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Since earning the honour of the UK’s City of Culture for 2017, Hull has undergone a rejuvenation, helping it to become an important departure point for cruisers in the middle of the country. Millions of pounds have been injected into this renaissance and discussion are still ongoing regarding a new cruise terminal to help cater for a larger number of vessels. One possible location for the project is close to The Deep, a state-of-the-art aquarium that is also a recent addition to the waterfront area.

Departing from the Humber River, cruises from Hull are well placed to take you across to Scandinavia, the Baltic or further south to warmer climes. As well as cruise ships, you may also see the regular ferries that take travellers direct to Zeebruge or Rotterdam. Arrive in plenty of time and you can take the short trip into the centre and explore Philip Larkin’s adopted city.

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• Ottawa Tours App
• FAQ’s – Ottawa River Cruise
• FAQ’s – Rideau Canal Cruise
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Ottawa River Cruise

• Combo – Ottawa River Cruise and Ekeau Canal Cruise
• Ekeau Canal Cruise
• Combo – Ekeau Canal Cruise and Ottawa River Cruise
• Combo – Ottawa River Cruise and Gray Line – 1 Day
• Combo – Ottawa River Cruise and Gray Line – 2 Day
• Combo – Ottawa River Cruise and InterZip Rogers
• Combo – Ottawa River Cruise and Escape Bicycle Tours
• Combo – Ekeau Canal Cruise and Gray Line – 1 Day
• Combo – Ekeau Canal Cruise and Gray Line – 2 Day
• Combo – Ekeau Canal Cruise and Ritz restaurant
• Combo – Ekeau Canal Cruise and InterZip Rogers
• Combo – Ekeau Canal Cruise and Escape Bicycle Tours
• Itineraries
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Canada Day Cruise

Tour details

Experience the enchanting beauty of the National Capital Region like never before on our world famous Ottawa River Cruise. With daily departures from Ottawa and Hull (Gatineau), this unforgettable journey will take you on a breathtaking 1-hour adventure that has been the best way to explore the region since 1936. Take in over 50 focal points from Parliament Hill to the Canadian Museum of History, 24 Sussex Drive to the stunning Rideau Falls! Feel the cool breeze on your face as you relax on our spacious upper deck, sipping a refreshing beverage and gazing at the magnificent view of the city. Get ready to be mesmerised by the enchanting scenery as we sail along the sparkling waters of the Ottawa River.

Discover beauty at every turn.

Views of landmarks, wonders & architecture..

Cruise Timings & Prices

From $40.50.

Scenic Locations

• National Gallery of Canada
• Canadian Museum of History
• Supreme court of Canada
• Parliament Buildings
• Chateau Laurier Hotel
• Royal Canadian Mint
• Rideau Falls
• Macdonald Cartier Bridge
• 24 Sussex Drive
• Rockcliffe Parks

+ More. Discover 55 Breathtaking sights on the Paula D.

Parking map.

Information

• Please note that tickets for our cruises are non-refundable and valid only for the date and time selected. 
• Rescheduling is not permitted.
• Ottawa River Cruise (Gatineau Departure) : Paid parking is available at the Ottawa River Cruise Hull Marina.  
• Ottawa River Cruise (Ottawa Departure) : No parking is available at the Ottawa Locks. 
• Rideau Canal Cruise (Ottawa Departure) : For the Canal tour, paid parking is available at the National Arts Centre. 

Book your cruise today

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Combo : Water Taxi and Walking Tour

*** Please contact our office team, at (819) 246 3855 , for further information concerning tickets for attendants for special needs individuals. Someone will be more than pleased to provide you will the information you may need regarding our policy ***

Cruises To Hull, England

Hull Visiting Cruises Calendar

Fireworks and July 4th Cruises

Harborfest fireworks cruise.

• Full Bar Available

Harborfest Fireworks Cruise onboard the Lexington

8:00pm – 10:00pm (Boarding at 7:45pm) 

Ticket Rates

• Adult $80.00
• Senior / Student / Military $75.00
• Children $65.00

*Excludes 5% MA Convention & Facilities Surcharge  

Start the Independence Weekend festivities this year onboard the Lexington for a cruise to view the spectacular fireworks for Harborfest.

This two-hour event will include scenic views of downtown Boston and the best view of the fireworks in the city. Guests can purchase drinks from our full service bar on board.

We look forward to having you onboard the Lexington for a fantastic evening out on Boston Harbor!

July 4th USS Constitution Viewing Cruise

Thursday, July 4th 10:30am-12:30pm (Boarding at 10:15am) 

• Adult $65.00
• Senior / Student / Military $60.00
• Children $50.00

Join us on July 4th as we cruise alongside and view the USS Constitution as it sails into Boston Harbor to celebrate America’s Independence Day. Experience incredible views of the Boston skyline and an unforgettable day on the water.

The USS Constitution is the oldest fully commissioned Naval vessel in the world. To celebrate the holiday, the USS Constitution leaves its berth in Charlestown, cruises to Castle Island at the entrance to the harbor and fires a 21-gun salute.

This 2-hour cruise is great for adults and families. Beverages will be available for purchase at our full-service bar. No food is included in the ticket. Simple snacks are available for purchase. 

July 4th Fireworks Viewing Cruise - SOLD OUT

• Full Bar & Dessert Included

July 4th Fireworks Viewing Cruise

Thursday, July 4th 6:45 pm – 11:15 pm (Boarding at 6:30 pm)

Boat:  The Lexington

Location:  Cruise Shuttle Departs from the CambridgeSide Mall. The best address is 100 CambridgeSide Place, Cambridge MA.

Parking can be found right in the mall garage located at 100 CambridgeSide Place, Cambridge, MA. Guests can park right in the mall garage and take the elevator or escalator to the first floor of the mall. The boat is located directly outside the doors on the canal side of the Cambirdgeside Mall. Rates subject to holiday pricing.

The cruise will run rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable after purchase. This cruise is not recommended for young children. The Lexington is not handicap accessible.

• Individual Ticket $250.00

Join us on Thursday, July 4th, onboard the Lexington to celebrate Independence Day! We are the only boat company offering a premier view of the Charles River! Sit back and relax while enjoying beer, wine, dessert, and a spectacular view of the fireworks display over the city skyline. The cruise will offer an open bar for beer, wine, liquor, and other non-alcoholic beverages included in the ticket price! This event is the perfect way to celebrate July 4th and enjoy the best views of the city without the crowds! All tickets include an open bar for beer, wine, liquor, and non-alcoholic beverages for guests that are 21+. There will also be a dessert buffet. Please note that due to the State Police restrictions on the river on July 4th, we cannot cruise. Guests will be shuttled via our riverboats out to Lexington, which will be anchored on the river. They will be shuttled back via our riverboats at the end of the fireworks display. We do not guarantee that guests will be able to hear the Boston Pops Concert due to the amount of noise on the river during the holiday. The bar will shut down at the start of the fireworks.

Rowes Wharf

Rowes Wharf 70 Rowes Wharf Boston, MA 02110

Rowes Wharf Gate A is directly under the Archway of the Boston Harbor Hotel.

From North of Boston

Take Route 93 South to Exit 23 – Purchase street At the top of the ramp, take a left at the light then immediately at the next light turn left again onto Atlantic Ave (James Hook & Co. on right side.) Rowes Wharf and The Boston Harbor Hotel will be on right hand side. There is garage parking at the hotel and several other garages on both sides of Atlantic Ave. The vessels are located at Gate A directly underneath the archway at Rowes Wharf.

From South of Boston

Take Route 93 North to Boston – Take Government Center Exit Bear left at top of ramp and turn left on Surface Road Proceed down Surface Road and turn left on Congress Street Immediately take another left onto Atlantic Ave and proceed through second set of lights, Rowes Wharf is on the right side . There is garage parking at the Boston Harbor Hotel and several other garages on both sides of Atlantic Ave.

From West of Boston

Follow the Massachusetts Turnpike/Interstate 90 East to Exit 25 – South Boston At the second set of lights, take a left onto Seaport Boulevard. Proceed west on Seaport Boulevard over the Moakley Bridge and turn right on Atlantic Ave. (James Hook Lobster on right.) Rowes Wharf and The Boston Harbor Hotel will be on the right hand side. There is garage parking at the hotel and several other garages on both sides of Atlantic Ave.

From The MBTA (Public Transit)

Take the Red Line to South Station Walk north on Atlantic Ave and Rowes Wharf will be on the right hand side. The vessels are located at Gate A directly underneath the archway.

Cambridgeside

CambridgeSide Mall 100 CambridgeSide Place Cambridge, MA 02141

Our boats board at the Lechmere Canal, which is directly outside the doors at the canal side of the CambridgeSide Mall. Park in the CambridgeSide Mall Parking Garage then proceed to the first floor and the ticket booth and boat can be found outside on the canal side of the mall.

