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Cruise Lines That Serve Halal Food

• by halaltouring
• April 26, 2023

There are currently more than 300 cruise ships in operation worldwide. The idea that cruise ships might be used for more than just business and transportation purposes didn’t seem all that far-fetched as people learned how much fun a holiday at sea could be.

With millions of passengers each year, cruising has developed a thriving sector in the tourism business. Due to rising consumer demand, there is now a market for vacation cruises.

Like everyone else, many Muslims take vacations on cruise ships, so Halal food has to be offered. The diversity of the passengers grew over time, making it more hospitable to individuals from many ethnic groups, which inevitably led to a growth in the number of people having vacations on the water.

Cruise Offering For Everyone

As the cruise business expanded more quickly than ever before and ethnic diversity rose, cruise companies began offering services for persons with specific requirements. Since cruise companies offer more than just transportation, their recreational offerings must be appealing to virtually everyone, which brings us to the subject of food!

Related: Cruise With Confidence

The nicest elements of any travel are without a doubt the food and getting to know different cultures. Without question, cruises add to that experience.

The majority of cruise lines offer meals that are suitable for vegan, kosher, halal, and vegetarian diets. Everyone should be able to access special diets wherever, and cruise companies have assumed this responsibility to ensure this as well as a more enjoyable dining experience on cruise lines. The good news is halal food is now being served on many cruise ships, and some of them have even been certified.

Related: Insurance For Every Trip Type

Cruise Lines Offering Halal Food

Cruise lines must purchase specialized ingredients. They have a limited supply that can only be transported onboard in specific ports. So inform the travel agency or cruise line of your dietary restrictions as soon as you make your reservation. For most lines, food requests must be made 45 to 90 days in advance; get in touch with the line’s accessible travel department. Foods that are halal are becoming more accessible, so no one needs to restrict themselves while on vacation.

Below are the cruise lines that offer halal alternatives on the lunch and dinner menus:

Genting Dream Cruises (Depart From Singapore)

The new Genting Dream Cruise from Resorts World Cruises is the first cruise ship in the world to include a halal-certified kitchen. The first OIC/SMIIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation/ Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries) standard halal-friendly cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean International

Exclusively serves Halal meat on cruises leaving from Singapore and Dubai. Only the main dining area serves meat that is halal. They provide Halal meat, either beef (steak) or poultry, not Halal “meals.” Fill out the ‘special needs’ form to request halal meat 90 days before sailing.

Disney Cruise

For Halal meals, the request has to be submitted at least 5 weeks prior to the sail date. Dietary requests notated on your reservation will not be automatically applied at our quick-service meal locations or through in-room dining. Once on board the ship, please be sure to:

• Visit the onboard dining session that is available on the day of embarkation.
• Even if you mentioned it while making a reservation, please let the dining team know when placing an order at any of their dining locations.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises offer Halal meals on board all ships in its fleet, which represents Celebrity Cruises in the Middle East. The luxury cruise line has made special efforts to introduce Halal meals in the main dining room.

Departing Cruises From The Middle East

Halal food will be served in all cruise line dining outlets throughout the ship if departing from the Middle East.

Asia/Far East-Departing Cruises

Cruises departing from Far East Asia locations like Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia have halal food options. Please check with the cruise line in advance before booking.

Please Note: Although every effort has been made to provide complete and accurate information, halaltouring assumes no liability for any information error or takes responsibility for halal food served on cruises.

Related: Halal-Friendly Food On Cruise

Cruise Line That Serves Halal Food

Which Cruise Lines have Halal Food?

Cruise lines often offer a huge variety of different foods from across the world, but many are left wondering if cruise ships offer halal food. While halal food is a common request among many cruisers, it can be sometimes be difficult to find halal food on a cruise. Some cruise ships have halal food readily available while others require that halal food be requested in advance. Keep reading to find out which cruise ships have halal food, which cruise ships have readily available halal food, and which cruise ships require advanced notice for halal food!

Royal Caribbean Cruise Halal Food

Halal food is only readily available on Royal Caribbean cruises under certain circumstances. If you are sailing from Dubai or Singapore, you can find halal meat readily available on your Royal Caribbean cruise. The halal meats available on Royal Caribbean cruises sailing from Singapore or Dubai are often beef or chicken.

If you are sailing on Royal Caribbean from a port that is not Dubai or Singapore, you must request halal meats with a Special Needs form. This form should be filled out and submitted to Royal Caribbean at least 90 days before your cruise sets sail. The Special Needs form is the only way to request halal meals on Royal Caribbean if you are not sailing out of Singapore or Dubai!

