What to take with you on the ship. What to wear for a river trip

River cruises are a special type of recreation that has its own characteristics. Going on such a trip, you need to deal with some issues, such as what to take with you on a cruise, what documents you need to have with you, what things to take and what to refuse.

What is included in the tour price:
- nutrition;
- cabin rental;
- entertainment programs, guide services;
- access to the sauna, gym, swimming pool, if available on board;
- health care;
- health procedures.

That is, by booking a cabin on one of the river boats that are presented on the website of the service site, you immediately receive a full set additional services which will make your stay unforgettable.

Boarding the ship, daily routine, program

You need to arrive at the port a few hours before departure. First, check-in takes place, when tickets and documents of passengers are checked. You must hand over your luggage, special tags will be hung on it and left at the door of your cabin.
From the documents you need to have with you:
- identification documents (passport, birth certificate);
- beneficiaries and pensioners take pension certificates;
- Pupils and students - student and student cards;
- boarding passes, customer agreement, voucher.

Please note: if the passenger does not arrive on the ship 15 minutes before departure, his application may be canceled. Regulations prohibit taking pets on board.
Meals are provided according to the schedule: breakfast, lunch, dinner. On any ship there are also bars and restaurants where you can buy alcoholic drinks, snacks and any other dishes for an additional fee. Lunch and breakfast take place in the form buffet, but dinner, as a rule, is a more solemn event, when all guests are served a la carte in a restaurant.

The program is quite intense, so you do not need to worry that you will be bored:
- holding various entertainment shows on the ship itself;
- competitions for children and adults;
- dance evenings;
- going ashore, excursions to museums, to architectural or natural attractions;
- time to rest on deck or in the cabin.

First of all, each of us is interested in the question of what clothes to take on a cruise. There is a certain dress code, so it is advisable that women have an evening dress in which they can go out to a restaurant. The men take their best suit, the same goes for the children. For everyday wear, you can take looser clothes. Study the weather forecast in advance, because you need to be prepared for possible rains or even snowfalls, dress accordingly for the weather. Don't forget to bring swimwear and beach activities.

On river boat has everything you need, however, more experienced tourists you will always be advised what to take on a cruise on a ship with you:
- personal hygiene items;
- camera, tablet, smartphone, laptop, etc.;
- an umbrella in case of rain;
- sun cream.

That is, there are no restrictions on personal belongings. Do not forget that the boarding is carried out through the frame of the metal detector, so you need to get metal objects from bags and pockets. There is also a list of things that are forbidden to take on board:
- boilers, electric stoves, irons;
- weapon;
- any explosive and flammable substances, fireworks, petards.

Site managers will definitely give you more detailed information and answer all questions.

There are people who cannot imagine their vacation without an active holiday - hiking, rafting, sports and other pleasures. There are also those who prefer lying on a warm beach to all this. For those who like to combine active and passive recreation, a river cruise can be an ideal vacation option.

You can watch beautiful landscapes, without leaving a comfortable deck chair, and as an active part of your holiday, you can see the sights of those cities where the ship makes stops.

Choice of route, ship and cabin

Many companies are engaged in tours along the rivers of Russia, but in order not to get into a one-day company and avoid possible troubles, it is better to use the services of large companies, for example, Infoflot or Rechflot. In addition to guarantees of quality service, you will also be able to choose the ideal route for you among the many available, while small travel agencies usually offer a choice of two or three routes.

There are both routes designed for a full-fledged long vacation, as well as routes for weekends or holidays. If you are not sure if you like this style of relaxation, you can first try three-day itinerary. On the websites of travel companies you can see detailed information by date and place of departure, as well as choose a category of cabins on the ship, depending on your wishes for the price and level of comfort.

In order to optimally choose a ship for yourself, pay attention to the date of its release and the date of the last modernization - only the comfort of your trip depends on this, but also safety.

Cabins on the same ship can differ markedly in price. If you want to save money, you can choose a cabin on the lower deck for yourself, their prices are underestimated due to the lack of opportunities to admire the views from the cabin. But if you intend most spend time on fresh air then this is the best option for you.

Luxury cabins usually have large area than all the others, are equipped with a TV and comfortable double beds. If you are planning long trip or take children with you, it would be better to specify when ordering that you want a cabin with its own sanitary block - that is, with a toilet and shower.

The spread in prices and details of the situation among the cabins is very impressive, so check in advance what will be included in the price, what type of bed, whether the cabin has a private balcony and other things that interest you. Major travel agencies usually have pictures of each ship in detail, and you can see photos of each type of cabin, as well as the deck and all other areas of the ship.

What do you need to take with you?

On a hike along wild nature you need to take one set of things, to the beach by the sea - another. For those who are going on a river cruise for the first time, there are also a couple of tips on what to take with you.

1. First of all, you need to bring at least one a warm sweater and windbreaker. The weather in the central zone of our country is unpredictable even at the height of summer, so it is better to make sure in case of rain and cold snap. Moreover, it is always a little colder on the water than on land. Also take a swimsuit with you - firstly, you can sunbathe on the deck of the ship, and secondly, in many parking lots you can swim in river water. Be sure to take comfortable shoes - most excursions in the parking lots are on foot, and walking along the old pavement in stilettos is below average pleasure.

