The word "cruise" for many travelers is associated with huge ocean liners sailing from one tropical island to another. However, there is another type of cruise, almost as popular among tourists - a river cruise. The ships that make such cruises are usually much smaller than the giants that ply the expanses of the sea and oceans. They are better adapted to traveling along rivers, from one interesting sight (or city) to another. Review of the best river cruises world:

Cruise on the Duero River

The banks of the Duero River are not as famous or as popular among tourists as some of the other "cruise" destinations in Europe, but this is not at all because they are not worthy of attention. The route of a wonderful, albeit not very long, cruise passes through and past picturesque vineyards and medieval villages. This option is a good choice for those who like to travel away from the "tourist mainstream". River cruises usually start in the Portuguese city of Porto, at the mouth of the Duero (Douro) River, and include stops on the shore with excursions to local vineyards, castles and churches.

Mississippi river cruise

The Mississippi River is the fourth longest in the world. It flows through the very heart of America, and on its banks you can see some of the most picturesque natural landscapes in the country. Many ships cruising the Mississippi are styled after vintage paddle steamers, thanks to which many tourists get the feeling that they are traveling in time to the past, when life was more leisurely and measured. Depending on the itinerary of a particular cruise ship, stops may be made in various towns and cities, including St. Louis and Louisville. Excursions during the tour also depend on the route. The excursion program may include visits to plantations and trips to historical sites associated with the battle for New Orleans. The duration of river trips also varies, ranging from a few hours to three-week (or even longer) tours.

River cruise in the Indian state of Kerala

Travelers who want to get closer to the beauty and charm can book a tour of Kerala with a river cruise. Floating along the numerous channels and charming lakes of the region, passengers of small cruise ships can easily feel how they live locals. As a result of the mixing of fresh river water and water coming from the Arabian Sea, a unique ecosystem has formed in the state of Kerala. There are several types of boats at the disposal of travelers, including the famous traditional boats "ketuwalam" (owners hire local rowers) and thatched boats equipped with motors.

River cruise on the Volga

The Volga is the longest river in Europe. Many consider her national river Russia. Depending on the tour, during a cruise along the Volga, you can visit St. Petersburg and Moscow, or take a trip to the cities of the Golden Ring. Going down the Volga, tourists get a unique opportunity to compare contemporary Russia with what it was many centuries ago. IN excursion program cruise (also depends on the chosen tour) may include trips to the ballet and the circus or visits to the palaces of Peterhof.

Rhine river cruise

Rhine cruises are one of the most popular river cruises in Europe. And this is not surprising, because the Rhine flows through the territory of several countries, each of which, in turn, is popular among tourists. Among these countries, and. Many people believe that the most beautiful Rhine landscapes are located in Germany, between Koblenz and Bingen am Rhein. There are many sights on this site, including the famous medieval castles, famous vineyards and picturesque towns, looking at which you get the feeling that you have stepped into the pages of a fairy tale book. Among the Rhine river cruises offered by tour operators, there are both very short, literally half a day, and longer ones, the duration of which reaches eleven days or more.

Mekong river cruise

The Mekong River flows through Burma, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. During a cruise on the Mekong, you will find an interesting "mix" of modern cities and "floating villages" that have not changed in recent centuries. Depending on the itinerary, the cruise may include visits to amazing sights such as the temple complex of Angkor Wat in Cambodia or the "floating villages" and lively markets in the Mekong Delta (southern Vietnam). Cruises on the Mekong River are one of the better ways get to know better Southeast Asia.

River Cruise on the Danube

For many, a cruise on the Danube has already become a dream come true. The Danube, the second longest river in Europe, flows through the territory of nine states: Germany, and Ukraine. Depending on the tour, the trip can last from one day to a week or more. During this time, cruise ship passengers can see medieval castles and impressive fortresses, as well as some of Europe's most beautiful cities. For example, the program of some tours includes stops in the Hungarian Budapest, the Austrian Vienna and the Slovak Bratislava.

