along the Golden Ring, around the cities of Karelia (with a visit to Valaam, Petrozavodsk, Kizhi, the Solovetsky Islands, Upper Mandrogs), along the Volga, between St. Petersburg and Moscow. Some cruises can last from 9 to 22 days.
Why are river cruises on a ship in Russia good?
- Dynamic travel - constant change of places, new cities and new acquaintances
- Beautiful coastal scenery that you can admire directly from the deck
- Big stops at the most interesting cities and interesting excursions along the route
- Outdoor recreation thanks to large “green parking lots”
- Comfortable accommodation in cabins and delicious meals in restaurants
- Daily entertainment program for adults and children
- For little tourists - a children's playroom, activities and games with children's animators
- Minimum documents when making a tour
- There is no sea storm on the rivers and there is no strong rolling
- The cost of river cruises is often less than sea cruises.
Naturally, as with any type of recreation, it has its drawbacks:
- River cruise in Russia - a seasonal type of recreation
- Cruise river boats differ in their size, capacity and opportunities for pastime from large sea ships
- Limited movement and isolation of space while on the ship (it is impossible, where you like, to go ashore, only strictly according to the schedule and along the cruise route)
- Have to take more things due to different weather in different cities
- Sometimes you have to get to the place of departure on your own by other means of transport
- Not in all cities along the route where the ship berths, you can get hooked on the flight. Sometimes these are points without landing new vacationers
- Not all cruise lines are circular. In some cases, you have to return home on your own by air or ground transport.
Who is river tours for?
Just like the popular beach holiday, river cruises are suitable for almost everyone. These may be tourists who do not want or cannot go on vacation abroad and are looking for alternative options for family vacation, or those who like to relax near the water, but do not really like a passive beach holiday. Such a relaxing holiday with "green parking" and beautiful views from the deck, the cool river air is especially pleasant on hot days.
River cruises are loved by active tourists who dream of seeing a lot in one trip with cities and towns changing like in a kaleidoscope. interesting excursions. At the same time, there is no need to carry your things with you when moving from place to place, to make night journeys by train or plane, to move from one hotel to another. Discerning tourists who strive for maximum comfort while traveling very often choose this type of vacation because of the high level of service and good organization of leisure time on cruise ships.
And, of course, such a holiday is suitable for families with children. Little tourists are delighted with such exciting trips. Marine paraphernalia awakens children's imagination and evokes a sea of emotions. Many ships have children's animators who will not let any child get bored.
Cruise geography
Popular river cruises are made from Moscow and St. Petersburg, Volgograd and Samara, Rostov-on-Don and Astrakhan, Kazan and Perm, Nizhny Novgorod, Ufa and many other cities.
There are more than 2,000 river routes in Russia that run in the South of Russia (Volgograd, Astrakhan and Rostov-on-Don), through Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yaroslavl and the cities of the Golden Ring, in the Middle Volga region (Samara, Nizhny Novgorod, Ulyanovsk and Kazan), in the northern part of the country (Kizhi, Valaam, Solovetsky Islands and Veliky Novgorod), in the Urals and in Siberia.
How to choose a ship and a cabin?
From the correct choice of the route and the ship will depend on how successful your vacation will be.
In order for the trip to actually turn out to be comfortable and not turn into a complete disappointment, you must first thoroughly study the chosen ship and the conditions of stay on it. First of all, pay attention to the infrastructure of the ship, its age, date latest reconstruction, level of comfort, availability of amenities and interior layout.
An important factor is catering. Usually these are one or two restaurants serving guests according to the classical scheme (ordering system with waiter service) with a choice of dishes from two to four options and menu formation the day before.
Having decided on the ship, we proceed to the choice of cabins. This should be taken with all responsibility, since an unsuccessful choice of a cabin (it can be considered a hotel room) can blur the most vivid impressions and emotions from the trip.
On ships that ply the rivers of Russia, various types of cabins are offered (luxury, junior suite and economy) with different options for amenities. These can be cabins with shower and toilet, cabins with only a washbasin with cold and hot water or no amenities at all (toilet and shower are located on the deck).
The cost of the tour depends on the location of the cabin. The most comfortable and expensive options are on the upper deck. The lower the cabin, the quieter and cheaper it is. Living in the bow of the ship is more expensive, because there is less vibration and pitching. Accommodation on the stern is more convenient for young people and active vacationers - discos are held there.
