cruise night joliet

     CRUISE NIGHTS 2024

Join us every wednesday (weather permitting) 6-9 for a free, fun, family event.  bring your car or come check out the cool classic cars, enjoy a great meal with fellow car enthusiasts.  .

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Car Shows and Cruise Nights

Featured car show, sat, jun 22, 2024 in plainfield, il.

24741 S. Renwick Rd. Classic Car Show sponsored by the American Legion Post 13. Fifteen awarded classes, great food, full-service bar, 50/50 raffle and door prizes.  Gates open at 7am., Registration 7:30 am - 11:30 am. Judging starts at 12:30pm, trophies awarded at 2pm.  Car entry fee: $20. Spectators admitted free. Rain date:  Sunday, June 23.  For more show information, contact Brent at (815) 295-2251.

Sat, Jul 20, 2024 in Aurora, IL

2855 Hart Rd.  Second Annual Abbey Farms Classic Car Show 10am - 2pm. Retail store open 9am - 3pm serving food and drinks.  Music by DJ Tony. Awards start at 1:30pm. Car registration: $20, day of registration starts at 8am and includes coffee and donuts. Rain date:  August 3.  For more information, visit: www.abbeyfarms.org

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Not only is DriveChicago.com a great place to shop for a new or used vehicle, it's Chicago's summertime home for a complete listing of car shows and cruise nights. Click the link below to submit your car show or cruise night for listing on DriveChicago.com.

Sun, Jun 9, 2024 in Peotone , IL

710 S. West St. 52nd Annual Peotone Swap Meet, Car Corral and Show Car Display 7am - 3pm rain or shine at the Will County Fairgrounds sponsored by Phillips Chevrolet. All makes and models welcome. Show car and driver: $15 ($5 for each additional passenger). Please enter the west gate and  arrive together to park together. Spectator admission: $5 (Under 15 admitted free). Free public parking for spectators in showgrounds. For more information including Car Corral pricing, visit: www.peotoneswapmeet.com

Sun, Jun 9, 2024 in Bourbonnais, IL

1600 N. State Route 50.  Bradley 315 Music Fest and Car Show 9am - 3pm at Northfield Square Mall. Cars, trucks and rat rods welcome. Enjoy food, drinks and a 50/50 raffle. Registration from 9am - 11:30 am ($15 per vehicle). Awards presented at 3pm and top 50 receive trophies.

Sun, Jun 9, 2024 in Wheeling, IL

333 S. Milwaukee Ave. The Autoholics meet starting at 3pm at Superdawg in Wheeling.  For more information, visit: www.superdawg.com/car-club-schedule

Sat, Jun 15, 2024 in Wheeling, IL

333 S. Milwaukee Ave. Stallions Gate Mustang & Ford Club meet at Superdawg in Wheeling. For more information, visit: www.superdawg.com/car/club/schedule

Sat, Jun 15, 2024 in Chicago, IL

7262 W. Peterson Ave. Resurrection Village 2024 Charity Classic Car Show 10am - 3pm. Dash plaques, food trucks, awards. Entry fee: $20.  Free for spectators.

Sat, Jun 15, 2024 in Polo, IL

205 N. Jefferson Ave.  Polo Car Show sponsored by the Gateway to the Pines Car Club. 7am - 2pm shine or rain at the Crossroads Community Church. All cars, trucks and motorcycles welcome with door prizes and giveaways. First and second place trophies for all classes awarded at 2pm. Special prize (a gas card) for the farthest traveled exhibitor at the show.  Registration the day of show ($15) ends at 11am.  Music provided by 3D Sound Company. For more information, visit: www.gatewaytothepines.org

5801 N. Natoma. Norwood Park Car Show 10am - 2pm at the Chicago Park District facility.

Sun, Jun 16, 2024 in Genoa, IL

313 W. Main St. Cruisin' Genoa's 4th Annual Father's Day Car Show 9am - 3pm. Cars, trucks and cycles welcome. Also, a 50/50 raffle benefiting Autism Speaks. MC entertainment by Cruising Music Radio with a band at Noon. Top 40 trophies. Entry fee: $20; spectators admitted free.  For more information or group club parking, call (224)-587-6803.

Sun, Jun 16, 2024 in Lyons, IL

4200 Lawndale Ave. Father's Day Car Show sponsored by the Village of Lyons.  All cars, trucks and bikes welcome. Music, kids activities, food and beer tent. Registration begins at 9am and continues until Noon. One hundred and thirty awards in 40 classes. Day of show registration fee: $25.  For more information, visit: www.showcaseclassics.com

Fri, Jun 21, 2024 in Bartlett, IL

240 S. Route 59. Hanover Township Freedom Car Show 5pm - 9pm.  Trophies, food and 50/50 raffle. Free to the public. Proceeds benefit Hanover Township Veteran Services.  For more information, visit: www.hanover-township.org

Sat, Jun 22, 2024 in Joliet, IL

124 Stone City Dr. Stone City VFW Car Show benefiting Honor Club Chicago.Registration starts at 9am, $10 per vehicle. Dash plaques to the first 150 compliments of Top Fuel Saloon. Cold beer and great food available for purchase. Raffle baskets, 50/50 drawing. Sponsored by Stone City VFW, Rusty Mutz Car Club and The Coachmen Car Club.

Sat, Jun 22, 2024 in Elgin, IL

2554 Edgewater Dr. Creekside Cruisers Car Show 10am - 2pm. Live music, food trucks and door prizes. Admission is free. Rain date: June 29. For more information, call: 847-712-4539

Sun, Jun 23, 2024 in Downers Grove, IL

1111 Warren Ave. Festival of Cars at Rotary Fest of Downers Grove 8am - 1pm.  Free admission, three trophies presented. Come for the cars, stay for the Fest starting at Noon.  For more information, visit: www.rotarygrovefest.com

Sun, Jun 23, 2024 in Fox Lake, IL

306 Washington St. Mopars at the Park Car Show 9am - 4pm at Veterans Park. Old and new Mopars are welcome. Free spectator admission. Preregistration appreciated. For more information, contact Bruce at: [email protected]

Sun, Jun 23, 2024 in Wheeling , IL

333 S. Milwaukee Ave. Chicagoland Section of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America meet from 1pm - 4pm at Superdawg in Wheeling. For more information, visit: www.superdawg.com/car-club-schedule

Tue, Jun 25, 2024 in Joliet, IL

1350 S. Briggs St. Morningstar Mission Car Show 5pm - 9pm.  Family fun, public votes, trophies, music and raffles. Donation show car entry:$10.

Sat, Jun 29, 2024 in Wheeling, IL

333 S. Milwaukee Ave. City Wide Classics meets starting at 5pm at Superdawgs in Wheeling. For more information, visit: www.superdawgs.com/car-club-schedule

Sun, Jun 30, 2024 in Hickory Hills, IL

Roberts Rd. between 91st and 95 Streets. Third Annual City of Hickory Hills Car Show 11am - 3pm. All proceeds benefit Kruse Krews. Entry Fee:  $20 after June 15, 2024; $15 prior to June 15. Applications available at City of Hickory Hills, 8652 95th St. Check-in time: 10am - 11am. Trophies awarded at 4pm. Space is limited, no refunds or rain dates.  For more information, visit: www.hickoryhillsil.org

Sun, Jun 30, 2024 in Northlake, IL

400 N. Wolf Rd. Northlake Days Car & Bike Show.   Registration 9am - Noon: $25. Breakfast available from 8am - Noon for $5. Carnival atmosphere with 120 awards in 40 classes including three motorcycle classes. Music by DJ Mike. For more information, visit: www.showcaseclassics.com

Sun, Jun 30, 2024 in Evanston , IL

1613 Central Ave. 55th Anniversary Celebration and Classic Car Show 10am - 4pm at Mustard's Last Stand. Lot opens at 9am. Silent auction, hot dog eating contest and DJ Rudy K. Tophies awarded at 3pm. Rain date: Sunday, July 7. Spectators admitted free.

Sun, Jun 30, 2024 in Carol Stream, IL

877 E. Geneva Rd. Car Show from 10am - 2pm at Rosati's Pizza. Trophies, 50/50 raffle, food and drinks. Music by DJ Tony. Registration: $10, 15 percent off dinners and pizza if registering a car. Rain date: Sunday, July 14.For more information, call: 630-690-9494.

Sat, Jul 6, 2024 in Fox Lake, IL

100 S. U.S.12 Culver's Benefit Car Show 9am - 2pm . Great music, cool cars and 50/50 raffles. Top cars will be awarded trophies. Show car registration starts at 8am: $20 benefiting animal welfare organizations.