Norwegian Cruise Halal Food

Unfortunately, you can not find halal food readily available on Norwegian Cruises. However, Norwegian Cruises does have a dietary needs policy where you may be able to request halal food. Although it is worth noting that the dietary needs policy on Norwegian Cruise Lines does not specifically mention halal foods. However, previous passengers have claimed that they have been accommodated with halal meats like veal and chicken. Norwegian Cruise Lines requires that Dietary Needs Forms be submitted at least 30 days before your cruise sets sail.

Looking for more dining options on your next cruise?

Carnival Cruise Halal Food

You can only find halal food on certain Carnival Cruises and only by request. While Carnival claims to accommodate a variety of different diets, halal food is not explicitly stated as being available on most Carnival Cruise ships. However, Carnival claims to offer assistance with dietary restrictions as long as you make arrangements with before your cruise sets sail.

While halal food is not explicitly stated as being available on Carnival Cruises ships, Carnival does offer a handy program to help you determine what food to eat. Carnival offers a program called Menu Mates that allows for guests to input your dietary needs and receive a curated list of foods that fit your criteria! You can just input your dietary needs, like say halal food or maybe an allergy, and you will see all of the foods available on board that satisfy your requirements!

Halal Food on Celebrity Cruise

Not only can you find halal food on your Celebrity Cruise, but Celebrity Cruises also hosts one of the largest selections of halal food on a cruise ship! You can enjoy halal food on every single Celebrity Cruise ship! However, halal meat must be pre-ordered the night before or before your cruise sets sail. Although Celebrity requires that you pre-order halal food, there is also often a large variety of traditionally Middle Eastern foods available, many of which are halal.

Disney Cruise Halal Food

Like with Norwegian Cruises, Disney Cruises do not have halal food readily available but you can request halal food. Halal food can be easily requested through the Disney Cruise website on the ‘My Reservations’ page under the ‘Already Booked’ tab by completing the ‘Special Requests’ application. Alternatively, you could also submit your request by phone. No matter how you make your request for halal food, you must make your request at least 5 weeks before your Disney Cruise starts.

Additionally, halal versions of meals available in the Main Dining Room must be requested the night before. Disney Cruises often assign 1 or 2 servers that will stick with you throughout your cruise, so they may be able to help you out in selecting halal offerings along the way.

Halal Food on MSC Cruise

Fitting with the trend of most other cruise lines in this article, you can order halal food on your next MSC Cruise only by request. To enjoy halal food on your next MSC Cruise, you must make a request with MSC at least 2 months before your cruise sets sail. MSC claims that any request made less than 30 days before your cruise starts may not be fulfilled, so make sure to get your request in early!

Halal meats offered on MSC Cruises are sourced from certified suppliers and kept separate from other meats on-board. However, all of the meals served on your cruise are prepared within the same kitchen. Halal food offerings on MSC Cruises often include dishes consisting of beef, lamb, or poultry.

While many of the major cruise lines do offer some form of halal food, it can take some planning to ensure that you are receiving the food you need. If halal food is a must for your next cruise, make sure to make arrangements before your cruise sets sail! While specific cruise lines like Royal Caribbean have halal food readily available when sailing out of ports like Singapore, the majority of cruise lines require that you make a special dietary request long before your cruise. Some cruise lines like Disney Cruises require your dietary request form 5 weeks before your cruise and Royal Caribbean requires your request for halal food 90 days before your cruise! If you know that you will require halal food for your next cruise, make sure to plan ahead!

Interested in Kosher Food? Check Out Kosher Offerings on Cruise Ships Here!

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Which Cruise Ship Has Halal Food?

By Alice Nichols

Cruising is a great way to explore the world, experience different cultures, and enjoy some of the most exotic locales. However, if you are Muslim and are looking for a cruise ship that offers Halal food options, you may have to do some research. Fortunately, there are several cruise lines that offer Halal food on their ships.

The most popular option for Muslims looking for Halal food on a cruise is Carnival Cruises. They have policies in place that ensure that all food served on their ships is Halal certified.

Additionally, all meals are prepared under the supervision of trained chefs who are knowledgeable about the dietary restrictions of passengers from different religious backgrounds.

Royal Caribbean is another cruise line that has made efforts to ensure that their passengers can enjoy Halal meals while on board. They offer a variety of international cuisine options, including Middle Eastern dishes prepared under strict supervision and in accordance with Islamic dietary laws.

Norwegian Cruise Line also has several ships equipped with Halal-certified kitchens and chefs who understand the needs of Muslim passengers. Additionally, they provide menus with vegetarian options as well as Halal meat dishes.

