River Cruise

[Muzh]

I was trying to find the right group where to put this and notice there is not a "Travel" setion here.
 
Anyway: http://www.travelzoo.com/cruises/europe/-1399-Russia-10-Night-Cruise-Package-w-Tours-2100-Off-1468553/?utm_source=top20_us&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=us_top20_2013_19

[mendeleyev]

Muzh, can't see the offer without joining Travel Zoo.

Perhaps it was covered in our link already...Viking and UniWorld are the two "big dogs" of European river cruises. Both use long boats and you can cruise on most large rivers in Western Europe, Eastern Europe and China. Their best ships are in Western Europe. AMA-Waterways is also excellent.

Only 150 or so passengers and you are pampered on such a cruise. Unlike a large ocean ship, this is a much more intimate experience. Also unlike large ocean ships, alcoholic beverages are generally included in the cruise fare.

In the Russian and Ukrainian cruises, often lunch is served in homes or cafes of a small town which makes for an exciting experience! As the ships cruise from town to town the chefs buy local foods so that everything from wines to bread to sausages and cheese are part of the local culture you're experiencing.

The cruise fare is usually double what a 7 day ocean cruise would be by the time port fees and taxes are added into the cruise fare (something most "discount" websites don't display until you've started the booking process) but the experience is well worth it. Once you've been pampered by 5 star river cruises you rarely get excited about an ordinary ocean cruise again.

Something to keep in mind: while both Viking and UniWorld run great cruises, Russian law prohibits foreign ships from cruising Russian rivers, therefore these particular river ships are leased and while they do a great job on renovations, they aren't the newest river ships like their fleet in Western Europe.


Disclosure: the Mendeleyev Journal maintains an on-going commercial relationship with Viking River cruises for cultural content and promotion.

[Muzh]

Mendy, joining Travelzoo is free. You have the option of receiving weekly specials in form of email. That's all.

However, let me give you one example I was entertaining a few months ago.

A four night stay at a PR resort ($450/night) plus airfare from NYC - $459 per person. I know the resort and it is breath taking.

[Larry1]

Mendy, joining Travelzoo is free. You have the option of receiving weekly specials in form of email. That's all.

However, let me give you one example I was entertaining a few months ago.

A four night stay at a PR resort ($450/night) plus airfare from NYC - $459 per person. I know the resort and it is breath taking.

Sounds terrific.

Do US people need a visa to go there?
 

[Muzh]

Sounds terrific.

Do US people need a visa to go there?
 

Nope