Yangtze river cruise

The Yangtze is the third longest river in the world and the longest river in Asia. Its channel passes close to many interesting and world-famous Chinese attractions, including the famous "Three Gorges" (Qutang, Wu and Xiling Gorges). While traveling along the Yangtze, cruise ship passengers are given the opportunity to see some of the most picturesque landscapes in the region and take part in excursions to interesting places on the coast, such as ancient temples and ancient "ghost towns". The Yangtze and its environs are also home to a significant number of critically endangered plant and animal species. On the river itself, these include, first of all, Chinese alligators and river dolphins. The duration of cruises is, as a rule, from four to thirteen days.

Amazon river cruise

Wild and practically unspoiled by human civilization, the Amazon River has attracted the attention of travelers for centuries. This "water artery" allowed the explorers of the past to penetrate into the most remote corners of the dense tropical jungle, which are almost impossible to reach by land. In those days, only the most daring and desperate dared to go on such journeys, but, fortunately, today it has become much easier to follow in their footsteps. There are many cruise ships on the Amazon River. Accommodations on board range from the most modest to the most luxurious. The walls of the cabins of some ships are made almost entirely of glass so that travelers can admire the beauties of nature without leaving the air-conditioned room on deck. The Amazon River flows through eight countries South America. The routes of larger vessels are limited by the section of the channel between the Brazilian ports of Manaus and Belem. Small boats and boats go much further, often reaching the Peruvian city of Iquitos lost in the jungle and making stops in the little-studied areas of the Peruvian Amazon.

Nile river cruise

It makes sense to go on a manual cruise on the Nile, if only because the Egyptian civilization was born and grew on the banks of this river. Not surprisingly, there are so many historical sites in the immediate vicinity of the river, including the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. With over 400 cruise ships on the Nile, travelers have plenty to choose from. Some ships even have swimming pools, sun decks and spas. Meals and some excursions are usually included in the price of the tour. On average, cruises on the Nile last from three to seven days. The most popular area is between

Mark Twain named wheeled steamships floating down the mighty Mississippi River like "floating wedding cakes". At the end of the 20th century, a ship appeared, which became the largest wheeled steamer in the history of shipbuilding. Although it is carefully hidden, but vessel literally full of surprises river cruise. This modern steamer whose roots are hidden in the past. 150 years after dawn steamships on the Mississippi River, american queen” gives its passengers a unique vision of the world.

river steamer was built in 1995 at the shipyard " McDermott» State of Louisiana and cost the owners $65 million. When launching on a beautiful ship, not a traditional bottle of champagne was broken, but a large bottle of Tabasco sauce - the pride of the state. Cruise river ship listed in the Guinness Book of Records the largest paddle steamer in the world.

Several designers worked on its construction and were inspired by steamships early buildings: Mayflower», « J.M. White», « republica», « Southland"and some of their details were implemented on" american queen". Designed by the firm Rodni and Co» known for its floating casinos.

On the river boat real steam engine. It was removed from the old steamer and equipped with upgrades. Now this design allows you to double the power due to the incoming steam from the boiler and double action on one wheel shaft with two pistons. The steam enters two low-pressure cylinders, then cools down and enters the boiler again. The paddle wheel is made of wood. If it stumbles upon a rock or a can, it will break and this part can be replaced, but if this were not the case, the case would lead to a malfunction of the entire mechanism, which is quite expensive, and maybe even to an explosion of a steam boiler.

Although technology steam engine« american queen»for almost two centuries, the auxiliary mechanisms on it are from the 21st century. In addition to the paddle wheel under the bottom ship there are three steering propellers with four-bladed propellers. They can rotate around their own axis. This makes the ship very maneuverable, which is very important when moving through the narrowness of the river. They provide 60 percent of the ship's power. Naturally, if the river steamer« american queen” tried to move himself from his place with one paddle wheel, he would forever remain at the pier as a floating hotel.