The type of bed also affects the degree of comfort and cost of travel. Cabins with single or double occupancy can have bunk beds or two separate beds.
What is included in the cost of a cruise tour?
Typically, the cost of the cruise includes:
- Travel from the city of departure to the city of arrival and accommodation in a cabin
- Meals (buffet, full board with three meals a day or half board with breakfast and dinner) without alcoholic beverages
- One sightseeing tour at every stopping point
- Travel information
- Entertainment program on the ship
Insurance, if necessary, is issued separately (when traveling along the rivers of Russia, compulsory medical insurance policies are also valid).
The sale of cruise tours begins long before the start of the season (six months to a year). Weekend tours are most often purchased shortly before departure (a couple of weeks). Long trips should be booked in advance, carefully choosing the route and cabin, especially if it is a trip with children.
You can book a cabin at any travel agency that deals with river cruises, or pay bank card or in cash at the office (courier). In this case, travel documents are sent by e-mail.
According to statistics, many of those who have been on a cruise at least once return to this type of vacation again and again. And for some, it turns into a tradition to annually go on a boat cruise along the amazing rivers of Russia.
And finally, good news for budget travelers. A representative of the Mosturflot company announced the launch of a river low-cost airline (the first in Russia!) on the ship Princess Anastasia this summer. It is assumed that such a trip will cost less, and tourists will be able to choose the type of food and excursion programs themselves (for example, they can walk around the city and see the sights on their own). Bye Bye…
Accommodation with a small child on a boat.
Typically, standard cabins on ships look like a compartment - a window, two beds on the walls and a table between them. Most major cruise lines offer free travel for children under 5 without a seat in the same cabin as an adult. River cruises are not cheap and are a good opportunity to save money and go sailing together with the whole family.
How to sleep on a ship with a child? If you have a baby, then squeezing a stroller in the aisle between the beds is probably real. Already a separate cradle - for sure. But with a larger child, you can sleep together on the same bed, but it is not comfortable. The way out for comfort is to take a cabin of an improved category, so that instead of one single bed there is a folding sofa or the ability to put a folding bed. This time we sailed on, it is considered a luxury ship, and all cabins have a double bed in it - it is very comfortable to sleep with the baby.
On motor ships, a stroller in the cabin can normally be placed only when folded - there is very little space. But on the other hand, you can easily leave it in common areas - no one will touch it.
Walking around the ship and open decks with a stroller is not very convenient, but you want and, of course, you need to - it’s not all sailing to sit in the cabin :). But keep in mind the very steep stairs from deck to deck. Although the ship's staff is always ready to help you - lift / carry. Motor ship "Princess Victoria" - so far the only ship in Russia with an elevator!
Do not forget to bring anti-mosquito products and warm clothes for the evening. Even if the forecast predicts heat, it will be windy and cold on the deck in the evening on the water. On many ships, those who wish are given blankets to sit on the decks, but this is not a mandatory option.
And some who have not swum have a stereotype that they can get motion sickness on such cruises. So, I will say - it does not shake at all. Although managers advise taking a cabin on a higher deck when buying a tour, supposedly there may be vibration from the engine compartment below.
Food for the child on the ship.
Usually, free accommodation for children without a seat does not include meals. This is perhaps the moment that worried me the most. How and what to feed?
The first option is that on any ship you can buy food for the child separately (it is better to specify the cost when buying a tour, it is different on each ship).
The second and economical option is to eat at a common table. Today, on river cruises, most often for breakfast you will be offered a buffet, where there will be cereals, omelettes, pancakes, etc. That is, with a buffet, the child will definitely not remain hungry. Well, lunch and dinner - this is most often on the menu - will be shared "brotherly". Vacationers choose dishes from the menu themselves, usually from several first and second courses, appetizers and desserts.
The restaurants have high chairs, I hope everyone has enough.
I recommend taking only drinks from mine (except tea) and not forgetting something for snacks (fruits, cookies ...). As for dairy products, when buying a ticket, check if there is a refrigerator in the cabin (we had one).
On any ship for public use, there is free hot water for tea and other things all the time. I know that somewhere there is a microwave (it is necessary to specify when buying a tour). But in any case, in a restaurant (only during its opening hours), if you need, you can always ask to warm up your own for the child.
Entertainment for children on the ship.