2. Be sure to bring a cream before and after sunburn, as well as insect repellents.

3. Do not forget to take your usual hygiene products - on the ship, usually only soap and a towel are included in the set.

4. Take a small first aid kit "for all occasions" with you. Of course, a doctor must be present on board, but you should preferably have such a kit as plasters, brilliant green, painkillers and heartburn remedies.

5. Take some cash with you - in small parking lots you sometimes have to wander for a long time in search of an ATM, and sometimes it is impossible to pay with a card, especially if you decide to buy some kind of souvenir. Also, if you want to buy something from the assortment of the bar on the ship, it is easier to wait for the parking - the prices on board are much higher than those on land.

Features of river cruises - meals and excursions

Registration on the ship begins 1-2 hours before departure. If you are late, you will not be expected, and it is unlikely that the money for the failed trip will be returned, at least in full. Do not forget that for registration you need to bring not only vouchers, but also a passport or other identification documents.

After check-in, you are given the keys to the cabin, a meal ticket in the restaurant, which indicates your shift and table. Sometimes they immediately give your number excursion group.

Remember that the time of breakfast, lunch and dinner on the ship may change from time to time, adjusting to the excursion groups. Usually the time is deviated by no more than two hours. In addition to the main meals, each ship has a bar selling alcoholic drinks, light snacks, ice cream, tea and coffee.

Details about the route and parking will be provided to you at the travel agency at the time of selecting the ticket. On the ship, information stands usually post the time of arrival and departure, the sights of the city and possible excursion options. On the radio broadcast, you will be told about the cities that you are sailing, about interesting objects and historical events. So, we can say that the tour for you begins as soon as you board.

Most excursions are usually included in the price of vouchers, however, you can pick up additional options for yourself. By the way, one of the ways to save on a trip is not to pay for any excursions in advance. This is especially convenient for those who prefer to explore the sights on their own, without a group and a guide. The main thing is to have time to return to the ship on time. If you want to buy a souvenir during an excursion in the city, it is better not to do this at the pier or on the main " tourist routes". Prices for ordinary magnets and dolls in national dresses near the sights and places most often visited by tourists are unreasonably high.

In addition to excursions to the cities, there are entertainments on board the ship. Usually there are animators on the ship who will not let your children get bored. Some ships are equipped with a sauna and gyms. A variety of events are very often arranged - from games to sports competitions and discos.

river cruise- an ideal option for those who do not like the excessively hot weather of seaside resorts and want to spend a calm, cognitive rest full of new experiences. Their popularity is now reviving, the decline in demand for river cruises was caused by lower prices for tours to hot countries, but this moment The level of comfort of modern motor ships is in no way inferior to a good hotel.

COLLECTION OF USEFUL ADVICE FOR RIVER TOURIST

BASIC
The main thing you need to know and always remember when stepping on the deck of the ship: The captain is the one-man chief on the ship, therefore all passengers are obliged to obey the orders of the Captain within his authority!
If you have any questions or wishes, you can always contact the Cruise Directorate.
At the beginning of the cruise, an organizational meeting is held, at which you will get acquainted with the Cruise Directorate, with the animation team. You will be briefed on safety precautions and rules of conduct on the water (the time and place of the meeting will be announced on the ship's radio). Individual life jackets are located in each cabin in a wardrobe, on the doors of which instructions for their use are posted.
Carefully study your contract with the travel company (in particular, what is included in the price of your cruise, and what services are provided additionally).

THE SHIP IS YOUR HOME! It is also very important to remember that the ship during the cruise is your second home! And for some tourists, this feeling remains not only for the duration of the cruise ... The ship becomes for them that native place where they always want to return, and they are happy to look forward to each new cruise! After all, it’s not for nothing that they say: “Better than a river cruise can only be a new cruise ...”!
Keeping in mind that on the cruise, other people are and rest next to you, try to behave the same as at home, i.e. not cause inconvenience to others.
Below we will set out a few basic rules of conduct on the ship and in the cabin, so that your stay on the ship leaves only positive emotions and pleasant memories. These rules are not burdensome and will not require any additional efforts from you, but following them will help to avoid possible troubles for you and the passengers around you.

