Celebrity cruise health questionnaire: Reddit – Dive into anything

Cruise Health Questionnaire Before Boarding

Before Covid, questions on the cruise health questionnaire were asked by a person before boarding the ship. Today, guests answer the questions using an app, I’m guessing it’s meant as a time-saver at the cruise terminal but does double duty as a way to track who admits to what. You should always answer the questions truthfully. Full stop. Read that again: always answer the questions truthfully. Truthfully, knowing that the questions are referring to how you’re currently feeling, all answers are evaluated through the lens of Covid, and there’s no explaining your answer to an app.

Recently I answered a call from a panicked client who, along with her husband, had already flown from where they live to where they were sailing from. While filling out the cruise health questionnaire on the cruise line app, she clicked the box that said, “difficulty breathing” and the app sent a message saying, “Your reservation has been canceled. Call for further instructions.”

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As it turns out, her husband has COPD and occasionally has difficulty breathing even though he felt fine in that moment and his breathing difficulties have nothing to do with Covid. She misunderstood what the questionnaire was asking and answered truthfully, “he sometimes has trouble breathing so it made sense to check the box. ”

How should you answer a cruise health questionnaire? Truthfully. (Photo by Scott Graham)

With his Covid test results in hand, I called the cruise line to solve the problem. After explaining the situation — he’s not having trouble breathing now, when he can’t breathe it’s because of COPD not Covid, he has a negative test result — to a couple managers their reservation was reinstated. It was suggested that if anyone at the terminal or onboard asked about the questionnaire they explain the situation and everything would be fine.

The next time you’re boarding a ship and getting ready to answer the cruise health questionnaire you are answering the questions based on how you feel in that moment (or depending on the question “in the last x days”) and at least for now, the focus is trying to keep people who may have Covid — not people with things that aren’t contagious — off the ship. Also keep in mind that as smart as technology is there is no gray area, only black and white, yes and no. There is no way to explain a situation to an app.

I almost forgot. My clients were able to board the ship and had a wonderful vacation.

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Which Cruise Lines Still Require COVID Vaccines? A Full List

If you’re planning on sailing with Viking anytime soon, you’d better track down that COVID-19 vaccine certificate.

Courtesy of Viking

When cruising restarted in spring 2021, after a nearly 15-month pandemic-spurred shutdown imposed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cruisers faced a barrage of rules, including strict requirements for COVID-19 vaccinations and precruise COVID-19 testing. Later, the rules started to go by the wayside, and it was hard to keep track of who was requiring what. Not anymore.

Most cruise lines have now dropped or are soon dropping rules for both vaccinations and precruise testing, with at least one notable exception. Viking—on its river, ocean, and expedition ships—still requires everyone on board be fully vaccinated.

Another line that was still requiring COVID vaccinations, small-ship line Windstar Cruises, will be scrapping its vaccine mandate as of June 1, 2023. “We’ve invested in and improved our health and safety processes, including upgrading the HVAC systems on all of our ships, which has led to a cleaner and safer environment on board,” says Windstar president Christopher Prelog. “When combined with the widespread availability of vaccines and medical treatments, the risk factors are considerably lower now, giving us the confidence to lift the requirement.”

Are COVID vaccinations and testing still required for cruises?

Most cruise lines have dropped both their vaccine and testing requirements. Those that have lingered into 2023—mostly lines operating smaller ships—have been quietly scaling back their requirements.

The result: While there was a time after cruising restarted that you could be assured that your fellow passengers, at least those age 12 and up, were both fully vaccinated and tested for COVID-19 before getting on the ship, that is not the case anymore.

That said, specific countries have their own requirements, and several countries still require that cruise ship passengers are vaccinated and/or tested before arrival. If you are doing an itinerary outside of the Caribbean or Europe (where most vaccine and testing requirements have been dropped)—including to select countries in Central and South America or to Australia—you still have to read your cruise line’s precruise health and safety information carefully to make sure you comply with the latest requirements.

Contact your cruise line or check the U.S. State Department’s travel advisories for the latest.

What to know before you cruise

Vaccine and pretrip testing requirements can be confusing, especially if you are cruising internationally. Cruise lines have their own rules; countries have their own rules.