Cunard , which operates luxury cruises around the world, also offers a menu specifically tailored to meet the dietary needs of its Muslim passengers. This includes halal-certified meat dishes as well as vegetarian options.

Ultimately, there are many cruise lines out there that offer halal food options for their passengers, so it’s important to do your research before booking a trip to make sure you have the best experience possible.

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Dream Cruise vs Royal Caribbean: Which Is Your Perfect Cruise?

Siti Ayeeshah Zaki  •  Jun 07, 2023

The 2023 school holidays are just around the corner! Excitement and family time await. While some of you might not want to go overseas for your family fun time, you can still get a taste of travel with a cruise to nowhere. HHWT has discovered two amazing cruises you’ll love: Dream Cruise’s World Dream Cruise & Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of The Seas Cruise. Now all you have to do is pick the ship that suits your family most!

Cruises to nowhere: Dream Cruise or Royal Caribbean?

Dream cruises.

Sunbathe to the view of an endless ocean from a private balcony! With interconnecting room options, get easy access to your family members ? P.S. If you’re a family of 4, opt for 2 rooms instead of one. That way you don’t have to squeeze into a single cabin - and it’s almost the same price per person!

Credit: Klook

Alternatively, The Palace Suites has panoramic views of the sky and sea. You can enjoy these gorgeous sights from your own private balcony or queen sized bed! Stay in luxury with a 24-hour butler concierge service, walk-in closet, luxury bathroom with full bathtub and more.

Royal Caribbean

While Dream Cruises’ rooms sound delightful, wait till you see Royal Caribbean’s rooms. Royal Caribbean has an Interior and Oceanview Stateroom. They’re both furnished with two twin beds that convert to a Royal King, a private bathroom and a vanity area! Their Oceanview Stateroom faces the sea so you can gaze out into the sea any time you please.

Alternatively, cruise to nowhere in style with their Balcony Rooms and Suites. They come with a full bathroom and private balcony! If you’ve got a big family, however, try the Suites. With larger private balconies, a concierge service, in-room meals and dedicated entertainment seating, you’ll be travelling in absolute comfort! So which is best for your family? Well, if you’re looking for a simple stay, perhaps the Royal Caribbean is the one for you! Choose their staterooms to rest quietly and simply. However, if you’re travelling with your entire family and need more space, Dream World’s Palace Suites might be the better option ?

2. Halal Food

World Dream is home to 2 halal dining eateries! Their Dream Dining Room is home to menus that change daily, you’ll never be bored of the food ? They also have an extensive selection of beverages for you to quench your thirst after a full day of fun.

Fill your tummies at The Lido! This halal buffet is a day-long bonanza - serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. With delicious international cuisines and dozens of sweet treats, The Lido is perfect for the ever-hungry. While the eatery is not halal-certified because they serve alcohol, the buffet uses halal ingredients and is incredibly Muslim-friendly. You can also enjoy amazing food at the designated Halal & Vegetarian Section which will provide you with a variety of dining options! ?P.S. The Halal section is prepared by Muslim staff. Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas has halal options, too. Offering halal meats only on Singapore cruises to nowhere, you’re in luck! Their world-class main dining room has a calming ambience and amazing food. Plus, requests for halal meat can be submitted 90 days before sailing off! Don’t worry about missing out on delicious dishes with their halal meat option ? With such amazing halal options from both cruises, any foodie family might have a hard time deciding! If you have young kids, go for the Dream Cruise! Satisfy your childrens’ appetites thanks to the buffet line ?️ However if you’re looking for set meals, Royal Caribbean is for you. Order their halal meats 90 days in advance and you won’t have to worry about buffet queues during the trip. Just relax and enjoy as food is served!

3. Length of Trip

Dream Cruises’ cruises to nowhere from Singapore last 2-3 nights per sail. This is just enough time for you to enjoy the amazing amenities and food available!

With the 3-night sail, you’ll get 2 full days onboard for you to truly relax. That’ll also give you more than enough time to settle in and spend time with family!

Royal Caribbean’s cruises however are 3-4 nights long per sail! These trips will provide you with more time to try everything out with your family. Fully enjoy your trip with a longer getaway from the stresses of everyday life ?

P.S. If you’re looking for the cheapest way to spend those 3-4 nights on Royal Caribbean, you’re in luck. Klook’s got the cheapest package for you right here from just $603 nett!

4. Activities & Amenities

This might just be the most important part! World Dream is home to dozens of fun activities for everyone! Kids can try out the Esc EXPERIENCE Lab where they can immerse themselves in different virtual reality experiences. They could ride a rollercoaster or find their way through a maze, all while never leaving the ship!