Sun, Jul 14, 2024 in Pleasant Prairie, WI

10901 75th St. All Chevy Car Show featuring C1-C8 Corvettes 9am - 2pm.  Hosted by the North Shore Corvette Club and Lynch Chevrolet in Kenosha. Food vendors, DJ Rudy K and 50/50 raffles. Charity donations collected for the Lake County Il. Sheriff's K9 team.  Registration: $20. Awards in 17 classes. For more information, call, 224-623-1297 or visit: www.northshorecorvetteclub.org

Sun, Jul 14, 2024 in Union , IL

6422 Main St. Vintage Car Show at the McHenry County Historical Museum 9am - 3pm.

Thu, Jul 18, 2024 in Palos Heights, IL

12300 S. Harlem Ave. 21st Annual Palos Heights Annual Classic Car Event 5pm - 9pm.  Live music, local food, 50/50 split the pot. Donation to park:$10.

Fri, Jul 19, 2024 in Wheaton, IL

1771 S. Wiesbrook Rd. Cruisin' For Hope, a drive-in cruise night for all collector cars 5pm - 9pm near the intersection of Butterfield and Wiesbrook Roads presented by Naper A's Model A Club and Hope Presbyterian Church. No judging or prizes, just show off your car. No rain date.  For more information, call (630) 668-7750.

Sat, Jul 20, 2024 in Braidwood, IL

273 W. Third St. Summerfest Car Show sponsored by the Braindwood Lions Club and coordinated by the RC Gridiron Club 10am - 2pm at Braidwood City Park.  All makes, models and years welcome. Enjoy music, food vendors, flea market and carnival. Registration:$20 day of event opening at 9am and continuing until 10:30am. Trophies (1st-3rd place) awarded at 1pm.  All proceeds benefit the RC Gridiron Club activities and mission. For more information, visit: www.braidwoodlionsclub.org

Sat, Jul 20, 2024 in Alsip, IL

12100 Cicero Ave. Taillights and Tails Summer Classic Car Show 9am - 2pm benefiting Half-Way Home Animal Rescue. Food vendor, music, trophies, raffles and rescue dogs. Car entry fee: $10. Rain date:  Sunday, July 21.

Sun, Jul 21, 2024 in Libertyville , IL

14245 W. Rockland Rd. 12th Annual Lambs Farm Car Show 10am - 3pm. All makes and models of cars and trucks welcome. Preregistration: $20 (closes July 12), day of show registration: $25. For more information, visit: www.lambsfarm.org/event/lambs-farm-car-show

Sun, Jul 21, 2024 in Wheeling, IL

333 S. Milwaukee Ave. Porsche Club of America meets beginning at 3pm at Superdawgs.  For more information, visit: www.superdawg.com/car-club-schedule

Sun, Jul 21, 2024 in Bartlett, IL

240 S. Route 59. Freedom Car Show 5pm - 9pm  sponsored by Hanover Township Veterans Services. There will be trophies, raffles, food, a DJ and much more. Those interested in registering for a chance to win a trophy should call 630-540-9085. For more information, call 630-540-9085 or visit: [email protected]

Sun, Jul 28, 2024 in Lincolnwood, IL

Kostner and Lincoln Ave. 22nd Annual Lincolnwood Fest Car Show 10am - 2:30pm at Henry Proesel Park. Best of Show and Peoples Choice awards. Festival bands, rides, food and drink. No Preregisters. Entry fee day of show: $10 per vehicle. For more information, call (224) 587-6803

Sun, Jul 28, 2024 in Wheeling, IL

333 S. Milwaukee Ave.  Chicagoland MG Club meets beginning at 1pm at Superdawgs in Wheeling.  For more information, visit: www.superdawg.com/car-club-schedule

Sat, Aug 3, 2024 in Frankfort , IL

201 Colorado Ave. Car Show Fundraiser 9am - 2pm at Lincoln Way East High School. Fun for the whole family. Five People's Choice Awards. Custom designed trophies, $1 split the pot raffle with food vendors on site. For more information,visit: [email protected]

Sat, Aug 3, 2024 in Fox Lake, IL

Sun, aug 4, 2024 in union, il.

7000 Olson Rd.  33rd Annual Vintage Transport Extravaganza 9am - 5pm at the Illinois Railway Museum. This vintage car show is open to antique and classic vehicles. More than 500 cars anticipated.  Please use the link below  to preregister for the event: https://www.irm.org/event/vintage-transport-extravaganza

Sun, Aug 4, 2024 in Romeoville , IL

1050 Romeo Rd. Car and Bike Show at Romeofest begins at 9am. Enjoy Bobs shotgun bingo, deal no deal, music and DJ Mike. Forty classes and more than 120 awards. Day of show registration is from 9am - Noon :$25; preregistration $20. For more information, visit: www.showcaseclassics.com

Sun, Aug 4, 2024 in Bourbonnais, IL

459 N. Kennedy Dr. 33rd Annual Mustang and Ford Car Sho w at Perry Farm Park presented by Northern Mustang Corral.  Car Registration: 8am - 11am rain or shine, participant judging: 11am - 1pm, trophies awarded at 2:30pm. Day of show registration: $20. Food, music and door prizes.  For show information, email: [email protected]

Wed, Aug 7, 2024 in Wheeling, IL

333 S, Milwaukee Ave.  The Chicago Gearheads Car Club meets beginning at 6pm at Superdawgs in Wheeling.  For more information, visit: www.superdawg.com/car-show-calendar

Thu, Aug 8, 2024 in Wheeling, IL

333 S. Milwaukee Ave. The Austin Healey Car Club meets beginning at 5pm at Superdawgs in Wheeling.  For more information, visit: www.superdawg.com/car-show-schedule

Sun, Aug 11, 2024 in Channahon, IL

25050 W. Eames St. Three Rivers Festival Car Show presented by Hot Rods & Superheros 10am - 3pm in the grass lot behind Resurrection Lutheran Church. Hot rods, muscle cars, classic cars & trucks, tractors and snowmobiles all welcome. Food trucks, DJ, 50/50 raffle.  Proceeds from raffle donated to a local family in need. Registration begins at 8am; $10 per car.

Sun, Aug 11, 2024 in Gurnee, IL

4374 Old Grand Ave.  Gurnee Days Car, Truck and Bike Show 8am - 3pm at Viking Park. There will be a 50/50 raffle of multiple items, door prizes, trophies and good ol' rock and roll music. On the other side of the park, Gurnee Days will have multiple food options. For more information, visit:  www.gurneeparkdistrict.com/gurnee-days-car-show

Sun, Aug 11, 2024 in Winnebago , IL

200 E. McNair Rd.  Second Annual Joe Rice Memorial Car Show 7am - 2pm at Winnebago High School. Enjoy cars, food, crafts and more. Music by 3D Sound. Voting:  11:30am - 12:30pm (family, participant and community). Registration: 7am - 10am. Awards: 1:30pm.  Day of show entry fee: $15. Proceeds go towards a scholarship in Joe's honor. For more information, call or text: (815) 761-0419.

Sun, Aug 18, 2024 in Lockport, IL

199 E. Woods Dr. Will County Auto Rebuilders Car Show Swap Meet and Crafts starting at 8am rain or shine at Dellwood Park. Live music from Backdated Band from 1pm - 3:30 pm. More than 700 vehicles participated last year. Beer garden and food available. Registration 8am - Noon. Split the pot: 2:30pm. Spectators admitted free. Swap, car corral set up: 5pm - 8pm Saturday, 6am - 8am Sunday. For more details, call: 815-726-6106.

Sat, Aug 24, 2024 in Algonquin, IL

2451 S Randall Rd. America's Antique Mall Car Show 10am - 2:30pm. For more information, call: 224-587-6803

Sun, Aug 25, 2024 in Waterford, WI

8422 Jensen Parkway. Tichigan Lake Lions 19th Annual Charity Car Show 8am - 4pm. Largest one day car show.  Enjoy food, live music, raffles and games. Trophies to the top three finishers in each class. For more information, call: 262-895-6268 or visit: https://www.lionscharitycarshow.com

Sun, Aug 25, 2024 in Batavia , IL

Route 31 and Mooseheart Rd. Third Annual Mooseheat Car Show 9am - 2:30 pm.  Entertainment provided by Cruisein Music Radio. This is a vocational automotive shop fundraiser. Entry fee per vehicle:  $20. Spectators donate whatever possible.   For more information, call: (224) 587-6803.

Sun, Sep 1, 2024 in Kenosha, WI

5555 7th Street. Southern Wisconsin All Airborne Chapter Car Show 8am - 3pm at Petrifying Springs Park. All vehicles welcome. Charitable event benefiting wounded veterans. For more information, call: 262-857-7182

Sun, Sep 1, 2024 in Batavia, IL

Houston Ave between Island Ave and Water St. Wayback Wheels Car Show 4pm - 9pm, part of the Batavia Block Party, bringing history storytelling to the streets of Batavia.  Car registration:  $15 per vehicle.  Spectator entry to the Block Party: $5. For more information, email: [email protected]

Sat, Sep 7, 2024 in Fox Lake, IL

Sun, sep 8, 2024 in palatine, il.