Before your trip, you will need to review your cruise line’s health and safety protocols. If a precruise test is required by a certain country, you will find that noted. In this case, you may be required to arrive at your ship with a negative COVID-19 test result in hand or not. (If testing is required, it can typically be either a PCR test or tele-health-monitored antigen test, paid for by the passenger. The cruise line may also require a test at the pier, paid for by the cruise line.)

If being fully vaccinated is required, that means having received the original series of vaccines at least 14 days prior to your cruise, or the original series plus a booster shot or shots.

As was the case even before the pandemic, you will be asked at embarkation to fill out a questionnaire inquiring about your current health status and whether you currently have any symptoms of illness.

You are free to pack and wear masks on your cruise. Most cruise lines suggest you do wear masks in crowded indoor situations—but it’s not enforced.

A quick cruise line guide to COVID requirements

Here’s a rundown of the basic rules for some leading cruise lines. Note: There may be additional requirements if you are traveling internationally. Be sure to review the latest requirements prior to boarding.

American Queen Voyages

On American Queen Voyages’ river, ocean, Great Lakes, and expedition ships, there are no longer any precruise testing or vaccinations required. Face coverings are optional, though masks may be required of any passengers showing symptoms.

Azamara

Precruise testing is no longer required for vaccinated guests sailing with Azamara, except in ports where testing is required. No vaccination is necessary for cruises departing from or returning to the United States or Europe. In Australia, all guests 12 years and older must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before sailing with all required COVID-19 vaccine doses (including a booster shot). Children under 12 years old are not required to be vaccinated.

Celebrity Cruises

No vaccination or testing is required on the majority of Celebrity Cruises sailings. Destinations with stricter requirements include: the Galápagos, Australia and New Zealand, transatlantic crossings, and select Central and South America itineraries. Unvaccinated guests need to be tested in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia.

Cunard

As of April 23, 2023, on the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, and as of June 8, 2023, on the Queen Elizabeth, vaccinations and testing will no longer be required by Cunard (until then, testing and vaccination requirements apply).

Disney Cruise Line

For sailings embarking from the United States, which are the bulk of Disney Cruise Line’s sailings, no vaccination or testing is required. Disney recommends all guests be vaccinated before sailing and take a test for COVID-19 two days prior to their cruise. There are additional requirements on repositioning cruises and in Australia, so it is important to check the line’s website before your cruise.

Holland America Line

There are no precruise testing or vaccination requirements on most Holland America Line itineraries. There are requirements on select voyages (you can look up a specific voyage’s requirements on the line’s website).

Lindblad Expeditions

For voyages embarking on or after May 11, 2023, Lindblad Expeditions will no longer require guests to be fully vaccinated, although the line recommends guests be fully vaccinated (for cruises prior to that time, all passengers age five and up must be vaccinated). Lindblad recommends, but does not require, passengers take a predeparture COVID-19 test within five days of the start of their expedition.

Oceania Cruises

Vaccine requirements are purely dependent on the destinations being visited on each Oceania cruise. Passengers are advised to be up to date on the latest regulations for all destinations on their cruise itinerary.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Effective April 2023, Paul Gauguin Cruises no longer requires that passengers are vaccinated or tested for COVID prior to embarkation, but it continues to encourage vaccination. “Paul Gauguin Cruises’ officers, staff and crew will remain fully vaccinated,” the line states. Travelers will need to present a health declaration form at embarkation.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Vaccines and precruise testing are generally not required to sail with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. There are some requirements in place based on local health regulations in a specific country a ship is visiting. Regent notifies guests approximately 30 days prior to sailing of any country-specific protocols.

Royal Caribbean

No vaccine or precruise testing is required on the majority of Royal Caribbean itineraries, with a few exceptions: Cruises from Australia, transpacific and transatlantic sailings, and cruises from Hawai‘i to Vancouver.

Seabourn

No vaccine or testing required except on certain Seabourn itineraries where a country may have specific requirements.

Silversea

No vaccination is required for Silversea passengers except as designated by the destination. Precruise testing is not required except when specified by a destination.

