big jackpot cruise

SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 – NORWEGIAN JOY

September 10, 2024 – Norwegian Joy 7 Nights Canadian Cruise Quebec City to New York City THIS CRUISE WILL FEATURE THE RAJA, BOD AND THE BIG JACKPOT CRUISE CREW FOR 7 NIGHTS OF FUN AND JACKPOTS AT SEA! CASINO PLAYERS MAY QUALIFY FOR A FREE CRUISE! (Qualified players can be eligible a free cruise, only pay port taxes and fees. Please contact Brian for more details) ALL CASINO PLAYERS WHO BOOK THROUGH THE BIG JACKPOT GET FREE DRINKS IN THE CASINO! Even if you don’t qualify for a 100% free cruise, many casino players will still earn discounted rooms.

EMAIL  [email protected]  FOR MORE DETAILS ON QUALIFICATION AND TO BOOK OR FILL OUT THE REQUEST FORM BELOW!

FULL CRUISE ITINERARY AND NORWEGIAN JOY DETAILS

Uncover the natural beauty, history and culture of the Northeast on one of our newest ships, Norwegian Joy. In Québec City, explore the cobblestone streets of Old Québec — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — to see historic sites and immerse yourself in the French Canadian culture. Enjoy a scenic island drive from Charlottetown and tour Cavendish where the famous Green Gables Heritage Place is located. From Sydney, travel back in time to the 18th century at the Fortress of Louisbourg — the largest fortified city outside of Europe — as costumed actors reenact life during this era.

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Norwegian Joy Casino

The Casino on the Joy features 300+ slot machines with popular games such as Dragon Link, Huff N More Puff, Buffalo Gold and More!

Table Games Include – Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Holdem and more.

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ALL CASINO BOOKINGS HAVE THE OPTION TO INCLUDE THE NORWEGIAN FREE AT SEA PROMOTIONS!

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Profile: The Big Jackpot

The Big Jackpot lives and breathes Las Vegas. He’s a regular at Sin City’s most popular casinos, and he isn’t afraid to spend ridiculous amounts of money in pursuit of massive jackpot wins. His persistence paid off, and he’s recorded himself winning six-figure jackpot prizes more than once. 

From three-reel slots like Double Diamond to flashy progressive jackpot games like Dragon Link and Huff N’ More Puff, Scott Raja loves playing a variety of older and newer slots. His content is able to satisfy most casual gambling enthusiasts, and he’s growing more popular by the day. 

In this profile story, we’ll highlight The Big Jackpot’s biggest wins and discuss the kind of content he usually posts. We’ll also reveal some facts about Scott you may not have known. 

The Big Jackpot Quick Facts

• As if he weren’t popular enough, The Big Jackpot has a secondary YouTube channel. It’s called @RajaSlots , and he posts more diverse content here . Since he launched in 2014, he’s earned 67.8k+ subscribers and posted 1,912+ slots videos with 20.7+ million views.
• The Big Jackpot has a dedicated slots app where you can play free, virtual slots and win jackpots without spending any money. Enjoy a realistic experience with all the sights and sounds you’d expect to hear in Las Vegas. You can download his app for iOS & Android .
• The Big Jackpot launched his YouTube channel on December 30, 2015. Since then, he’s earned 482k+ subscribers, posted a staggering 5,929+ videos, and received 229M views in total. He’s very interactive with his fans, and he’s always churning out exciting content.
• The Big Jackpot likes to spend money, and he has a seemingly endless flow of cash in his back pocket. He’ll easily blow through $30,000 in a half-hour, and he makes wagers ranging from $75 to $5,000 per spin ! In his words, he’s always chasing that big jackpot.
• In a past life, Scott “Raja” Richter was a marketing specialist. He was once dubbed the “Email King” because he was sending out 100+ million spam emails daily. Even after he paid seven-figure lawsuits, he can afford to spend crazy amounts of cash at the casino. 

Where to Find The Big Jackpot Online 

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBigJackpot
• Alternate YouTube: https://youtube.com/@RajaSlots
• Newsletter: https://thebigjackpot.com/newsletter
• Slot App: https://go.won.com/dy/83/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBigJackpot
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheBigJackpot/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebigjackpot?lang=en
• Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/rajaslots?locale=en-US
• Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/TheBigJackpot
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebigjackpot
• Website: https://www.thebigjackpot.com/
• Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/TheBigJackpot
• E-mail: [email protected]

Channel Highlights 

Most popular video: $3,000 dragon link 🔥100 spin$ to win.