Take Interstate 93 exit 26 for Storrow Drive / North Station Keep right at the fork, follow signs for 28 North / Leverett Circle / North Station Slight right at Nashua St Turn left onto Nashua St Take the 1st right onto MA-28 North / Monsignor O’Brien Highway At the next light turn left onto Edwin H Land Boulevard At the next light turn right onto CambridgeSide Place Park in the CambridgeSide Mall Parking Garage. Our boats board at the Lechmere Canal, which is directly outside the doors at the canal side of the CambridgeSide Mall

Take Interstate 93 exit 26 toward Storrow Drive / North Station Keep left at the fork, follow signs for MA-28 North / Leverett Circle / North Station Slight right at Nashua St Turn left onto Nashua St Take the 1st right onto MA-28 North / Monsignor O’Brien Highway At the next light turn left onto Edwin H Land Boulevard At the next light turn right onto CambridgeSide Place Park in the CambridgeSide Mall Parking Garage. Our boats board at the Lechmere Canal, which is directly outside the doors at the canal side of the CambridgeSide Mall

From West of Boston:

Take Route 90 – Mass Pike Exit Left at Cambridge/Allston Tolls – follow signs to Cambridge Proceed through lights and over River Street Bridge (Charles River) Immediately turn right at other end of bridge and travel East on Memorial Drive Stay on Memorial Drive – The CambridgeSide mall is approximately 3 miles on the left across from the Sonesta Hotel

Park in the CambridgeSide Mall Parking Garage. Our boats board at the Lechmere Canal, which is directly outside the doors at the canal side of the CambridgeSide Mall

Take the Green Line “E” train to Lechmere Station Exit the train, cross Mcgrath highway and Cambridge St. After crossing Cambridge St., walk down First Street St. Take a left at Canal Park and this will take you into the Lechmere Canal  Follow the footpath to the right, the docks are located outside the canal side doors at the CambridgeSide Mall.

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Influencer reveals ‘horrible’ 18 hours on ultimate world cruise: ‘a cult’.

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Aussie comedian Christian Hull has revealed what it’s really like on-board the world’s most famous ship — the Ultimate World Cruise .

The nine-month long cruise has captivated TikTok users after passengers took to the platform to share their experiences with many “living” for the insane content, including Christian.

He has been following the drama of those on-board ever since the Royal Caribbean cruise set sail in December last year.

The 37-year-old had become so invested and “sucked in” that he decided to experience it for himself, hopping on the viral cruise during its stopover in Brisbane on March 11.

Christian, who is a first-time cruiser, is 11 days into his 16-day journey that ends in Hong Kong and let’s just say he’s had a whirlwind and “overwhelming” adventure.

@christianmhull Ready to find out how simple, tasty, & cheap the Ultimate World Cruise really is? @EveryPlate.AU is everything you need for dinner, and nothing you don’t, delivered to your door. And prices start from as little as $2.19 per plate! For $180 off your first 5 boxes, use the code PINAPPLE ♬ original sound – Christian Hull

“When I pulled into the Port of Brisbane, I wasn’t expecting the cruise ship to be there and I just screamed — I was so excited,” he told news.com.au from his room.

But unfortunately for him, the first 18 hours were spent hugging the toilet seat due to motion sickness.

“I was at dinner and everyone was so lovely but I couldn’t listen to a single thing they were saying because I felt every rocking motion. I got the sweats and started burping,” he laughed.

“I didn’t want to be rude and sat there as long as I could [but] I had to bolt to my room to throw up in the toilet.”

“To be fair I did not prepare — you’re meant to take sea sickness pills before you get on the cruise because once it starts there’s no going back.”

Christian said the journey out of Brisbane was wild with massive swells. He even recorded a TikTok to show just how much the mammoth 13-deck ship was swaying when faced with rough waters.

“When you feel it shudder like that it means the boat is hitting a wave, the bow of it is coming up and as it comes down it forces the water out. Oh My God, the waves,” he laughed as he looked out the window.

Christian boasts almost 2 million TikTok followers and has been filming his journey on-board the Ultimate World Cruise, including several clips of himself unwell from motion sickness .

One of them showed him running from dinner to his room to throw up.

It was followed by another clip of him having purchased a ReliefBand, which he said “sends electronic pulses into your wrist, then pulses into your brain and counteracts feelings of nausea”.

“I was feeling horrible yesterday and soon as I put it on, immediately [after] that pulse started it was there weirdest feeling. The feeling of wanting to vomit disappeared instantly,” he said.

“I still felt a little dizzy and the rocking motion still played with me mentally, but this removed the nausea.”

Christian said that most people who do a cruise for the first time find it “full on”.

But after getting his sea sickness under control, Christian said he’s been having a great time meeting some of the “wonderful people” who’s journey’s he’s followed online.

“Cruising is a cult and the people on this cruise are on top of cult chain,” he laughed.

He said the most wildest gossip to come out of the cruise so far is that “there’s swingers on board”.

“[But] it’s all on the downlow,” he said. “I’m not shocked at all. You’re on board this ship for nine-months … you go stir-crazy.

“I had a great conversation with a fellow cruiser who has done a nude cruise and swingers cruise before and they told me some crazy stories.”

He’s also encountered some overwhelming moments telling news.com.au that’s he’s cried and been in fetal position twice.

@christianmhull The overwhelming nature of the Ultimate World Cruise got to me last night. Im having an amazing time its just nothing how I expected. The people im surrounding myself with are absolutely beautiful. Turns out I just need to force myself to get out of my room and start enjoying myself. In tonights podcast you will get to hear the full meltdown and my review of karaoke. Its called ‘16 Days on the Ultimate World Cruise’ on Spotify & Apple #UltimateWorldCruise ♬ original sound – Christian Hull

“I am learning a lot about myself,” he said, adding it’s the first time he’s travelled solo since he was 17.

“I’ve learned a lot about who I am as a person, in a weird way. [But] the biggest thing I have learnt is a cruise ship is the most overwhelming and over stimulating place on earth,” he laughed.

Christian had initially forked out $20,000 to pay for his ticket, but was lucky enough to score a partnership with EveryPlate who covered the costs.

His content is raw and honest, which is part of the reason he decided to collaborate with the Aussie meal kit subscription service.

“EveryPlate have been the dream team. Normally brands like to get their hands in and control things, but they have let me do my own thing.”

Christian has taken to TikTok to share the highs and lows of his trip, partnering with brand to share “what’s cooking” on-board the World Cruise.

“This is a cruise unlike any other. Some passengers have done hundreds in their time and they’ve jumped at the opportunity for something like this, for nine months.”

He said one of the things he is looking forward to the most when he’s back on land is tucking into EveryPlate meals, adding that while the food on-board the cruise isn’t bad, it’s “wreaking havoc with my digestion”.

Christian has a few days left on the ship where he will disembark in Hong Kong and continue his holiday for another week.

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Meanwhile, the cruise will continue its journey for another six months exploring the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Europe.

Depending on the destination and room you choose, prices can vary from $US13,399 ($19,895) to $US25,099 ($37,268).

But, if you want to do the full nine months, the price tag is a lot heftier. The cheapest is $US59,999 ($88,000) for an interior stateroom, and up to $US760,000 ($1.2 million) per person for a Royal Suite.

Christian said a lot of the passengers are on it for the full nine months, adding it’s not something he could do.

Despite this, he said it’s provided for some entertaining viewing, and he’s excited to be part of it.

The epic nine-month-long holiday is a first-of-its-kind for the cruise liner, and they’re not surprised it’s gone viral on TikTok.

“Many guests booked their tickets over two to three years ago during the pandemic and we are thrilled to be hosting a range of guests from young solo travellers, to couples and families,” Dave Humpreys, director of sales at Royal Caribbean International AUNZ, recently told news.com.au.

“We have an impressive number of Gen-Z and millennial cruisers, with a significant number of guests between the ages of 18-30 joining us on various legs of this cruise.”

In total, the cruise will travel to more than 60 countries and 11 wonders of the world in 274 days.

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Aroya Ship Enters Drydock at Damen in Rotterdam

• July 2, 2024

As it prepares to launch service for Aroya Cruises, the Manara recently entered drydock at the Damen Shipyard in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

After several months docked at a container terminal in Germany, the 2017-built vessel arrived at the facility on June 19, 2024.

Formerly operated by Dream Cruises, the Manara is set to undergo a major refurbishment project before departing on its inaugural voyage in December.

Calling itself the first Arabian cruise line, Aroya plans to offer Arabian experiences for guests.

Among the features being created onboard are five complimentary restaurants, ten specialty restaurants, and 13 cafés and lounges.

The 3,400-guest vessel will also offer exclusive spaces for women, including a separate prayer room and a pool deck.

Other features being created onboard include a VIP section with elevated service, a 1,603-square-meter retail area, and an 1,818-square-meter wellness area.

Set to be renamed Aroya, the Manara will also get a new livery that features an Arabian-inspired hull art in shades of blue.