CRUISE CLOSET
Now about what, according to experience, first of all excites, as soon as the day of departure of the ship approaches. What to bring? Here we have tried to describe the most important. Choose what is important for you. Everything written below is based on the experience of tourists traveling mainly on comfortable motor ships of the Vodokhod company.
When choosing your wardrobe, of course, you need to take into account the direction of the cruise - when traveling to the North in September, you need to take more warm clothes, and if you go to Astrakhan in July, you may not need warm clothes at all. Rest on the water involves a noticeable difference between temperatures day and night (late evening) plus the wind, which is enhanced by the fact that the ship is still moving. In addition, there is a noticeable difference between the temperatures on board (on deck) and the shore. For example, if it's hot on the shore, then it's comfortable on deck. If the cruise is long, then it is clear that the transition along the deep route involves a simple change in weather from one region to another. Mostly clothing should be simple and comfortable.
For example, when strong wind, which accompanies any trip on a ship, at any time of the year, it would be nice to have a windproof jacket, a warm sweatshirt or something like that. Absolutely irreplaceable long jackets with a hood. The most comfortable are jackets for yachting (they are light, waterproof). And if you wear a sweater under them in the evening, then you will be very warm! For excursions it is better to have a thin windbreaker.
Of course, jeans - moreover, 2 pairs are better, cotton T-shirts with long and short sleeves. And also a very good knitted tracksuit. In the summer, of course, shorts are necessary. Don't forget your bathing suits! On the sun deck you can sometimes sunbathe even in September!
A headdress is also an integral part of your wardrobe - in the heat it will save you from sunstroke, in the cold and wind - you will not freeze.
In autumn or spring - be sure to take gloves. In general, if you are going to be on deck as much as possible, do not leave the deck until late at night - take more warm clothes!
On excursions to visit monasteries, temples, ladies need to take a skirt and a scarf on their heads ... And you also need to remember that it is forbidden to enter temples in shorts and bare shoulders. Of course, in many temples they give out both skirts and scarves. But you know, sometimes it’s extremely unpleasant to wear someone else’s…
Especially when visiting holy places.
Comfortable shoes on a cruise are, of course, the main thing. Therefore, it is necessary to take sports shoes: sneakers (sometimes two pairs), sneakers, moccasins. Who likes what more ... In summer, you can take open sneakers without Velcro laces. In closed sneakers in warm weather it can be a little hot.
Special advice for ladies! Heeled shoes can be taken exclusively for the Captain's Dinner. But, of course, not for walking on the deck ... Heels knock! The whole ship will hear when you defile under the windows of the cabins. Choose shoes for walking on the deck that are not clattery and have a proven, non-rubber sole. The rubber leaves black streaks on the blue deck paint...
After you return to the ship after long excursions, Comfortable flip flops will come in handy. Legs are buzzing. You have to go on excursions a lot.
Please note that if you go on a cruise on a three- or two-deck ship, then most likely the shower will be shared on it, so it would be very advisable to take rubber slippers so as not to pick up any rubbish.
It is not customary to appear in a restaurant in overly revealing clothes.
To the concert classical music more ceremonial / strict clothes will come in handy.
Yes! And it would be nice to take something masquerade-river with you for Neptune Day.
For the Captain's Dinner (usually held on the last evening of the cruise), you need to grab a beautiful blouse or something more elegant (something that you did not wear every day), but for men, a suit, respectively!
By the way, on Vodohodovskie motor ships you can give clothes for washing, ironing (for an additional fee). But, of course, there is also just an ironing room where you can put your things in order on your own.

USEFUL THINGS
What else would be useful to take with you on a cruise? Let's list a lot here. Choose what you consider necessary specifically for yourself.
- The first and most important thing is, of course, photo/video equipment!!!
- Next, of course, binoculars (spyglass). To make the journey more interesting and complete, exploring the area is a very exciting experience.
- A cell phone, and, of course, charging for it.
- Maps of the area and a guide will come in handy (for your development of erudition and horizons).
- Many take a PDA (Pocket Computer), or a player, or a netbook, or a communicator. But this is an amateur and optional. In general, who is used to what ... Well, and, of course, - charging device to all this wonderful technology.
- Some tourists take small walkie-talkies on a cruise (so as not to lose each other on board, and on excursions (this is advice for those who do not travel alone).
- Tee (useful if you want to charge not only your phone, but at the same time something else from your wonderful technology).
- Fen.
- Thermos (the ships have titans with hot water), tea, coffee (in the morning, before breakfast, until the bars are open, a cup of fresh coffee is very soulful)! This is for lovers of an early rise, lovers of meeting the dawn on the deck ...
- Bring insect repellent with you. While driving, this is not particularly relevant - a rare mosquito will fly to the middle of the Volga! But on the green parking lots come in handy.
- Sometimes there is a need for earplugs (if there is a need to go to bed early, and the "light out" is still far away and people are in no hurry to move away from your window ...).
- A small backpack. Very useful thing on excursions. There is always somewhere to put a bottle of water, the same umbrella, or a jumper. When it's hot, take it off, or when it's cold, put it on. And at the same time, your hands are always free, shoot, take pictures ...
- A small handbag (or over the shoulder). This is in the event that, while walking on the deck, you want to have a camera, phone, wallet, or maybe some other little things with you at any second, so as not to run to the cabin for them).
- Umbrella. You can take it with you when going ashore if it is expected to rain.
Small things "in the economy":
- Many take a rope with them to dry small clothes on it. Stretch it in the bathroom. And sometimes they dry it - on plastic hangers in the shape of a triangle (with a lower crossbar) - they hang it on the limiter in the cabins.
- And Velcro hooks to hang some clothes or objects.
- A small cloth will not hurt to wipe up accidentally spilled tea.
- A small knife.
- Pocket flashlight.
- Opener.
At the reception on the ship on Vodohodovsky flights, you can take for use:
- plaid;
- Beach towel.
It is better to do this at the beginning of the cruise, because there may not be enough for everyone.