The Big Jackpot’s most popular video was published on November 14, 2019. Since then, he’s earned 16k+ likes and 4+ million views at the time of writing. This roller coaster of a video is a really crazy scene, and it starts by showing the audience surrounding Scott as he plays slots. 

Dragon Link was on the menu for Scott that day. He started out with $910 in credit, and he was betting $30 per spin at the beginning. He whittled his bankroll down to just $664 before winning $1,320 on a bonus, where he collected 13 of the 15 symbols required to win the Grand Jackpot. 

The first minutes of this 20-minute video are uneventful, but Scott kicks things up a notch when he decides to put a second thousand dollar ticket in the machine. He continues betting $30 per spin and spends $2,000 without winning. Anyone else would have walked, but Scott continued. 

He decided to up the ante and wager $50 per spin, but he loses it all again. So, he puts another $300 in the machine and keeps the bet size at $50 per spin. Again, he loses the entirety of his bankroll and decides to move to Panda Magic in hopes of encountering a more forgiving game. 

Scott puts $1,000 in the machine and starts off aggressively, betting $50 per spin and quickly giving up his bankroll to the game. Finally, he wins a bonus round and collects 12 symbols to save the day. A “Major Jackpot” ball was in the mix, leaving Scott with a $2,070.05 win. That said, he isn’t finished yet, and he decides to drop another $1,000 in the machine with no luck.  

It’s no wonder Scott earned so many views. Anyone else exhibiting this kind of behavior would be considered “reckless,” but Scott Richter can afford to burn money like there’s no tomorrow. 

SlotsFan Ranking 

At the time of writing, The Big Jackpot ranks 3rd out of over 120 slots influencers in our database. They’ve earned more than 19,000 new subscribers since October 2023. To see where The Big Jackpot ranks now, check the latest version of the Slots Influencer Rankings . 

Schedule: New Videos 

The Big Jackpot posts new videos of him chasing big wins in the high-limit room every day, and he updates his secondary YouTube channel with new content just as often. Usually, he uploads between 11 AM and 4 PM (EST) – however, he claims to update @RajaSlots on a weekly basis.  

He also goes live to stream his casino adventures in Las Vegas once or twice per week. Either way, he religiously updates his Facebook status whenever he posts new content on socials. If you want to skip past the long-form content and enjoy the highlight reels, check out his TikTok. 

No matter how you slice it, Scott feeds his subscribers with a never-ending stream of videos. 

Origin Story 

Scott wasn’t always known as The Big Jackpot – he originated his source of endless wealth as an email marketer, and he sent out more than 100 million spam emails per day. He was forced into paying a $7 million lawsuit from Microsoft, which led him to change his methods for good.

He eventually decided to become a casino influencer, and he launched his first slots channel in 2014. Contrary to what you might think, @RajaSlots was created before @TheBigJackpot. He built a following by recklessly losing money and winning huge sums of cash in the same breath.

Not everyone can afford to live like Scott Richter, so it’s nice to see the world through their eyes for a moment. He posted his first video and received a respectable 13k views. It would be a little while before he reached this level of success again, but things started taking off for him in 2018. 

He averaged 7k to 10k views per video with the occasional upload breaking the six-figure views mark. However, he became even more popular during the pandemic when he ramped up all the spending he was doing in Las Vegas. His most popular video was published at the end of 2019. 

Going into 2020 and 2021, Scott was getting clicks and views like nobody’s business. It was just commonplace for The Big Jackpot to average between 15k and 20k views per video. He’s been able to maintain this level of popularity for years on end: Scott shows no signs of slowing down. 

Fast-forwarding to 2024, Scott is still posting videos of his Vegas expeditions every single day. His tireless work ethic, endless bankroll, reckless behavior, and exciting commentary make for eye-catching uploads. Like George W. Bush, he’s the kind of guy you want to have a beer with. 

The Big Jackpot’s Largest Jackpot Wins, Posted on YouTube 

They don’t call him The Big Jackpot for no reason – Scott has won some of the largest prizes in Vegas history, and we did the research to find footage of his 3 biggest progressive jackpot wins.

January 1, 2024: $1,081,105.15 on Dragon Link: Autumn Moon (The Venetian, Las Vegas) 

The Big Jackpot’s largest jackpot is one of the biggest prizes ever paid out by Las Vegas. Scott was playing Dragon Link: Autumn Moon in the high-limit room on the Palazzo casino floor at the Venetian Resort. He was betting $250 per spin when he filled up the bonus screen and won big. 