Viking Cruises

All passengers and crew are required to be vaccinated on Viking’s river, ocean, and expedition ships—without exception. Viking strongly recommends passengers receive a booster dose before departing. Viking recommends but does not require a predeparture COVID-19 test (except if required by a destination).

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages has no precruise testing or vaccination requirements. Masks may be required at select times.

Windstar Cruises

Beginning June 1, 2023, Windstar will no longer require guests to be vaccinated. Crew will continue to be vaccinated. Masks are optional, with the line highly recommending guests wear masks in indoor public spaces. All guests fill out a health questionnaire on embarkation. A precruise COVID-19 test is not required unless you show symptoms.

This article was originally published in May 2022; it was most recently updated on April 19, 2023, with current information.

MSC Cruises Health and Safety Protocol

Updated protocol. Current version as amended March 31, 2023
Main change – PCR tests for Grand Voyages in Spring 2023:

– MSC Fantasia and MSC Preziosa – PCR test needed 24 hours in advance (instead of 48 hours).
– For all other liners – PCR is not needed.

MSC Cruises, together with leading epidemiologists, virologists and engineers, has developed and implemented a special protocol for the protection of the health and safety of passengers and crew members, which strictly regulates all aspects of your journey: booking a cruise, boarding a liner, life on board, leaving ports and returning home . The measures below apply to all cruises in the 2022/2023 season and are subject to change as the situation develops.

General requirements
- UAE and Persian Gulf
- Mediterranean
- Northern Europe
- Red Sea
- Caribbean from US ports
- Caribbean (Antilles)
- South America
- South Africa
- Grand voyages

On all cruises in the coming months, all guests will be subject to strict boarding requirements.

Mediterranean Cruises 2023

In addition to the MSC Cruises protocol requirements below, please read the rules for entering and leaving the country where the cruise starts.

Requirements for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Israel and the EU (including residence permit holders).

Planting no longer requires proof of vaccination and/or PCR test.

Note: Only if arriving from China, including Hong Kong and Macau, or transiting through its airports, a negative PCR test or antigen test taken no earlier than 48 hours before the cruise departure will be required to board the ship.

MSC MUSICA landing time

at the port of Kusadasi
Tuesday: 10:00 to 15:30 (desks close at 16:00)
in the port of Haifa
Thursday: 15:00 to 17:30 (desks close at 18:00)
in the port of Limassol
Friday: 09:00 to 11:30 (desks close at 12:00)
in the port of Piraeus
Sunday: 10:00 to 19:30 (desks close at 20:00)

Landing time at MSC SPLENDIDA

in Istanbul port
from 12:00 to 17:30 (counters close at 18:00)

Landing time for MSC POESIA

at Istanbul Port
from 09:00 to 16:30 (counters close at 17:00)

Northern Europe 2023

In addition to the MSC Cruises protocol requirements below, please review the rules for entering and leaving the country where the cruise starts.

Requirements for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Israel and the EU (including residence permit holders).

Planting no longer requires proof of vaccination and/or PCR test.

Note: Only arrivals from China, including Hong Kong and Macau, or transiting through its airports will require a negative PCR or antigen test result no earlier than 48 hours prior to cruise departure to board the ship.

UAE & Gulf 2023

In addition to the MSC Cruises protocol requirements below, please review the rules for entering and leaving the country where your cruise is starting.

Requirements for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and the EU (including residence permit holders).

Planting no longer requires proof of vaccination and/or PCR test.

WHEN YOU START A CRUISE IN DOHA (QATAR):

Please note that you need to purchase a certain medical policy that is mandatory for entering the country.

WHEN IN TRANSIT DOHA (QATAR):

MSC Cruises and the Qatari authorities are currently negotiating the need for a special medical policy for visiting Qatar in transit on a cruise. Details will be known as soon as the regulations are agreed.

MSC Virtuosa Landing Time

MSC OPERA Landing Time

Red Sea 2023

In addition to the MSC Cruises protocol requirements listed below, please read the rules for entering and leaving the country where the cruise departs.

Requirements for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan and the EU (including residence permit holders).

Planting no longer requires proof of vaccination and/or PCR test.

