River cruises on a motor ship with children along the rivers of Russia. Cruises on the Volga River cruise with children

River cruise routes on the Volga

The number of motor ships of various classes operating cruises along the Volga is very large and varied, there are hundreds of them. The vast majority of large Russian cruise companies They carry out their cruises along the Volga. Their routes pass through almost all Russian regions and regions. During a river trip on a motor ship along the Volga, you can not only experience the pleasure of enjoying the natural beauties and landscapes of the Volga banks, but also visit a number of the most beautiful cities our country, such as Yaroslavl, Nizhny Novgorod, Cheboksary, Kazan, Ulyanovsk, Samara, Saratov, Volgograd, Astrakhan and many others.

River cruises on the Volga are a successful combination of educational recreation with interesting excursions and outdoor recreation, as well as a varied entertainment program on board the ship, which travelers really like. The cost of a Volga cruise on a motor ship depends on the class of the ship, the season and the duration of the route. Tour operators and travel agencies, as well as cruise companies themselves, provide tickets and vouchers for pensioners with big discounts. Elderly tourists can go on a cruise along the Volga on boarding ships with a program health treatments, which have a beneficial effect on the human body.

The tour operator Cruise House "MK" on its website offers cruises on the Volga with schedules and prices. Here you can get acquainted with the characteristics of the ships and easily choose the optimal cruise for yourself. For example, it is possible to find a tour along the Volga from Saratov or another city with special rates. River tours along the Volga are also notable for the fact that motor ships can call at ports, where getting there by land is much longer and more expensive. In any case, visiting a large number of cities along the river is much more economically profitable than the same route by tourist bus or other form of transport. In addition, cruise companies often offer seasonal discounts on river tours, as well as special offers. As a result, you can buy a cruise on the Volga much cheaper.

Since river cruises on the Volga can be either short or quite long, covering several other rivers in addition to the Volga, the number and variety of cities on the route makes the cruise extremely interesting, because each city is unique and has its own characteristics. For example, a lot of tourists go on river cruises along the Volga to Plyos, since Plyos is a very picturesque city with a primordially Russian spirit and a huge number of museums. And in the city of Myshkin there is the only mouse museum in the world, which is a symbol of the city.

When to go on a tour along the Volga by boat

In winter, river navigation along the rivers of Russia is not carried out. The most successful period for a cruise on the Volga is from April to October. For cruises in Central Russia, it is preferable to take the hottest months. At this time, the climate is favorable both for swimming in rivers and for visiting local tourist sites. From this point of view, a summer cruise on the Volga is preferable. In addition, it is in the summer that cruise companies offer the largest selection of tours for every taste and budget. For the southern regions, the most comfortable voyage is in October. At this time, one of the most popular routes is a cruise along the Volga to Astrakhan. In addition, prices for a cruise on the Volga during this period are lower than in summer, which makes the trip profitable for the budget.

Motor ship tours along the Volga include “Green Stops”. The motor ship makes a stop outside the city limits, and tourists, having gone ashore, can spend time having barbecue, strolling through the forest, lying on the beach, swimming in the river, or simply taking a walk along the shore, inhaling the amazing river air, which, by the way, is very useful for health.

What cruise ships sail on the Volga

Motor ships of almost all major Russian cruise companies operate river cruises along the Volga from cities located on it. The main criterion when choosing a ship from a particular company is its price and level of service. The port cities where ships call are usually the same for all cruise companies. The largest of them are Mosturflot, Infoflot and Vodokhod. They offer Volga cruises from Moscow, visiting Myshkin, Uglich, Kalyazin, Volga cruises from Nizhny Novgorod, calling at Gorodets, Kozmodemyansk and Makaryev, as well as Volga cruises from Tver. Other cruise companies such as Orthodox, Gama, Rusich and VolgaWolga also organize ship tours on the Volga.

On the website of the Cruise House "MK" company you can find and book any of all the most popular tour options on the Volga, including Volga cruises from Saratov, Volga cruises from Kazan and many others. It is also possible to purchase not only a cruise, but also a full cruise package with transfers, air travel and excursions. This is much more profitable and up to 15% cheaper than choosing only one cruise service. All ships, regardless of class, provide everything necessary for a comfortable and exciting stay on board. This includes three meals a day, sightseeing tours, and entertainment on the boat. We recommend, for a complete experience, to choose the most comfortable cruise ships with a high level of service, such as the motor ship Princess Victoria, Alexander Green, Mikhail Sholokhov, Princess Anabella, Mikhail Bulgakov.