CATERING ON BOARD
Usually on motor ships three meals a day are provided. For the convenience of passengers, meals can be organized in one or two shifts (depending on the load on the ship during the cruise).
On a number of motor ships (including the Vodokhod company), breakfast can be organized according to the buffet system.
Also during lunch or dinner, you may be asked to create your menu for the next day from a limited list of food options. And there - the choice of dishes for breakfast (it consists of four, including drinks, dishes). For lunch - three first courses to choose from (meat, fish, vegetarian), three second courses (in the same sequence), two desserts to choose from. The same with dinner.
The time of breakfasts, lunches and dinners may vary depending on the ship and route.
In addition, one or several bars are open almost around the clock on board the ship, offering a large selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, light snacks, confectionery products, coffee, and tea.
During long excursions (for example, in St. Petersburg, or in Diveevo), instead of lunch on the ship, you will be offered a “dry ration” or “lunch in the city”.
And a few caveats:
On board the ship, as a rule, there are special heating elements where you can take water if you want to drink a cup of tea or coffee in the cabin or on deck. It is convenient and actually necessary to use these heating elements, since the boilers and small electric kettles beloved by many tourists cannot be used CATEGORICALLY - this is one of the most serious violations of fire safety rules, which endangers not only your own life, but also ALL passengers on board! However, attention - make sure that the heater is working and the water in it has reached the boiling point! If you have any doubts about this, do not risk getting intestinal infection and lie down for a few priceless cruise days - go to a restaurant and ask for boiling water. Restaurant staff, as a rule, never refuse such requests.

MEDICAL SERVICE
Of course, there is a first-aid post and a doctor on the ship. First aid is provided free of charge.
But it is better to have a first aid kit with you. The composition of the first-aid kit is standard (from a headache (an abundance of oxygen contributes to all kinds of head diseases), indigestion, nerves, be sure to put an adhesive plaster (if you rub your feet on excursions, etc., etc.), “anti-kachin” (if you go to cruise, passing along Ladoga, Onega, Rybinsk and Kuibyshev reservoir, and, of course, the White Sea).
When collecting a first-aid kit on the road, act according to the principle - it is better to take too much than to run around unfamiliar city looking for the right medicine. Remember that not in all cities there are pharmacies, as in Moscow, at every turn.
In addition, we advise you to take some ointments or gels against swelling of the legs with you. Sometimes even those who do not suffer vascular diseases, on long cruises, leg problems begin - well, it’s clear that this is from the need to walk a lot, and also, apparently, the always present, often imperceptible, swaying on the water affects.
If you love sunbathing, take sunscreen. On the sun deck, when the sun comes out, you can sunbathe even in September…

WHAT IS "Cruises, shared with foreign tourists"?
Cruises with foreign groups take place on comfortable 4-deck motor ships of projects 301, 302 and 92-016, as well as completely reconstructed ships of projects 588 and 26-37. by the most popular routes These flights are cruises between Moscow and St. Petersburg, along the Dnieper and the Black Sea, less often - along the Volga and Don. Very often, before the start of such flights, cabins removed from the reservation of foreign tourists appear on free sale. Many domestic tourists seek to take advantage of this opportunity, which is a rare chance to travel on the most comfortable ships, which during the entire navigation run exclusively with foreign guests on board.
A distinctive feature of such cruises is the atmosphere on board. Foreign tourists, most of whom are elderly people, like the quiet, measured atmosphere a relaxing holiday, therefore, the cultural and entertainment program rarely goes beyond listening to Russian folk songs to the accordion and participating in playful competitions, during which tourists get acquainted with Russian folklore.
Here are a few general characteristics cruises with the so-called "additional landing". Naturally, as elsewhere, there are pros and cons.
PROS:
1. Incomparably higher quality and variety of the menu in the restaurant. Very high quality products are used, a huge variety of vegetables, gastronomy, dairy products, pastries. Starting with the obligatory breakfast buffet. The abundance and quality of the offered products and dishes draws on a solid 4 * star hotel.
2. The most convenient parking schedule in cities. A noticeable difference in better side in terms of excursion programs. For example, cruises Moscow - St. Petersburg or St. Petersburg - Moscow, as a rule, begin and end with long stops (2-3 days), accompanied by a mass interesting excursions. Excursion programs for Russians and foreign tourists and in other directions.
3. Perfect cleanliness and order in all corners of the ship, change of bed linen every 2 days, thorough cleaning in the cabins only during the absence of a tourist, to such an extent that sometimes during the entire cruise it is not possible to see the conductor.
4. Availability of all medicines at the ship's doctor, of high quality and issued in the required quantity and at any time of the day.
5. More Low price cruise, in comparison with similar routes on the "Russian" lines!
MINUSES:
1. Inability to take part in general entertainment programs which are held on foreign language. Travel information is offered exclusively in the languages ​​spoken on board. Only the most necessary announcements are made in Russian. At the same time, if the number of the Russian component reaches 15-20 people, a separate animation program is compiled for them.
2. The feeling of one's "non-involvement" in the general life on the ship. But this point, probably, directly follows from point 1.

CHILDREN ON THE CRUISE. What can they do?
Of course, the responsibility for a child on a cruise lies entirely with the parents. Do not leave the child unattended.
On Vodohodovski flights, on board the ships "Alexander Radishchev", " Nizhny Novgorod”, “Sergey Kuchkin” and “Felix Dzerzhinsky” have special children's rooms in which a professional educator takes care of children's leisure during the day. They can play, sculpt, draw, arrange competitions and tournaments in the company of their peers. What could be better? In addition to the educator, professional animators organize special children's programs and encourage children to participate.