Cruise river steamer "American Queen"

photo and interior

paddle wheel of the river steamer "American Queen"

diagram of the decks of the river steamer "American Queen"

on the deck of the cruise river steamer "American Queen"

interior of the river steamer "American Queen"

on a river boat« american queen» stacked pipes and lowered navigation bridge

In the old days the fire constantly threatened steamships, that's why river boat« american queen» differs from others in a fire-resistant steel hull and steel partitions on six decks. Each of them has its own name: the first is the main one, the second is the salon, the third is "Texas", the fourth is the survey, the fifth is the walking and the sixth is the solar one.

Shallow draft big ship allows you to pass along the river without problems. The main salon is notable for its special architectural delights. Dining rooms are arranged according to historical projects. In addition, there is a two-tier theater on board and a library named after the great writer Mark Twain. All cabins are in Victorian style: carpets, wallpaper and furniture are all with the interior and luxury of the time. All on board steamer designed to make passengers feel like guests of one of the houses of the Victorian era. The menu is varied enough to cater to the tastes of any passenger.

American travel company « Green Line» founded in 1890, owns several cruise ships, but the most popular are american queen», « Delta Queen' was recently renamed to ' Majestic America" And " Mississippi Queen».

other cruise river steamers of the company

three queens

riverboats Delta Queen and Majestic America

riverboat "Mississippi Queen"

River cruise The Mississippi is not like other travel destinations. With the loss of control in the treacherous flows of this river with steamer trouble may happen. But on board cruise ship« american queen» Passengers are left in the dark about which wayward river they are traveling.

navigation bridge of the American Queen

The Mississippi is a vast water system that formed around 2000 BC. e. after the Ice Age. It supplies water to 42 percent of the US. It originates at Lake Itasca, Minnesota and flows south to the Gulf of Mexico. The river transports various and vital cargoes. It is a gift from heaven to have such a river in the United States. Therefore, sailing on an unpredictable river requires a lot of knowledge that is passed down from generation to generation. Sailors use navigation charts that have been created over the years; it is dangerous to travel here without experienced navigators. river steamer« american queen» visits about six major ports on the river.

There are bridges on the Mississippi that largest river boat will not work, but far-sighted engineers have solved this problem. Two pipes, which are more decorative in nature, are folded, and the wheelhouse goes down. Everything is carried out using hydraulic mechanisms. Management in this position is carried out on a remote auxiliary platform with all the necessary controls.

To visit the amazing ships, tourists come from different countries: Canada, Germany, Japan, France, etc. The popularity of such steamships led to the fact that company leaders think about the development cruise industry on the river. The next boats will not be as high - this is due to the conditions of the river. People who have been to this cruise river ship, saw with their own eyes life on one of the largest rivers in the world, just like their predecessors who sailed on wheeled steamships a hundred years ago.

Technical data of the river steamer "American Queen":
Length - 125 m
Width - 27 m
Draft - 2.6 m;
Displacement - 4000 tons;
Ship power point - steam engine, 750 hp s., three steering propulsion units of the Azipod type with a total capacity of 1000 hp. from.;
Speed ​​against the current - 5 knots;
Number of passengers - 430 people;
Crew and attendants - 186 people;

Mississippi cities retain their colonial flavor

Mississippi Cruises Online

The Mississippi is the main cruise river in the United States, a legendary waterway that crosses a dozen states. The Mississippi River serves as a natural boundary for Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Shores of the Mississippi - here you can find historical monuments times civil war, blues birth towns and landmarks featured in classic American literature, including Mark Twain's famous On the Mississippi.

For the past few years, cruises on the Mississippi have been considered a rather rare and fickle phenomenon. Due to a large number of natural disasters, the main of which was the devastating Hurricane Katrina in 2005, as well as the global financial crisis, the river cruise industry on the great American river fell into decline. However, since 2009, cruise traffic on the Mississippi has shown signs of recovery.

And 2012 generally promises to be a landmark year for cruises on the Mississippi. This year, the first cruise of the steamship American Queen is planned after large-scale reconstruction work. This ship was built in 1995, and in 2011 it was completely modernized. Today American Queen is known as the biggest river steamer in the world. Mississippi cruises on American Queen start at $990 for a three-day trip.