There are no problems with this at all. In addition to caring parents, who, of course, will take their favorite and always new (for distraction) toys, books, pencils, almost all ships have children's rooms and often with an animator. The schedule of all master classes, collective games, competitions, discos are announced in advance - do not miss it. And to take a walk on the deck, look at the shores and some water - this is a self-evident entertainment :). I recommend not to forget binoculars at home. By the way, I know that there are boats from which you can even fish.
Feel free to ask me if there is something that concerns you, I didn't tell you. HAPPY SWIMMING!
There are three large river ports in the capital: Northern, Southern and Western, as well as two passenger river stations. The largest of them - Southern port, which is located on the left bank of the Moscow River and is equipped with seventeen berths. The Northern Port is located on the left bank of the Khimki Reservoir, and the Northern River Station is nearby. and the Western Port is on the right bank of the Moscow River. The South River Station is installed on the landing stage, which stands on the right bank of the Moscow River.
Cruises from Moscow are organized by many companies, such as Infoflot, VolgaWolga, Orthodox, Vodokhod, Mosturflot and others. For example, the company "Vodokhod" has been in the field of river tourism since 2004. Since 2012, this company has owned the entire passenger river fleet of the Volga Shipping Company, including pleasure and cruise ships.
Comfortable motor ships "Dmitry Pozharsky", "Alexander Nevsky", "Sputnik", "Great Rus", "Germes" and others are at your service. Our managers receive up-to-date information about the state of the vessels, and also regularly participate in the inspection before sailing. Thanks to this, you can always count on objective data to help you make the best choice in terms of comfort, accommodation, on-board entertainment and cost.
You will not be bored on the way between cities. On all ships there are animation and concert programs, as well as discos, parties, master classes and other ways to entertain yourself. And on the shore, you can explore the city on your own or go to study its history and sights with a professional and experienced guide. A variety of entertainment will not let you get bored.
Popular routes
Moscow - Tver - Moscow
One of the most interesting and popular weekend routes on the four-deck motor ship of European quality "Alexander Radishchev". Live music and disco, bars, sauna and kids club await you.
During the trip, you will get acquainted with the sights of several ancient Russian cities, enjoy the landscapes, get nice souvenirs and learn a lot of new things on educational excursions.
Moscow - Cherepovets (Sizma) - Moscow
This cruise is for those who are not in a hurry and are ready to plunge headlong into a leisurely river journey on a motor ship named after the poet, who is “our everything” - “Alexander Pushkin”. The cruise takes 5 days and is ideal for a short vacation.
During a tour of Myshkin, you will get acquainted with the pre-revolutionary merchant life, and it will be interesting for children to visit the mouse palace. In Uglich you will be told about the tragic death of Tsarevich Dmitry, they will show you his chambers and the church named after him, the tour includes a visit to the Epiphany Monastery and the Transfiguration Cathedral, and those who wish can go to the HPP Museum. The cruise also includes excursions to Cherepovets and Belozersk, visits to the "peasant hut", the Kremlin and other attractions. It is noteworthy that the cruise includes two program options, and you can choose the one that seems most interesting to you.
Moscow - Kineshma - Ples - Moscow
An interesting cruise on a comfortable four-deck ship "Alexander Pushkin", which includes excursions to Myshkin, Yaroslavl, Kineshma, Ples, Kostroma, Koprino and Uglich. Believe me, each of these cities has something to surprise you with. Have you ever been to the cheese exchange? Do you know how many hydroelectric power stations we have in our country and how they are arranged? All this and much more you can learn, visit, touch and see on this cruise.
The cities that you will sail through are famous not only for their sights, but also for crafts, so you are guaranteed high-quality shopping and beautiful original souvenirs. And in order not to get bored during a leisurely waterway, there are bars, a kids club, a sauna and so on on the ship.
Moscow - St. Petersburg - Sortavala - Moscow
Traveling on the motor ship "Alexander Radishchev" practically along the Radishchev route, only in reverse direction: not from St. Petersburg to Moscow, but from Moscow to St. Petersburg and further to the amazing Karelian city of Sortavala, to the amazing Kizhi and to St. Valaam. This tour will appeal to both children and adults. In addition to the main program, you will be offered additional excursions to Peterhof, Pavlovsk and Olonets, to the center of Vepsian culture and to the restoration workshop Church of the Transfiguration. Impressions will remain for the year ahead.