ANIMATION PROGRAM
The service personnel of each ship includes a special animation team that provides recreational activities during the cruise. Concerts of live music, concerts of piano music, romance, fun competitions, lotteries, master classes in ballroom dancing, or perhaps in oriental dances, movie screenings, discos ... in a word, you will not be bored!
If you wish, you yourself can take part in entertainment programs, participate in lotteries, a gala concert, etc.! And then your vacation will be unforgettable!!!

TRAVEL INFORMATION
The travel information is a summary historical background or a story about settlements, geographical objects, any sights that the ship passes by during the transition to the next stop. Lots of information on rivers, lakes, cities you pass through and of course history. Travel information is heard on the decks on the public address system and on the radio in the cabin. Speakers are installed throughout the ship, so you can hear radio messages from anywhere.
As well as information about the route, schedule, excursions, etc. is posted in the main aisle of the motor vehicle at the stand.
In addition, every evening on Vodohodovsky flights, leaflets with a program of events for the next day are laid out in each cabin.

EXCURSIONS
In most cases excursion program(with visits to museums, monasteries and temples, architectural monuments) is included in the price of the cruise. There are excursions, both on foot (for example, in Uglich, in Myshkin, in Plyos, etc.), and by bus.

Buses, as a rule, are comfortable, but, of course, different things happen ... It happens (but very rarely) that buses without air conditioning are served in the very heat ... If it's hot, take a bottle of water with you. It may also be worth taking a small fan.
I would especially like to say about the ethics of behavior on excursions. The fact is that the parking of the ship is strictly limited by the schedule, and, accordingly, there is very little time for excursions. As a rule, all excursions are very dynamic. In this situation, tourists who live by the principle: "They won't go anywhere, they'll wait ..." cause bewilderment. When buses are waiting for a leisurely couple choosing a souvenir, thereby expressing disrespect for all tourists ... Agree, this situation causes nervousness, negativity. Respect each other!
When leaving for the cities, we advise you to take the following documents with you: a passport and any paper certifying belonging to the ship (there have already been problems with the police more than once).
In addition, for every tourist making their first river cruise, at some point the question will arise - "What is an additional excursion?" Well, firstly, this is almost always a very interesting event, conducted by good, experienced guides. Often it is these excursions that make it possible to get a more detailed idea of ​​​​the place for yourself, since the groups are less numerous than during the main excursions, and there is an opportunity to ask many questions to the guides that interest you. However, there are a couple of negative points that you should also be aware of in advance. First of all, this pleasure is paid. The high cost of such events can greatly affect your wallet by the end of the trip. The advice is simple - always put in your budget 8,000-10,000 rubles more (based on 2 people) exclusively for these expenses. Payment for additional excursions takes place directly on the ship.
And one more thing - calculate your physical strength, since optional excursions- this is an additional burden and sometimes they are associated with quite long trips by bus, on foot, and sometimes fall at night.
And a few warnings!
When leaving the cabin, do not forget to close the door and window of your cabin (even if you are on board)! Especially on the approach to Astrakhan, the cruise management will definitely and repeatedly draw your attention to the need to exercise special vigilance while parking in this city. Take it seriously! Follow all the directions and believe me - there are good reasons for them. Be sure to close the door and window and make sure the lock works.

HOW TO DRESS FOR TOURS?
Here are some basic rules:
Every time you go ashore, dress like a cabbage. Because it seems cool on the ship, but when you go ashore... it's warm, even hot... For example, a T-shirt + sweater + windbreaker. On your feet - be sure to wear shoes in which it is convenient for you to walk for a long time over rough terrain. By no means some model shoes! And so that she does not rub your legs! Remember that tomorrow you have - new excursion in a new city!
If your excursion program includes a visit to the monastery, then do not forget: for ladies - a skirt and a scarf, and for men - in no case shorts.
And a few more tips for specific sightseeing places:
Kungur cave:
In the main grottoes where tourists are taken, the temperature is 0; -2 degrees, so you need: a thicker wool sweater, gloves, and you can also wear a hat. Tour guides really walk in felt boots and down jackets. The tour lasts 1.5 hours, so the heat from the street heat is enough for 30 minutes, then it’s not up to the surrounding beauty, when the nose and fingers begin to freeze. So do not be too lazy to really warm up, even if it is +30 at the entrance. And also there, on the spot, they give jackets for rent, 100 or 200 rubles.