World Dream also provides complimentary, family-friendly activities like their Rope Course, Waterslide Park, and Arcade ? Check out more of their complimentary, family-friendly activities here!

Your family can enjoy this amazing experience for just $265 on Klook ! P.S. If you book with Klook, you’ll get almost instant confirmation plus a free FnB voucher ?

Not a fan of adrenaline rushes? Quantum of the Seas’ has activities for the calmer! Experience the sky and magnificent views with the North Star. From 90 metres above the sea, your family can enjoy 360-degree views of the ocean and the horizon. If heights are not your thing, head for the ‘Ahh-Inspiring In Any Light’ event which features aerialists, robots and more!

Kids may enjoy the exciting, complimentary activities Royal Caribbean has onboard! Jump into a Bumper Car, Surf with the FlowRider, or check out their Seaplex activities which offer XBox Stations and a full-sized basketball court.

Check out more of Royal Carribean’s amazing activities here! There’s definitely a little something for everyone on both cruises. If your family is excited for more outdoor activities, Dream Cruises would be perfect. However, if you’re looking for something calmer, Royal Caribbean would definitely be more suitable ?

So which cruise is best for your family?

While both cruises are different, each definitely has a whole lot of amazing experiences! If your family is a little more adventurous, you might want to opt for Dream Cruises. With exciting activities and sea-view rooms, you’ll definitely get your dose of excitement. Dream Cruise also has an added bonus of providing more Muslim-friendly services! While both cruises have halal food, Dream Cruise has more halal food options. You can also book a private time slot in their jacuzzi, request for prayer mats, and more ? Looking forward to something calmer? Perhaps Royal Caribbean might be best. With shows and sightseeing, your family and you will be awe-struck and captivated by the views! Plus, their Seaplex activities would be perfect for any indoor kid!

P.S. Here’s a #HHWT Tip: Get cheaper options with Klook! Opt for a short 2-night stay at just $265 on Dream Cruises here!

With amazing prices, activities, rooms and food, now all you have to do is pick a suitable cruise and head off for your family fun time!

This article was brought to you by Klook.

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Which Cruise Line Offer Halal Food

Several cruise lines globally are committed to catering to the diverse dietary needs and preferences of their passengers, including those adhering to Islamic dietary laws. These cruise lines offer halal food options, ensuring that Muslim passengers can enjoy their trip without compromising their dietary restrictions.

So, a question about “ Can you get halal food on a cruise ship ?” shouldn’t be a big issue. Services vary, with some cruise lines offering halal-certified meals, while others prepare meals in accordance with halal practices upon request.

Which cruise line offer halal food?

Many Muslim travelers often wonder which cruise lines offer halal food, which is food prepared according to Islamic law, as defined in the Quran. This is important to ensure they can adhere to their dietary restrictions while enjoying their vacations.

Here is a list of the cruise line we have researched offering halal food.

Please note it’s always best to contact the cruise line directly well in advance of your trip to request a halal meal.

Does Celebrity Cruises offer halal food?

Yes, Celebrity Cruises offer halal meals on board all ships in its fleet, which represents Celebrity Cruises in the Middle East. Celebrity Cruises is committed to accommodating the dietary needs of its guests by offering halal. The luxury cruise line has taken special measures to ensure the availability of Halal meals in the main dining room.

Does Princess Cruises cater to halal dietary requirements?

Yes, Princess Cruises, specifically Sydney Princess, is capable of catering to various dietary requirements, including halal. They kindly request that guests inform them of any dietary needs at the time of booking and at least two weeks prior to the cruise departure date.

Is there halal food on Genting Dream Cruises?

Genting Dream Cruises, a subsidiary of Resorts World Cruises, is the first cruise line worldwide to feature a halal-certified kitchen. Departing from Singapore, this innovative cruise ship meets the halal-friendly standards set by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC).

Does Royal Caribbean Cruises provide halal food options?

Royal Caribbean Cruises exclusively serves halal meat on cruises departing from Singapore and Dubai. However, only the main dining area offers halal meat options, which include beef (steak) and poultry. Guests wishing to avail of these options are advised to fill out the ‘special needs’ form requesting halal meat 90 days before their cruise departure.

Does Disney Cruises offer halal meals?

Disney Cruises can cater to halal dietary requirements, provided the request is made at least five weeks before the sail date. Please note that dietary requests indicated on the reservation will not automatically apply at quick-service meal locations or for in-room dining. Once aboard the ship, guests are advised to visit the onboard dining session available on the day of embarkation and remind the dining team of their requirements when placing an order at any dining location, even if previously mentioned during the reservation process.