July 10, 2015: $27,285 on Brazil (Ameristar Casino, Blackhawk, CO) 

Scott landed another impressive jackpot on the Brazil slot machine during a trip to the Ameristar Casino in Blackhawk, CO. He was betting $100 per spin at the time. It looked as if all hope was lost before Scott did the unthinkable and collected 6 butterfly symbols to win a staggering $27k. 

January 19, 2015: $21,400 on Red Rooster (The Bellagio, Las Vegas) 

Last but certainly not least, Scott’s third-largest jackpot win was recorded at the Bellagio on the Red Rooster slot machine. After winning ten free games, he added $21,400 to his bankroll. He won thousands of dollars with each spin. Prior to hitting a bonus, he was spending $50 a spin. 

Community and Giveaways 

After looking through 100+ posts on both of Scott’s YouTube channels and his Facebook page, it’s safe to say that The Big Jackpot doesn’t do giveaways. However, he updates his Facebook with all the latest details for upcoming events. Plus, he always has an audience at the casino. 

He’s sponsoring cruises on his website, but the link is broken and we can’t see exactly when the cruises are happening. Either way, signing up for his email newsletter will keep you in the know.

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Cruise Passenger Hits Jackpot in Casino, Not Prepared for What He Wins

A video of a couple who bagged a stay in a Downtown Abbey -style luxury suite after a lucky game of bingo has gone viral on TikTok .

The clip was posted by Michael Rivera ( @vividmichael ) whose husband Garett Talcott won the "super challenging" and "nail-biter" bingo match aboard a 20-day Antarctic cruise last December on the Azamara Quest vessel from Azamara Cruises, Rivera told Newsweek.

The clip has had over 602,000 views since it was posted on June 29.

The win saw the couple be upgraded to a Club World Owner's Suite—the ship's largest, most luxurious accommodation— which come with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a marble master bedroom and a 233-square-foot veranda, according to the cruise line's website .

The clip shows various shots of the luxury suite, including the wraparound outdoor deck with sun loungers and a dining table, as well as a full bathroom with a bathtub and separate shower stall.

Rivera told Newsweek: "The suite came with access to the special spa area, all the specialty dining, a butler and private concierge, special seating—it was like being in Downton Abbey, but on a ship—we had never experienced anything like this before."

According to the poster, the Azamara website shows 20-day stays in this suite to be priced from around $45,000 to $50,000. "I don't really know if people pay that in person or they get better deals via calls," Rivera said.

The post comes as cruise passenger volume in 2023 reached 31.7 million, surpassing the figure reported in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, by 7 percent, according to a 2024 report from the Cruise Lines International Association.

The number of passengers who are new to cruising was found to be on the rise. Just over a quarter (27 percent) of cruise goers in the last two years were found to be new to cruising, marking an increase of 12 percent on the year prior, the report said.

Expedition and exploration were found be the fastest-growing sectors of cruise tourism, with a 71 percent rise in passengers traveling on expedition itineraries from 2019 to 2023, according to the report.

Rivera told Newsweek that their cruise departed from Buenos Aires, the Argentine capital, and made a few stops in the country before crossing the Drake's Passage and cruising in Antarctica for a few days. The vessel then made its way back and ended the journey in Rio de Janeiro, the second most populous city in Brazil.

The viral clip shows Talcott enter the suite. A voice in the video says, "Wow...look at this, it's huge," before another voice later says, "That's humongous," as the clip shows the outdoor deck.

"This will be nice for 20 days," Talcott notes later in the clip.

Rivera told Newsweek that upgrades are offered by the cruise company via bingo—which sees players try to match numbers announced by a caller with those printed on their cards—when the ship has a suite available.

"We played the game on the second day of the cruise and we were so excited to win because we initially had an interior cabin that was a lot smaller," the passenger noted.

They paid around $75 for a set of three cards, buying around $450 worth of cards, which gave them nine cards each to track. "It was super challenging when the numbers were being called," he said, but they "felt the chances were good," due to there only being around 20 to 30 people playing the game at the time.

"So, we thought the odds were good and we invested in the cards. And Garett won. It was a nail-biter as there was someone standing up before he stood up—you have to stand up when you just have one number left—so, it was close but he won it and we were ecstatic," Rivera recalled.

Do you have a travel-related video or story to share? Let us know via [email protected] and your story could be featured on Newsweek.

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River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat

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Equipped with ice-breaking technology, these huge fancy yachts are the only river cruisers running all year around. The round trip journey takes two and a half hours and floats past all the big sights like the White House, Novodevichy monastery and the Kremlin. There’s a large open air observation deck up top, while the main body of the ship houses a restaurant with a dance floor for a romantic post dinner dance. For a particularly romantic experience take one of the evening boats and admire the bright lights of the city skyline at night.