MSC SPLENDIDA Landing Time

Caribbean From US Ports 2022/23

In addition to the MSC Cruises protocol requirements below, please review the rules for entering and leaving the country where your cruise is starting.

Please note that all travelers 18 years of age and older are still required to be vaccinated with vaccines authorized by WHO to enter the US.

Requirements for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Israel and the EU (including residence permit holders).

All MSC Cruises Caribbean cruises other than those that include a visit to Colombia no longer require proof of vaccination or PCR testing to board (please note that direct entry to the US continues to require vaccination for all travelers 18 years of age and older). WHO-approved vaccines).

Only for Colombia cruises required:

0056 Note:
It is highly recommended to have a negative PCR test result even for vaccinated passengers if they have doubts about the correct form or parameters of their vaccination certificate.

Caribbean (Antilles, MSC Seaside) 2023

In addition to the MSC Cruises protocol requirements below, please read the rules for entering and leaving the country where the cruise starts.

Requirements for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan, as well as for EU citizens (including residence permit holders)

Planting no longer requires proof of vaccination and/or PCR test.

South America 2022/23

Requirements for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Israel and the EU (including residence permit holders).

Landing will be permitted subject to the availability of:

AND

Full vaccination with two doses of vaccine* desirable, but optional .

* Vaccines approved for this sailing region:

Note:
To visit Uruguay, all passengers 6 years of age and older will also need a negative PCR test result or an Antige n test done no earlier than 72 hours prior to arrival in Uruguay. Antigen test can be done on board for $25 per person (paid extra on board).

South Africa 2022/23

Requirements for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Israel and the EU (including residence permit holders).

Boarding will be permitted subject to availability:

* Vaccines approved for this sailing region:

Note:
It is highly recommended to have a negative PCR test result even for vaccinated passengers if they have doubts about the correct form or parameters of their vaccination certificate.

in Istanbul port
from 09:00 to 16:30 (desks close at 17:00)
- at Port Rashid
  Friday: 13:00 to 18:30 (desks close at 19:00)
  Saturday: 09:00 to 19:30 (desks close at 20:00)
- at Abu Dhabi Port
  Sunday: 12:00 to 17:30 (desks close at 18:00)
- at the port of Doha
  Thursday: 10:00 to 13:30 (desks close at 14:00)
- at Port Rashid
  Sunday: 09:00 to 17:30 (desks close at 18:00)
- at Abu Dhabi Port
  Monday: 12:00 to 17:30 (desks close at 18:00)
- in the port of Sokhna
  Saturday: 10:00 to 15:30 (desks close at 16:00)
- in the port of Safaga
  Sunday: 12:00 to 17:30 (desks close at 18:00)
- in the port of Jeddah
  Wednesday: 12:00 to 16:30 (desks close at 17:00)
- Negative PCR test or antigen test taken no earlier than 3 days prior to cruise departure. The rule applies to all passengers aged 5 and over . The original test (in paper format) must be presented at the cruise terminal before boarding. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish and contain: the guest’s personal details (verified along with other travel documents), the date of the test, the identification/contact details of the center that performed the test, the methodology used and the negative result of the test.
- Evidence of full vaccination with with an approved vaccine for the region*, namely at least two doses of the two-component vaccine (there are no additional requirements for the timing of vaccination).
  The vaccination certificate (paper format) must be presented at the cruise terminal prior to boarding. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish.
- Pfizer/BioNTech 2-component vaccine
- AstraZeneca (COVID-19 Vaccine Vaxzevria), two-component vaccine
- Moderna (COVID-19 Vaccine Spikevax), two-component vaccine
- Johnson & Johnson (COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen),
- Sinopharm, two-component vaccine
- Sinovac/Coronavac, two-component vaccine
- Covishield,
- Novavax/Covovax, two-component vaccine
- Negative PCR test or antigen test taken no earlier than 24 hours prior to cruise departure. The rule applies to all passengers 3 years and older .
  The original test (in paper format) must be presented at the cruise terminal before boarding. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish and contain: the guest’s personal details (verified along with other travel documents), the date of the test, the identification/contact details of the center that performed the test, the methodology used and the negative result of the test.
- Medical insurance with full coverage of costs associated with the treatment of Covid (including observation, transportation costs for new return tickets, hospitalization, repatriation and related costs) and cancellation insurance with full coverage of costs associated with cancellation or interruption of the trip due to Covid, which is valid from the date of purchase of the cruise until the end of the cruise.
  Insurance, which must clearly state these risks, must be presented at the time of boarding, otherwise boarding will be denied.
- All two-component COVID-19 vaccines registered worldwide by local health authorities (no WHO or EMA approval required, including including Sputnik V , Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Novavax, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Covishield, etc.) e)
- Johnson & Johnson Single-Component Vaccine (COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen). One dose is enough for a cruise.
- Negative PCR test or antigen 9 test0057 , made no earlier than 48 hours before the cruise departure. The rule applies to all passengers aged 5 and over .
  The original test (in paper format) must be presented at the cruise terminal before boarding. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish and contain: the guest’s personal details (verified along with other travel documents), the date of the test, the identification/contact details of the center that performed the test, the methodology used and the negative result of the test.
Evidence of full vaccination with approved vaccine for the region*, namely at least two doses of the two-component vaccine (there are no additional requirements for the timing of vaccination).
The vaccination certificate (paper format) must be presented at the cruise terminal prior to boarding. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish.