"GREEN PARKING"
Green parking is free time on the shore (Usovka, Akhtuba, Coniferous Forest, Mandrogi, Sosenki). During these stops, outdoor games, contests, barbecues (for an additional fee) and, of course, swimming are organized. At some parking lots, it is offered to purchase additional excursions (Goritsy, Svirstroy, Lodeynoye Pole).
Many tourists, going on a river cruise, consider the green stops to be the central event, the reason for which the trip is actually started. I even heard the opinion, they say, why arrange parking in the cities at all? What are we residents major cities, trams with trolleybuses have never been seen on dusty streets? The rivers and lakes are full scenic spots, these are the ones you should visit.
Well, it is difficult to fully agree with this point of view, but one cannot but admit that the green stop is certainly a bright and memorable event in a river trip. To make it really so, comfortable and safe, read a few tips.
Parking places. Often tourists, especially beginners, ask on board, why not land somewhere else? Well... there, for example, in that creek, and the forest seems to be good and the sand on the shore? The answer is simple: the place must be equipped with a berth or landing stage certified by the River Inspectorate, firefighters and other control bodies, the necessary depth for the approach of ships must be provided, parking at the pier must be coordinated with the traffic schedule. There aren't many places like this: Coniferous Forest And Solnechnaya Polyana on the Pestovsky reservoir in the Moscow region, Sosenki on the Volga in the Kimr region, Irma, Mandrogi, Svirstroy on the Volga-Balta, Vinnovka in the Samarskaya Luka region, Usovka near Saratov, Nikolskoye between Volgograd and Astrakhan, Ilyevka on the Volga-Don, Sergeevka on Belaya and some others. In addition, some traditional parking lots on tourist routes fit the definition of "green" for a number of reasons. These are, for example, Goritsy, Kizhi, Valaam, small towns like Myshkin.
Based on the foregoing, we can draw a fair conclusion: the cleanliness and order in the parking lots can be good and "different", because. many motor ships stop, including at the same time. Despite the strictest ban for making fires - fires in the forest, empty cans, bottles, broken glass are very likely. Supervise children, especially on the beach. Fortunately, such an "order" is not always found, but one must be mentally prepared for this.
Bathing places. The most general and simple advice: look where the locals swim, look where the members of the crew of your ship who are not on duty will go to swim, and even better, do not hesitate to ask them about it. They visit these places several times during navigation.
Sometimes local small entrepreneurs offer trips on small boats - motorboats, jet skis, yachts, etc. Use your own common sense and remember that the travel agency is not responsible for what may happen to you outside the ship and the pier. For example, there is a case of a pleasure walk on motor boat on the other side of the Volga in Sosenki. They took me there for 50 rubles, and back - prices rose sharply.

About the same can be said about kebabs, smoked fish and other goodies. Are you sure that the sanitary and epidemiological station regularly, and most importantly, objectively checks these points, remote for tens of kilometers from the city? Me too. Rely only on your own common sense and life experience. Another thing is if the picnic is organized directly by the employees of the ship's restaurant. They are directly interested so that nothing bad happens to your digestion.

CELLULAR
Going on a trip to the North-West (St. Petersburg, Valaam, Kizhi), it is better to take 2 SIM cards from different operators with you cellular communication. It is better if you have MTS. Otherwise, you run the risk of being left without communication for two days.
It happens that the connection works perfectly (except, of course, lakes - Ladoga and Onega). Communication on Valaam also works intermittently. And, of course, it disappears in deep locks.
On m/v Vodokhod St. Petersburg, the communication problem has been partially solved - MegaFon repeaters are installed on them.

SOUVENIRS
Remember that on the central streets, near the river station or pier, in the territories of monasteries and kremlin, the cost of souvenirs is overpriced.
The same souvenirs can be bought much cheaper in any store, or a tent a little hiking trail".
Be very vigilant when buying food at the piers and breakups. First of all, this applies to smoked fish, which is literally brought to the board of ships.
Also, for those who go on the route to Astrakhan, it is important to remember that the variety of fish presented at the Astrakhan market often leads to a desire to buy more of it. However, remember that there are no refrigerators in the cabins of the Project 92-016 ships, and they are not planned for the foreseeable future. Only certain varieties of smoking allow you to keep the fish until the end of the cruise and please your family and friends with this delicacy. Even the presence of refrigerators in the cabins of the 301 and 302 projects does not allow you to take everything without exception, therefore, consult with those who understand this in advance - there will be many such people on board and they will gladly share their experience.

WHAT IS THE "Captain's Dinner"?
The captain's dinner is a wonderful tradition sacredly observed on long cruises on Vodochod's ships!
The captain's dinner is a very solemn and memorable event! The tables are laid very beautifully (although on a normal day everything is also very cool), delicacies and champagne are on the tables. The team is all dressed in white. Passengers sit down at the tables, waiting for the Captain. The Captain appears, says a very sincere welcoming speech, then goes around all the tables, clinking glasses of champagne with each passenger. After that, everyone proceeds to dinner.
Personal communication with the Captain is possible if the tourist observes the rules of European etiquette, built on the principles of maintaining distance, restraint and dignity. To participate in the Captain's Dinner, vacationers choose clothes that correspond to the solemnity of the moment and exclude the occurrence of disharmony with the ceremonial tunic of the Captain of the ship.
But, unfortunately, on short cruises (less than 5 days), such a dinner is not provided.

IF YOU ARE LATE TO THE DEPARTURE OF THE SHIP We recommend that you already be on board the ship twenty minutes before departure. Responsibility for the timely arrival on the ship lies entirely with the tourist.