The most interesting ports visited on Volga cruises

Kazan

Kazan is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in our country. Here is located one of the largest mosques in Europe, the Kul Sharif Mosque, which is a real miracle of architecture and amazes with its beauty. Cruises from Moscow to Kazan or from another port are very popular among cruises on the Volga. The Kazan Kremlin has perfectly preserved ancient monuments, including the Syuyumbike Tower. The capital of Tatarstan is magnificent. There are many secular and religious buildings, museums, cafes and restaurants concentrated here, and the “singing fountains”, which are so pleasant to enjoy in the evening, deserve special mention. A cruise along the Volga from Kazan offers a stunning view of the city's embankment.

Nizhny Novgorod

The city is the most important cultural and industrial center of Russia, in addition it is one of the largest centers river tourism, so cruises along the Volga from Nizhny Novgorod are very common. Traditional routes also include a cruise from Moscow to Nizhny Novgorod and the opposite direction. Nizhny Novgorod can also boast of important cultural and historical sites, including the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin and the famous Nizhny Novgorod Fair. The city has a huge number of museums and several theaters.

Samara

Cruises along the Volga from Samara are a very popular destination. The city's port is the largest in the entire Middle Volga region. In addition, Samara has the longest Volga embankment and the highest railway station in all of Europe is located in the same city, as is Kuibyshev Square, which is also the largest in Europe. The architecture of the city is represented by all possible architectural styles.

Uglich

It is not for nothing that the cozy small town of Uglich is included in the route of the Golden Ring of Russia. There is a huge number of various attractions here, the main one of which is the Transfiguration Cathedral. The city also has a unique museum of myths and superstitions.

Yaroslavl

One of the oldest Russian cities, Yaroslavl, is now included in the list of objects world heritage UNESCO. Historical buildings combine very well with environment, making the city very green and colorful. And the embankment of Yaroslavl is rightfully considered the most impressive of all Russian cities. Cruises along the Volga from Yaroslavl will introduce tourists to cities such as Ples, Kostroma and others.

Kostroma

Kostroma is also ancient city. This is the cradle of the Romanov dynasty. There are many noteworthy museums located here. One of them is “Kostromskaya Sloboda”, located directly under open air. Cruises along the Volga from Kostroma, as a rule, involve visiting Yaroslavl and Plyos.

Volgograd

Volgograd is, first of all, a city of military glory. It preserves the memory of the events of the Great Patriotic War, to which many monuments are dedicated in the city. Among them, first of all, it is worth noting Mamaev Kurgan and one of the most tall statues in the world "Motherland". It is best to go on a cruise along the Volga from Volgograd in October, when it is not so hot and the climate is conducive to swimming, walking and sightseeing.

Astrakhan

The city embodies the largest cultural and industrial center of the Caspian region and the Lower Volga region. Thanks to his geographical location, there are a huge number of bridges in the city. In this way, Astrakhan resembles St. Petersburg. The city has several museums and theaters, as well as a large number of architectural monuments. A Volga cruise from Astrakhan or a tour to Astrakhan is recommended to be carried out in October. This is the most favorable period for travel in terms of climate.

With the arrival of spring, the river navigation season opens, and everyone has the opportunity to book tickets for a ship cruise. Parents are happy to take their children with them, because it is active view vacation, during which passengers learn a lot of new things, see the sights of Russia, and have fun.

However, you need to remember that parents are responsible for the child. Don’t forget about the constant companion of such trips - the pitching (the rocking is especially strong on Ladoga and Lake Onega). If your son does not tolerate travel in a car or bus well, then he is unlikely to feel good on board the ship. Another point is the brightness of impressions. It is unlikely that children under one year old will be interested in a river tour, but older children may like it. In a word, consider all these factors before booking tickets for a cruise with a small child, so that only good memories are left in your memory.

Choosing a river cruise

Most cruise lines offer free travel for children aged 3-5 years. But there is one “but” - food and a separate place are not provided to the child. Accordingly, you need to decide two questions for yourself:
- where he will sleep;
- what will he eat?