The most relaxing and picturesque tour that Moscow can offer: a great way to see the city center and its main attractions. This is a perfect alternative to exploring the city by car, if you only have time to do sightseeing during weekday rush hours.

Your English-speaking guide is eager to share every bit of their knowledge about the surrounding landscape, the architecture and historical details.

We conduct Moscow river tour on Radisson Flotilla boats all year around!  It’s warm inside during winter months, while there’s air conditioning during hot summer days. You may also treat yourself to drinks, lunch or dinner on board (drinks and food are not included in tour price).

The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person

Quay at Radisson Collection Hotel

Government Headquarters ("the White House")

Kievsky Railway Central

Novodevichy Convent

Luzhniki Stadium

Academy of Sciences

Monument to Peter I

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Moscow Kremlin

St.Basil's Cathedral

Novospassky Monastery

U-turn and back to Quay at Radisson Royal Hotel

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• Moscow — St. Petersburg
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Russia is again welcoming travelers!

• A negative PCR test is all that's needed to enter Russia
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• Bookings are transferable without penalty for 12 months
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Explore authentic Russian cities. Enjoy premium service and engaging activities as you sail the Volga River.

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Join our signature small group journeys and cruise in luxury along the Russian Volga river!

The Russian Odyssey

An extended 'South to North' view of Russia from Astrakhan to St. Petersburg through Moscow.

Explore Moscow, St. Petersburg and Russia’s Golden Ring in greater depth. Stay at gorgeous Four Seasons hotels. Enjoy special access to iconic cultural sites.

Lower Volga

Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience cruising the Volga river from Moscow to Astrakhan. The tour includes 2 nights in Moscow.

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Select destination Moscow — St. Petersburg Moscow — Astrakhan Astrakhan — St. Petersburg

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A Volga river cruise is more than a geographical voyage; it’s also a journey through Russia’s rich and captivating history. No other experience takes you so completely to another place and time. The Volga is Europe’s longest and largest river; it meanders through the stories of Ivan the Terrible and his rise to power, the two historic ‘Greats’ Peter and Catherine, and then on into today. It’s a unique opportunity to see modern Russia in the context of its intriguing history, ably assisted by friendly and professional academics and tour guides. A Volga Dream Russian river tour promises to leave you with an unforgettable afterglow of fond memories.

Moscow to St. Petersburg River Cruise

Moscow and St. Petersburg are Russia’s best-known cities, but the towns of Russia’s historic Golden Ring are delightful too. The luxurious Volga Dream offers a unique opportunity to visit these Russian gems by sailing gently along the Volga River on an unforgettable cruising experience. In small, exclusive groups you’ll enjoy preferential access to some of Russia’s most significant cultural sites.

Moscow to Astrakhan River Cruise

Your River Cruise on the luxurious MS Volga Dream takes you from Moscow along Russia’s grand Volga River to the legend that is Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad) and Astrakhan on the Caspian Sea. Along the way, you’ll discover the treasures of Yaroslavl, the oldest city on the Volga, medieval Nizhniy Novgorod and beautiful Kazan, the ancient Tatar capital. We plan our tour carefully to combine the very best of Moscow with a world-class Volga River cruise.

Discover Russia with MS Volga Dream - Click-through map

We love hearing from guests about their time in Russia and one comment often hear is how surprised people are by the Russian capital. We can’t say for certain what people expected but we do know that it’s always far removed from what they imagined! It’s been called a modern metropolis, a cosmopolitan city, an historic gem, an architectural treasure and a cultural powerhouse, among other descriptions. Majestic Moscow has always surprised our guests and left them with lasting and fond memories.

Russia’s famous Golden Ring is an archipelago of historic towns surrounding Moscow. Uglich is one of the oldest and was founded under Igor, the last Varangian prince. It once resisted the Mongol invasion and its ancient walls saw the grisly murder of young Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible. The impressive Church of St. Dmitri on the Blood, with its classic onion domes and blood red walls, is a fine example of classic Russian architecture. The tour ends with an enchanting choral concert.

This, the oldest city on the Volga River, and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a wealth of ancient orthodox treasures. The impressive Transfiguration of the Savior, adorned with murals depicting St. John’s apocalyptic visions can be seen in the Spassky Monastery. The Church of St. Elijah the Prophet is decorated with an awe-inspiring selection of rich frescoes. For a real taste of pre-revolutionary Russia, visitors are entertained by a costumed reception at the Governor’s House.