1200 W. Algonquin Rd. British Car Festival 9am - 3pm at Harper College. For the past 35 years, this event has featured one of the finest and largest displays of British Cars and motorcycles in the U.S.A.  Expect between 400 and 550 vehicles on display. Any British auto or motorcycle qualifies for display and British recreations (replicas and kit cars) may also participate at this annual event. Free for the public to attend.

Sat, Sep 14, 2024 in St. Charles, IL

37W130 Crane Rd. Third Annual Riverside Riders All Wheels Car Show 11am - 3pm.  Top quality trophies for six classes. Live band, food, kids games and petting zoo. No entry fee. To register, call Tom W. at (630)-443-7442

Sun, Sep 22, 2024 in Bartlett, IL

102 N. Eastern Ave. North Avenue Car Show 9am - 4pm.  All cars, trucks and motorcycles welcome. All proceeds benefit Ignite the Courage, a charity organization created and run by the Bartlett Fire Department.  Registration 8am - Noon. Entry Fee: $20 per vehicle. For more information, visit :https://ignitethecourage.org/northave

Sat, Sep 28, 2024 in Joliet, IL

1503 Clement St. Illinois Valley Oldsmobile Club presents their annual Orphan Car Show 10am - 3pm for those makes that have ceased production. Food and drink available on site. Participant plaques for the first 75 entries, DJ, door prizes and split-the-pot raffle. For more information, call: 815-258-9987.

Sat, Oct 5, 2024 in Oregon, IL

120 N. River Rd. Foundation for Focus House holds their annual Car Show/Autumn on Parade Saturday, October 5 from 7am - 3pm at Oregon Park east rain or shine. Enjoy craft fair, food trucks and trophy awards. Preregistration $10 by September 24, $15 day of show. To register, visit: www.oglecounty.org

Sun, Oct 6, 2024 in Elburn, IL

500 Filmore St. 31st Annual Elburn Lions Club All Wheels Show 8am - 3pm. Proceeds benefit different charities including cancer research, veteran causes and the visually impaired.  Day of show registration: $20. Preregistration $15 before Sept. 27.

Sat, Oct 19, 2024 in Fox Lake, IL

100 S. U.S.12 Culver's Benefit Year-End Halloween Car Show 9am - 2pm . Great music, cool cars and 50/50 raffles. Top cars will be awarded trophies. Show car registration starts at 8am: $20 benefiting animal welfare organizations.

Cruise Nights

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Cruise Nights at Babe’s

Are you a car enthusiast and lover of all things summer? If you're in the Joliet, Illinois, area, we've got the perfect event to add to your week. Start clearing your schedule because Cruise Nights at Babe's Jumbo Hot Dogs are back for the summer! 

This summer, join us for Cruise Nights every Wednesday at 5 pm (weather permitting) for a family-friendly night of fun! Featuring a live DJ and free giveaways (we're talking gift certificates, apparel, and tons of other prizes!), enjoy the fantastic summer weather by looking at some of the most beautiful cars ever made. From classic cars you only see in the movies to the hottest cars on the current market, you'll be wowed by the beauty, history, and craftsmanship behind each vehicle on site. We guarantee there's a car for everyone! And PS- this event is entirely FREE for everyone! 

And don't forget about the food! Walking around, looking at cars, and having fun is sure to make you and the family hungry. Get a hold of our famous Italian Beef Sandwich or our amazing jumbo hot dogs, and you're sure to come back. In fact, why not come back every Cruise Night and try the entire menu ? We've got hot dogs, burgers, grilled sandwiches, fish, chicken tenders, salads, and more! Looking for something a little lighter? No worries! Check out our Healthy Choice menu for our delicious and nutritious offerings. You can even create your own salad or wrap! 

We can't wait to welcome you to Cruise Nights at Babe's this summer! We're located in the heart of Joliet at 2600 W Jefferson Street. Visit our website to learn more and for a full list of events, or call us at 815-744-7773 for any other questions. 

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LaSalle County Cruisers

2024 Calendar of Local Events

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 This information is to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted.  It may come from third-party sources and/or changes may occur. 

Before driving any distance, a "reality check" is always a good idea using phone numbers or websites provided under "more info here".  

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Arts & Entertainment

Cruisin to the slammer at the old joliet prison, monday night cruise nights first event on monday, may 9th at old joliet prison, mike b , community contributor.

CRUISIN' To The SLAMMER at the Old Joliet Prison!

Monday Nights at the Old Joliet Prison will be hoppin' with show cars in the main prison parking lots in front of the prison off of Collins Street. FREE to the public!

In addition to awesome cars, we'll have live bands, beverage bar, food trucks, prison tours, raffles, T-shirts & more! Events are hosted by the Joliet Area Historical Museum and the following car clubs: Manhattan Car Club, Midnight Mods, Prison City Kruisers, South Side American Muscle, and Tri Chevy Association.

Find out what's happening in Joliet with free, real-time updates from Patch.

Monday Cruise Night Dates (4pm to 8pm): May 9th, June 13th, July 11th, August 8th, and Sept. 12th

For more info please go to www.jolietmuseum.org or call (815) 723-5201

Thank you to our event sponsors - D'Arcy Buick GMC, First Midwest Bank, Kozol Bros., Inc., Busey Bank, Mission Insurance Services & Azteca de Oro.

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch? Register for a user account.

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2024 Car Shows & Cruise Nights

2024 World of Wheels

10/17/23 Cozzi Corner Halloween Cruise Night

10/7/23 Midwest Gear Grinders Car Show in Lockport Photos

10/1/23 Elburn Lions Car Show Photos

9/24/23 Show & Shine Car Show in Glendale Heights Photos

9/23/23 Brookdale Car Show in Lisle Photos 

9/10/23 Joliet Airport Festival Photos

9/9/23 Bill Kay Car Show in Downers Grove Photos

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6/8/24 Hot Rods & Hot Wheels

Blains 451 S. Weber Rd.   Romeoville, IL.   12pm

6/8/24 Car Show Fundraiser

7800 Caton Farm Rd.   Plainfield, IL.   9am

6/8/24 All Makes & Models Cr Show

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6/8/24 Village of Norridge Car Show

7740 W. Montrose Ave.   Norridge, IL.   9am    Details

6/8/24 Culver's Benefit Car Show

100 S. US=12   Fox Lake, IL.   9am

6/8/24 Morris Cruise Night

Downtown   Morris, IL.   5pm

6/9/24 Annual Peotone Swap & Car Show

Will County Fairgrounds   Peotone, IL.   6am

6/9/24 Bradley Fest Car Show

1600 N. State Rte. 50   Bourbonnais, IL.   9am

6/9/24 Wounded Warrior Benefit Car Show

701 North Point Dr.   Winthrop Harbor, IL.   9am

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Your source for ALL local car events!

Welcome to Motoring Around

This is a site where you can find the latest events involving cars. We will add events daily featuring car shows, cruise nights, drag racing, demo derby, swap meets, etc.

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Rod and Custom Car Show Open Date: Fri, Jan 21, 2022 Close Date: Sun, Jan 23, 2022 Description: Features exhibitors displaying and selling auto related parts and accessories, plus custom cars and rod’s will be on display. Location: Quad Cities Expo Center 2621 Fourth Avenue Rock Island, IL 61201 Additional Features: Commercial Vendors, Designated Parking, […]

Crown Point Concours Collector Car Show – Crown Point, IN – Oct 29th – Oct 31st 2021

The 2nd Annual Crown Point Concours Collector Car Show will be held October 29-31st at the Industrial Building at Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point, Indiana. This indoor exhibit of over 30 vehicles will feature both rare, curious and seldom seen autos from local collections AND cars belonging to local enthusiasts who want to display […]

Fairgrounds Fall Fest Car Show – Yorkville, IL – Sunday Oct 24th, 2021

Fairgrounds Fall Fest FAIRGROUNDS FALL FLING OCTOBER 24TH, 2021 8AM – 3PM ************************************** AUTO SHOW INFO: $10 per vehicle 7AM – 11AM Registration Early registration is welcomed and appreciated: ************************************** CRAFT SHOW INFO: $25 for 10×10 space Registration is REQUIRED, please read requirements prior to registration: *************************************** FOOD VENDOR INFO: Drendel Roasting – biscuits & […]

63rd St Car Show – Chicago, IL – Friday October 15th 2021

Clearing Night Force/GRCC presents 63rd St Car SHow Parking lots reserved for Car Show, 6pm-9pm: Hoyne Bank (63rd/Narragansett) New Warsaw (63rd/Mobile) Parisi’s Drive -In (63rd/Merimac) Food trucks welcome – please park on 63rd street/Mulligan

Annual Cars & Cops Car Show – Chicago, IL – Sept 12th 2021

CARS & COPS CAR SHOW Join us for Our 4th Annual Car Show! Cars & Cops is a family friendly car show held at Collector’s Car Garage. All makes, models and years are welcome – everything from American classics to hot rods, tuner cars and modern exotics will be judged by seasoned collectors and knowledgeable […]