After the work is completed, the vessel is set to embark on its maiden cruise for Aroya Cruises on December 16, 2024.

Its maiden season includes a series of three- to seven-night cruises in the Red Sea departing from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Ports of call include Cruise Saudi’s private island destination in the region, as well as Sharm-al-Sheik in Egypt and Aqaba in Jordan.

The Aroya is also expected to offer itineraries in additional regions in the coming years, including the Mediterranean and the Arabian Gulf.

Built by the Meyer Werft shipyard in 2017, the former World Dream was initially operated by Genting Cruise Lines’ Dream Cruises.

Out of revenue service since the group’s collapse in 2022, the 150,000-ton vessel was acquired by Aroya Cruises’ parent company, Cruise Saudi, during an auction later that year.

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Maserati Tridente by Vita Power First, Um, Cruise Review: Today on Aquablog

It's the electric boat that takes you to a bigger, definitely-not-electric boat.

LAKE MAGGIORE, Italy — Maserati ’s Trident logo gets three-pronged inspiration from the famous fountain of Neptune in Bologna, where the automaker got its start in 1914 before packing up and moving to Modena. And a symbol that denotes mastery over the water is appropriate for the all-electric motorboat that floats us in style around Italy’s Lake Maggiore.

Beckoning dockside, the Tridente is a 10.5-meter superyacht tender, the boat that takes you to a bigger boat. But it’s also fine for swanky solo cruises on lakes or ocean coasts, with a roughly 50- to 70-kilometer range (31 to 43 miles).

The design collaboration between Maserati and Vita Power, a marine tech company founded in 2017, features a fast DC charging system that Vita claims as an industry first. To make that practical, Vita has been creating charging infrastructure in key locales, including along the French Riviera , San Francisco Bay, New York and a plug here in Lake Maggiore, about an hour north of Milan .

We hop aboard the Tridente, the aforementioned logo emblazoned on a bow deck formed from ribbed composite. The molto bene motorboat features a carbon-fiber hull that helps hold a total weight around 5 tons. As with automobiles, that’s decisively more mass than a comparable ICE-powered boat, thanks to a 250-kilowatt-hour battery pack that’s big enough to make a Hummer EV blush.

We depart the dock and head for Isola Bella , an island that floats a 17th-century palazzo — a summer home for the aristocratic House of Borromeo, which produced several cardinals and one pope — and a baroque Italian garden of over-the-top splendor. I take a spot on a wide, comfy daybed near the stern, and experience the key talking point of any electric watercraft: A welcome lack of diesel or gasoline stink wafting over passengers — notoriously amplified should one experience seasickness — and the ability to hold a conversation without shouting over an ear-rending marine ICE powertrain. Of course, that also means no rainbow petroleum slicks floating in your wake and despoiling the marine environment.

Our pilot makes sure I’m hanging on before he punches the throttle, backed by a pair of generous screens that display everything from nav charts to Netflix. Despite its weight, the Tridente proves a punchy beast. A twin-prop arrangement and proprietary control software allows anywhere from 100 to 600 horsepower. Vita Power claims a 10-80% percent charge in less than an hour at a maximum rate of better than 200 kilowatts. But even without a DC charger in port, boats have a built-in advantage over EV cars, via shore power that’s readily accessible in nearly any marina in the world — and boats that tend to sit unused for days or even weeks between trips.

The handsome hull cruises smartly at roughly 28 knots, and a maximum 40 knots, potentially outrunning paparazzi en route to a yacht-rocking celebrity lunch in Monaco. The churn of the props dominates the sound, the electric motors themselves completely undetectable. There’s a swim deck at the stern with a fresh-water shower, dual main chairs that swing around to create a conversation area, a smartly equipped cabin with a toilet and shower, and a hidden built-in fridge for bubbly or other beverages.

Vita Power is responsible for the powertrain design. But the boat itself is actually the work of Hodgdon Yachts, the Maine builder and tender specialist that’s been around for more than 200 years, even longer than Maserati. If you’re interested, look ‘em up, and prepare to fork over about $2.7 million. A lot of money, but a pittance for folks who can afford the superyacht it attaches to.

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Cruise Ships, What Shape Are They Below the Water?

Have you ever seen a cruise ship you may be wondering what is below the waterline and how they actually manage to float?

A lot of a ship’s ability to float comes from the way that the ship is designed below the waterline.

Do Cruise Ships Have Flat Bottoms?

The bottom of a cruise ship is not perfectly flat, although it does look flat from a distance.

Under the water, the front of the ship is usually v-shaped or u-shaped, with the back of the ship having a square-like shape.

In this article, we will look at how the bottom of cruise ships are shaped – and why they are shaped like this .

We will also explore why the bottom of cruise ships are different to the bottom of Ocean Liners.

What Shapes Are the Bottoms of Cruise Ships?

If you look at a cruise ship from land, you may think that the bottom of the ship looks flat. Cruise ships often tower high into the sky and do resemble buildings in many cases.

If you were to take the ship out of the water. you’d see that the bottom isn’t perfectly flat.

I’ve been under a cruise ship. I visited the MSC Bellissima when she was being built and we were able to go under the cruise ship before the “Float-out Ceremony” – when the ship sails for the first time.

We were able to explore not only under the ship. but inside the ship too.

It was very surreal being in a ship that was mostly just steel. I’ve always understood the scale of cruise ships having cruised many times in the past, but being UNDER the ship was something different entirely!

Watch the video below to join me as we explore the ship:

How Does the Hull Shape Make a Difference to a Ship?

The hull is the main body of the ship. Hulls come in a variety of different shapes and can be built with different materials, depending on the purpose of the ship.  

There are a few different types of hulls, including:

Displacement Hulls

Ships with displacement hulls are designed to move through the water by pushing the water to the sides.

If you were to think about a ship’s hull, this is probably what you think of by default.

When you put a ship into water, it has to displace water in order to be able to float. The amount of water it needs to displace for the ship to be able to float is carefully calculated when designing the ship.

The weight of the water that is displaced weighs the same as the ship according to Archimedes Principle.

If a ship’s hull displaced too much water, it would sink. Too little and the ship would sit too high on the water.

Planing Hulls

Ships with planing hulls are designed to glide across the top of the water.

An example of this would be a speedboat, where the front of the ship comes above the waterline.

Ships with Planing Hulls usually are designed to go faster than ships with Displacement Hulls.

Semi-Displacement Hulls

A ship with a semi-displacement hull, acts like a displacement hull when travelling at slow speeds, pushing water to the sides of the ship.

When the ship gains speed, it is able to act like a Planing hull.

What type of Hull Does a Cruise Ship Have?

Cruise ships have displacement hulls.

Engineers use lightweight but sturdy materials to help achieve the buoyancy needed to keep the ship afloat.

You can see in the photo below that the sides of the ship are built to displace the water as the ship is sailing.

Why Are Cruise Ship Hulls The Shape That They Are?

Elimination of drag.

The rounded edges of the hull help to dissipate the drag or force of the water acting against the ship.

The shape allows the ship to easily travel through the water without too much resistance.

Fluidity and Stability

Ships with Displacement Hulls provide a steadier sailing, than ships with Planing Hulls.

Cruise ships are designed with the onboard experience in mind and being able to keep the ship as stable and steady as possible is very important.

Cruise ships also have stabilisers to help keep the ship as stable as possible for the guests. On the majority of cruise ship sailings, you will not experience any movement of the ship.

To learn more about how much of the movement on a cruise can be felt, check out this post below:

You May Feel Movement on a Cruise Ship – Here’s When and Why

Most cruise ships are built with a double hull (a hull within a hull) to help prevent damage.

Cruise ships are designed to last for decades and to be able to sail day after day without stopping to take any breaks.

The round bottom shape also helps with further protection from reefs, icebergs, and other damage to the ship.

Are There Any Downside to Displacement Hulls?

The drawback of a Displacement Hull is that the ships can’t go as fast as they might with a different hull shape.

That said, cruise ships still sail at around 20 knots, which is almost 25 miles per hour.

The Ocean Liner Queen Mary 2  has a maximum speed of just over 30 knots and a cruising speed of 26 knots. This is faster than a cruise ship.

The speed that a ship can go at is determined by a speed-length-ratio meaning that the length of the ship determines how fast it can realistically travel. The calculation is worked out as below:

Maximum speed (knots) = 1.34 x the square root of the waterline length (in feet) – source.

How Do Cruise Ships Compare to Ocean Liners?

Most people aren’t aware of the difference between cruise ships and Ocean Liners.

They may appear similar but there are significant differences in purpose and design. The design differences affect the hull in multiple ways.

Find out more about the differences in the article below:

Cruise Ships vs Ocean Liners – Measurable Differences You Need to Know

Do Cruise Ships and Ocean Liners Have Different Bottoms?