In standard double cabins there is very little space, and sleeping in the same narrow bed with a baby is not very comfortable. The baby can be left in the stroller, placing it between the beds. Or you can book a Luxury class cabin with large double beds so that there is enough space for the whole family.

Meals on board

Store baby food in the refrigerator, which is available in each cabin. To reheat, use the microwave - you just need to check where it is located. Older children can eat in a bar or restaurant, but food for them will have to be purchased 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 course, second course, salads;
- dinner is also a buffet.

Some ships have separate places for children, so there should be no problems with food.

Entertainment program

Each ship has a children's room where animators or teachers work. Toddlers can be safely left here, they will always be under control (please check this issue separately). Toys, colored markers, and 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 competition or poetry reading, active team competitions. Animators will prepare plays and performances. Older 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. Any tour includes:
- excursions to attractions;
- "green stops" - beach holiday, visiting nature reserves and natural wonders, barbecue;
- cruises to Astrakhan or Rostov-on-Don include stops at tourist centers.

That is river cruise Children will definitely enjoy it, as they won’t be bored throughout the entire route.

What to take on a cruise

You can take with you on a cruise everything that is not prohibited by the rules. First of all, consider weather and choose appropriate clothing. Nobody forbids you to take a stroller, baby food, favorite toys. Be sure to take binoculars to enjoy the indescribable landscapes while cruising along the Volga with children.

Don't forget your anti-sickness pills, indigestion pills, and any other medications needed. Naturally, you must have all the documents with you.

I choose a cruise

Circumstances are such that we are increasingly beginning to travel around our country. And that's great! In summer, we most often choose the opportunity to relax and improve our health on the beaches of Crimea, Krasnodar region, Caucasus or broaden your horizons by going on a sightseeing tour of Russian cities.

But there is another option summer holiday, combining both educational excursion holiday, 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 Don, Oka and Kama, Northern Dvina and Sukhona, Yenisei, Lena and Ob, Lake Onega and Lake Ladoga.

You can go on an exciting river cruise from a variety of Russian cities. And this will not require any complex paperwork that always accompanies cruise travel Abroad. By the way, travel on cruise ships possible from late April to early October.

River cruises can be classic and excursion, health and event, pilgrimage, fitness flights 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. These short cruises take you to many cities.

Active tourists who love sightseeing holidays most often go on a 5-8 day cruise. These could be routes along the Golden Ring, through the cities of Karelia (with visits to Valaam, Petrozavodsk, Kizhi, Solovetsky Islands, Upper Mandrog), along the Volga, between St. Petersburg and Moscow. Some cruises can last from 9 to 22 days.

What are the benefits of river cruises on a motor ship in Russia?

• Dynamic travel - constant change of places, new cities and new acquaintances
• Beautiful coastal scenery that can be admired directly from the deck
• Big stops in the most interesting cities and interesting excursions along the route
• Enjoy the outdoors with large green spaces
• Comfortable accommodation in cabins and delicious food in restaurants
• Daily entertainment for adults and children
• For little tourists - a children's playroom, activities and games with children's animators
• Minimum documents when registering a tour
• There are no sea storms 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, there are disadvantages:

• River cruise in Russia - a seasonal type of recreation
• Cruise river boats differ in their size, capacity and leisure opportunities from large sea ships
• Limited movement and confined space while on the ship (you cannot go ashore wherever you want, only strictly according to the schedule and the cruise route)
• We 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 docks, you can catch the flight. Sometimes these are points without boarding new holidaymakers
• Not all cruise routes are circular. In some cases, you have to return home by air or land.

Who is suitable for river tours?

Just like the popular beach holidays, river cruises are suitable for almost everyone. These may be tourists who do not want or cannot go on holiday abroad and are looking for alternative options For family vacation, or those who like to relax near the water, but do not really like passive beach holidays. 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 on one trip with cities changing like a kaleidoscope and interesting excursions. At the same time, there is no need to carry your things with you when moving from place to place, make overnight journeys on a train or plane, or move from one hotel to another. Discerning tourists seeking maximum comfort while traveling very often choose this type of holiday because of the high level of service and good organization of leisure time on cruise ships.