Close to the shores of White Lake once were the ‘tsar’s fishing grounds’. It lies in a place so serene that ancient monks chose to build no fewer than three holy sites here, including the Ferapontov Monastery. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its chapels boast magnificent frescoes by Dionysius, one of Russia’s most renowned icon painters. The Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery was a refuge for many nobles during tumultuous times and later a fortress that successfully repelled invading armies.

The Karelia region is a vast and naturally beautiful wilderness that spreads all the way from St. Petersburg to the Arctic Circle. The glorious island village of Kizhi consists almost entirely of the traditionally styled wooden buildings of ‘Old Russia’. Among them is the famous Transfiguration Church built in 1714. Remarkably, and in testament to the craftsmen of the time, not a single nail was used in its construction! Kizhi is one of the favorite stops on the river cruise to St. Petersburg.

A typical rural hamlet brought to life by warm and welcoming villagers. Volga Dream guests are invited into local homes to enjoy classic Russian fare, tea with jam and ‘pirozhki’ (pies). Enthusiastic hosts share Russian traditions and the appeal of village life while proudly showing off their scrupulously kept homes and kitchen gardens. The tour continues with a brief bus ride to see a unique World War II memorial and then, for a real glimpse of Russian life, a visit to a local primary school.

Nizhny Novgorod

This was once a wealthy city thanks to its proximity to rich eastern trading routes. During the Soviet era, the city was closed to outsiders because of its military importance. It’s also where many political prisoners were sent to live out their days in exile. The 16th-century Kremlin ramparts offer spectacular views and the city is known for its elaborately decorated churches. For Volga Dream cruise guests, the highlight of the day is an evening folk concert performed by local children.

Sailing along the Volga river, the riverbank gradually ceases to be dominated by Orthodox churches. Instead, beautiful mosques appear as the river crosses into Tatarstan where the first stop is scenic Kazan, the region’s capital. Inside the white walls of the citadel, the famous Kul Sharif mosque and the old Cathedral of Peter and Paul stand side-by-side symbolizing the two faiths’ long and peaceful coexistence in the region. A concert of traditional Tatar music ends the Volga Dream tour in Kazan.

Passing the Zhigulevskie Mountains offers wonderful views from the sundeck before touring the city. One of the key attractions is the fascinating Space Museum, which offers a revealing glimpse of how the Soviet Union pursued its ambitious journey to the cosmos. The town is also noted for its beautiful esplanade, perfect for a relaxed stroll beside the Volga river. This in turn leads to the Samara State Art Museum. Founded in 1897, it is home to a collection of more than 16,000 works of art.

This city is best known for its close associations with cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin. The Russian hero who achieved worldwide fame as the first man in space lived and studied here. Saratov used to be home to a large German community, a heritage that can still be seen in the local architecture. The Volga Dream tour visits the Radishchev State Art Museum, the first picture gallery in Russia outside Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Originally called Tsaritsyn, the city was renamed Stalingrad from 1925 to 1961 in honor of the USSR’s leader. During World War II, the city’s residents put up a heroic defense, repelling an advancing Nazi invasion. The battle for Stalingrad has gone down in history as a pivotal moment in the bloody conflict on the eastern front. The most ferocious and deadly fighting took place on Mamayev Hill, where an imposing memorial now stands close to the excellent Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.

Saint Petersburg

If Moscow surprises, then St Petersburg delights. Peter the Great founded the city to showcase Russia’s newfound enlightenment. He wanted to show the modern world a cultured and advanced society. In short, he built the city to impress and in that he succeeded splendidly! The striking buildings were designed by some of the finest architects Europe had to offer and even now, the ‘Venice of the North’ never fails to enchant with its spectacular buildings and impressive canal network. It is a city of true grandeur.

Cocktails with the Captain

Commanding any ship is a complex role that calls for a long list of skills. Captains know their vessels inside out as well as well as the routes they sail and when things don’t go to plan, they have to make instant decisions. Above all though, the most important part of the job, underpinning everything they do, is to keep the ship and everyone aboard safe. The Captain’s cocktail party is a great and a wonderful opportunity for passengers and crew to get acquainted as the gets underway.

Matryoshka doll painting

There is nothing more typically Russian than a Matryoshka. It embodies the fact that there’s always something deeper to be found in every aspect of Russian life. Learning the traditional designs and techniques used to decorate these iconic dolls offers a pleasant diversion and some cathartic creativity!

Superb Service & Dining

Our restaurant serves the highest standard of international cuisine, freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. Choose either a sumptuous buffet or set menu for lunch while dinner is always four or five courses with full service. High praise for the exquisite quality of meals is yet another constantly recurring feature in feedback from our guests.