Moscow - Yaroslavl - Kazan - Yaroslavl - Moscow
There is no better way to spend your vacation than buy vouchers for a motor ship departing from Moscow on the most beautiful cities our homeland. Motor ship "Rodnaya Rus" invites you on board. This ship is interesting in that with modern equipment, historical architecture has been preserved on it, so it can be considered a kind of landmark.
During the trip you will visit such ancient Russian cities as Yaroslavl, Gorodets, Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, Cheboksary and Chkalovsk. And the journey is not limited to these cities. Impressions will last a long time.
Guides will tell you about the past and present of these cities, and each of them has an exciting and instructive story. This cruise will be interesting for families with children and friendly companies interested in their native country. The duration of the cruise is 6 days and 5 nights, so it may well be a reward for an excellent student during the school holidays.
Early booking - save up to 50%
Online travel store "Niko Tours" sincerely advises find out the schedule and prices for cruises in the 2019 season in advance. By booking a trip six months in advance, you can save significantly - up to 50% of the price. In addition, you will have time to thoughtfully go through all the options and find the best one in terms of price and quality. Those who book tickets at the last moment will be significantly limited in their choice of conditions and destinations.
Seasonal discounts are also available:
10% - with 100% payment before October 1, 2018;
9% - with 100% payment before December 1, 2018;
8% - with 100% payment before December 31, 2018;
5% - with 100% payment before January 31, 2019;
3% - with 100% payment before March 1, 2019.
Niko Tours managers will be happy to do everything in their power to make your trip highest level. We will provide you with full information, help you make the right choice and book a ticket for a suitable tour.
With the advent of spring, the river navigation season opens, and everyone has the opportunity to book tickets for a motor ship cruise. Parents are happy to take their children with them, because this is an active form of recreation, during which passengers learn a lot of new things, see the sights of Russia, and have fun.
Nevertheless, it must be remembered that the parents are responsible for the child. Do not forget about the constant companion of such trips - pitching (it rocks especially strongly on Ladoga and Onega lake). If the son does not tolerate trips in a car or bus, then he is unlikely to feel good on board the ship. Another point is the brightness of impressions. It is unlikely that babies under one year old will be interested in a river tour, but older people may like it. In a word, consider all these factors before ordering tickets for a cruise with a small child, so that only good memories are deposited in your memory.
Choice of river cruise
Most cruise lines offer free travel for children aged 3-5. But there is one "but" - food and a separate place are not provided to the child. Accordingly, two questions need to be answered:
- Where will he sleep?
- what will be eaten.
There is very little space in standard double cabins, and sleeping in the same narrow bed with a baby is not very comfortable. The baby can be left in the stroller by placing it between the beds. Or you can book a deluxe class cabin with large double beds so that there is enough space for the whole family.
Meals on board
Keep baby food in the refrigerator, which is available in each cabin. To warm up, use the microwave - you just need to clarify where it is located. Older children can eat at a bar or restaurant, but they will have to buy food separately, as it is not included in the tour price.
The menu is quite varied:
- buffet breakfast - sandwiches with butter, sausage, cheese, pancakes;
- lunch - first, second, salads;
- dinner is also in the form of a buffet.
Some ships have separate children's places, so there should be no problems with food.
Entertainment program
Each ship has a children's room, where animators or educators work. Toddlers can be safely left here, they will always be under control (specify this issue separately). Toys, colored felt-tip pens, coloring books have been prepared for them.
Senior preschoolers and elementary school students take part in various competitions announced in advance. Topics can be very different: a drawing or poetry reading competition, active team competitions. Animators will prepare plays and performances. Senior students can attend any other events with you, they will be interested in having fun at parties.
Deserves special attention The cultural program on the shore. Each tour includes:
- sightseeing tours;
- "green stops" - beach holidays, visits to reserves and natural wonders, barbecue;
- cruises to Astrakhan or Rostov-on-Don include stops at camp sites.
That is, a river cruise for children is sure to please, as you will not be bored throughout the entire route.
What to bring on a cruise
You can take with you on a cruise everything that is not prohibited by the rules. First of all, take into account the weather conditions and choose the appropriate clothing. Nobody forbids taking a stroller, baby food, favorite toys. Be sure to take binoculars to enjoy indescribable landscapes while cruising along the Volga with children.
Do not forget pills for jock, indigestion and any other necessary medicines. Naturally, you must have all the documents with you.