Suppose you are still late for the departure of your ship. The situation is extremely unpleasant and it is only natural that you will try to catch up with him at any cost, but never agree to board during the airlock. This process only outwardly seems easy and unconstrained. In fact, this is a dangerous and time-consuming procedure that requires maximum concentration and skill of the team. "Replanting" late tourists in the locks is STRICTLY prohibited, but sometimes practiced by tour operators who want to "meet" the client. However, remember - you risk your health, and sometimes your life! The advice is simple - take ALL the necessary measures in order to arrive on time for registration.

AND A FEW MORE IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Fire safety.
Well, there’s nothing to talk about at all, this is a matter of life and death! It must be remembered that, being on the water, the ships of project 301, 302 and 92-016 burn out completely in 15-20 minutes! In connection with this:
- in no case should you use boilers, small electric kettles in the cabin CATEGORICALLY - this is one of the most serious violations of fire safety rules, which endangers not only your own life, but also ALL passengers on board!
- you can not smoke in the wrong places and throw cigarette butts overboard (because of the constant wind on the deck, most likely this cigarette butt will fly to the lower deck or fall into the collar of another vacationer);
If smoke is detected, inform the duty officer immediately.
In case of fire, you need to go to the open part of the deck and wait for the command of the Captain of the ship.
Besides,
Don't go over the railing!
Take special care on decks and ladders! Especially during and after rain, in the morning, at dawn, it is very slippery on decks and ladders! Of course, the team is trying to clean, wipe the decks! But anything can happen!
With strong pitching, it is not recommended to stand at the sides and go out on deck at night (especially when crossing large lakes and reservoirs, in particular Onega, Ladoga and reservoirs on the Volga, Kama, and, of course, the White Sea).
Let the radio in the cabin always be on (at least at the minimum volume). This will help you not to miss important information.

When quoting and posting text from this memo on the Internet, the media - a link to the source is MANDATORY!
According to the materials of the site: http://www.rivertourist.ru

1. If you have never been on a river cruise before, start with an introductory tour that will last no more than 7-8 days. On your first cruise, you can also book a cabin on a mid-range cruise just to see if river travel is right for you. But if you have already been on a river cruise or have a clear idea of ​​​​the star rating of your floating hotel, I advise you to immediately take a comfort-class ship, i.e. 4 stars, these boats guarantee an optimal ratio of price and quality of the services provided.
2. If a clearly assigned place at the table in the restaurant during the entire cruise, as well as a la carte service, is important to you, ask your travel agent about this in advance - on many river boats only the buffet is covered and looking for free places at the tables in the restaurant will become your daily task together with the maitre d'.
3. When planning a cruise on the rivers of Europe, take at least 2 more days to spare in order to calmly arrive on the eve of the arrival on the ship and spend the first night in a hotel. The same is true on the way back. Thus, you will not cause yourself unnecessary stress, which can be caused by a flight delay. On the way back, you can not only additionally enjoy great European city, but also make necessary purchases, as well as simply reworking your cruise experience while still abroad.
4. When going on a boat, make sure that you have a comfortable pair of shoes in your luggage, in which you can easily make long excursions, as well as suitable clothing for this. In the summer, it is highly recommended to take a swimsuit or swimming trunks with you - the sun deck of the ship is beach area. You will usually find a large towel and a blanket in the cabin.
5. Perhaps you need an entertaining book or a crossword puzzle collection - the relaxing atmosphere of the cruise does not encourage serious reading, but it will be something to do after lunch on the sun deck.
6. For those who are used to doing exercises in the morning, I advise you to take something sports with you - as a rule, gymnastics is held every morning on the ship.
7. Despite the summer heat, it can be cool in the mornings and evenings on the sun deck - you need to bring a warm sweater or light jacket with you.
8. Do not forget to take a band-aid and hygiene items with you, as well as the necessary medicines - it is not always and not everywhere possible to go to stores, and many medicines in European pharmacies are sold only by prescription.
9. There is a hair dryer in the cabin on every comfort-class and higher ship and on many budget ships. But if you need a powerful hair dryer or special nozzles, it is better to take it with you from home. The voltage on all ships is 220 volts.
10. Laundry is available on each ship, its services are paid separately.
11. Most often, there is a free sauna on the ship - just tell the reception when you would like to go to it, so that the sauna is heated.
12. Almost all motor ships on European rivers are a non-smoking zone, this is due to European legislation. Therefore, smoking in the cabin is strictly prohibited, as well as in the restaurant and most bars. But you can smoke safely on the sun deck and in designated areas.
13. It is unlikely that you will find a refrigerator in your cabin - this is due to the fact that having eaten food purchased on the way and possibly low-quality products, you can become infected with any infection yourself and infect other passengers, which in conditions closed space can lead to very undesirable consequences. But you can freely buy the drinks you need on the beach. A fruit basket, for example, stands in the lobby of the ship throughout the day and all passengers are free to help themselves.
14. Even at home, you should make a photocopy of your passport, which you can take with you on a tour just in case. The passport itself and others important documents it is worth leaving it in the safe of the ship until departure.
15. Mobile reception in Europe, although stable, can also disappear at times (especially in gateways), so mobile connection route does not always work.
16. There is no Internet access for guests on river boats, it is intended only for business correspondence with the shipping company's office and its use is strictly limited.
17. When leaving the city on your own, you should always take a guest card with you in case you get lost - then it will be easier for the taxi driver to find out where your ship is.
18. The style of clothing on river boats differs from sea ones in the direction of democracy and convenience, which is dictated by the very atmosphere on the boat: friendly and family. And yet 2 times per cruise you can dress beautifully: for the captain's cocktail at the beginning and for the captain's dinner at the end of the cruise. It is for dinner that especially festive clothes are welcomed. The rest of the time you need to follow simple rules: on the sunny deck you can be in swimming trunks or a swimsuit, inside the ship you are already at least in shorts and a T-shirt, but in a restaurant you should wear long trousers (jeans, slacks, linen trousers, etc. .) and a shirt or polo shorts, as well as changing the flip-flops for more discreet shoes.
19. All services on board (they are entered into a special account) you can pay at the end of the cruise in cash in euros or credit card(Visa, Mastercard)
20. And especially carefully you need to listen to the guide on the tour, when he says where and what time the meeting will take place for the departure back to the ship. Otherwise, you will be lost - and then what will we do without you?

