I am still planning to go on a river cruise from St Petersburg tu Moscow in August of this year.

I would love to hear from anyone who has been on a river cruise anywhere in Europe.

How do people dress for meals on board - is it smart or casual and what is the food like ? I am just very curious .

Any comment on optionals anywhere in Russia ?

Thanks

Leonie

Leonieb,
\ I have been on three river boat cruises and have thoroughly enjoyed them for the following reasons;
1. Only have to unpack once
2. Most all meals are included, many with wine
3. The river boats have beautiful accomodations
4. Smaller groups on the boat- usually under 140 passengers

Two of my river cruises were in Europe - one from Vienna to Amsterdam and the other from Basel to Antwerp. The third was a five day cruise on China's Yangze. My husband and I love river boat cruising and it would take a lot to get us again, and we have done quite a few of the ocean cruises, on the huge mega liners where you are one of thousands of passengers. Last ocean cruise was through the Panama Canal in January 2006 - on a relatively small ship which carried only 600 passengers - in the Cayman Islands there were seven huge mega liners in port the day we were there. Think Times Square on New years Eve. It was dreadfully crowded and not at all enjoyable. Keep in mind too that we travel in the off season - usually November - because it is cheaper and there are fewer tourists around.
So for us river boats are the way to go - next river boat cruise is from Constanza (on the Black Sea) to Budapest - a short cruise of only seven days.

Welcome back, leonieb, long time no see.
Keep talking, Judy, I'd love to go on one of the river cruises for much the same reasons that you mention. The other thing why it is so attractive for us is the fact, that you can choose to be busy and take a bus excursion to the surrounding areas and towns, while the boat gently cruises carrying all your luggage. Or you just relax and let the river carry you while you enjoy the scenery, glass of local vino in the hand. I am afraid, you just can't do that on a bus tour.
I was thinking of the Danube cruises in the past weeks with Danube affected so much by the flooding. I wonder if they cancelled some the cruises on the lower part of it, Budapest to the Black Sea. The Danube was flooded in its upper reaches but nowhere near as much as down river. Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria reported the level was a 111years' high.

Leonieb, as indicated in an earlier reply - we went on the Russian River Cruise with Peter the Great Tours; however, on now looking over the Trafalgar River Cruises - I believe this is probably the same cruise - even the name sounds familiar - at least the ship looks identical - we were on the main deck just down from the registration desk across from the exercise and ironing room - have absolutely no complaints except for the occasional tight time-line for side trips. We went the St. Petersburg - Moscow route and as I said we wished we had taken a 2 night extra at a hotel in Moscow before returning home. Highly recommend this river cruise

Optionals - we took the night trip in St. Petersburg and Moscow - see many of the same sights but different at night - photography - actually we took most of the side trips - lots - lots of churches - Moscow at night is an eyeopener - BIKERS by the 100's at the lookout point - can't beat the convenience of no luggage for 16 days - arrival can be the pits at customs - they are not ready for so many tourists - attitude - dress is casual - or slightly dressier for Captains dinner but really not necessary - if you go - find the 7/11 type variety grocery store at the subway stop across the railroad tracks - beer/wine/milk/whatever you want for the week in your rooom - you have a small fridge - cheaper than at the bar and they don't mind
as you cross the railroad tracks go to the street towards the curve in the road and take the road to the right - difficult to distinguish it as a variety store - part of a tall apartment looking building - they have everything there

Thanks Klimpt !

I also replied on your other posts ...

I really do appreciate your comments !

Leonie.

PS. Only 22 sleeps to go ...