Jalopy Fest – Yorkville, IL – Sept 10th & 11th, 2021

NEW VENUE! Kendall County Fairgrounds September 10th & 11th, 2021 12th Annual!! We Are Also Opening Up The Show to 1972 & Older Cars & Trucks! $10 for Friday – Swap Meet & Pre-Party $15 for Saturday – Car Show Swap Meet and Music Kendall County Fairgrounds is located on Rt 71 West of Rt […]

Pride and Joy Car Show – Yorkville, IL – Sunday Sept 5th 2021

Dempsey Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Pride and Joy Car Show Sunday, September 5 (9:00-2:00pm) This is a Hometown Days favorite!  The show is hosted by a live DJ and features classic cars of a variety of makes and models.  Register early and save $5 by submitting the registration form to the Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department by […]

K9s For Veterans Car Show – Joliet, IL – Sunday August 29th, 2021

K9s For Veterans Car Show 50/50 Raffles Prizes Trophies Food and Drinks Available For Purchase Kid Friendly

Hot Rods House Of Power 1st Annual Classic Car Show – Lockport, IL – Saturday August, 28th 2021

Hot Rods House of Power hosts their 1st annual Classic Car Show Saturday, August 28th 2021 Lockport American Legion 15052 Archer Avenue   Lockport, IL 9:00AM – 12:00PM registration 12:00PM – 3:00PM Judging 3:00PM Awards ceremony Entry Fee- $20.00 At the gate Trophies for 13 Classes 50/50 Raffle Proceeds to benefit the American legion memorial fund

AREA 41 NOSTAGLIC DRAGS – Morocco, IN – Aug 20th-21st 2021

  Friday/Saturday. AREA 41 NOSTAGLIC DRAGS. 1975 or older only. Newer Vintage style cars with race history allowed. Discretion by track official. Friday: Racer Gate opens at 11am. Spectators Gate open at 2pm. Open fun time runs 2-10 pm. Saturday. Gates open at 9am. Fun time runs all day. 10-10pm Saturday evening. Wheelie contest. $50 […]

Cruise In Car Show – Joliet, IL – Sunday August 15th 2021

Joliet Antique Auto Club is Celebrating 50 years! our VFW is proud to host this event. Come out visit and enjoy seeing the beautiful cars of yesteryear from 10am-3pm, Food, drinks, prizes and 50/50.

24th Will County Auto Rebuilders Car Show, Swap Meet & Crafts – Lockport, IL – Sunday August 15th

Dellwood Park on Sunday, Aug. 15 at 8am for the 24th Will County Auto Rebuilders Car Show, Swap Meet & Crafts! There will be live music and a food & beer garden. Spectators are free! If you would like to participate, registration is from 8am to 12pm.

Montgomery Fest Car Show – Montgomery, IL – Sunday August 15th 2021

The Montgomery Fest Car Show 2021 is now accepting pre-registration for its upcoming show on August 15, 2021. Onsite registration for cars looking to participate begins at 7:30A and closes at 11:30A at which time judging begins. Awards are announced at 3P at which time the show ends. NEW THIS YEAR!!! 2 New Jeep Classes […]

Lansing Cruise Night on Ridge – Lansing, IL – Saturday August 14th 2021

Lansing, IL Cruise night Saturday August 14th 2021 The Event starts at 6:00pm and will end at 9:30pm Cruise Night will take place on Ridge Road between Wentworth and Burnham Av. Live music entertainment will take place near the clock tower during the cruise.

Knights of Columbus Car Show – Orland Park, IL – Saturday August 14th

Knights of Columbus Car Show Saturday August 14th 2021 10:00am to 3:00pm Entertainment DJ Popcorn Food Truck and much more  

Starved Rock Nationals Car Show – Ottawa, IL – August 14th and 15th 2021

Cost:  Free to come enjoy the show Enter your car – $40 Free admission $15 parking- covers both days. A free Dyno event to measure the horsepower on the cars 3 DJ’s Sunday live band- Abby Normal 6-10pm Sunday -Over 100 trophies Food vendors Merchandise vendors Kid zone with bounce house, coloring contest with major prizes.

Annual Benefit Car Show – Willow Springs, IL – Thursday August, 12th 2021

Willow Fest 2021 – Annual Benefit Car Show Thursday, August 12, 2021 The Can’t Miss Summer Event! The Annual Willow Springs Benefit Car Show rides into the Village Center at Archer and Willow Springs Road for another evening of fun and entertainment for family and friends. Enjoy an evening of live music, grilled food, and […]

Dirt Oval 66 Car Show – Joliet, IL – Sunday August 8th

Calling all vehicle enthusiasts! The annual AllWheels Car Show & Festival kicks off at Dirt Oval 66 on August 7th & 8th for a weekend-long spectacle. Get ready for live entertainment, great food, activities for the entire family, shopping from local vendors, and more. “We are the ultimate vehicle destination at Dirt Oval 66. We host all […]

30th Annual Mustang and Ford Car Show – Bourbonnais, IL – Sunday August, 1st 2021

Pre-register before July 27, 2021, $15. Day of event registration 8AM – 11AM. A Day at the Park. A beautiful setting on grass with trees scattered throughout the area. Very refreshing in August. There are 30 classes including seven classes for Fords other than Mustangs. Three trophies will be presented in each class along with […]

Summer Classic Car Show – Alsip, IL Saturday July 31st 2021

Don’t Miss Eastwood’s Summer Classic Car Show. In Store Promotions, Drawings, Raffles, Food Vendor, Dash Plaques, Trophies. 12100 S Cicero Ave Alsip, IL 60803 9AM – 2PM

Catfish Days Car Show – Wilmington, IL – July 25th 2021

Catfish Days Car Show Hosted by THE RUSTY NUTZ CAR CLUB Sunday July 25th 9am-4pm North Island Park 130 Bridge St. (Right behind Nelly’s on 66) All types of cars, trucks, and bikes are welcome Entry Fee $20.00 First 100 entries receive a Dash Plaque There will be 25 trophies awarded Plus 5 Special Awards […]

Cruise the Commons – New Lenox, IL – Summer 2021

The Village of New Lenox is excited to host Cruise the Commons again this summer! These cruise night events will offer residents and visitors the opportunity bring their cars, trucks, Jeeps, and bikes and put them on display in the Village Commons. Cruise the Commons will take place on the third Tuesday of the month […]

Morris Cruise Nights – Morris, IL – Summer 2021

2021 Crusin Night Schedule June – September – 6:00PM – 9:00PM October 4:00PM – 7PM Entry Closes at 8:00PM Entry Fee: $10.00 Per Vehicle June 12th Morris Police Benevolent Society July 10th Grundy County Heroes and Helpers August 14th Morris Shrine Club September 11th Pink Heals October 9th Morris Rotary Club   Held Every Second […]

JC’S Pub Restaurant Car Show – McCook, IL – June, 6th 2021

JC’S Pub Restaurant Car Show – McCook, IL – June, 6th 2021 Sunday June 6th 2021 Noon – 3:30PM Honorary Guest NHRA Chris Karamesines & His Dual Engine Dragster Registration, 11-1 Voting ends at 2:30 Public and Participation Vote. Top 10 and Best in Show Car Entrance Fee $15 Food and Drinks

Tinley Cruise Nights – Tinley Park, IL – Every Tuesday Summer 2021

Come to Cruise Nights on Tuesdays during the summer in Downtown Tinley for a classic car show with no entry fee, food and beverages for sale and DJ music. Cruise Nights presented by Tinley Park V.F.W. Post 2791. 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM DJ Entertainment Food/Beverages sold No Entry Fee Oak Park Avenue closes at […]

Crusin’ Frankfort – Frankfort, IL – Fridays Starting May 21st, 2021

Frankfort Car Club presents Crusin’ Frankfort Friday Nights Starting May 21st 2021 4pm till Dusk Food & Beverages available Swap meet in summer Live entertainment   German American Heritage Club 25249 S Center rd. Frankfort, IL 60423

Summer Nights at Konow’s Corn Maze – Homer Glen, IL – May 20th 2021

Come out for a Car Cruise & Live Music at Konow’s Corn Maze in HomerGlen! Enjoy Classic Cars *No cover. *Reservations are NOT required *Guests only have to wear face masks to use the restroom. *Full bar, Servers will serve food & drinks at tables, provide hand sanitizer, and we will sterilize between each guest. […]

Joliet American Legion Classic Car Cruise Nights – Joliet, IL – Summer 2021

The Joliet American Legion would like to welcome all Cruise Night Enthusiasts to join them for their Classic Car Cruise Nights held every Monday evening from 4-8 pm. Enjoy great food and drinks from the American Legion while DJ Dr. B plays classic music from the ’50s to the ’70s as we turn back the […]