What clothes to bring on a cruise
A casual style of clothing is accepted on board the ship (jeans, T-shirt, shirt, shorts, etc.). For excursions at ports of call, please wear comfortable shoes. We also advise you to take warm clothes (sweater, windbreaker): it is cool on the river even on hot days. We recommend bringing sun protection and mosquito protection. If your cabin does not have a shower, it is advisable to bring rubber slippers to visit the shower. Do not forget that when visiting some tourist sites (churches) it is necessary to dress stricter than usual: men are advised to wear trousers, not shorts, women - a long skirt, cover their heads and shoulders. Otherwise, you can take absolutely any clothes that are comfortable for you.

Mobile phone and other devices
If you take a mobile phone, audio player, laptop, camera, camcorder or other equipment on the road, do not forget to take chargers with you. The vast majority of cabins on modern ships have 220V electrical outlets, however, when buying a ticket, make sure that there is an outlet in your cabin. Top up your mobile phone balance before departure. Remember that at the stops along the route of the ship it is not always possible to replenish the balance. In addition, looking for a payment terminal while on a cruise can take up valuable time that could be better spent sightseeing.

Boarding the ship
If you are going on a cruise from a city other than your own, we advise you to calculate the time of arrival in this city, taking into account possible transport delays on the way to the river station.
Boarding and check-in usually begin two hours before the ship's departure. The registration procedure takes several minutes, during which you will receive the key to the cabin, as well as find out the number of your table in the restaurant and the number of the tour group. At check-in, you must present tourist package and identity documents.
We recommend that you already be on board the ship twenty minutes before departure. Responsibility for the timely arrival on the ship lies entirely with the tourist. If you are late or do not show up for boarding for any reason, the cruise will be canceled and the cost of the cruise will not be refunded. If for some reason you still missed the boat, contact your travel agency. In most cases, it is possible to catch up with the ship and board it later along its route.

Rules of conduct on board a ship and in ports of call
Throughout the cruise, the passenger is obliged to comply with the internal regulations, observe safety rules and follow all orders of the ship's crew and the cruise directorate. This is one of the most important safety conditions for you and other passengers. Observe cleanliness on board the ship and on the streets of visited cities, treat historical and cultural monuments with care. Show respect for other passengers, keep quiet. We strongly recommend that you pay special attention to the rules of conduct on the water.

Vessel captain and cruise director
The captain is the head of the ship, so everyone on board during the cruise is required to obey the captain's orders within his authority. If you have any questions or wishes, you can always contact the cruise management.

Excursion service
During registration at boarding pass for convenience, the number of the tour group is immediately entered. This is done so that you can join the guide on the shore or take a seat in your bus without wasting time. In some cities, tourists are offered additional excursions, the list of which will be brought to them in the first days of the trip. Tickets for optional excursions can be purchased from the cruise director.

Meals on board
For the convenience of tourists, one or two meal changes in the restaurant can be provided on board the ship. The time of breakfasts, lunches and dinners may vary depending on the ship and route. In addition, one or several bars are open almost around the clock on board the ship, offering a large selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, light snacks, confectionery products, coffee, and tea.

Buying souvenirs and other products
Remember that on the main streets, near river stations or marinas, on the territory of monasteries, museum complexes, the cost of souvenirs is too high. The same souvenirs can sometimes be bought much cheaper in any store or tent, a little off the "tourist trail". Remember also that you should not buy products (berries, mushrooms, fish) at the marinas, as the quality of their manufacture remains on the conscience of the sellers.

Information on board
Cruise schedule, route, excursion program, scheme and description of the premises on the ship and other helpful information hung out on a stand in the main hall of the ship. The methodologist of the ship on radio broadcast regularly gives travel information, talks about sights, interesting objects that tourists can see on the cruise.

Entertainment
Animators and artists on board the ship will do everything to ensure that you are not bored. You can take part in daytime and evening public events: competitions, quizzes, live music concerts. In the evenings, a disco is held on the ship.

Medical care and insurance
There is a ship's doctor on board the ship. First aid is provided free of charge. Just in case, it is advisable to have a set of standard medicines with you: remedies for headaches, indigestion, a bandage, and an adhesive plaster. If you love sunbathing, take sunscreen. In addition, you can additionally insure your life and health. More information can be obtained from the offices of the cruise company.