Why it is important to ask halal food on cruise line?

Asking for halal food on a cruise line is important for Muslim passengers due to religious reasons. Halal food is prepared according to Islamic law, and is free from any components that Muslims are prohibited from consuming according to Sharia law. This includes pork or pork by-products, animals that were dead prior to slaughtering, animals not slaughtered properly or not slaughtered in the name of Allah.

By requesting halal food, Muslim passengers can ensure they are adhering to their religious dietary requirements while traveling. Moreover, it helps to enhance their overall travel experience as they can enjoy their meals without the worry of violating their faith.

In addition, it’s not only about the type of food, but also the way it’s prepared. The utensils used for preparing halal food must be cleansed according to the specific Islamic procedure, and cannot be mixed with those used for non-halal food.

Lastly, asking for halal food can also prompt cruise lines to consider the diverse needs of their passengers and potentially expand their food offerings, making their services more inclusive and considerate.

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The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Admit it – you think of cruises as floating smorgasbords, bastions of gluttony with all-you-can-eat lobster tails and molten chocolate cake served 24/7. You imagine onboard restaurants as an overcrowded, at-sea outpost of Golden Corral or perhaps a formal banquet hall straight out of the Titanic movie.

Clearly, you haven't been on a cruise in a long time.

It's true that a day aboard a cruise ship can revolve around food. Three days into a sailing, I start getting that feeling where I wake up stuffed from the night before and also hungry for breakfast.

My personal pledge to eat only eggs for breakfast, salads for lunch and skip dessert at dinner usually falls apart quickly, as I can't keep away from the sugar-laden dessert tables, always-available pizza and cheese-heavy entrees.

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Yet a modern-day cruise ship is more akin to your local downtown, with multiple restaurant choices and a range of cuisines on offer. You can find healthy or vegetarian food, ethnic options and everything from fast-food burgers to upscale molecular gastronomy dishes. Meals can be quick or lengthy, formal or casual.

The choice can be overwhelming for a new cruiser – as can the complicated rules around who can eat where and when, while wearing what. Even if you don't live for food, you'll want to peruse this guide to cruise ship food and dining to get the lay of culinary land before your next sailing.

Is food included on a cruise?

You do not have to pay for food on a cruise – but you might want to.

Unless you're sailing on an all-inclusive luxury cruise ship , you'll find two types of restaurants on board a cruise ship: free venues and extra-charge, specialty restaurants.

The included dining venues are typically the main dining room or rooms, large banquet-style spaces that serve sit-down dinner off a wide-ranging menu. On some ships, you will be assigned to a specific main dining room; other ships, such as Norwegian Cruise Line' s fleet, will offer a couple and you can choose which one to go to on any given evening. Smaller vessels may only have one main dining room on board.

The other standard included option is the buffet , typically located near the pool. The buffet will offer multiple themed stations (salad bar, carvery, deli, pasta station, dessert bar, etc.) and will either be self-serve or have crew ready to portion out food from large serving dishes for you. Once you've filled a plate, you find your own table, either indoors or sometimes outside. You can go back for seconds, thirds, fourths until you're full.

Other included cruise food options will vary by ship and cruise line. Many have poolside grills serving burgers and hot dogs. Some will have casual cafes and complimentary pizza, Mexican, Asian, fried chicken and barbecue restaurants or food counters.

Some cruise lines – such as Royal Caribbean , Celebrity Cruises and Holland America – have special restaurants reserved for VIP guests, usually a mix of passengers in the top suites and the most frequent cruisers on that line. These dining venues are included in the cost of the cruise yet may require reservations for dinner.

Related: What's included in your cruise fare?

What is specialty dining on a cruise?

Specialty dining is the cruise industry name for onboard restaurants you have to pay for. Some charge a flat cover charge to dine there; others price dishes a la carte, as you'd find in most land-based eateries.

These extra-fee cruise ship restaurants cover a wide variety of cuisines and styles. You might find a family-style Italian trattoria, group dining at a teppanyaki grill or a French bistro perfect for date night. Steakhouses are common, though they can have American, Brazilian or Italian influences. Sushi and Asian-fusion restaurants are popular, as are broader seafood venues, both upscale and lobster shack-style.

Royal Caribbean has a new southern comfort food restaurant , and its molecular gastronomy venue, Wonderland, is definitely something different. Carnival partners with Emeril Lagasse to offer a New Orleans-themed Creole restaurant.