All two-part COVID-19 vaccinesregistered worldwide by local health authorities (does not require WHO or EMA recognition, including including Sputnik V , Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Novavax, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Covishield, etc.)

Johnson & Johnson Single-Component Vaccine (COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen). One dose is enough for a cruise.

Grand Voyages MSC 2023
In addition to the MSC Cruises protocol requirements below, please read the rules for entering and leaving the country where the cruise starts.

Requirements for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and the EU (including residence permit holders).
Landing will be permitted if all of the following documents are present:

Confirmation of full vaccination with approved vaccine for the region* (no additional vaccination timing requirements). The rule applies to all passengers 12 years and older .
The original certificate (paper format) must be presented at the cruise terminal prior to boarding. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish.

Negative PCR or antigen test within 48 hours* prior to boarding. The rule applies to all passengers aged 5 and over .
*For Grand Voyages on MSC Fantasia, MSC Preziosa (spring 2023) – requires a negative PCR test or an antigen test done no earlier than 24 hours before boarding the liner. The rule applies to all passengers from 3 years to 11 years , adult vaccinated passengers do not require a PCR test.

For Grand Voyages at MSC Divina, MSC World Europa, MSC Orchestra, MSC Opera, MSC Splendida (spring 2023) – PCR test is not required .

The original test (in hard copy) must be presented at the cruise terminal before boarding. The certificate must be in English, Italian, German, French or Spanish and contain: the guest’s personal details (verified along with other travel documents), the date of the test, the identification/contact details of the center that performed the test, the methodology used and the negative result of the test.

*WHO-approved vaccines for this sailing region:

All two-component COVID-19 vaccines registered worldwide by local health authorities (no WHO or EMA approval required, including Sputnik V, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Novavax, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Covishield, etc. .

Johnson & Johnson single component vaccine ( COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen ). One dose is enough for a cruise.

To enter the countries included in the itinerary, there may be requirements for the mandatory completion of the PLF form (Passenger locator form), the passenger must independently track and comply with these requirements.

MSC SPLENDIDA landing time

in the port of Jeddah
Wednesday: 12:00 to 16:30 (desks close at 17:00)

in the port of Sokhna
Saturday: 10:00 to 15:30 (desks close at 16:00)

in the port of Safaga
Sunday: 12:00 to 17:30 (desks close at 18:00)
Monday: no boarding / no boarding

Reviews of cruises

Our next trip with the company “Vodokhod” has been successfully completed. At the end, we ticked the boxes in the questionnaire. But they reflect our impressions too succinctly. Let me share with you an extended review.

1. Cruise selection and booking.
Motor ship “Mustai Karim”, November 3 – 6, 2022, “Journey along the Upper Volga”
We have been walking along the rivers of our country with the “Vodokhod” for the first time, so now we decided to follow the family tradition. The dates of the cruise and the program were successful for us for several reasons – school holidays, November holidays, the Mustai Karim motor ship, the closure of navigation, an interesting route. Also my birthday during the trip!
Bookings were made and paid for on the Vodokhod website. Everything is fast, convenient and clear. No need to travel anywhere with money and tickets – a great time saver. During a confirmation call from the manager, they voiced their request for food on board. Let me tell you right now, everything was done flawlessly.