Munster 23rd Car Show – Munster, IN – May 1st 2021

Enter your car in this spectacular Show or join us at Community Park for a terrific display of cars and trucks.  Due to Covid spread, this show will not be judged as in past years. Trophies will be awarded for over 15 special categories as well as “Best of Show” and “People’s Choice.”  Entry forms […]

Gilberts 15th Annual you got the Fever Car & Truck Show – Gilberts, IL – April 25th 2021

April 25th Gilberts 15th Annual you got the Fever Car & Truck Show ! Show Hours 9:30 AM – 3 PM Win a HD TV Luck of the Draw your Registration Number . Also a 50/50 for Autism Speaks. Top 40 Trophies & Best Of Show Entry Fee $20 Spectators Free! MC Cruising Music 101.5 […]

New Lenox Cars and Coffee – New Lenox, IL – Sun March 28th 2021

New Lenox Cars and Coffee #15 2021 Season Opener! Join us Sunday, March 28th, starting at 8am, for our first event of 2021. Bring your car, motorcycle, or just come for some great coffee and wonderful company. Social Distancing Required per the Illinois Department of Commerce. Please wear a facemask when within 6 feet of […]

Jeepin’ Creepin’ – A Trick or Treat Family Friendly Event – Lombard, IL – Sat Oct 31st, 2020

Brauer House, Afterlife, Swizzle Steve Present: ” Jeepin’ Creepin’ – Family Friendly Trick or Treating Event ” Come one come all! We love Halloween at Brauer House / The Afterlife Music Hall! This year is no different! We invite everyone to join us in a Car Show Trick Or Treating Event for the KIDS! 4pm […]

Gateway Classic Cars, Caffeine and Chrome – Crete, IL – Oct 31st 2020

1329 Commerce Dr. Gateway Classic Cars, Caffeine and Chrome 9AM-12PM, Cruise into Gateway Classic Cars with your collectible or daily driver to enjoy coffee & donuts,while supplies last. Free admission from 9am-12pm. Share in the enthusiasm with fellow drivers. More Info: 6182713000

Fergie’s Car & Motorcycle Show – Summit, IL – Thursday, Oct 8th 2020

An Indoor & Outdoor Socially Spaced Event! Join us. All Welcome! Please have your masks! More info to follow! Want to show your Ride??? call the bar or send me a message! Car, Motorcycle, & Vendor Set up: 4-5pm EVENT: 5-9pm Wrap-up: 9-10pm Be sure to check out Toys for Tots “bb1” Merchandise Truck! Coolest […]

2nd Annual Car Show – Yorkville, IL – Sept, 19th 2020

Saturday, September 19 2020 Goodie bags for the first 200 entrants Free admission & parking for spectators 50/50 split the pot, Live Music, Concessions, Raffles Spend an enjoyable day seeing a wide assortment of Classic Cars, Trucks and Bikes on Yorkville High School’s beautiful campus Show Vehicles: Car, Truck, and Bike Classics * Trophy awards […]

Gateway Classic Cars, Caffeine and Chrome – Crete, IL – Sept 26th 2020

Spirit of America Cruise In – Orland Park, IL – Sept 12th 2020

FREE Cruise night, come as you are with optional donation available to support the Disabled Patriot Fund and the Orland Township . All cars, trucks and motorcycles welcome! Orland Park Crossing – (14225 S 95th Avenue, Orland Park 60462) DJ & Live Entertainment House Of Music Food, wine & beer will be available for purchase […]

MotorMania Take Over The Mile – West Allis, WI – Sept 5-6th 2020

When: Sept. 5-6 Sat. 7:30 am to 7: 30 pm Sun. 7:30 am to 5:00 pm Where: The Milwaukee Mile Speedway Car Show Street Drags Burnout Pit Swap Meet Music Vendors tables Find us on Facebook 2020 or visit www.themotormania.com All makes and models and years welcome

K9s for Veterans Car Show – Joliet, IL – Sunday Aug 23rd, 2020

K9s For Veterans Car Show – Joliet, IL – Sunday August 23rd, 2020   50/50 Raffles Prizes Trophies Food and Drinks Available For Purchase Kid Friendly Dash Plaques first 100 cars All proceeds will be donated to K9s for veterans, nfp

Chi-Town Show & Go – Morroco, IN – Aug, 22nd 2020

Car show and racing event, Big rim shoot out 100% pay out, 15+ classes sponsor deals and vendor space available. People already locked in to come from Florida, Detroit, Louisiana, Atlanta, and other states Contact through IG @Playboy_Geezy_3800 with any questions

Big Bopper Car Show & Car Hop – Willowbrook, IL – Saturday, August 22nd 2020

If you missed the first one we got your covered! Enjoy a throwback Saturday on Route 66 with home-cooked food, classic cars & great music. – The Big Bopper’s Car Show + A DJ + a Car Hop!! 11am to 3pm Enjoy car side service or eat at the patio while you view some classic […]

Cruise Night Tuesdays – Plainfield, IL – Summer 2020

The Plainfield Chamber of Commerce would like to thank everyone for a great 2019 season and invite y ou to come out again and experience the many restaurants and shops that will be open during the events. Downtown Plainfield boasts a wide array of stores, services, and restaurants that appeal to almost everyone! So, please […]

Cruizin’ into Lockport – Lockport, IL – Mondays, Summer 2020

Classic Car Show, Farmer’s Market, and Live Music on State Street in Downtown Lockport on Monday nights in August & September. August 3, August 10, August 17, August 24, August 31 September 14, September 21, September 28 (No show on Monday, September 7 due to Labor Day) Farmer’s Market on 10th Street starts at 4 […]

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Learn more about volunteering with Morris Cruise Night.

BECOME A SPONSOR 

Find out how your business can support Morris Cruise Night.

BECOME A BENEFICIARY

Submit your organization to Morris Cruise Night.

The popular pastime of cruising down Morris’ famed Liberty Street was known as "Buzzin’ the Gut.” Morris Cruise Night has revived that tradition and warmly invites you to join us at our events.

COME AND VISIT ONE OF OUR EVENTS

Start your engines.

Join us for Morris Cruise Nights in charming downtown Morris, Illinois. Car admission is $10 for charity and spectators are FREE. Enjoy hundreds of amazing cars, dine at one of the many restaurants, shop, and listen to live music!

FACTS ABOUT MORRIS CRUISE NIGHT 

One of the largest events in grundy county., raised over $825,000.00 for local charities., volunteer-based, community-focused, 501-c3, sponsors of morris cruise night .

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Find the best cruise for you

Featured cruise deals, cruising guide, why take a cruise vacation.

If you have a place on your bucket list, chances are, a cruise will get you there – provided the destination is along a coastline or inland waterway. Cruises cover the world, taking millions of passengers each year to regions such as the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Alaska, Europe, the Mediterranean and even Antarctica. Cruising offers a tremendous value, with trips that include your lodging, meals and entertainment – all rolled into one. Some luxury cruise lines even offer fully inclusive vacations, which cover drinks and tours ashore. And best of all, cruising means seeing the world conveniently after unpacking only once.

Cruises also provide a wonderful option for families, with many ships offering things like waterslides, mini-golf courses and fun clubs for kids, tweens and teens. While most are free, nursery programs can cost extra. Planning is easy: Pick your destination and the right ship (and line) for your travel style. The cruise line makes it simple, offering packages to help you save on extras like alcohol, shore tours or even airfare.

Travelers say they choose to cruise because cruising often costs less per night when compared with land vacations at a hotel, where they'll have to book -- and pay for -- every extra.

What are Tips for Finding Cheap Cruises?

If you're a flexible traveler, you'll have a better chance of finding cheap cruises. Take a cruise that doesn't sail over the summer or holidays, when prices are highest. Book an inside cabin, or take your chances with a "guarantee cabin," ideal for passengers who aren't picky about their stateroom location but really want the lowest price available. Book cabins on lower decks, which often come with lower prices than those rooms on higher floors – that is staterooms over suites.

Cruise brands such as Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International offer rates that might drop as low as $75 per person per night -- and sometimes even lower.

If you want a real bargain, consider a transatlantic or repositioning cruise. These cruises are one-way or open-jaw trips, that start in one port and finish at another. You can score a deal sailing from Florida to Europe, for example, or even from New York to Florida. Just be aware, you'll probably have to pay a bit more for airfare to return.

What are Tips to Finding Last-Minute Cruise Deals?

While being flexible date wise will always get you the best last-minute cruise deals, it's particularly helpful if you live near a cruise port and can quickly drive there. That way you'll probably be able to jump on those deals that might pop up just a week or two before the ship is scheduled to sail.

Or if you don't have flexibility with either departure dates or embarkation locations, be willing to compromise on exact destinations. This will allow you to find a wider range of last-minute deals traveling to locations in their off-season or so-called shoulder season.

Do plenty of research and know what your ideal cruise is and costs on average, so both are already on your radar. When you see it drop, pounce! (Many cruise lines update pricing several times per day, so preparation is crucial.)