Meet the Professor

From the Mongol hordes to Soviet times, Russia’s history is, like all of Europe’s, a complex web of political intrigue, war and peace, trade and treaties, as well as heroes and villains. Academics devote whole lifetimes to studying Russia’s long past and one of them presents a series of lectures shedding light on everything from Gorbachev to Chekhov, Khrushchev to Ivan the Terrible and of course, contemporary Russia. Our Professor is on board throughout the river cruise for informal conversation.

Beginner’s Russian

The Russian language can be rather beautiful and poetic and we know that many seasoned travelers enjoy trying their hand at different languages. Our onboard teachers provide an introduction to the riches of Russian, so guests can try out a few useful words and phrases on real Russians during the exciting river tours from Moscow to St. Petersburg or from Moscow to Volgograd!

Russian tea tasting

The drink we tend to associate with Russia is vodka, but tea, in fact, is the much more universal beverage of choice throughout the country. Guests will get acquainted with the Russian tea etiquette, a fundamental component of the country's social culture, and enjoy the traditional tea ceremony while cruising from St. Petersburg to Moscow or taking a Grand Volga river tour.

Russian Dinner & Vodka Tasting

All our dining is international but for Russian Dining night, the Chef includes a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and no Russian table is complete without Borsch. To add to the ‘Taste of Russia’ optional Russian dress, or at least a touch of Russian style, is provided along with enthusiastic help from our staff!

Russian Cooking Class

A plate of pelmeni might not look like much to the untrained eye, but it forms the heart of Russian cuisine and culture. Basically, it's a type of dumpling: small portions of meat and onion wrapped in a thin sheet of unleavened dough and boiled, a little like ravioli. Guests can join a Russian cooking class onboard the MS Volga Dream to learn how to cook this delicious Russian dish.

Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov Piano Recital

Some of the greatest classical music ever written comes from Russia. It’s hard to imagine a more fitting stage for a virtuoso solo recital by our resident concert pianist than the mighty Volga or a better backdrop than the heart of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov’s own serene homeland.

Russian River Cruise Aboard Volga Dream

Moscow to St. Petersburg

Why Volga Dream

Family Owned & Operated

MS Volga Dream is Russia’s only family-owned river cruise ship. She can accommodate up to 100 guests, far fewer than most other cruise ships on the river making for a uniquely friendly and intimate atmosphere aboard.

Five-Star Central Hotels

We at Volga Dream are completely convinced that, our guests should stay in great 5-star hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg within comfortable walking distance of all the major attractions, theaters and restaurants, rather than having to waste time in traffic.

Luxurious Accommodation

The MS Volga Dream is the most intimate and elegant 5-star cruise vessel in Russia. She boasts 56 cabins, all river facing, ranging from comfortable Standard Cabins to spacious Junior Suites and the luxurious forward facing Owner's Suite.

Russian Cultural Experience

Explore Russia's past with the help of professional tour guides. Our on-board program includes fascinating talks on Russian history and politics, Russian language lessons, a festival of Russian cuisine (including vodka tasting!), and much more.

Gourmet Dining

Our on board restaurant serves international cuisine to the highest standard, all freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. For Russian Dining night, he prepares a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and Borsch.

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All our service crew members are native Russians who are fluent in English and handpicked by the Owner. Proudly, the Volga Dream is famous for her hard working and very hospitable personnel who take care of every aspect of your life aboard.

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Escape the hassle and bustle and add a satisfyingly informative element to your trip and bring together a colorful mosaic of people, history, traditions,  religion, music and art. These are the many strands that time has woven into what is known today as Russia.

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It's over: $1.6B largest Mega Millions jackpot winning ticket is sold at a Florida Publix

The $1.6 billion Mega Millions roll is over: A winning ticket was sold in Neptune Beach , the Florida Lottery announced shortly after Tuesday night's drawing.

Now the new drama is just who did win the game's highest jackpot and the country's second-highest lottery payout (the Mega Millions website updated the total from the initial $1.58 billion estimate). Exactly who defied the 1 in 302.6 million odds? For those who purchased quick-pick tickets at the 630 Atlantic Blvd. Publix, check your stubs!

Is it a single billionaire, a work group or a conglomerate of family and friends? Who matched the winning numbers 13-19-20-32-33 and Mega Ball 14? How many $2 tickets did it take to pull it off? How many years of trying, praying, to get lucky?

State law allows for a 90-day grace period to release the names of winners once jackpot prizes are claimed.

