On a river cruise with a small child. On a river cruise with children: advice for parents River cruise routes on the Volga

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 price).
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 public ship there is always free 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!

I choose a cruise

Imagine standing on board a new white ship. There is foaming river water all around, you inhale the air saturated with river smells and listen to the rustling of the reeds and the singing of coastal birds. You feel at the same time peaceful and at ease: there is a long journey ahead through famous architectural and natural monuments. Now you understand that purchasing river cruises from the tour operator “Rus” was the right decision.

Destinations for travel by boat

River cruises are not only about admiring the beauty of Russian nature. An exciting boat trip awaits you, as well as:

• Seraphim-Diveevo Monastery;
• House-Museum of Family Traditions in Myshkin;
• Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery;
• Museum “House of Merchant S.A. Vagin” in Tutaev;
• Art gallery in Rybinsk;
• Peter and Paul Fortress and Yusupov Palace;
• The monasteries of Valaam;
• House-Museum of I.I. Shishkina in Yelabuga;
• B. Pasternak Museum in Chistopol;
• Mountain park "Ruskeala" in Sortavala.

These and other architectural monuments are the heritage of Russia, which tourists from all over the world come to see. Surprise yourself with the splendor of your homeland and purchase river tours from the Rus company.

Tours in Russia

By purchasing a tour in “Rus”, you entrust your leisure time to a company that has been working with tourists in Russian destinations, including the Volga, for more than 8 years. In addition to a rich entertainment and cultural program, you receive:

• saving time - you can book a tour online in 5 minutes;
• security guarantee in the form of compulsory motor liability insurance "Ingosstrakh";
• travel in the comfortable conditions of a modern ship;
• 24-hour telephone consultation;

Go on a trip from Moscow with the tour operator “Rus” and get as many impressions over the weekend as from a week-long trip to Turkey.

The capital has three large river ports: Northern, Southern and Western, as well as two passenger river stations. The largest of them is the 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 located nearby. and the Western Port is on the right bank of the Moscow River. The Southern River Station is installed on a 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 Vodokhod company has been in the field of river tourism since 2004. Since 2012, this company owns the entire passenger river fleet of the Volga Shipping Company, including pleasure and cruise ships.

At your service are comfortable motor ships “Dmitry Pozharsky”, “Alexander Nevsky”, “Sputnik”, “Great Rus'”, “Hermes” and others. Our managers receive up-to-date information about the condition of the vessels, and also regularly personally participate in inspections before setting sail. Thanks to this, you can always count on objective data that will allow you to make the best choice in terms of comfort, accommodation conditions, on-board entertainment programs and cost.

You won't be bored on your way between cities. All ships have animation and concert programs, as well as discos, parties, master classes and other ways to keep yourself busy. And on the shore, you can explore the city on your own or go explore its history and attractions with a professional and experienced guide. The 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”. You will find live music and a disco, bars, a sauna and a children's club.

During the trip, you will get to know the sights of several ancient Russian cities, enjoy the scenery, buy 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 ship named after the poet who is “our everything” - “Alexander Pushkin”. The cruise takes 5 days - this is ideal for a short vacation.

During the excursion around Myshkin, you will get acquainted with the pre-revolutionary life of a merchant, and children will be interested in visiting the mouse palace. In Uglich they will tell you about the tragic death of Tsarevich Dmitry, show you his chambers and the church named after him, the excursion includes a visit to the Epiphany Monastery and the Transfiguration Cathedral, and those who wish can go to the hydroelectric power station museum. The cruise also includes excursions around Cherepovets and Belozersk, a visit 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

A most interesting cruise on the comfortable four-deck motor 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. Have you ever been to a cheese market? Do you know how many hydroelectric power stations we have in our country and how they are designed? All this and much more you can learn, visit, touch and see on this cruise.

The cities you will pass through are famous not only for their sights, but also for their crafts, so you are guaranteed quality shopping and beautiful original souvenirs. And in order not to get bored during a leisurely waterway, the ship has bars, a children's club, a sauna, and so on.

Moscow - St. Petersburg - Sortavala - Moscow

A trip on the motor ship "Alexander Radishchev" practically along the Radishchev route, only in the opposite 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 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 of the Church of the Transfiguration. The impressions will remain for a year to come.

Moscow - Yaroslavl - Kazan - Yaroslavl - Moscow

There's no better way to spend your holiday than buy tickets for a ship departing from Moscow through the most beautiful cities of our homeland. The motor ship "Native Rus'" invites you on board. This ship is interesting because, despite its modern equipment, its historical architecture was preserved, so it can be considered a unique landmark.

During the trip you will visit such ancient Russian cities as Yaroslavl, Gorodets, Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, Cheboksary and Chkalovsk. And travel is not limited to these cities. The impressions will last for a long time.

Guides will tell you about the past and present of these cities, and each of them has a fascinating and instructive history. This cruise will be interesting for families with children and groups of friends interested in their home country. The duration of the cruise is 6 days and 5 nights, so it could 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 your 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 minute will be significantly limited in the 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.

The managers of Niko Tours will be happy to do everything in their power to ensure that your trip is at the highest level. We will provide you with complete information, help you make your choice and book a trip to a suitable tour.

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 this is an active form of recreation, 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.

The cultural program on the shore deserves special attention. Any tour includes:
- excursions to attractions;
- “green stops” - beach holidays, visits to nature reserves and natural wonders, barbecue;
- cruises to Astrakhan or Rostov-on-Don include stops at tourist centers.

That is, children will definitely enjoy a river cruise, since they will not 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 the weather conditions and choose appropriate clothing. Nobody forbids you to take a stroller, baby food, or your 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.