Spend a vacation at sea - the dream of many. But, unfortunately, not always and not everyone has such an opportunity. Someone solves this problem by going to the country, others go on a visit, and still others go on a river cruise. For residents of the European part of Russia, there is an opportunity to make their own cruise on the Volga. Fedor Panferov is a motor ship that runs along this river from May to September. What cities you can visit and what tourists say about their travels - more on all this below.
Description of the ship
Fifty-five years ago, in the German city of Wismar, the motor ship "FI Panferov" was built at the shipyard. Since then, the four-deck vessel has been cruising along the rivers of Russia. However, at first the ship had only three decks, but later it was modernized and received one more. The security update took place 12 years ago.
The ship got its name in honor of the 20th-century writer Fyodor Ivanovich Panferov, famous for the trilogies "Volga - Mother River" and "Struggle for Peace".
"F. Panferov" - a motor ship, almost a hundred meters long and more than 14 wide, can take on board a maximum of 150 vacationers. Comfortable rest conditions are provided in cabins of various classes and sizes. In addition to cabins, you can relax on the ship in one of the restaurants (Volga, Kama), which offer delicious food at home. If someone wants to "plunge" into the atmosphere of the fifties, he can visit the Neva bar, drinking a cocktail, beer or a cup of coffee. For lovers of dancing, a hall is equipped on the upper deck. There is also a solarium. If you wish, you can visit the reading room or sauna. First aid, if necessary, will be provided at the medical center. And for those who can't get off the Internet, the ship has Wi-Fi.
Description of cabins
All cabins of the ship are equipped with modern furniture (beds, wardrobe, refrigerator) and a bathroom. Each bathroom has a shower, washbasin and toilet. F. Panferov (motor ship) has on its board single, double and triple cabins, as well as deluxe and junior suite cabins. The deluxe cabins are located on the boat deck. There are only two of them on the ship. Additionally, they have a chest of drawers and a bedside table, a TV and a coffee table. You can control the room temperature with an air conditioner.
The junior suite category is equipped similarly to suites, with the exception of a bedside table and chest of drawers. It is designed for one person. There are five such cabins on the ship. They are also located on the boat deck. Suites and junior suites have private balconies.
There are eight single cabins on the middle deck. They are equipped in a standard way and exitdo not have a balcony.
Standard double cabins (3 of them) are located on the main deck. There are three double cabins with a balcony on the upper deck and 11 more of the same on the boat deck. There are double apartments of an increased area on the ship with and without a balcony.
Triple tiered cabins are located on the lower deck. They differ from other standard rooms only in that one bed is located on top.
Cruises on the Volga
A river trip is not like a normal trip from city to city. First, the view around you is significantly different from what you can see through the window of a car, bus or train. Secondly, the general atmosphere of entertainment with the simultaneous calm movement of the ship creates a special mood.
Cruise along the Volga on the ship "Fyodor Panferov" can be started from Samara or Saratov, Kazan or Astrakhan. However, the length of the journey may vary. Someone goes sailing on a couple of free days off, someone chooses a cruise for a whole week.
The ship has its own daily routine. In the morning - exercises and breakfast, in the afternoon various recreational activities for children and adults and lunch. The evening ends with dinner and dancing. Children are entertained by animators, adults choose an activity to their taste: a dance master class or a general intellectual game.
Stops in cities on the Volga
There are stops in big and small towns on the Volga. Optionally, you can go on an organized tour or on your own.wander around the city.
In Astrakhan, for example, the excursion program includes a sightseeing bus tour of the city, a trip to the recreation center and a visit to the local Kurman Gaza mausoleum. It is hard to imagine a stop in Volgograd without a tour of Mamaev Kurgan. In Samara, you can visit Stalin's bunker.
Cruises from Kazan
Cruise along the Volga can be started from this city (Kazan). Motor ship "Panferov" makes a water trip from there both for a long time and visiting a large number of settlements, and for a couple of days with a stop in one city.
The nine-day tour from Kazan includes stops in Samara, Saratov, Volgograd, Astrakhan, Nikolsky, Kamyshin and Balakovo. The lowest cost of such a trip will cost 29,500 rubles. (excluding discounts). "F. Panferov "(motor ship) makes pleasure cruises of one day from Kazan. The cost of such a walk is from 3100 rubles.
Prices
The cost of travel primarily depends on the number of days on the road and the chosen cabin. For example, a cruise Saratov - Volgograd - Saratov lasting three days for one person in a double cabin on the middle deck will cost ten thousand rubles. This cost will include accommodation, entertainment on the ship and 3 meals a day. Additionally, if you wish, you will have to spend money on drinks in bars, an excursion, etc.
Cruise along the Volga on a boat 6 days / 5 nights from Saratov with a visit to Volgograd, Astrakhan, Nikolsky and Akhtuba (in a similar cabin) will cost 24300 rubles.
Some influence on prices, as in any tourism, has a time of year. In May, June and September, many operators reduce prices.
"Fyodor Parfyonov" is a ship with various discounts. So, many tour operators offer savings of up to 12% for early bookings. Children and pensioners can count on 10%. If a whole company goes on a trip along the Volga, then one ticket can be with a fifty percent discount or even free.
The motor ship "Fyodor Panferov": reviews
Reviews of the cruise on the ship "Fyodor Parfyonov" are divided into three parts. The first say that the trip was very boring. The latter are more loyal and believe that a vacation can sometimes be diversified with a river cruise. A third of the tourists were completely delighted, and they are ready to repeat their trip next time.
One of the downsides is the boring environment and lack of entertainment. Some even argue that this cruise is only for people "over forty". But many among the holidaymakers have the opposite view, arguing that entertainment can be found both for young people and the older generation.
Motor ship "F. I. Panferov" is often praised for its food. They even take note of some of the recipes. Moreover, the variety of dishes allows everyone to find something of their own, including vegetarians.