2. Boarding.
No problem – quick check, luggage delivery to our upper deck deluxe suite, warm welcome at reception with champagne and juice, key collection and check-in. We went on board in a good mood and from the first minutes on the ship we upgraded it by 100%.
The cabin is wonderful, with panoramic views. We like the lack of decks and strollers under our windows. In addition, we note: in our opinion, the cabin is equipped with everything necessary for comfort – from hygiene products and bathrobes with slippers to a coffee machine and tea utensils. The space is zoned competently, as far as possible in the cramped conditions of the ship. Conveniently inside the bed there was a spacious drawer, in which our two voluminous suitcases freely fit.
After the next cleaning of the cabin, we were especially touched by the carefully prepared beds for sleep – with fluffed pillows, homemade pajamas and a blanket laid next to them.

3. Purity.
To everyone who is responsible for the cleanliness on the ship – our admiration and many thanks! Everything shines and breathes freshness – in the cabin, in the bars, in the restaurant, and in other public places. The overall picture was complemented by sanitizers and air disinfectants installed everywhere – sanitation at the highest level.
The only caveat is the tongs and forks for serving food on the Swedish line in the restaurant. Having been in dozens of hands, they still end up with dirty hands on food. It is obvious that the problem is eternal all over the world on all buffets, especially acute in the modern covid reality. Unfortunately, you can’t keep track of all the guests. Maybe as a solution, place large glasses next to the food for tongs and serving forks, in which to put them with the handles up after use. Additionally, immediately put the simplest disposable
gloves – at the discretion of each guest.

4. Nutrition.
Perhaps the longest part of the review 🙂 Our breakfasts, lunches and dinners were held at the Iremel restaurant. Pleasant interior, comfortable arrangement of tables and – importantly – a hall without kitchen smells. An elegant detail – beautiful table textiles. The menu has always been designed in such a way that you can easily follow a diet if necessary or arrange a real feast for yourself. You definitely won’t leave hungry! Everything is tasty, hearty portions and also with an interesting presentation, which in itself causes an appetite. Every calorie has its place, like in a sanatorium. For breakfast in Swedish
pleased the table with herbal honey in combs, and this, apart from everything else, is in abundance – from pastries and dairy products to fresh vegetables, meat delicacies, cereals, omelettes and fruits.
I really liked the unusual gastronomic accents on the menu. For example, at the themed dinner “Shores of the Russian North” for the first time I tried mintiki with venison, porcini mushrooms and vegetables – a Nordic, unbanal and pleasant taste.
The waiters are very efficient, the change of dishes and requests during the meal were carried out promptly. We observed, for example, with what enthusiasm the diners enjoyed sliced melons on the buffet table. The next trays with it were emptied in a matter of minutes. But it was possible not to worry – there was enough melon for everyone with a margin. The trouble came from where they didn’t expect it – by the middle of the cruise, ice cream “melted” in the bars 🙂 We really love this delicacy and taste it in all cities and countries. On the ship, none of the varieties indicated on the menu could be tried – all
is over. After the stop, the stocks of ice cream were replenished, but again they missed the items on the menu. Of course, this did not affect our mood in any way, although it puzzled us a little. In general, service in bars and curious details of their interior (library, retro posters, coat of arms from the diesel-electric ship “Soviet Union”) – 10 out of 10 points with a plus.
Special thanks for the sparkling congratulations on my birthday during dinner – with a solemn removal of the cake, songs with a guitar, wishes and applause from the hall. It was a shocking pleasant surprise 🙂

5. Route and excursions.
Tver and Uglich are exactly the cities we wanted to visit. I like to discover new places on cruises, learn interesting stories, just admire the beauty of our great country. We did all this thanks to the route and excursions. Their choice on board is wide, for every taste, there are both free and additional paid ones.
Rich information guide in each city, the main sights, walking partly on foot and on a comfortable bus – no complaints. The concert of the ensemble of choral singing “Ark” in Uglich was especially impressive: crystal voices under the vaults of the former temple, old folk songs and romances – goosebumps!
Plus, I will note the high quality of travel stories on the radio on the ship – with curious facts, poetry readings and reminders of sightseeing points on the route, for example, the flooded bell tower near Kalyazin with amazing evening illumination. A bewitching spectacle!