When Ocean Liners were created, their primary purpose was transportation – to get from point A to point B. Arguably, the most well-known Ocean Liner in history is the Titanic.

There are many important differences in cruise ships and Ocean Liner design.

This affects how the bottom of the ships are built. The chart below gives a basic overlook of the most important differences. 

Ocean liners tend to sit quite low in the water and have a pointed bow. They are designed this way to be able to deal with bad weather and to minimize the feeling of movement onboard.

Cruise ships often sit high on the water and can often be strange shapes that aren’t hydrodynamic at all.

Cruise ships aren’t designed to deal with particularly bad weather, although modern ships do have powerful stabilizers.

Most cruise ships will try to avoid stormy weather and may slow down or change their route to do so, Ocean Liners are less likely to have to do this.

Ocean Liners generally have a stronger hull than Cruise Ships. Queen Mary 2 features steel hull plating – ” Thick for rigidity during Atlantic crossings .”

There is only one modernly designed ocean liner currently still in service, and that is the Queen Mary 2 (QM2), which is owned by Cunard.

It was completed in 2003. Cruise ships are still being built in large numbers.

I was lucky enough to sail on the last Ocean Liner, The Queen Mary 2. It was a very different experience to the normal cruises I take.

Find out all about that sailing here:

Before You Go

Find out more about Ocean Liners – including what happens to some when they are taken out of service – below:

Ocean Liners, They Still Exist: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

I stayed in the cheapest cabin when I sailed on the Queen Mary 2. Find out whether I enjoyed the experience here:

I Cruised in The Cheapest Cabin on the World’s LAST Ocean Liner – Queen Mary 2

Free Insiders Cruise Line Guide

Ever wondered how the mainstream cruise lines compare? Cruise lines won’t tell you this, but I will.

This FREE guide shows you everything you need to know to find your perfect cruise line.

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This new cruise ship may be the most luxurious way to explore Australia's Kimberley coast

Editor's Note

One of the world's most remote destinations, Australia's Kimberley region, is now home to one of the most luxurious cruise ships.

Luxury line Seabourn on Saturday formally unveiled its newest vessel, the 264-passenger Seabourn Pursuit, along the famously rugged and scenic coast of the Kimberley — an increasingly popular destination for off-the-beaten-path expedition cruising.

Designed specifically to operate in remote places where there is little infrastructure, Seabourn Pursuit will sail 10-night voyages to the Kimberley every summer out of Broome and Darwin, Australia.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

The ship will visit locations such as the Hunter River, known for its abundance of crocodiles, and Ngula (Jar Island), home to ancient Indigenous Australian cave paintings. Other sites will include King George Falls, the highest twin waterfalls in Western Australia, and Montgomery Reef, the world's largest inshore reef.

Seabourn executives unveiled Seabourn Pursuit on Saturday during an unusual and moving naming ceremony for the ship at Ngula, which included representatives from the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation.

The Wunambal Gaambera people, who collectively were named the godparents for the vessel as part of the ceremony, are the Traditional Owners of the part of the Kimberley that includes the bay where Ngula is located, as well as the Hunter River (known locally as Yirinni) and the nearby Mitchell Plateau.

Traditional Owners is the term used in Australia to denote Indigenous individuals or groups who have a traditional connection to an area of land.

In recent years, Seabourn has built a relationship with the Wunambal Gaambera people in advance of Seabourn Pursuit's arrival in their traditional homeland to develop plans for sustainable and authentic visits.

"Wunambal Gaambera is proud and honored to celebrate with Seabourn and your guests here in Wunambal Gaambera country and naming your new ship," Catherine Goonack, chairperson of the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation, said at the start of the naming ceremony, which began on a beach at Ngula.

"Wunambal Gaambera welcomes Seabourn visiting our country, bringing guests from Australia and other parts of the world to share our country," Goonack added as about 200 Seabourn Pursuit passengers stood listening in a semicircle on the beach.

The passengers had arrived on the beach by Zodiac boats from Seabourn Pursuit, which was anchored offshore, and were welcomed by the Wunambal Gaambera people as they walked up the beach with a traditional Welcome to Country smoke ceremony, known as "jimirri."

The ceremony, during which Wunambal Gaambera representatives shook smoked ironwood branches over the heads and hearts of the arriving passengers, is done to welcome guests to the country and bid them safe travels, and "so that our old people's spirits won't follow them," said Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owner Lillian Karadada.

"It's a very emotional day for us all," Seabourn president Natalya Leahy said in remarks to the Wunambal Gaambera representatives and Seabourn Pursuit passengers on the beach.

Speaking to the Wunambal Gaambera representatives, Leahy noted it was their dream to live again on the land where the naming ceremony was taking place. Many Indigenous Australian children in the area were removed from their families during the 20th century, severely disrupting their society and ties to their homelands.

"Today we all were reminded of the power of dream," Leahy said, adding that it was Seabourn's dream to bring its passengers to remote places such as the Kimberley "to build these connections between each other and between the people we visit. As we ... participated in the most sacred traditions that you've passed from generations to generations for thousands of years, we all build the bond that will stay with us forever."

Leahy said the hospitality of the Wunambal Gaambera people at the event reminded her that "travel has a power to touch our lives far beyond what we can imagine. It is a power to make the world smaller, closer, kinder."

The ceremony on the beach included Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners, painted in ochre, carrying out a "Junba," a traditional storytelling song and dance. It then continued back on board Seabourn Pursuit with a traditional bottle breaking with a twist. Instead of a bottle of Champagne, a Seabourn representative christened the ship with a bottle made from sugar and coated in sand from Ngula — a nod to sustainability.

The naming day events ended with an opera performance at the back of the vessel accompanied by Champagne and caviar, followed by a special inaugural dinner served across the vessel's dining venues.

Built for off-the-beaten-path travel

Seabourn Pursuit is one of two new expedition ships Seabourn has unveiled in the past two years as it has entered the expedition cruise space for the first time. The second vessel, Seabourn Venture , debuted in 2022 and is nearly identical to Seabourn Pursuit.

Like all expedition ships, the two vessels are specifically designed and equipped to get travelers to remote and hard-to-reach places, such as Australia's Kimberley region, that most people never get to see.

Specifically, Seabourn Pursuit has a strengthened hull that allows it to bump through ice in polar regions such as Antarctica and unusually large fuel tanks and food storage areas to allow it to operate for long periods in remote areas without reprovisioning.

Additionally, it travels with its own landing craft — small rubber Zodiac boats — to get passengers ashore in remote areas where there is no infrastructure. It carries 8 sea kayaks and, notably, two submarines for exploring, snorkeling equipment and scuba diving gear. It also travels with a large expedition team of experts on the places it goes who lead landings and lecture on board.

Related: Expedition cruises: The ultimate guide to cruising to remote, hard-to-reach places

Still, Seabourn Pursuit isn't just about adventure. Like all Seabourn ships, it's also a luxury vessel that delivers some of the highest levels of service and pampering at sea.

Seabourn Pursuit's onboard venues include two elegant and upscale restaurants, several stylish lounges and a full-service spa — all beautifully designed by noted luxury hotel and cruise ship designer Adam Tihany.

Seabourn is the latest in a wave of expedition cruise operators to add the far-flung Kimberley wilderness to its schedule. Luxury cruise operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours also launched Kimberley sailings this summer for the first time. Others include Ponant and Silversea Cruises , which added sailings to the region in 2017 and 2014, respectively, and have been growing their operations in the region.

Lindblad Expeditions resumed sailings in the Kimberley in 2023 after an eight-year absence.

Several small Australian adventure cruise companies, including True North and Coral Expeditions, have offered trips to the Kimberley on small ships for many years.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Cruise ship lifeboats and rafts: How your ship is prepared for an emergency

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Do cruise ships have enough lifeboats for everyone?

It’s a question that comes to many cruisers’ minds, especially if they’re hesitant about sailing across oceans and seas, far from land.

You can rest assured that cruise lines have many safety systems in place in the rare instance that a major emergency occurs at sea. Among these systems are, of course, the brightly colored lifeboats that you’ll see lining the sides of your ship. Not only are they there to carry passengers to safety if the ship needs to be abandoned, but they’re also used as tender boats in a port where the ship can’t dock at a pier.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

You may have other questions about lifeboats, either from curiosity or safety concerns. How reliable are the small vessels? What supplies are on board? Do they have restrooms?

Here are the top things to know about cruise ship lifeboats, so you’ll feel safe and confident when heading out on your next voyage.

What does a lifeboat look like?

Lifeboats are orange or yellow watercraft that you’ll find lining the sides of the ship. You’ll find two main types of lifeboats on many cruise ships: enclosed lifeboats and lifeboat tenders. The majority of cruise ship lifeboats are enclosed lifeboats, which are tough and built with superior watertight integrity, with the ability to easily right themselves if tossed around by rough waves.