And, of course, such a vacation 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 operate 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 2000 in Russia river routes, which lie 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 Siberia.

How to choose a ship and cabin?

The correct choice of route and ship will determine how successful your vacation will be.

In order for the trip to actually be comfortable and not turn into complete disappointment, you must first thoroughly study the chosen ship and the conditions of your stay on it. First of all, pay attention to the ship's infrastructure, its age, date of last renovation, 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 (ordered system with waiter service) with a choice of dishes from two to four options and the formation of a menu a day in advance.

Having decided on the ship, we move on to choosing a cabin. You need to take this seriously, since a poor choice of cabin (it can be considered a hotel room) can blur the most vivid impressions and emotions of 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 a shower and toilet, cabins with only a washbasin with cold and hot water, or no amenities at all (the 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 at 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 at the stern is more convenient for young people and active vacationers - discos are held there.

The type of bed also affects the comfort and cost of travel. Single or double occupancy cabins may have bunk beds or two separate beds.

What is included in the price of a cruise tour?

Typically the cruise price 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 each 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).

Sales of cruise tours begin 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 need to 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, engaged in river cruises, or and pay by bank card or in cash at the office (courier). In this case travel documents are sent by email.

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 go on a boat cruise along the amazing rivers of Russia every year.

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 Princess Anastasia motor ship this summer. It is expected that such a trip will cost less, and tourists will be able to choose the type of food and excursion programs(for example, they can walk around the city in parking lots on their own and see the sights). Bye bye…

Accommodation with a small child on a ship.

Typically, standard cabins on ships are similar to a compartment - a window, two beds along the walls and a table between them. Most major cruise lines offer free travel for children under 5 years of age without a seat in the same cabin as an adult. River cruises are not cheap and this is a good opportunity to save money and go sailing with the whole family.
How to sleep on a ship with a child? If you have a baby, then squeezing a stroller into the aisle between the beds is probably possible. A separate cradle, for sure. But you can sleep with a larger child in the same bed, but it’s not comfortable. The solution 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, it is considered a luxury ship, and all cabins have a double bed in it - it is very convenient to sleep with a baby.
On ships, a stroller can normally be placed in the cabin only when folded - there is very little space. But you can easily leave it in the common areas - no one will touch it.
It’s not very convenient to walk around the ship and the open decks with a stroller, but you want and, of course, need to - you can’t sit in the cabin the entire voyage :). But keep in mind the very steep staircase transitions from deck to deck. Although the ship's staff is always ready to help you - lift/carry you. The motor ship "Princess Victoria" is so far the only motor ship in Russia with an elevator!
Don't forget to take mosquito repellent 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 many ships, those who wish to do so are given blankets to sit on the decks, but this is not a mandatory option.
And some who have not sailed have a stereotype that such cruises can cause motion sickness. So, I’ll say, it doesn’t shake at all. Although when purchasing a tour, managers advise taking a cabin on a higher deck, supposedly there may be vibration from the engine compartment below.

Meals for a 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 additional food for the child separately (it’s better to check the cost when purchasing a tour, each ship has its own cost).
The second and economical option is to eat at a common table. Today, on river cruises, most often you will be offered a buffet for breakfast, with cereals, omelettes, pancakes, etc. That is, with a buffet, the child will definitely not go hungry. Well, lunch and dinner - most often from the menu - will be shared “like brothers.” Vacationers choose dishes from the menu themselves, usually from several first and second courses, appetizers and desserts.
There are high chairs for children in restaurants, I hope there is enough for everyone.
I recommend taking only drinks from yours (except tea) and don’t forget something for snacks (fruits, cookies...). Regarding dairy products, when purchasing a ticket, check to see if there is a refrigerator in the cabin (we had one).
On any ship for public use there is always free food hot water for tea and other things. I know that there is a microwave somewhere (you need to check when purchasing a tour). But in any case, in a restaurant (only during its opening hours), if you need it, you can always ask to warm up your own for your child.

Entertainment for children on the boat.

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, group games, competitions, discos are announced in advance - don’t miss it. And walking along the deck, looking at the shores and water - this is a self-evident entertainment :). I recommend not forgetting your binoculars at home. By the way, I know that there are ships from which you can even fish.

Ask if there is something that worries you, I didn’t tell you. HAPPY SAILING!