Who won $1.58B Mega Millions jackpot? Check your tickets. Plenty of others won money, too

By the numbers: How big is the $1.58B winning Mega Millions ticket in Neptune Beach? Here's what you could buy in Jacksonville

Neptune Beach: Publix ticket wins biggest Mega Millions jackpot, Five facts about the town

The jackpot had rolled 31 consecutive times since April 21 , according to the Lottery.

Jackpot prize winners have the option to receive their winnings in 30 annual installments or as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $783.3 million, according to the Lottery . To receive the cash option, jackpot prizes must be claimed within 60 days of the winning jackpot draw. Winners have 180 days from the applicable drawing to claim their prize.

This series of Mega Millions jackpot rollovers has generated about $73.5 million for education in Florida, the Lottery said.

The jackpots start at $20 million and roll until the jackpot is won. Players win by matching the five white ball numbers (1-70) and the Mega Ball number (1-25).

500X The Cash: Jacksonville man claims $1 million scratch-off prize same day he gets an eviction notice

Everything to know if you win: Ultimate guide to the Florida Lottery, Powerball and Mega Millions

Mega Millions winning numbers for August 8

The  winning numbers  from Tuesday's drawing were 32, 19, 13, 33, and 20. The Mega Ball was 14 and the Megaplier was 2X.

Previous largest U.S. jackpots

Here is a look at the three previous largest U.S. jackpots that have been won and the states where the winning tickets were sold, according to The Associated Press:

• 1. $2.04 billion, Powerball, Nov. 8, 2022 ( one ticket, from California )
• 2. $1.586 billion, Powerball, Jan. 13, 2016 ( three tickets, from California, Florida, Tennessee )
• 3. $1.537 billion, Mega Millions, Oct. 23, 2018 ( one ticket, from South Carolina )

The largest Florida lottery winner before last night shared a $1.59 billion Powerball jackpot in 2016.

The prize money is subject to federal taxes. Many states also tax lottery winnings.

Mega Millions is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Any second-tier big winners in this Mega Millions drawing?

Tuesday's drawing also produced a $2 million Florida winner whose ticket matched all five white balls but not the Mega Ball. That $ 2 million winning ticket was purchased at Kwik Stop at 830 Columbus Parkway in Hollywood, according to the Lottery.

What are people saying about the Mega Millions jackpot?

"It's all anyone's talking about," an employee told the Times-Union.

Others outside the store late Wednesday morning thought about having that kind of luck — and cash.

"It's crazy, but it had to be somewhere," Laurie Stucki said. "I thought about buying one, but I didn't."

"I wouldn't know what to do with that kind of money," she said. "I'd give a lot of it away."

She taught for 35 years at Atlantic Beach Elementary School before retiring seven years ago, so she knows the plight of teachers. She said she'd give some of it to them.

John Liggio lives a few blocks away. What would he do with the money? "Buy a house, probably," he said.

In many parts of the Beaches, even a modest, nothing-fancy house can easily go for $1 million or more. "They're going up like crazy," Liggio said. "I rent."

Even non-Lottery players couldn't help but ponder about it.

"To think it could have been me, if I played," Thomas Bakula said.

He doesn't play though and isn't really tempted, even now. "Nah. I feel like I win every time I don't play," he said.

Where is Neptune Beach, Florida?

Neptune Beach is a Northeast Florida beachfront city east of Jacksonville in Duval County.

When the majority of Duval County consolidated with Jacksonville in 1968, Neptune Beach, along with Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach and Baldwin remained their own municipalities.

Where is the Publix in Neptune Beach?

This Publix at 630 Atlantic Blvd. is actually a block away from another new Publix that opened a couple of months ago replacing Lucky's Market. The new Publix features POURS, a space where customers can sip wine, drink a cold draft beer, indulge in a smoothie or savor a good cup of coffee while shopping.

It's a little strange to have two side by side, but Publix previously told Times-Union news partner First Coast News that many factors go into determining where to open a new location and the new store will "alleviate congestion in stores, in addition to allowing for the best traffic patterns in a particular area."

There is a similar situation with two Publix locations in St. Augustine. The stores on Tuscan Way and Village Commons Drive are right across the street from each other about 1,600 feet apart.

How much does the retailer get for selling the winning Mega Millions ticket?

Publix will receive $100,000 for selling the winning ticket. It starts at $20,000 and increases by $5,000 with each rollover up to $100,000, according to the Florida Lottery’s retailer bonus commissions.

What are the Top 10 largest Mega Millions jackpots ever?