Lifeboat tenders are partially enclosed and are designed for two main functions: to serve as a lifeboat if needed and to ferry guests from the ship to the shore during a port call where the vessel can’t dock. Lifeboat tenders are more expensive to maintain than traditional lifeboats, so cruise ships will usually have just enough lifeboat tenders to operate port tender service while the rest are the standard enclosed lifeboats.

The interior of a lifeboat includes rows of seating, which may or may not have a seatback. A steering area with windows and a hatch is located toward the top of the vessel. According to lifeboat manufacturer Fassmer, enclosed lifeboats have no windows besides those in the steering area, while lifeboat tenders have windows for viewing the surroundings from the seats. These windows do not open.

Fun fact: When Disney Cruise Line launched in the ‘90s, regulations required all cruise ship lifeboats to be orange. However, Disney wanted the exteriors of its ships to match the colors of Mickey Mouse, so it requested an exemption to paint its lifeboats yellow to match Mickey’s shoes.

The U.S. Coast Guard granted the unique request, and the lifeboats were painted in Mickey’s yellow, Pantone 99, which is a patented color that only Disney can use. Since then, other lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Costa Cruises , have painted their lifeboats yellow.

What’s the typical capacity of cruise ship lifeboats?

The maximum capacity of a cruise ship lifeboat is 150 people, according to the International Maritime Organization’s International Life-Saving Appliance Code. Most cruise ships have lifeboats that can hold this maximum number of passengers because it is easier, more cost-effective and takes up less space to have fewer large lifeboats instead of a greater number of smaller ones.

Despite the LSA’s 150-person capacity limit for lifeboats, an exception allows for larger lifeboats on some of the world’s largest cruise ships.

Related: Are cruises safe? Here’s what you need to know about cruise ship security and safety

Royal Caribbean’s massive Oasis of the Seas, which holds 8,880 passengers and crew members in total, was the first ship to use 370-person CRV55 catamaran lifeboats (or “rescue vessels”), designed and built by marine life-saving equipment company Umoe Schat-Harding. The enclosed vessels are unique in that they can be lowered directly from their storage position on the ship into the water (no moving outward needed), and passengers can board on two levels simultaneously, reducing the loading time. Their catamaran-style hull increases stability, while twin diesel engines and twin propellers allow these “mega” lifeboats to move at speeds of up to 6 knots.

On a cruise ship, there must be enough lifeboats to accommodate 37.5% of passengers and crew members on either side (75% total), according to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. What happens to the other 25%? This leads us to our next question.

Do cruise ships carry inflatable life rafts?

The remaining 25% of passengers that can’t be accommodated in the traditional lifeboats can use cruise ship inflatable life rafts. These are generally designated for crew members, while guests will board the lifeboats first — though rafts can also be used for guests if necessary.

Collapsible cruise ship life rafts are stored in fiberglass canisters and usually utilize a high-pressure gas to automatically inflate once deployed. While lifeboats have motors, life rafts do not. They do, however, have oars. Ships may also carry rigid, noninflatable life rafts, but they aren’t as common for large cruise vessels.

On newer cruise ships, life rafts may be used with a Marine Evacuation System, which utilizes a fully enclosed inflatable spiral slide to transfer passengers from the embarkation deck to an automatically inflated raft in the water.

If some lifeboats become damaged or can’t be lowered during an emergency, cruise ships have extra life rafts to pick up the slack. SOLAS requires that there are enough additional life rafts for 25% of the ship’s capacity. Cruise ships have also been designed to allow lifeboats and life rafts to deploy even if the ship is listing up to 20 degrees.

Where are lifeboats located on cruise ships?

Lifeboats are located outside on both sides of the cruise ship, typically stored on or just above one of the middle decks with an outdoor promenade so passengers can easily board them. This spot is ideal because it’s a central location for both the upper- and lower-deck cabins, as well as many public indoor and outdoor venues and amenities.

It also works because it keeps the lifeboats high enough out of the water that they won’t be in the way when the ship docks and most likely won’t be affected by rough waves. On the flip side, it keeps them low enough that they don’t have to be lowered the entire height of the ship (plus, no one wants a lifeboat view from the lido pool or their upper-deck suite).

In an emergency, passengers should not head directly to the lifeboats. Instead, every cabin is assigned an assembly station, where they will meet with crew members and be escorted to a lifeboat if an evacuation is deemed necessary. Passengers must attend a muster drill to identify their assembly station and learn about their ship’s emergency procedures. These drills must take place before a cruise ship can set sail.

Related: What is a cruise ship muster drill?

What can be found on a lifeboat?

While this list is not exhaustive, here’s most of what you’ll find on a cruise ship lifeboat, according to the LSA:

• Enough fuel to travel at 6 knots for at least a full day (24 hours)
• 48 hours’ worth of anti-seasickness medication per person
• 2 seasickness bags per person
• 3 liters of fresh water per person
• 2,390 calories’ worth of food rations per person
• Life jackets
• Enough thermal protective aid suits for 10% of the lifeboat’s capacity
• Three can openers
• First aid supplies
• Buoyant oars
• Illuminated compass
• Hand and parachute flares
• Smoke signals
• Survival manual
• One whistle
• One jackknife
• One searchlight that can work continuously for at least three hours
• Portable fire extinguishing equipment
• Fishing gear
• Tools to repair the engine

Do lifeboats have bathrooms?

Traditional 150-person lifeboats don’t have toilet facilities, but the 370-person catamaran lifeboats used on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships do.

What are other requirements for lifeboats on cruise ships?

Cruise ship lifeboats must be made of noncombustible and flame-retardant materials, according to SOLAS. Modern lifeboats are usually made of fiberglass.

All seating on the lifeboat must support a person weighing a minimum of 220 pounds. In addition, the lifeboats and the wires that move them up and down must be strong enough to allow the lifeboat to be lowered at full capacity.

How are lifeboats tested?

During the manufacturing process, lifeboats are tested using water weights, which can mimic the weight of passengers in various spots around the vessel. These water weights are pumped to fill and drain with water remotely. They’re placed in various spots in the lifeboat throughout the testing period to gather data on how the watercraft would handle passenger weight in various locations and scenarios.

Once a lifeboat is delivered to the shipyard for installation on a ship, the inspections and tests do not stop. Throughout the life of the cruise ship, time, weather and use all mean that — like with any type of equipment — things on the lifeboats will degrade and endure wear and tear over time. This is why SOLAS includes requirements for regular lifeboat drills and inspections.

Related: 15 cruise ship rules you shouldn’t break

Cruise crew members conduct weekly and monthly lifeboat inspections and undergo periodic training so lifeboat operations stay fresh in their minds.

A more thorough inspection — by either a certified lifeboat technician from an independent company or an inspector from the lifeboat manufacturer itself — occurs annually. According to the International Maritime Organization, this process includes an inspection of these key components:

• The hull is inspected for cracks, damage or other defects.
• The propulsion system, including the engine, is inspected to ensure it’s in good working condition. The cooling, exhaust and fuel systems are also examined.
• The electrical system, including the battery, charging, lighting and communications systems, are checked for defects or malfunctions.
• The maneuvering system is inspected, including the steering mechanism, the rudder and other steering gear.
• Lifeboat equipment, such as life jackets and survival equipment, is examined to ensure it’s in good condition.
• The davit and winch system, including the winch and wire ropes, are checked for defects or damage.
• The lifeboat undergoes a load test to ensure that it can withstand its maximum weight of crew and passengers.

Any equipment or systems found to have defects or deficiencies during the inspection are either repaired or replaced.

Bottom line

The chances of passengers ever experiencing an emergency on a cruise that requires abandoning ship via lifeboats is extremely slim. Still, it’s good to know your ship is outfitted with safety equipment to give you peace of mind when taking your next cruise.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Bereavement support Cruse Bereavement Support - Hull and East Riding Area

01482 966000

About the service

Cruse Bereavement Care is the leading national charity for bereaved people. We offer support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone die, and work to enhance society’s care of bereaved people.

Cruse offers face-to-face, group, telephone, email and website support. We have a Free phone national helpline and local services throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our website Hope Again provides support for young people. Our services are provided by trained volunteers and are confidential and free.

Cruse provides training and consultancy for external organisations and for those who may encounter bereaved people in the course of their work.

Covid – 19 service update: Due to the current pandemic and ongoing social distancing, all Cruse services will be provided over the telephone, email or internet until further notice. Please contact us to find out more.

For help and support and for details of your local Cruse service: www.cruse.org.uk

National helpline 0808 808 1677

(Mondays and Fridays 0930-1700, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 0930-2000)

Email - [email protected]

For children and young people www.hopeagain.org.uk

This information was supplied by Cruse Bereavement Care on 21 June 2024.

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Russian River Cruises

History, review, itineraries, ships, deck plans, news.