Best cruises in 2024

There's truly a cruise style and ship for everyone, and that has never been more the case than in 2024, as vessels continue to come in an array of sizes – from riverboats and expedition vessels to the largest-ever mega ships. And it's not an exaggeration to say some are loaded with so many activities that you couldn't possibly enjoy them all in a single sailing.

Families will find plenty of options and activities onboard big ships, which have transformed cruising, making the vessels as exciting as the destinations themselves. The Caribbean is always a great option for families, offering lots of sunshine, great beaches and culture. Alaska, famous for its incredible vistas and abundant wildlife, is also a solid family cruise option. Consider cruise brands such as Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises and even Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line for a great multi-generational voyage.

Or on the smaller side, by comparison, river cruising remains a hot ticket item this year, with exciting routes that send eager guests down the Danube or Rhine rivers in Europe or to lesser-frequented locations, like the Mekong River in Cambodia or Vietnam, or soon the Magdalena River in Colombia. Popular river cruises embark in timeless cities like Amsterdam, Budapest and Lisbon. River cruise lines to consider encompass Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises, Tauck, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and Riverside Luxury Cruises, as well as American Cruise Lines for a domestic alternative.

If you're an adventurer at heart, an expedition cruise might be best for you. These voyages, often onboard small ships (only a few hundred passengers tops), offer an intimate experience that brings passengers right up next to glaciers, whales, penguins and iguanas. Ships visit tiny spots all over the world – from pole to pole – including the Arctic, Alaska, Australia, Greenland, the Galapagos and, of course, Antarctica. Passengers will spend their time zodiacing, kayaking, hiking, biking and exploring with expert guides and knowledgeable naturalists. Expedition travelers love cruise lines such as Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, UnCruise Adventures, Silversea, HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), Ponant and Quark Expeditions, as well as an ever-expanding list that now even extends to Seabourn and Viking.

But for the most decadent form of travel, luxury cruises offer all-inclusive experiences onboard small to median-sized ships (usually under a thousand passengers) with perks like butlers, high-end amenities and personalized, intuitive service, not to mention the finest dining at sea. Ships often feature luxury touches like marble and crystal decor, intimate spaces and beautiful spas. Because luxury ships tend to be on the smaller size, they can often reach off-the-beaten-path destinations bigger ships simply cannot access -- ports like St. Tropez or Guadeloupe. If you're looking for a luxury cruise, consider Crystal, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, Explora Journeys, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and upcoming Four Seasons Yachts.

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I've worked on cruise ships for years. I always see passengers make these 13 mistakes.

• I've worked on cruise ships for over six years, so I've seen many passengers make mistakes.
• Missing the ship at port or booking excursions with outside operators could be costly and risky. 
• If you don't set your phone to airplane mode, you may rack up overseas roaming charges.

After over six years working on ships for a major cruise line , I've witnessed tons of travel blunders that prevent guests from having the best possible experience.

Here are 13 common mistakes I see travelers make:

Not reading the fine print can lead to conduct issues later

Passengers usually come on the ship excited for a good time, and for many, this involves a drinks package . And with lots of drinks can come rowdiness. 

I've come across a few troublemakers who had no idea that smashing Champagne glasses in the hot tub could get you booted off the ship.

Every passenger consents to a hefty conduct policy when they book the cruise, so make sure to read through it to know what's prohibited on board.

Make sure to put your phone on airplane mode to avoid expensive roaming charges

Cellular rates at sea can sneak up on you, and you can easily rack up a $500 roaming bill. 

Even if you're not actively on your phone, most are still using data, so make sure to put yours on airplane mode to avoid roaming charges.

Really, just turn your phone off unless you're using it to take photos or access the ship's WiFi.

Many passengers don't take advantage of the different dining options on board

I often see passengers eat all three meals at the buffet every day. I know some people just really love the self-serve option, but it surprises me how many guests have no idea what's included with their trip.

Many times, the biggest shock to most first-time cruisers is that the dining room is included on most ships. Yes, this means a sit-down meal where you can order seven appetizers, five entrées, and 12 extra cookies for a midnight snack.

There are also so many spots with free food around most ships, like a pizza station, 24-hour ice-cream machine, and small cafés. Just be aware that specialty dining, like the steak house , might cost extra.

Leaving your room key behind is more of a hassle than you'd expect

It is not just a room key — it's your onboard credit card, ticket on and off the ship, and identification for the week.

Everything is connected to that card, so make sure to set up your information online ahead of time so you can start swiping the moment you get on board.

Security will scan it when you pass through the gangway to know who is on or off the ship, so it's especially important to have it on port days.

If you lose it, report it to the service desk immediately to ensure that no one else spends your money.

Many guests don't know they can bring their own wine on the ship

While many people think no outside alcohol is permitted on the ship, many major cruise lines allow passengers over the age of 21 to bring a bottle or two of wine on boarding day, so you can stop smuggling drinks in empty mouthwash bottles.

Some terminals will even sell wine to boarding travelers. If you buy alcohol in a port, you'll usually have to check it upon reentering the ship, and it'll be delivered to your room on the last night.

Missing the all-aboard time on port days is an expensive mistake

In my years of working cruises, I have seen more than a handful of guests miss the ship.

Although this is a huge fear for most passengers, it usually happens to avid cruisers — people who have been to the port many times before sometimes assume the all-aboard time is always the same.

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But this time varies by cruise, and it's stated on multiple signs at the exit gangway, in the daily planner, and in the captain's announcement.

Also, always triple-check whether the all-aboard time is based on the ship's clock or the local time.

If you miss the ship, you'll often have to get yourself to the next port, which can be very pricey.

Passengers miss out on discounts by not booking their next cruise while still on the ship

Booking a future vacation while on a ship can get you bigger discounts on cruises , access to new itineraries not open to the general public yet, and a lot of onboard credit.

These booking appointments are usually filled up by the last few days of the cruise, so head there at the beginning of your stay for more deals and no wait.

Booking a tour with an outside operator can be risky

Although it might be a lot cheaper to book your tours independently, it's also a lot riskier. 

Excursions booked through the ship are with verified operators. Most cruise lines will wait for the ship's tour to return before leaving the port, even if it's hours late. 

But this is not the case if you book on your own, and running through the port to find the ship sailing away is probably not the excursion you're looking for.

Immediately removing the automatic gratuity affects many staff members

On most cruise ships, there is a preset daily gratuity charged per passenger unless it's removed at the guest-services desk.

I see so many people come on board and immediately remove the charge, but this fee is usually split between your housekeeping, dining, and cleaning staff. It is essential to their jobs and affects their livelihoods.

I'd recommend waiting until the end of the cruise to make sure you're happy with the service instead of removing it on day one. You can also increase or decrease the amount instead of cutting it. 

Packing prohibited items can lead to a headache

As confident as you are that you can sneak on your portable iron, I seriously advise against packing anything that's not allowed on board. 

Security scans your bags on embarkation day, and if a prohibited item — like an iron, a bottle of vodka, or a candle — is found, they will hold your bag.

Your luggage won't be delivered to your door, and you may have to wait several hours until security contacts you, brings you to the holding area to search the bag, and confiscates the item until the end of the cruise.

Prepare your necessary travel documents to avoid trouble at ports

Cruise ships travel all over the world, so check if you need specific visas or documents based on your nationality.

You are responsible for knowing and bringing your own paperwork. If you don't have the right documents, you might not be able to get off at a port or, even worse, be allowed back on the ship.

I saw this happen when traveling to India with many American guests, a handful of whom didn't realize they needed a visa.

Dressing down on formal night can limit your dining options

Even though walking through the promenade in shorts is your choice, many guests aren't aware that there's usually a formal evening on most cruises.

Most passengers don evening gowns and suits on formal nights, and I've met cruisers who wished they would've packed at least one nice item — besides their Margaritaville shirt, of course.

Passengers not formally dressed on this evening usually aren't allowed to eat in the ship's main dining rooms, though the buffet is open to everyone.

It's worth learning the difference between port and starboard

Different announcements will direct passengers to either the port side or starboard side of the ship, so it's best to brush up on the jargon before your vacation.

Port is the left side of the boat and starboard is the right, always configured facing the front of the ship.

Just remember that "port" and "left" are both four letters. You'll thank me later.

This story was originally published on June 28, 2021, and most recently updated on June 7, 2024.

Watch: Cruise ship captain breaks down 8 cruise ship disasters in movies and TV

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Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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Russian River Cruise – Waterways of the Tsars

Updated December 14, 2017

// By Margherita

Back to Russia! Did you follow our Russian river cruise in August and September? We travelled between Moscow and St Petersburg on the Waterways of the Tsars Viking River Cruise – here’s what we got up to!

We both share a deep connection with Russia. I was named after the heroine of Master and Margarita , one of the best Russian books of the 20th century. Nick is actually of Russian ancestry – his maternal great-grandparents were from St Petersburg, and spent the best part of 50 years wandering around Europe escaping wars and revolutions, before settling in Australia .