If you're an uber-foodie, you'll want to look for intimate Chef's Table dining events for a gourmet meal paired with wine, personally planned by one of the onboard chefs.

For specialty restaurants, you'll want to make reservations in advance, though walk-ins are allowed if tables are available. Try to book your favorite eateries online in advance of your sailing; if not, make it a priority to get dining times lined up as soon as you can on your first day on board.

Related: The 7 best meals you can have at sea

What is open dining vs. set seating on a cruise?

When you book many big-ship cruises, you'll be asked to choose early seating, late seating, or flexible or anytime dining. What does this mean?

Lines like Carnival Cruise Line , Royal Caribbean, Holland America and Princess manage the flow of passengers in and out of their main dining rooms by assigning cruisers to specific dining rooms and times.

Passengers who choose set-seating dining will opt for an early dinner (usually around 5:30 or 6 p.m.) or late dinner (between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.). They will be assigned a specific table and have the same waiters every night. A table might be one four-person family or it might be a mix of unrelated singles, couples and groups gathered at a 10-person table. Desirable two-tops can be hard to come by.

Because not everyone wants to eat at the same time and with the same people every night, cruise lines reserve a number of slots for a flexible dining option. You might see these referred to as "My Time Dining" or "Anytime Dining." Guests who choose this option can show up at the main dining room for dinner anytime during designated open hours (typically 5:30 to 9 p.m.).

The catch is you might have to wait for a table, and you might not be able to get the table size you want at the time you want. You might score a two-top on one night and have to eat at a group table the next or wait an hour to be seated. On the other hand, if you make friends on board who also chose the flexible dining option, it's easy to meet up for dinner.

Several lines have done away with the assigned dining concept, most notably luxury lines such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea and Seabourn , but also brands such as Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages . The ships in these lines offer multiple onboard dining venues where you either make a reservation or try your luck as a walk-in, as you would at any land-based restaurants. Most will have one main dining room venue that is larger and does not require reservations or extra fees to eat there.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Is food available around the clock?

You might be thinking that, with so much for breakfast, lunch and dinner, why would you want to eat at any other time? I can think of several reasons.

On sea days, it's blissful to sleep in and have a late breakfast, which then bumps your midday meal to an odd time. My kids are always hungry for mid-morning or afternoon snacks, or post-kids club/pre-bedtime treats. Late-returning shore excursions can mess up your meal schedule – and sometimes you just need that 1 a.m. pizza after a night of dancing or bar hopping.

So, yes, cruise ships offer food around the clock, though the options at off hours can be limited.

Most ships have a 24-hour dining option, typically pizza or a cafe with premade items like cookies and mini sandwiches. Breakfast options can often run from 6 a.m. to 11 or 11:30 a.m., with full breakfast offered at typical dining times and continental selections offered early and late. Some lines also do a sea-day brunch to accommodate your lazy morning.

Mid-afternoon is often a tricky time for snacks. Some lines run an afternoon tea with petit fours and crustless sandwiches, or have a deli or burger counter open from late morning until early evening. Look for cafe venues that might have some fruit or something a tad less greasy. The self-serve ice cream and frozen yogurt stations are often available all day long.

The buffet usually closes around 9 or 10 p.m., though some lines might offer a limited selection of fried, late-night favorites for the party crowd.

Many all-day options are free of charge, but some, like Royal Caribbean's Playmakers Sports Bar, charge for food.

Is there room service?

Yes, cruise ships offer room service, and that's another 24/7 dining option for hungry travelers.

Historically, room service was free – an amazing perk of cruising, compared to hotels. But after years of cruise ship hallways cluttered with trays of half-eaten cheeseburgers at 3 a.m., the cruise lines decided to take a different stance.

Now, most lines offer a complimentary continental room service breakfast. Depending on the line, all orders outside of breakfast will come with a per-order charge, or the room service menu will have a mix of complimentary and extra-fee dishes. Some lines include hot breakfast, while others charge for eggs and pancakes delivered to your cabin.

All-day in-cabin dining menus will offer a limited selection of salads, sandwiches, hot entrees, desserts and kid favorites. At peak dining hours, you might have to wait up to an hour for your order to be delivered.

Consider tipping your room service delivery person a dollar or two to say thanks for not making you walk a few flights over to the buffet or all-night pizzeria.

Related: 11 extra charges on cruise ships that will drive you nuts — and what to do about them

Do solo travelers have to dine alone?

No. Solo travelers have many options to meet others and break bread with their shipmates.

Singles who choose early or late seating will be put at a shared table with other solo travelers or families so they don't have to worry about dining alone. Request a larger table to get a larger social circle.