•   Fleet
•   Review
•   Itinerary
•   News

Russian River Cruises fleet

Ms pyotr velikiy, ms mustai karim, scenic tsar, viking akun, viking ingvar, ms general lavrinenkov, ms lunnaya sonata, viking truvor, ms yuri andropov, ms zosima shashkov, ms crucelake-lebedinoe ozero, ms leonid sobolev, ms mikhail sholokhov, review of russian river cruises.

CruiseMapper's "Russian River Cruises" hub provides detailed information on ships, itineraries, tours and prices on cruises along rivers and lakes in Russia. Here you'll also find concise info on the largest Russian cruise companies, including Vodohod , Mosturflot , Infoflot , Doninturflot-Orthodox , Imperial River Cruises Russia .

In the "Fleet" section you will find an extensive list or Russian cruise ships. By following each ship link you will find the ship's review, deck plans, scheduled itineraries and cruise pricing information. Live ship tracking is also provided on a digital map. It shows the vessel's current location, cruising speed and course.

In the "Itinerary" section you will find maps and day-by-day scheduled activities planned by Europe's largest cruise companies, also operating in Russia via chartered riverboats.

Volga River Cruises in Russia

Volga river cruising in Russia places you in another time. The longest and largest river in Europe stretches from Ivan the Terrible to Catherine the Great. Today, live along the central artery of Russia looks like it always has - the villages, the churches, the people, just like an old painting you have seen in a gallery.

The Volga flows through central Russia into the Caspian Sea and is often called the national river of Russia. 11 of the 20 largest cities of the country, including the capital Moscow, are in Volga's watershed. Some of the world's largest reservoirs can be found along the river, which has a symbolic meaning in Russian culture, referred to as Mother Volga (Volga Matushka) in Russian folklore and literature.

Explore the land of the Tsars while sailing down the historic Volga river, typically between Moscow and St Petersburg , the traditional homeports (of embarkation and debarkation). Tour landmarks are the Red Square and Kremlin in Moscow, the Hermitage and Catherine Palace in St Petersburg.

Once unthinkable as a cruise vacation destination, Russia is today more accessible than ever, with stops along its largest European lakes and rivers. For river travel lovers accustomed to European itineraries, the Russian experience will be quite different. Russia has a special feel of uniquely designed riverboats. Built to handle larger lakes (Lake Ladoga for example, is the largest European freshwater body of water), these vessels usually feature larger size and capacity (up to six decks), deeper draft, and most of them are refurbished instead of being newbuild.

The itineraries offered are activity-intensive in Moscow and St Petersburg, with long periods of cruising and less ashore time in the middle. Smaller "Golden Ring" cities (so named due to their historic significance) are full of icon-riddled monasteries and Orthodox churches. Most cruise lines hire local experts and fill the days of sailing along the river with lectures on country's history, cooking demonstrations and language lessons.

Most of the tours offered by the companies sailing along Volga River are identical, so customers choosing between the different itineraries should look at how the river ships spend the time within Moscow and St. Petersburg. Some lines have their guests stay onboard, which can be as far as 1 hour out of both cities. Others put their clients up at hotels near the center of the city, with several meals at customer's expense.

Compared with other river routes, Russia features a short season, between early May and late October, with high season in June (known as White Nights because of the endless daylight), July and August. Even if the weather is chilly, there are some advantages to sailing early or late: you'll beat the crowds which can make a visit to the Hermitage a bear. Most Russian museums lack air-conditioning, and while the climate is generally temperate, in the summer Moscow often experiences high humidity heat waves.

Remember to think about your Russian visa at least 2 months before your voyage, to have enough time to fill out the paperwork, including a lengthy online application. And don't forget that the Russian language uses the Cyrillic alphabet. Even in the cities, you'll rarely find signs in English, so learning some letters and a few phrases will help you get around.

Doninturflot-Orthodox Cruise Company

Orthodox Cruise Company operates a fleet of USSR-design large river ships and serves mainly foreign tourists. The parent company Doninturflot (established in 1992) is the shipowner and manages the fleet.

• Doninturflot started operations with the ships MS Maxim Litvinov, MS Mikhail Sholokhov and MS Sergei Dyagilev.
• Since 2002, Docturflot charters Akademik Glushkov (currently MS Igor Stravinsky) owned by OOO Rosflotinvest.
• In 2004 was acquired MS Anton Chekhov from Yenisei River Shipping Company (Russia).
• In 2006 were acquired MS Peter Tchaikovsky and MS Ivan Bunin from the Moscow-based cruise shipping company "Passenger Port".
• In 2008 was bought MS General Lavrinenkov from "Ukrrechflot" (Ukraine).
• In 2011 was bought MS Marshal Koshevoy (from Ukrrichflot, Ukraine) but in April 2013 the ship was sold to Viking Cruises (now operates as Viking Akun ).
• In 2016, was purchased MS Tikhi Don from the UK-based Grand Circle Travel company. In 2017, the ship started operations for Orthodox Cruise Company serving international tourists.

Imperial River Cruises Russia

"Imperial River Cruises Russia" was founded in 1992 and operates on inland waterways in both Russia and Ukraine. Company's chartered ships navigate on the rivers Volga, Don, Neva, Svir, Dnieper (also on the Danube) and the Russian lakes Onega and Ladoga.

The most operated itineraries are between Moscow and St Petersburg (visiting Uglich, Kostrom, Yaroslavl, Goritzy). Specially designed itineraries visit Vladimir, Suzdal, Zagorsk, Solovki Island. Also offered are itineraries Moscow-Volgograd and Moscow-Rostov, roundtrips from Kiev, and even grand voyages connecting two seas - Baltic and Black. Also offered are themed cruises - especially on food and music, with live performances by grand orchestras and choirs.

Imperial River Cruises Russia has an exclusive partnership with "Orthodox Cruise Company" - one of Russia's largest tour operators. As their names suggest, both companies target mainly foreign tourists - booking in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia. Ships' capacity varies between 180-250 passengers. English (or German) speaking licensed tour guides are provided on all excursions. The daily onboard entertainment program offers live musical performances, folk shows, enrichment lectures.

Russian river cruise deals

• Departure port (dock/berth), check-in, boarding and landing times are indicated on the company's website and on passenger boarding passes. Ship's exact departure time is clarified on the website the day prior departure.
• Kids discount ticket prices are offered for children up to 14 years of age (14-yo including), the age being fixed on departure day.
• Kids from 2 to 5 years of age (5-yo including) travel free of charge, but without providing an additional bed (if there are no free beds in the cabin). Shore excursions are also free of charge.
• Toddlers (kids under 2) travel free of charge, but the bed, food, and tour services are not provided. Extra beds in staterooms (baby cribs, cots) are not available on the ship.
• TWIN (double cabin) single supplement rate is 75%.
• Ticket prices are inclusive of 3 meals a day. Onboard dining includes Breakfast (buffet style, drinks - cocoa, milk, juices, hot-cold dishes), Lunch (buffet style) and Dinner (waiter-served, 1 Starter, 1 Main course (choice of 3 / meat-fish-vegetarian), 1 Dessert (choice of 2 or fruits). Water in pitchers is always provided. Tea/coffee is served.
• On embarkation day and disembarkation day (at the end of the voyage) meal times depend on landing times. If a land tour coincides with a meal time (lunch), passengers are provided with complimentary food at a local restaurant (cafe) or given "dry rations".
• Ticket price inclusive onboard events are Welcome Aboard ("bread and salt" ceremony), Welcome Cocktail (complimentary 1 glass of champagne or juice per person), "Tea Ceremony" (with traditional pies), "Vodka Show" (blini and vodka tasting), Cocktail Party (once per cruise, complimentary 1 cocktail per person), Captain's Dinner (gourmet menu, once per cruise), mulled wine or ice tea (weather-depending / upon returning from excursions), complimentary Coffee Station (coffee, hot water, packed tea, milk, cocoa, cookies), 1 bottled water (0.33l pp per day in cabins). Tickets are also inclusive of foreign language speaking guide services, onboard entertainment (language class, singing lessons, live music, nightly dancing music, Wheelhouse tour).
• Complimentary excursions are detailed in the ship's cruise itinerary program. Optional tours are available for onboard booking. For excursion services, foreigner passengers may be charged with additional fee pp per day (varies by cruise tour length).
• Cruise tickets don't include land transfers (excepting foreign travel agency bookings), beverages and snacks (in onboard bars-lounges), phone calls, sauna visits, optional excursions, travel insurance, gratuities, personal spendings. Ticket prices include 18% VAT.
• Smoking on the ship is allowed only in designated areas (marked with "Place for smoking" signs). Smoking is prohibited in all interior spaces and on open decks (except at designated areas).
• On most ships are available health gymnastics and morning exercises (led by a certified physician/ship's doctor), oxygen cocktail, dietary food.
• On most ships are provided (free of charge) the following medical services - emergency medical care (assistance required for sudden acute illnesses, conditions, exacerbation of chronic diseases), measurement of blood pressure and body temperature, primary treatment of wounds.
• Boarding starts 2 hours prior to departure. All passengers must be boarded at least an hour prior to departure. Late passengers missing their cruise tour are not refunded.
• Russia's main river cruise departure ports are Moscow , St Petersburg , Astrakhan , Nizhny Novgorod , Perm , Samara , Kazan , Volgograd , Rostov-on-Don , Saratov .

