River cruises by boat are extremely popular among the older generation. People over the age of 40 are happy to buy vouchers along the "Golden Ring of Russia" or on the route to Astrakhan.
Literally 25 years ago, motor ships carried out constant voyages, both long-distance and at crossings. What has become of modern motor ships? Is it profitable to buy a ticket and what do you need to take with you on board?
Whether vacation on a motor ship is profitable is a controversial issue. Of course, due to the crisis, many shipowners make discounts and carry out all kinds of promotions. But, having counted the total cost for the trip, excursions, purchases at stopping points, purchases on the ship itself (in a bar or cafe), other expenses - quite a good, if not a significant amount comes up. This is due to the increase in fuel prices and maintenance of the ship.
Many ships belong to the old building, which means they require maintenance. The crew on passenger ships is also not small. 20 people only the deck crew, but there is also a restaurant and animators, hairdressers, tour guides and a cruise director (who, in turn, also has a person under his command) - they need to be paid a salary.
Deteriorating navigation conditions also contributed to the narrowing of the navigation area. Which forces either to look for new and new cities for intermediate stops on four-day flights, or to raise prices for existing tours. That makes rest on the ship today a very unprofitable event.
However, if, nevertheless, the voucher was bought from a tour operator, you should take care of collecting your luggage and all the necessary things. Collecting a huge bag is completely optional. It is enough to take a pair of warm clothes, including trousers or jeans. Shoes with flat soles, rubber is better. And accordingly, light summer suits, dresses, other clothes. Towels, hygiene appliances and soap, shampoo are also on the list of essentials.
Having arrived on the ship and settled in the cabin, you need to immediately check the location of the life jackets and their complete set - according to the number of people. Familiarize yourself, at least visually, with the deck plan and the location of the lifeboats. Nowadays, accidents on board are extremely rare. A fire, flood or shipwreck is something out of the ordinary. After the "Bulgaria" and the level of training of the crew, and the condition of the ships improved several times. However, vigilance is not superfluous. River or land transport has always been a place of hanging danger. And you can rest in comfort only if you are fully convinced of your safety.