If you prefer flexible dining, ask to be seated at a group table when you approach the hostess stand.

Some cruise lines will offer hosted tables for solo travelers, especially on luxury lines where dining is always flexible. These lines may even employ gentleman hosts to guide the conversation and make sure everyone feels welcome and included. Inquire with guest services or the maitre d' and they can get you sorted.

Sometimes single traveler meetups will be held during pre-dinner cocktails, with the idea that travelers can head to the buffet or another onboard eatery for dinner together afterward.

Solo cruisers can also take the initiative and invite fellow cruisers they meet at trivia or on a tour to join them for dinner at a specialty venue or fast-casual dining spot.

Can cruise ship restaurants accommodate my kids?

Yes. Cruising is a family vacation , and onboard restaurants know all about your child and her love affair with chicken nuggets.

With the exception of a handful of cruise lines that don't allow children on board, such as Viking , nearly all cruise lines will offer kids menus with all the greatest hits: chicken tenders, pasta, burgers, hot dogs, and sometimes grilled chicken or a small steak. Kiddos can start with fruit plates or chicken noodle soup and end with ice cream sundaes or chocolate cake. They can also order off the adult menu, or switch back and forth.

Some cruise lines will have pureed baby food on hand ( Disney Cruise Line will puree it for you), but don't assume it's available. Check with your cruise line before booking.

Ships will have high chairs and booster seats on hand in all dining venues.

One handy tip: If you've got a picky little eater, save mini boxes of cereal, yogurt cups and muffins from the breakfast buffet to keep on hand for snacks later in the day. Sometimes it's hard to find peanut butter and jelly at lunch, so I've been known to make sandwiches in the morning to serve up at noon.

Can you bring food on or take food off of a cruise ship?

I might be the only person to cruise with Zip-loc bags full of snacks…but I bet I'm in good company.

Cruise lines allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of packaged food on board, and I'm all about stocking up on protein bars and snack bags of pretzels or trail mix to avoid hangry meltdowns (of kids and adults) on shore excursions or before a late dinner.

If you have a dietary restriction, you might have a greater need to bring along snacks you know are safe to eat.

When it comes to taking food off of a cruise ship, it's up to each port to decide. In general, it's not OK to bring fresh fruit or meat off a ship. I have, however, smuggled my share of pastries and peanut butter sandwiches off ships to eat when I'm feeling too cheap to buy food in port, and no one has ever complained. It's also perfectly fine to pack your pre-packaged snacks in your day pack – and bring back local chocolates, rum cakes, hot sauces and other packaged, edible souvenirs when you return.

Will a cruise ship accommodate my food allergies and dietary restrictions?

Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, lactose or gluten intolerant, low-carb, low-salt, kosher or allergic to certain food items, cruise lines can generally accommodate your dietary needs.

As someone who does not eat meat or shellfish, I've had no problem feeding myself with the available menu items on board. Some cruise lines will put icons on their menus next to vegetarian or gluten-free items, but it's hit or miss across the industry. You can always ask the waiters to find out if a dish contains ingredients you can't eat, and in specialty restaurants, the chef can often create a dish to accommodate your dietary restrictions if there's not an obvious choice on the menu.

If you require specific food items on board (dairy-free milk, gluten-free bread, kosher meat, etc.) or have severe allergies, you or your travel agent should always contact your cruise line's accessibility department ahead of the cruise to inform the ship about your dietary restrictions. This allows the cruise line to ensure the ship is provisioned with special food items and flags you in the system for the restaurant staff.

On the first day of the cruise, be sure to meet with the maitre d' or other designated food and beverage officer to introduce yourself and discuss dining options. On some lines, you'll get the dinner menu in advance to mark with the items you prefer so the galley can prepare your food to your specifications. At the buffet, a crew member may be assigned to show you which items should be avoided.

In general, however, cruisers with severe allergies or strict restrictions will do better in a sit-down restaurant than a buffet, which has a higher risk for cross-contamination.

Passengers who keep kosher can get kosher meals at no extra charge, but they will be pre-packaged, rather than made from scratch in the ship's galleys. The exception is specific kosher charters, where rabbis will come on board and ritually clean a section of the ship's galley. Halal food is not that common and lines like Royal Caribbean, which do carry it, only do so on select itineraries.

Do I need to dress up for dinner?

Cruise line dress codes have come a long way since the Titanic. You will never have to don a gown or tuxedo to eat dinner on a modern-day cruise ship.