Another ship that is, in some ways, namesake of American Queen, the Queen Of The Mississippi, will set sail on her debut Mississippi cruise in 2012. This ship is half the size of the American Queen. It will offer seven-day cruises.

A distinctive feature of Mississippi cruises is the abundance of vintage ships on the routes and small family businesses that are cruise operators. Among the companies that offer unique signature Mississippi cruises in 2011 are Cruise West from Seattle and Blount Small Ship Adventures, formerly known as the American Canadian Caribbean Line.

The main ports on the Mississippi are the cities of the traditional American South, where the most striking are the "Elvis city" of Memphis, the capital of country music, the city of Nashville and the famous port at the mouth of the river, carnival New Orleans.

The Indians call the Mississippi the "Big River", and traveling along it can move a person in time: a real paddle steamer, which Mark Twain called the "Wedding Cake", allows you to see America one hundred and fifty years ago. On board such, quite unconsciously, the eyes begin to peep out Thomas Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. And landscapes off the coast, where civilization has not touched them, are very conducive to such expectations.

Prices for cruises on this river are quite reasonable. For example, a short trip of two days will cost about $400. A 7-day circuit tour on the American Queen will cost you $1,700 per person double occupancy or $2,500 single occupancy. Its route is not very busy, but impressive: New Orleans - Oak Alley - St. Francisville - Natchez - Vicksburg - New Orleans.

Of course, it's not just the American Queen that walks the Mississippi. There are other equally beautiful ships. "The Queen of the Mississippi", an eight-day journey along the route: Memphis - Helena - Vicksburg - Natchez - St. Francisville - Baton Rouge - Oak Alley - New Orleans will cost between $4,000 and $4,700 per person.

There is also the "Grande Caribe", for 8 days on which you will pay about $ 2,400, the route: Nashville - Clarksville - Kuttawa - Memphis. The price for a tour on the line Memphis - Greenville - Vicksburg - Baton Rouge - New Orleans, in 12 days on the same ship is $3,700. If you were expecting crazy cheapness, then the prices obviously did not please you. However, there are options here too. The thing is, lately cruise companies taken care of in this region
an increase in demand, which means that various discounts and Special offers for cruises.

Cruise the Mississippi able to create a triple surprise. The first is the river. Full-flowing transport communications of the country, a true gift of Providence. She is 4000 years old, she was formed back in the Ice Age and is the main supplier of fresh water in the country.

The second unforgettable experience is a journey that can be better described as an intimate acquaintance with America. You can visit the capital of jazz, New Orleans. Main river ports Vicksburg, Greenville and Natchez. And, of course, you will visit Memphis, the capital of the blues. It is named after Egyptian city not at all by chance. The namesake is located on the Nile, and the Mississippi for Americans has the same meaning as Great River for the Egyptians.

The program of the seven-day cruise includes visits to the plantations where Uncle Tom was oppressed and trips to the places of the famous battles of the Civil War. The meeting with the amazing culture of the Creoles will be crowned with a delicious lunch, the dishes of which are not served in any restaurant in the world. Cruise organizers carefully keep all the surprises prepared for their travelers and subsequently ask to keep them secret, but impressions are stronger than promises.

The third surprise of this cruise - only if you choose the American Queen - is the steamboat. He is able to change the vision of the world around him for his passengers. To date, it is the largest of the wheeled ships, for which it is respectfully listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Its construction cost $ 65 million, and when it was launched from the shipyard, it was not champagne that was smashed on board. Hard to believe - a huge bottle of Tabasco ketchup, which is the pride of the state.

The cruise ship seems to have floated out of the 19th century. A two-tiered saloon, a huge red wheel and a captain's bridge under two huge black pipes are striking. They are impressive in their size, but are decorative in nature. This has to be believed when approaching the very first low bridge hanging over the river. Black giants obediently fold like a detail of a children's designer.

The comfort on board, awaiting the participants of the vacation, called the Mississippi cruise, exceeds the wildest expectations. Cabins are reminiscent of a boutique hotel with their unobtrusive luxury, expensive furniture and high-tech equipment. And an individual arched veranda becomes a meeting place with the dawn and seeing off the sunset. They are often dreamed of later, recalling the amazing experience of the cruise on the Big River.