Russia has been at the top of our travel dreams for several years , but somehow something always came up whenever we made plans to visit. Once we couldn’t get a visa on time. Another time we couldn’t get time off. Winter is too cold, summer is too hot.

This year, Russia was one of our travel resolutions . Our desire was for the trip to be special – something different from what we’d done so far. We wanted a higher level of comfort, help with visa arrangements, and a trip that would help us understand the country we longed to visit for so many years . The Waterways of the Tsars river cruise with Viking ticked all boxes, so we made arrangements for a departure from Moscow in late August.

Things to Know Before a Russian River Cruise with Viking

When we announced our friends we would be travelling on a Russian river cruise , some of them were really surprised. A CRUISE? You guys are such hardcore independent travellers! What are you doing ON A CRUISE with all those OLD PEOPLE? True, the average age on a Viking river cruise might be a fair bit higher than 35 – but really, who is to say we wouldn’t enjoy the experience?

This awesome post by One Modern Couple  really nails the point – a Viking river cruise is an experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. In their words ‘River cruises are cultural, experiential, educational and scenic. Enjoy the ride, take in the surroundings, learn about the countries you are visiting – from history to local life, food to language – and experience the destinations in a thoughtful way.’ 

Whether you’re 30, 60 or 90, it doesn’t really matter.

Secondly,  who’s to say that travelling in a group is not ‘real’ travel? We have always been (and continue to be) lovers of independent travel, but sometimes you just can’t beat the insights given to you by a local guide . Viking River Cruises offer plenty of guided tours included in the cruise price, all led by experienced local guides.

Meals were always excellent – breakfast and lunch included a combination of buffet and à la carte specialties, while dinner was always à la carte. Every day we were given the choice to sample some Russian specialties, like beef stroganoff, borsch, pelmeni, solyanka and lots of delicious desserts.

Another great plus of a Russian river cruise with Viking is that during sailing time lots of cultural activities are on offer – things like cooking demonstrations, Russian language lessons and lectures about Russian history and culture, led by the local tour escorts who were with us for the whole duration of the trip. On top of that, every day we received a briefing detailing the following day’s activities, optional excursions and that night’s menu.

Whenever we passed points of interest on the boat, such as Mother Volga statue or the sunken Kalyazin Cathedral, we were always called out on the loudspeaker to make sure we wouldn’t miss them. There was no pressure to join in any of the activities – we could spend the whole day chilling on the deck or on our veranda, looking at the beautiful colourful churches built on the riverbank, surrounded by nothing but nature.

Waterways of the Tsars – the Itinerary

The Waterways of the Tsars cruise is 13 days long, starting either in Moscow or in St. Petersburg . Most Russian river cruises had always been described to me as ‘Volga Cruises’ – in fact, our boat cruised along a variety of waterways, including the Moscow Canal, the Volga-Baltic Waterway, the Rybinsk Reservoir, Lake Onega and Ladoga (the two largest lakes in Europe) and the Neva River (the shortest in Europe!)

Here’s a map to give you an idea of the route.

Days 1-4 Moscow

Three days were barely enough to get an idea of how amazing Moscow is. Our days were packed from morning to night with tours and activities – from visiting Moscow must visits like Red Square, the Kremlin, the Moscow Metro and the Arbat, to quirky locations like the Museum of Cosmonautics , located in one of Moscow’s best districts for Communist architecture (one of our passions!)

Even though our itinerary was packed full, we managed to spend half a day touring Moscow independently , visiting some of the sights mentioned in The Master and Margarita – Patriarch’s Ponds, both Bulgakov Museums and Sparrow Hill. Let’s just say that we need to get back to Moscow soon to explore more! Meanwhile, here’s our things to do in Moscow for first timers article, detailing our Moscow visit with Viking.

Day 5 Uglich

After setting sail from Moscow, our first stop was Uglich , a cute town on the Volga River, famous for its pretty churches and for being the location of one of the darkest chapters in Russian history .

After the death of Ivan the Terrible, his youngest son and heir to the throne Dmitry was exiled to Uglich, where he was murdered at the age of 10. Suspicion fell on the tsar’s chief advisor, but Dmitry’s cause of death (i.e. throat slitting) was ruled to be an accident. This episode started a period of political unsettlement, that ended with the start of the Romanov dynasty.

We spent an afternoon around Uglich , starting with a home visit of a local family where we had the chance to try homemade grain vodka (the best we’ve had in Russia) and a variety of pickled vegetables, tea and cakes. Then, we toured the Kremlin – the word ‘kremlin’ actually means fortified city, and several Russian cities have one. Moscow’s Kremlin just happens to be the best known!

Day 6 Yaroslavl

The following morning we reached Yaroslavl , a much larger city compared to Uglich. It looked like the perfect Russian city – large enough not to get bored (there was even a cat cafe!) but small enough not to get frustrated with the traffic and crowds found in Moscow or St. Petersburg.

Our Yaroslavl visit was centred around four points of interest . The centre of Yaroslavl is located on the Strelka, a promontory formed at the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl rivers. Our first stop was the covered market , where we tasted some local products, and then we headed to the Church of Elijah the Prophet , where we had a guided tour (and played with some cute cats). Afterwards, we visited the Governor’s Mansion , now an art gallery. We were welcomed by some beautiful ladies in period costumes, and treated to a music concert. Our final stop was the Yaroslavl Kremlin , where we admired the façade of the Dormition Cathedral, destroyed by the Bolsheviks and rebuilt and reopened in 2010 in time for Yaroslavl’s millennium celebrations.

Before heading back to the ship, we stopped at the lookout over the Millennium of Yaroslavl Park at the end of the Strelka – the flowerbed right in the centre displays a bear (Yaroslavl’s coat of arms) and the city’s age – 1006 at the time of our visit. Looking good!

Day 7 Kuzino

Kuzino is a small village in in the middle of nowhere – we visited on a chilly and rainy morning, to visit the stunning Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery , the largest in Europe. The Monastery is surrounded by walls and located on the shores of Severskoye Lake, with waters so pure that boat traffic is prohibited.

Kirillo-Belozersky was founded at the end of the 14th century, and had its heyday between the 15th and 17th century, when Russia’s tsars and noblemen (including Ivan the Terrible!) paid frequent visits and showered the monks with icons and precious gifts. Luckily the Bolsheviks spared the monastery from destruction, turning it into a museum instead. The day we visited was the feast of the Assumption and the churches were crowded with locals, but we had a lovely guided tour of the museum and time to appreciate its beautiful icons.

Day 8 Kizhi (Sailing)

Whenever travelling, you always need a plan B. Autumn was well on its way by the time we reached the northernmost section of our cruise, and we were held at a lock for the best part of one night due to thick fog . This meant we had to sail the whole day and miss out on Kizhi , a tiny island on the northern side of Onega Lake, famous for its spectacular wooden churches.

We were all disappointed when boat staff made the announcement – personally, Kizhi was one of the stops I was looking forward to the most, after reading about it on the Guardian and knowing that the site is very difficult to visit without a river cruise. However, we didn’t mind too much because we were both suffering the consequences of the previous night’s vodka tasting , organised by Frank, the hotel manager who also happened to be a real vodka connoisseur!

Viking staff were really amazing at keeping us busy during the sailing day with activities like guided tours to the wheelhouse, the room where the captain and sailors pilot the ship.

Day 9 Mandrogy

The last stop before reaching St. Petersburg was Mandrogy , a village on the banks of the Svir River, built in 1996 as a replica of a village destroyed during WW2. A Russian businessman had the idea of ‘rebuilding’ Mandrogy to provide a stop to river cruise passengers before reaching St. Petersburg. So, the village is not actually ‘real’ – it’s more of an open air museum. Cute little painted houses were built around a little forest, with people in traditional dress showcasing traditional crafts and selling souvenirs.

Those in search of souvenirs loved Mandrogy – the quality of matrioshka dolls, icons and other handicrafts was far higher than anywhere else we had been. We are not into souvenirs, but if there was a place to get something, Mandrogy would be it. The village was pretty, but it felt a bit fake for us – kind of like a tourist amusement park. Which in a way, it is.

However, we did enjoy Mandrogy for two reasons – the first was the chance to attend matrioshka painting workshop  where we decorated our own matrioshka dolls. That’s the best kind of souvenir in my opinion! The second was the delicious piroshki place where we had some delicious buttery pastries filled with green onion and egg. Just ask Viking staff and they’ll point you the way to the piroshki place!

Days 10-13 St. Petersburg

After 6 days spent cruising, covering a distance of 1800 kilometers, we made it to Saint Petersburg . We had three gorgeous sunny days, and the city dazzled us with its beauty and artistic wealth – after all, it’s UNESCO-listed ! There’s no way I can convey everything we saw and did in three days in just a couple of paragraphs, so watch this space – a St. Petersburg article is coming soon!

