Spending a vacation at sea is the dream of many. But, unfortunately, not always and not everyone has such an opportunity. Someone solves this problem by going to the cottage, 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 cruise along the Volga. “Fedor Panferov” is a motor ship that runs on this river from May to September. What cities can be visited and what tourists say about their travels - more about all this below.
Description of the ship
Fifty-five years ago, the ship "F.I. Panferov" was built at the shipyard in the German city of Wismar. Since then, the four-decker cruises on the rivers of Russia. However, at first the ship had only three decks, but was later modernized and received another one. Security updates took place 12 years ago.
The ship got its name in honor of the 20th century writer Fedor Ivanovich Panferov, known for the trilogies "Volga - Mother River" and "Struggle for Peace."
"F. Panferov ”- a motor ship with a length of almost one hundred meters and a width of more than 14, can take a maximum of 150 tourists on board. Comfortable relaxation 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 in a home-like setting. If someone wants to "plunge" into the atmosphere of the fifties, you can visit the Neva Bar, having a cocktail, beer or a cup of coffee. For lovers of dancing on the upper deck is equipped with a hall. There is also a solarium. If you wish, you can visit the reading room or sauna. If necessary, first aid will be provided at the medical center. And for those who can not tear themselves away from 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 luxury cabins and junior suites. Luxury 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 using an air conditioner.
The junior suite cabin category is equipped similarly to suites, with the exception of the 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. Deluxe cabins and junior suites have a private balcony.
On the middle deck there are eight single cabins. They are equipped in a standard way and do not have access to the balcony.
Standard double cabins (there are 3 of them) are located on the main deck. Three double cabins with a balcony are on the upper deck and 11 more of the same - on the boat. There are on the boat double apartments with a larger area with and without a balcony.
Triple deck cabins are located on the lower deck. From other standard rooms they differ only in that one sleeping place is located on top.
Volga Cruises
A river trip cannot be compared to a regular trip from city to city. Firstly, the surrounding view is significantly different from that which can be seen 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 "Fedor Panferov" can start from Samara or Saratov, Kazan or Astrakhan. Moreover, the duration of the trip may be different. 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 - exercise 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 a lesson to their liking: a dance master class or a general intellectual game.
Stops in cities on the Volga
In large and small cities on the Volga there are stops. If you wish, you can go on an organized excursion or wander around the city on your own.
In Astrakhan, for example, the excursion program includes a sightseeing bus tour of the city, a trip to a recreation center and a visit to the local Kurman Gaza mausoleum. It is difficult to imagine a stop in Volgograd without a tour of the Mamaev Kurgan. In Samara, you can visit the bunker of Stalin.
Cruises from Kazan
Cruise along the Volga can start from this city (Kazan). The Panferov motor ship makes a water trip from there both for a long time and with a visit to a large number of settlements, and for a couple of days with a stop in one city.
A 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 29500 rubles. (excluding discounts). "F. Panferov ”(motor ship) makes one-day pleasure cruises from Kazan. The cost of such a walk is from 3100 rubles.
Prices
The cost of travel primarily depends on the number of days in transit and the selected cabin. For example, a cruise of Saratov - Volgograd - Saratov lasting three days per person in a double cabin on the middle deck will cost ten thousand rubles. This price will include accommodation, recreational activities on the boat and 3 meals a day. In addition, you will have to spend money on drinks in bars, excursions and so on.
A cruise on the Volga on a ship 6 days / 5 nights from Saratov with a visit to Volgograd, Astrakhan, Nikolsky and Akhtuba (in a similar cabin) will cost 24,300 rubles.
Some influence on prices, as in any tourism, has the time of year. In May, June and September, many operators reduce prices.
“Fedor Parfyonov” is a motor ship with various discounts. So, many tour operators offer to save up to 12% with early booking. At 10% can count on children and senior citizens. If a whole company goes on a trip along the Volga, then one ticket can be with a fifty-percent discount or completely free.
Motor ship "Fedor Panferov": reviews
Reviews about the cruise on the ship "Fedor Parfyonov" are divided into three parts. The first say that the trip was very boring. The latter are more loyal and believe that 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 negative points people consider a boring environment and lack of entertainment. Some even argue that this cruise is only for people "over forty". But many among vacationers have the opposite point of view, arguing that entertainment can be found both for young people and the older generation.
Motor ship “F.I. Panferov ”is often praised for food. They even take some recipes for themselves. Moreover, the variety of dishes allows everyone to find something different, including vegetarians.