Russian cruise ships

Currently, in Russia is operated a huge fleet of over 200 river cruise ships. All these vessels were built during the USSR (Soviet Union) times, roughly in the period between 1950-1990. Depending on class and series, these boats differ in terms of size, equipment (different engine designs), passenger capacity, onboard facilities and venues, cabins (types and number). Amenities additionally differ by shipowner (cruise company).

All these old-design Russian ships were completely refurbished and rebuilt for their new shipowners, Some of these ships are operated (via partnerships or under charter) also by foreign companies (like Viking, CroisiEurope, Uniworld, AMAwaterways, Grand Circle, Nicko). During their multi-million-dollar drydock refits, vessels passenger capacities were considerably reduced to improve travel comfort and safety.

Most boats are of the following classes:

• "Rossiya" (Project 785, 36 vessels built 1952-1958)
• "Baykal" (Project 646, 15 units built 1953-1956)
• "Rodina" (Project 588, 49 vessels built 1954-1961)
• "Oktyabrskaya Revolyutsiya" (Project 26-37, 14 units built 1957-1962)
• "Dunay" (Project 305, 47 vessels built between 1959-1964)
• "Kuybyshev" (Project OL400, 9 units built 1975-1983)
• "Vladimir Ilyich" (Project 301, 22 vessels built between 1975-1983)
• "Dmitri Furmanov" (Project 302, 27 vessels built between 1983-1991)

Regardless of their age, all these motor ships undergo regular drydock refurbishments , machinery and safety checks, scheduled repairs (including annual surveys). Drydocks are every 5 years and include repairs, hull inspection, propulsion-steering inspection, general maintenance works.

Each ship is equipped with life-saving appliances (lifeboats and rafts) in amounts exceeding the boat's max passenger and crew capacity. Each cabin is equipped with lifejackets with illustrated instructions in several languages. All ships are equipped with modern fire-fighting systems. Crew and staff are experienced and highly professional certified employees.

Itinerary of Russian River Cruises

CruiseMapper's "Russian River Cruises" itinerary section provides information on itineraries and ports of call offered by the largest Russian and European river cruise companies - Vodohod, Viking, Uniworld, Scenic, CroisiEurope. Each foreign company has a partnership with a local company and operates as a joint venture one or more Russian ships.

For detailed itinerary information (routes) visit our pages of the following departure ports - Saratov , Volgograd , Samara , Perm , Nizhny Novgorod , Cheboksary , Rostov-on-Don ,  Kazan , Astrakhan , Moscow , St Petersburg .

Volga River cruise ports highlights

• St Petersburg (Russia's second-largest city - after Moscow) was built by Tzar Peter the Great in 1703. It is located in the Neva River delta (Gulf of Finland's east coast). Saint Petersburg includes the territories of more than 130 islands interconnected by over 300 bridges. The city has a huge number of cultural and historical sights, architectural landmarks, museums, magnificent palaces (Russian Tsars' former residences), grand parks, wide avenues, bridges, numerous monuments. Among its most famous tourist attractions are the Hermitage museum (housing over 2 million pieces of art). Two days is never enough to see everything in this remarkable city. However, passengers will usually visit the Hermitage, admire the city's 19th-century architecture during a canal cruise tour, take in a cultural performance, visit one of the Versailles-style palaces in St. Petersburg's countryside (Pushkin or Peterhof).
• Moscow (Russian Federation's capital and largest city) was founded in 1147 by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky. The city was destroyed several times - by the Mongolians, Napoleon, the Nazis. The heart of the city lies in the Red Square, which contains Lenin's Tomb, St Basil's Cathedral, and GUM Department Store. Kremlin's red walls also border the square. Inside the fort are the Armoury (containing the Faberge eggs) and 9 onion-domed churches. Art-fans can seek out Pushkin Gallery or see a show at Bolshoi Theatre.
• Yaroslavl is one of the Golden Ring cities of Russia, and the largest city to visit during the middle of your Volga cruise. The town is famous for its gorgeous churches. It also offers several pedestrian-only streets full of shops and cafes, as well as a lovely embankment used as a park.
• Uglich has a provincial setting. It was found in the 10th century and was a scene of some of medieval Russian history's most remarkable events. Here were exiled the Ivan Terrible’s 7th wife and her son Tsarevich Dmitry. Soon after, Tsarevich was mysteriously murdered here. Soon after, a dedicated to this event church ("Church of St. Demetrius on the Blood") was erected. Within the Uglich Kremlin walls is the town's oldest building - "Prince’s Palace". Other attractions are St. John’s Church and the Transfiguration Cathedral.
• Astrakhan was founded at the end of the 13th century and is located on the Volga's left bank. Port’s activities extend 100 km downstream and over 300 km upstream along the river. The city is a major trading center and its main business is freight shipping (coal, timber, salt, food, industrial products). Astrakhan is not linked to the railroad network. Cargoes are transferred by floating cranes from river ships to seagoing vessels.
• Goritsy is a small village on River Sheksna, famous for its Resurrection Convent, At approx 4 ml (7 km) from Goritsy is Kirillov - a pilgrimage site with many historical and architectural monuments. Among those are the Kirillo-Belozerski monastery, Ferapont monastery (UNESCO site), 12 churches, 25 civil monuments.
• Kizhi Island (Lake Onega) is located approx 70 km (40 ml) to the northeast of Petrozavodsk. The island has two onion-domed churches. Also here is the 17th-century-built 22-domed church - constructed without using a single nail. Its "Church of the Transfiguration of our Savior" and "Church of the Intercession" were rebuilt several times and are preserved in their original 17th-century design.
• Mandrogi (Mandroga) is a small village on the Svir river recently created as a tourist attraction. It features small wooden log cabin houses. Its “town of masters” is a market for hand-made Russian art craft, including paintings, painted wooden dolls, embroidery, pottery. Other attractions are the elk nursery and the quail farm, horse-riding tours, food tasting (pastry), vodka tasting (museum of Russian vodka).
• Kostroma is also one of the Golden Ring cities, and once was one of Russia's 3 largest cities - after Moscow and Yaroslavl, It is located at the confluence of the rivers Volga and Kostroma. Among the attractions are the St Ipathy monastery, an open-air museum (traditional wooden architecture- izbas, mills, churches are gathered in one place).
• Kizhi is famous the whole world over. It has become the symbol of the grandeur of unique Russian culture. Visiting the Kizhi Islands gives a great chance to appreciate the enchanting medieval atmosphere and get acquainted with the customs and free spirit of men living in a spacious area with a rigorous climate
• Kazan. The largest port in the Volga basin, it transships cargoes transported by water alone or by water and rail. The port receives coal from Kuznetsk Basin for Kazan's heat and electric power plant, food and industrial products, and ships out products of city's enterprises and Siberian timber. The port includes Tsentral’nyi, Kama, and Volga cargo areas, as well as a number of landings, the biggest of which is Naberezhnye Chelny and Chistopol’. The basin of the Tsentral’nyi Cargo Area and passenger area are protected by a breakwater.
• Novgorod (Nizhniy Novgorod) is an ancient stronghold founded by Gran Prince Yuri as a frontier post, is now the 5th largest city of Russia as well as one of the main centers of river tourism in the country. In the 19th century, Nizhniy became the trade center of the whole state as it was the place of the biggest fair in the Russian Empire. A proverb of that time says: "Moscow is the heart of Russia, St. Petersburg is its head, and Nizhniy Novgorod - its pocketbook". The city was renamed "Gorky" in Soviet times, in honor of the writer Maxim Gorky, born there. Until 1990, Nizhniy Novgorod was “closed” to foreigners as USSR protected its military secrets. Nizhniy Novgorod is included in the UNESCO list of 100 cities constituting world cultural and historical value.
• Samara - during the Soviet period the city was named Kuybyshev, in honor of the Soviet party figure Valerian Kuybyshev. The shortest ways from Central and Western Europe to Kazakhstan, Siberia, and Central Asia run through Samara. The city has a rich cultural heritage: Alexey Tolstoy spent his childhood and youth there. Maxim Gorky started his literary career in the city - he worked in "Samara Newspaper". The Czech writer Yaroslav Gashek also worked in Samara, during the Civil war. Famous artists like Ilya Repin, Ivan Ayvazovsky, Vasily Surikov, lived in the city. During the Great Patriotic War, the Seventh Symphony of Dmitry Shostakovich was performed in Samara for the first time.
• Tver - the White Trinity Church (1564) is the sole ancient monument of Tver as in 1763, there was a great fire after which the city was rebuilt in Neoclassical style. There are also a lot of buildings of Catherine the Great. Tver State University is highly rated in the region. In 1931, Tver received the name Kalinin, in honor of the Soviet leader Mikhail Kalinin. The city was occupied by the German army in 1941. Only 2 months later it became the first big city in Europe liberated from the occupation.
• Ulyanovsk is located on the right bank of the Kuibyshev Reservoir. Port's activities extend 90 km downstream and 100 km upstream along the Volga. The port unloads mineral construction materials, food, and industrial products for the cities of Saransk and Uljanovsk, and ships out coal from Kuznetsk Basin, automobiles, foodstuffs. Its passenger area was rebuilt in 1969 and includes a large number of landings, the biggest being Melekess and Sengilei. The basin of the port of Ulyanovsk is protected by a breakwater.
• Saratov (founded in 1590) is the capital city of a huge province that as size equals the territories of Albania, Belgium and Switzerland combined. In the late 19th century, Saratov became a center for industry and trade, Among the city's attractions, are Moskovskaya street (Europe's longest straight street), one of Europe's longest bridges (2,8 km long), children’s theater, puppet theater, Russia’s oldest circus, musical conservatory, beaches, Art Galleries, Lipki Park, two large casinos.
• Volgograd (currently Stalingrad) was founded in 1589. This is a major port and shipping hub linking Donets Basin with the Urals and Upper Volga Region. It ships grain, coal, food, and industrial products upstream and receives mineral construction materials and timber. The port’s districts are situated within the cities of Volzhsk and Volgograd (Tsentral’nyi). Kamyshin is the biggest landing belonging to the port. Among Volgograd's attractions is the Mamayev Hill with numerous sculptures devoted to the WW2 victims and topped with the world’s largest freestanding statue “Mother Russia” (height 52 m / 171 ft). Adjacent is the "Museum of the Defense" (war artifacts, weapons, uniforms).