According to its website , here are the Top 10 Mega Millions jackpots as of Aug. 8, 2023:

• 10.  $533 million — March 30, 2018; New Jersey
• 9.  $536 million — July 8, 2016; Indiana
• 8.  $543 million — July 24, 2018; California
• 7 . $648 million — Dec. 17, 2013; California and Georgia
• 6 . $656 million — March 30, 2012; Illinois, Kansas and Maryland
• 5.  $1.05 billion — Jan. 22, 2021; Michigan
• 4.  $1.337 billion — July 29, 2022; Illinois
• 3. $1.35 billion — Jan. 13, 2023; Maine
• 2. $1.537 billion — Oct. 23, 2018; South Carolina
• 1. $1.602 billion — Aug. 8, 2023; Florida

Times-Union writer Matt Soergel contributed to this report.

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Ex-southwest airlines agent accused of stealing $79k in flight vouchers.

A former Southwest Airlines customer service agent in Missouri has been charged with theft after he allegedly printed $79,000 in travel vouchers for personal use and profit. 

According to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital from the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Brooklyn Jones used his status as a customer service agent for Southwest Airlines from August 2023 through September 2023 to swipe travel vouchers. 

Jones, who worked at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, allegedly used previous passengers’ names and redeemed vouchers for himself, the complaint alleges.

A discrepancy was first picked up by officers who conducted an in-house investigation before turning over the evidence to law enforcement.

Jones issued a written statement confessing the allegations, court documents said. He was also willing to relinquish unused vouchers.

Jones also led law enforcement to his employee locker, where he allegedly produced 119 vouchers worth about $36,300.

The former employee said he was acting alone and had sold vouchers on four separate occasions. He said he printed $79,000 in travel vouchers.

Despite the written confession, Jones pleaded not guilty Thursday to felony theft.

Southwest Airlines declined to provide a statement to Fox News Digital, saying that they deferred to law enforcement. 

Vladimir Putin accuses Ukraine of a 'large-scale provocation' in Russia's south-western Kursk region

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of a "large-scale provocation" after defence officials said Ukrainian troops crossed into the south-western Kursk region.

Authorities have evacuated more than 200 people from the region, while several thousand others left in their own vehicles.

What's next?

Mr Putin met with his top defence and security officials to discuss what he called the "indiscriminate shelling of civilian buildings, residential houses, ambulances with different types of weapons."

Russian officials said forces had been fighting off cross-border raids for multiple days.

Ukrainian officials have so far remained silent about the scope of the operation, and Associated Press was not able to immediately verify the Russian claims.

If confirmed, the incursion would be one of Ukraine's largest since the war began in February 2022. 

"In the last 24 hours, our region has been heroically resisting attacks" by Ukrainian fighters, Kursk Acting Governor Alexei Smirnov said on Telegram.

He added all emergency services were on high alert, and urged residents to donate blood due to the intense fighting.

Mr Smirnov said authorities had evacuated more than 200 people from areas under threat, while several thousand others left in their own vehicles.

Mr Putin also met with his top defence and security officials to discuss what he called the "indiscriminate shelling of civilian buildings, residential houses, ambulances with different types of weapons."

Meanwhile, Ukraine has ordered the evacuation of 6,000 people from areas surrounding the Kursk region. 

At least two dead in shelling, Russia says

The Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday that up to 300 Ukrainian troops, supported by 11 tanks and more than 20 armoured combat vehicles, had crossed into Russia.

It added on Wednesday that military and border guard troops "continued to destroy Ukrainian military units in the areas alongside the border in the Kursk region."

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said shelling killed at least two people — a paramedic and an ambulance driver — and injured 24. 

The ministry said Russian forces stopped any advances deeper into Russian territory. 

Cross-border foray could draw out Russian reserves

Kyiv's aim in the cross-border foray could be to draw Russian reserves to the area and potentially weaken Moscow's offensive operations in several parts of Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, where Russian forces have increased attacks.

But it could risk stretching outmanned Ukrainian troops further along the front line, which is more than 1,000 kilometres long.

Given Russia's vast manpower and the relatively small number of Ukrainian forces engaged in the operation, a Moscow decision to commit reserves to stabilise the new front would likely have little long-term impact.

However, the operation could boost Ukrainian morale at a time when Kyiv's forces are facing relentless Russian attacks and are expected to face more in coming weeks.

Responsibility for previous incursions into Russia's Belgorod and Bryansk regions has been claimed by the Russian Volunteer Corps and the Freedom of Russia Legion which are made up of Russian citizens and have fought alongside Ukrainian forces.

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