6. SPA-center.
This time we did not use his services, as well as the beauty salon with massage. But we visited there and rated at 10 out of 10 the opportunities available on the ship for those who want to monitor their appearance, well-being and health. With a longer trip, we will definitely go to the sauna and massage at least.

7. Personnel and crew.
Very friendly, young, beautiful, friendly and talented people work on the ship “Mustai Karim”. More precisely, they do not work, they live like that. Every day they create a bright holiday for passengers, create the magic and charm of a river trip. We managed to talk to some in person:
– Captain Kainov Sergey Vasilyevich – with him we walked along the Volga, the canal, the reservoir and bottlenecks with all the moorings and locks confidently, without pitching, as if the captain carried the ship on his hands over the waves. Walking on the river is an art and, as far as we dare to judge, Sergey Vasilievich masters it perfectly. A brilliant river fleet officer with a high level of professionalism and dignity.
– Hotel manager Inna Mikhailovna Pushkareva is always in touch with guests 24/7, radiates calmness with a smile and instills confidence in passengers that any problems and questions will be resolved. We noticed how Inna Mikhailovna politely paid attention to everyone who turned to her, regardless of his status and age. She was always “in the field”, even after midnight she personally looked after karaoke lovers in the bar.
– Director of the restaurant Korol Larisa Vyacheslavovna – we admired how Larisa Vyacheslavovna skillfully conducts the “orchestra” – a catering department with all employees and a dining room. At the same time, he helps the waiters, gives passengers explanations on the menu and recommends dishes. In short, the director of the restaurant from dawn to dusk at the forefront. We give the food on board 10 out of 10 points with a plus. A high-level professional, spectacular and stylish woman is not a King, but a real Queen.
– Tour guide Alexey Molkov – velvety and absolutely radiant voice, competent speech, emotional intonations, interesting travel notes, a lot of useful information. Thanks to Alexey, we were always aware of what was happening on the ship and overboard – when to go out for breakfast, on an excursion or just look out the window, where and what kind of master class is taking place right now, whether it is necessary to take an umbrella and warm gloves outside. Such care is very pleasant!
– Waiter Alina – carefully watched our table during all meals, neat, tactful, sweet and very diligent. Alina plans her future career in the river fleet and wants her to succeed in everything she has planned.
– Administrators at the reception – helped us if necessary, promptly answered questions, worked smoothly and clearly.
– Musicians, artists, presenters – our charge of vivacity and good mood. We were especially captivated by the incredible charisma and multifaceted talent of saxophonist Ramil Mulikov, the powerful vocals and energy of the soloist Victoria Serdyuk, the enchanting sounds and spectacular tricks of the Symphony string duet, the incendiary beat of the cover band, the skill of the dance duet Alexander Loginov and Kristina Pleshcheva.
We ask the management of the company to reward the above named representatives of the crew and staff with bonuses.
Entertainment program (shows, master classes, karaoke, disco, solo performances) – excellent. We also note the activity and responsiveness of children’s animators, the hospitality of the owner of the souvenir shop and, separately, the touching, caring and patient attitude towards children on the part of each member of the crew and staff. The kids were literally carried in their arms.
By the way, at the welcoming party, the ship’s doctor wished the passengers a good rest so that we would not have to use the services of the medical office. If, God forbid, medical assistance was required, then there is no doubt – and here everything would work clearly.

Resume
Among the avid travelers on the rivers of Russia there is an expression “vodokhodovskaya price” – with a hint of the high cost of the ticket. Yes, the price is sometimes not the smallest, but we believe it is worth adding one more expression – water quality. Surely, this is primarily what attracts many passengers of various income levels – from students and pensioners to businessmen and celebrities. What we saw for ourselves during our cruise.