Along with this material they usually read:

Cruising the Thames on a charter yacht is an amazing experience at an affordable price. Best time will go on a river trip - a short vacation. You will only need one free week, but it will be very busy.

Get to know the cities historical places on the territory of the United States is possible not only during a river trip along the Mississippi. At your service are excellent cruise ships, furrowing the waters along the coast - the Atlantic and Pacific.

November 30th is Mark Twain's birthday
and journalist. Samuel Langhorn Clemens (real name of Mark Twain) was born on November 30
1835 in Missouri, in a small village called Florida. Aged
At the age of four, he moved with his parents to the nearby port city of Hannibal.

Samuel Clemens spent his childhood in this city, where he finished school and worked
pilot on the Mississippi River, and later created his world-famous works.
Since 1863, the sender took on the creative pseudonym Mark Twain, which is in the language of sailors
meant "to measure the depth of two (sazhens)", safe for swimming.

Mississippi gave Mark Twain many bright characters and entertaining plots.
He later said that, while sailing as a pilot, "he studied every imaginable type of human
nature, which is only possible to meet in the artistic, biographical and
historical literature".

Hannibal inspired the writer to create a fictional town in Tom's Adventures
Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
As a child, I had a book that contained both stories, I re-read
many times and I could not even imagine that I would see it with my own eyes
places described in your favorite book.

The city of Hannibal is spread out on the hills. This wooden lighthouse is located at the top
one of them and bears the name of Mark Twain.

I climbed the steps to its foot to admire the city from a height
bird flight.

There, at the top, I first saw flowering cacti.

Missouri is south and in October it is summer-like here.

In the center of the city rises a large Cardiff hill, on which is installed
a monument to the literary heroes of Mark Twain: Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. Two boys,
one of which is in torn pants, go in search of another adventure.

On the day of our arrival in Hannibal, we took a trip on a tourist steamer,
made in the style of those that cruised the river in the time of Mark Twain.
There was only one excursion in the cruise schedule that day.Tourist season
ended and there were few people who wanted to take a walk along the Mississippi.

Music was playing on the pier, like in those old days when ladies in long dresses
and hats with feathers, hand in hand with gentlemen in tailcoats and bowler hats, walked along
embankment, waiting for the moment when it will be possible to climb the bridge to the deck
steamer.

Tickets were sold in a small building on the pier where the shop was located.
souvenirs.

"Mark Twain Port Hannibal. Welcome aboard!" was written at the entrance.

I wanted to take away a book from here, the same as I had in childhood: two
story in one binding, but the store did not have this.

Maybe it's for the best, I don't think I'd read it again.

An interesting inscription on a children's T-shirt: - The future captain of "Mark Twain". Do not miss
walk!

The gangway at the steamer was fixed on the tank - this is a traditional American scheme,

the Missouri flag flew from the flagpole.

We boarded the "Mark Twain" and the steamer, giving a farewell whistle, set sail.
from the pier.

Downstairs was a restaurant that can be rented for weddings.
and other celebrations.

On the upper deck there were many empty seats. I climbed the stairs
and saw ... Mark Twain.

One of the passengers with a mustache and gray hair looked remarkably like a writer.
If I didn't know for certain that Mark Twain had no direct descendants, I would
thought it was his close relative.

Unusually high levels are sometimes observed on the Mississippi River during navigation season.
water, causing the bridge in the city of Hannibal to become an insurmountable obstacle
for cruise ships.

This walk reminded me, with the only difference that
the banks of the Mississippi in the Hannibal region are not as scenic as those in Wisconsin.

The city has the Mark Twain Museum, located in the house where the writer grew up. In 2012
year it celebrated its centenary and received visitors from all fifty states
and about sixty countries of the world.

And finally, a photo from the series "I Was Here".

I see now all the shortcomings of the video taken while walking along the Mississippi,
But unfortunately I can't fix them.