Many fans of river cruises have probably heard about the comfortable ships of project 302. What do these numbers mean? Why are several different water transport units included in this category? Our article will tell in detail about the motor ships of project 302, their features and characteristics. Perhaps you will decide to take a swim on one of them during your next vacation.
What is Project 302?
Project 302 motor ships were built at VEB Shipyard in Germany. They have the German designation 129M, and according to the Russian nomenclature they are often referred to as "Dmitry Furmanov" type ships.
These large passenger ships are designed for river and short sea cruises.
The development is based on the motor ships of the 301 series, which have undergone impressive modifications and improvements.
27 ships
In total, from 1983 to 1991, 27 motor ships of project 302 were built. 7 of them left the shipyards in the form in which they were originally designed, 6 ships of the last years of production underwent modifications aimed at meeting high quality standards.
Ship No. 28 is notwas completed. For some time it was at the shipyard, where it was subsequently dismantled.
Motor ships are currently operated in three states:
- in Russia (Volga, Kama, Don, rivers and lakes of the Volga-B altic waterway);
- in Ukraine (Dnepr);
- in China (Yangtze).
Characteristics of motor ships of project 302
All ships have similar characteristics, but there are several differences between them. This is due to the fact that the owners of water transport seek to increase the level of comfort, improve technical parameters.
Each project 302 ship is equipped with three engines. This transport is capable of speeds up to 22 km / h. The length of the vessel is 129.1 m, the draft reaches almost 3 m.
Deck scheme
Project 302 motor ships are three-deck. Most of them have single, double and quadruple cabins. Each of the cabins has a bathroom, refrigerator, comfortable beds, bedside table. The boats are fully air-conditioned.
The following diagram shows the standard design of Project 302 motor ships. But it should be noted that not all modern ships have the same structure.
Guests are happy to visit the bar, restaurant, concert hall and cinema, sauna. All ships also have beauty salons. In souvenir stalls, you can buy gifts for friends, as well as cute little things for home that will remind you of the rivertravel.
Cruise ship "Rus"
To imagine what the cabins, interior decoration, entertainment halls of the ship look like, photos will help. The motor ship of project 302 "Rus" has practically not been subjected to large-scale modifications during its existence, so it makes sense to consider it as one of the examples.
282 passengers can be accommodated on board. Most cabins are compact, but they have everything you need to relax. On the lower deck there are several four-berth cabins, which have a second tier of beds. The room may not seem spacious enough, but, according to many vacationers, there is enough space. Especially like the upper berths, which you need to climb on wooden ladders, children. Round windows-portholes add charm to the room (in other cabins there are panoramic rectangular window openings).
There are only two luxury cabins on the Rus. They are located on the boat deck, are spacious, have 2 rooms each, are furnished with luxurious furniture. Beds are paired, there are TVs, air conditioners, refrigerators.
Magnificent Katerina
The real name of this ship is General Lavrinenkov. In 2014, his cruise activity was completed. The owners had to slightly adjust their reconstruction plans due to a decrease in demand for cruises on Russian rivers due to sanctions. But in 2016, the liner returned to the water under a new name - MS Excellence Katharina. The renaming did not happen, "Magnificent Katerina" is just a brand under which the shipcruises.
Changes were not limited to rebranding. A review of the ship of project 302 MS Excellence Katharina should begin with a mention of the absence of economy and standard cabins on this ship. All rooms have been refurbished into modern two-room junior suites and suites. Air conditioning systems are installed throughout the ship. For the convenience of guests, it is equipped with recreation areas, promenade decks, a luxurious restaurant, several bars, and a gift shop. The ship's staff is a team of excellent professionals who are used to working not only with Russian, but also with foreign tourists.
The ship "Sergei Diaghilev" was reequipped in a similar way. This luxury modern cruise ship operates under the brand name Rachmaninov Prestige.