That said, most cruise lines have some kind of evening dress code . Most nights are a dressier version of casual, with shorts and ratty T-shirts banned but jeans allowed. (Though if you're sailing a luxury cruise line, expect a dressier crowd and no jeans in the main restaurant.)

One or two nights will be designated for fancier dress; think wedding guest attire such as cocktail dresses and jacket for men. On big-ship lines, these are usually optional, and you can always escape the dress code by going to the buffet.

Some specialty restaurants will have a dress code distinct from the main ship one, so check if you plan on heading to the more expensive, upscale eateries on board.

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Eat Your Way Through 65 Countries on This Around-the-World Cruise

Guests aboard Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise can dine on all seven continents.

James D. Morgan / Getty Images

Royal Caribbean is ready to set sail … and keep on going. 

In 2021, the famed cruise company announced its plans to embark on a round-the-world journey with its Ultimate World Cruise , allowing guests to explore (and dine) on all seven continents across its 274-night sailing. 

Guests have the option to either book the entire trip or go on one of four segments, each consisting of more than 60 days. The first segment, the Ultimate Americas Cruise , sets off this December 10 to February 11 and will travel from Miami and hug the entire South American coastline, touching Antarctica along the way. Next, from February 11 to May 9, guests can join the Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise , which sails from Los Angeles to Hawaii, French Polynesia to New Zealand, and then on to Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and China before ending in Japan.

“You can spend 274 nights bonding with like-minded explorers over global discoveries across all seven continents,” the cruise company wrote on its website. “Connect with countless distinct cultures, soak up the most spectacular landscapes on Earth, and marvel at World Wonders that showcase mankind’s boundless imagination.”

Related : This Private Jet Tour Takes You on a 24-Day Trip Around the World  

For the second half of the sailing, guests can join the Ultimate Middle East and Mediterranean Cruise , which stops in destinations like Dubai, Oman, Egypt, Israel, Greece, Turkey, and Italy. And finally, the last leg, the Ultimate Europe and Beyond Cruise , will take travelers to Spain, Portugal, Ireland, France, Germany, Sweden, and beyond, before ending back in Miami on September 10, 2024. 

On the entire route, guests will have access to spectacular onboard dining options across 18 bars and restaurants, including snagging a spot at Chef’s Table, a five-course dining experience with expertly paired wines, or at Far East, a concept featuring fresh sushi. There’s also Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, a Royal Caribbean favorite serving pasta and hand-tossed pizzas.

Travelers on all or just parts of the journey can indulge in local flavors too, including food-favorite destinations like Costa Rica , where visitors can sip on coffee grown at the 640-acre Arabica coffee farm Espiritu Santo in the mountain town of Naranjo and try local wines at Mexico Ensenada Vineyard Valley .

Related : T he Best Things to Eat and Drink on Disney's First New Cruise Ship in a Decade

Further on the trip, guests can grab a sweet shave ice in the Hawaiian islands; snag poisson cru, a ceviche made with ahi tuna in coconut milk and lime juice, in Tahiti ; try a whole roasted pig (known locally as Babi Guling) in Bali ; dig into sfougato and fried tomato keftedes fritters in the Greek Island ; and, of course, savor a Neapolitan-style pizza (or two) in Naples, and so much more.

There’s still time to get on board with this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Learn more about the cruise, and all its stops, here

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How does Royal Caribbean accommodate guests with special dietary requirements or gluten and other food allergies? Can I keep Kosher when sailing on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

We make every effort to accommodate our guests' dietary requirements whenever possible.

We can accommodate dietary needs such as: Food allergies, Gluten-free, Kosher, Low-fat, and Low-sodium.

A variety of vegetarian Meals are available on all menus in the Main Dining Room and Windjammer Cafe every day. Guests do not need to make a special request for these meals.

Lactose-free/soy milk, ensure, and kosher meals are available at no extra charge. All you have to do is notify us at least 45 days prior to sailing (90 days for European/South American Itineraries).

Vegan menus are available upon request at the Main Dining Room. 

Kosher for Passover meal requests MUST be received 90 days in advance in order to be accommodated. Contact your travel advisor or Certified Vacation Planner and request that the remark be noted in your reservation details. If you made your reservation online at royalcaribbean.com you may add your request to the "update personal information." section.

You may also send an e-mail request to [email protected]; please include in the e-mail the guests' names, booking number, ship name and sail date. E-mails will receive an automated response. We kindly ask that guests do not call Royal Caribbean International suppliers with specific questions.

Special meal requests that are received less than 45 days of sailing (90 days for European/Asian itineraries) are dependent on the ship's product availability. We will try to accommodate to the best of our ability.

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Russian River Cruises

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

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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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