All ships listed here operate on Russian waterways. To this long list should be additionally added the following boats, which are currently listed in the fleets of their own companies:

• Scenic Tsar (company Scenic Cruises )
• River Victoria (company Uniworld )
• Viking Rurik , Viking Akun , Viking Helgi , Viking Ingvar , Viking Truvor (company Viking Cruises )

Viking River Cruises in Russia - Itinerary "Waterways of the Tsars"

Viking's itinerary is named "Waterways of the Tsars" (13-day cruise) inclusive of:

• all transfers and port charges
• Riverview stateroom
• 10 guided tours (audio headsets provided)
• all onboard meals (including 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners, Welcome Cocktail Reception, Gala Dinner)
• complimentary beverages (wine, beer, and soft drinks with all dinners and lunches)
• complimentary Wi-Fi
• visiting four UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• enrichment events (onshore live music and dance performances), onboard Russian language lessons, history-themed lectures, Russian cooking workshop, Russian tea time).
• Viking's Russian cruise fares are between USD 5,100 - 5,600 PP. Prices are inclusive of international airfare from 30 USA airports.
• Airport transfers (meet & greet) are included only when flights are purchased through Viking Cruises.

Optional (additionally priced) extensions are:

• (pre-cruise) 2-night Moscow hotel package (Radisson Royal Hotel or similar), with included 2 breakfasts, Moscow Subway guided tour, Viking host services.
• (post-cruise) 3-night Helsinki hotel package (Radisson Blu Plaza or similar), with included 3 breakfasts, guided walking tour, Viking host services, train travel (St Petersburg to Helsinki), all hotel and ship transfers.

Itineraries are two: northbound (Moscow to St Petersburg) or the reverse southbound (St Petersburg to Moscow).

• (Day 1) Moscow arrival, airport to ship transfer, onboard dinner
• (Day 2) half-day Moscow tour (Bolshoi Theater, Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, GUM Department Store, Moscow Metro)
• (Day 3) free time full-day Moscow touring, or an optional morning tour to Tretyakov Gallery Russian fine art museum). Other optional tours are in the afternoon (Cosmonaut Museum, Jewish Moscow) and in the evening (Moscow by Night).
• (Day 4) Moscow tour to Kremlin (Tsar’s Canon, Tsar’s Bell, 2 cathedrals), scenic Moscow Canal cruise (after lunch) as the ships departs the city.
• (Day 5) Uglich arrival (after lunch), disembarkation for a guided walking tour (Kremlin of Uglich, Church of St Dmitry on the Blood, tea at a local family home), before dinner departure
• (Day 6) Yaroslavl arrival in the morning, guided tour (covered food market, handcrafted souvenirs shopping), free time, ship lunch, departure.
• (Day 7) Kuzino morning arrival, tour to Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery (guided walk- wooden chapels, Assumption Cathedral, museum), children’s school, ship lunch, afternoon departure.
• (Day 8) Kizhi Island (Lake Onega cruising) afternoon arrival, walking tour (Open Air Museum of Architecture- wooden houses, windmills, churches, Preobranzhenskaya Church), evening departure.
• (Day 9) Mandrogy (Svir River cruising) afternoon arrival (Vodka Museum, handmade Russian craft shopping, optional banya / Russian bathhouse visit, optional tour (matryoshka doll making workshop), Lake Ladoga cruising to Neva River.
• (Day 10) — St Petersburg (Neva River cruising), early morning arrival, onboard breakfast, guided tour (Winter Palace, Hermitage Museum), onboard dinner and evening live Russian ballet performance.
• (Day 11) St Petersburg tour to Pushkin district (Catherine Palace), ship lunch, city tour (St Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter and Paul Fortress, Nevsky Prospekt), optional evening folklore performance.
• (Day 12) free time St Petersburg touring (optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, optional afternoon kommunalka tour, optional St Petersburg canal cruise from), onboard lunch and dinner.
• (Day 13) St Petersburg - onboard breakfast, ship disembarkation, ship to airport transfer for the return flight.

Uniworld Cruises in Russia - itinerary "Imperial Waterways of Russia"

The 13-day long itinerary is named "Imperial Waterways of Russia" and operated by the ship River Victoria. Uniworld's Russian cruise fares range between USD 5,200 and 9,900 PP (depending on cabin category.

• Day 1 – Moscow (Sheremetyevo Airport arrival, ship transfer, embarkation)
• Day 2 – Moscow (city tour, metro tour, Arbat Street) - Bolshoi Theatre, Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, Russian lunch included, onboard Captain’s Welcome Reception, Gala Dinner
• Day 3 – Moscow (Kremlin, Armory Museum)
• Day 4 – Moscow (leisure day)
• Day 5 – Moscow Canal and Volga River cruising to Uglich (walking tour)
• Day 6 – Yaroslavl (Lake Rybinsk cruising) - city tour
• Day 7 – Goritsy (Lake Onega cruising) - monasteries, St Cyril of the White Lake Monastery, Children’s Arts and Crafts,
• Day 8 – Kizhi Island (Lake Onega cruising) - Open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture
• Day 9 – Svir River cruising to Mandrogi, Lake Ladoga cruising - Mandrogi walk tour (picnic lunch)
• Day 10 – St Petersburg (city tour, canal cruise, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, ballet performance at Alexandrinsky Theatre)
• Day 11 – St Petersburg (Catherine Palace, Pushkin Park)
• Day 12 – St Petersburg (Winter Palace - Hermitage Museum, Captain’s Farewell Reception, Gala Dinner)
• Day 13 – St Petersburg (disembarkation, transfer and return flight).

Scenic River Cruises in Russia - itinerary "The Imperial Wonders Of Russia"

The itinerary is operated by Scenic Tzar and named "Imperial Jewels of Russia". Its duration is 15-day, along Volga and Svir rivers. Scenic Cruises deals are inclusive of:

• Scenic Enrich - handcrafted, Scenic passengers exclusive tour experiences (private shows, family meals prepared by local hosts)
• Scenic Sundowners - exclusive cocktail events
• all onboard meals (including complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunches and dinners)
• onboard doctor
• onboard entertainment
• in-cabin room service
• Wi-Fi internet (Mac mini infotainment system via the cabin's TV)
• all gratuities
• Scenic's Russian cruise fares are USD 11,500 PP.

Day-by-day itinerary info: Day 1 (Moscow), Day 2 (Moscow, Sundowners canal cruise), Day 3 (Moscow - Kremlin), Day 4 (Moscow - Cosmonaut meeting), Day 5 (Moscow - Tretyakov Gallery), Day 6 (Uglich), Day 7 (Yaroslavl - city tour), Day 8 (Goritsy - Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery), Day 9 (Kizhi Island - Church of Transfiguration), Day 10 (Mandrogi - Museum village), Day 11 (St Petersburg - Hermitage), Day 12 (St Petersburg - Peterhof Palace), Day 13 (St Petersburg - Private Ballet performance), Day 14 (St Petersburg - canal cruise), Day 15 (return flight).

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