There are several St. Petersburg experiences already included by Viking in the tour price – a visit to the Hermitage Museum, a ballet performance, a visit to Catherine Palace in the village of Pushkin and a St. Petersburg city tour, either on foot or by bus. On top of that, we also joined some optional tours – a river cruise, a morning tour to amazing Peterhof Palace and my very own favourite, a Cossack performance!

Things to Know Before Travelling to Russia

• Make sure you sort out your Russian Visa on time . Viking Cruises helps with an invitation letter that you can use to apply for your own Russian visa at your closest consulate – the process is pretty straightforward, provided you are applying in your own country, and takes approximately 2-3 weeks.
• You can also ask Viking to sort out your Russian visa for an additional charge . This is especially convenient if you live in the US or if your hometown doesn’t have a Russian consulate.
• River cruises of Russia only run between April and October, when the waterways are not frozen. The weather can be change dramatically between Moscow and Saint Petersburg , the latter usually being much colder than the former. Make sure you check the weather reports before packing!
• English isn’t widely spoken around Russia , not even in the main cities. If you’re planning to spend some time travelling independently, learning a bit of Russian is a VERY good idea. The Russian language classes we had on board came in very handy!
• Russia’s currency is the rouble , which fluctuates quite a bit. Larger cities are full of moneychangers, and some souvenir shops (like those in Mandrogy) also accept euro and USD.

We would like to thank Viking Cruises for having welcomed us aboard the Waterways of the Tsars cruise.

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2 thoughts on “Russian River Cruise – Waterways of the Tsars”

Truly amazing place & photography! I loved the view of church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, looks awesome. I enjoyed reading. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Thank you for reading! It was a fab trip!

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The US may have to deploy more strategic nuclear weapons in coming years against growing threats from Russia, China and other adversaries, a senior White House aide said yesterday.

Pranay Vaddi, the top National Security Council arms control official, made his comments in a speech on “a more competitive approach” to arms control that outlined a policy shift aimed at pressing Moscow and Beijing to reverse rejections of US calls for arsenal limitation talks.

“Absent a change in adversary arsenals, we may reach a point in the coming years where an increase from current deployed numbers is required. We need to be fully prepared to execute if the president makes that decision,” he told the Arms Control Association.

“If that day comes, it will result in a determination that more nuclear weapons are required to deter our adversaries and protect the American people and our allies and partners.”

The US currently adheres to a limit of 1,550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads under the New START treaty with Russia even though Moscow suspended it last year.

The administration remains committed to international arms control and non-proliferation regimes designed to curb the spread of nuclear weapons, Mr Vaddi said.

But, he said, Russia, China and North Korea “are all expanding and diversifying their nuclear arsenals at a breakneck pace, showing little or no interest in arms control.”

The three and Iran “are increasingly cooperating and coordinating with each other in ways that run counter to peace and stability, threaten the United States, our allies and our partners and exacerbate region tensions,” he said.

Russia, China, Iran and North Korea are sharing advanced missile and drone technology, said Mr Vaddi, citing Moscow’s use in Ukraine of Iranian drones and North Korean artillery and missiles, and Chinese support for Russia’s defense industries.

Biden promises new $225m aide to Zelensky in Paris talks

US president Joe Biden announced a fresh $225m aid to Ukraine on the sidelines of his meeting with president Volodymyr Zelensky for D-Day events.

Mr Biden apologised to Mr Zelensky in what was their first first face-to-face encounter since the Ukrainian president visited Washington in December, when the two pressed Republicans to overcome opposition in their party to more support for Ukraine.

“You haven’t bowed down, you haven’t yielded at all, you continue to fight in a way that is ... just remarkable,” Mr Biden told the Ukrainian leader at the start of their meeting on Friday. “We’re not going to walk away from you.”

He confirmed he was signing an additional tranche of $225m on Friday to help Ukraine reconstruct its electric grid.

“We’re still in, completely, totally,” Mr Biden said.

Mr Zelensky thanked Biden for US military, financial and humanitarian support.

“It’s very important that you stay with us. This bipartisan support with the Congress, it’s very important that in this unity, United States of America, all American people stay with Ukraine, like it was during World War Two, how United States helped to save human lives, to save Europe,” he said in English.

Zelensky hits out at Putin’s claims about Ukraine’s presidential legitimacy

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has hit back at Vladimir Putin for raising questions over the legitimacy of his presidency in the absence of elections in the war-torn country.

In a joint news conference with France’s President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Mr Zelensky said: “President Zelensky’s legitimacy is recognized by the people of Ukraine only, he is elected by the people of Ukraine.”

“I am very grateful for the support. Our people are free. To be honest, that’s what we are fighting for (freedom). I am grateful for the support,” he said.

He added said Mr Putin’s legitimacy is recognized only by the Russian president himself.

“Putin elects himself. Russian people are just a decoration, they only have one actor,” Mr Zelensky said, pointing to Russia’s presidential election,

Ukraine had to undergo elections in March 2024 after Mr Zelensky’s first term ended in May. However, martial law was imposed following the Ukraine war in February 2022, banning elections during wartime.

British foreign secretary falls victim to hoax video call and messages

Foreign secretary Lord David Cameron has been the victim of hoax a video call and messages from someone claiming to be the former president of Ukraine , it has been revealed.

In order to stave off any attempts to manipulate video footage of Lord Cameron from the communications, the government has made public what happened.

A statement from the Foreign Office said a “number of text messages were exchanged followed by a brief video call between the Foreign Secretary and someone purporting to be Petro Poroshenko , former president of Ukraine”.

Mr Poroshenko served as Ukrainian president between 2014 and 2019, and has remained a prominent figure in the country since leaving office.

Lord Cameron falls victim to hoax video call and messages

Russia-installed governor says 22 killed in Ukrainian shelling

The Russia-installed governor of Ukraine‘s southern region of Kherson accused Ukrainian forces of killing 22 people and wounding 15 in the shelling of the small town of Sadove.

Governor Vladimir Saldo said Ukrainian forces had deliberately struck the area a second time today, using a US-supplied HIMARS missile to inflict the largest possible number of casualties.

Leonid Pasechnik, another Russia-installed governor in Luhansk, an occupied region northeastern Ukraine, said a Ukrainian strike had killed three people and wounded 35.

Russian Defence Ministry said Ukrainian forces had used US-supplied ATACMS missiles in the attack on the city of Luhansk.

There was no comment from Ukraine on either incident.

Putin claims Russia may supply long-range weapons to enemies of West in retaliation for Ukraine support

Putin claims Russia could supply long-range weapons to West’s enemies

Graffiti with images and messages referencing Ukraine appear on Paris buildings near Parliament

Unusual spray-painted images and messages with references to Ukraine appeared on the streets of Paris on Friday as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US president Joe Biden in the French capital.

It was unclear who sprayed the graffiti that has appeared on several buildings in central Paris near the Parliament complex and various government ministries.

Some depicted coffins with stenciled signs in French that say “A French soldier in Ukraine.” Others include a sign that says in Ukrainian “Return the elections back to Ukrainians.”

Ukraine is in a race against time to steel itself for a Russian summer assault. Western help needs to speed up

Speaking in Normandy at the commemoration of 80th anniversary of D-Day, Joe Biden declared that the US and the West is committed to unwavering support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, and robust resistance to Vladimir Putin “a tyrant bent on domination”.

The US president went on to meet Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris to assure him that $225 million (£176m) in weapons supply is on its way.

It was their first meeting since December when the Ukrainian leader visited Washington during a Congressional impasse over a $60 billion arms package for Kyiv.

The bill in Congress, held up at the time by Republican opposition, has been passed, easing trepidation that Ukraine would face defeat this year without that lifeline.

Importantly, the Biden administration, after prolonged hesitation, has belatedly allowed Ukraine to use American weapons, chiefly ATACAMs missiles, to strike targets inside Russia -- as long as its not in Moscow and the Kremlin.

Read more here:

Ukraine is in a race against time to steel itself for a Russian summer assault

Putin’s forces killed his brother. He takes revenge using hundreds of suicide drones to blow Russian troops up

The Ukraine politician avenging his brother’s death with hi-tech ‘suicide drones’

Why African nations are turning to Russia

Russia‘s top diplomat pledged help and military assistance while on a whirlwind tour of several countries in Africa‘s sub-Saharan region of Sahel this week, as Moscow seeks to grow its influence in the restive, mineral-rich section of the continent.

Russia is emerging as the security partner of choice for a growing number of African governments in the region, displacing traditional allies like France and the United States.

Sergey Lavrov, who has made several trips to Africa in recent years, this week stopped in Guinea, the Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso and Chad.

‘There is more to do’ to avoid repeat of Second World War, warns army chief

There is “every possibility” that a conflict on the scale of the Second World War could embroil Europe in the coming years, the outgoing head of the British army has claimed.

General Sir Patrick Sanders, 58, who will step down in the coming days after two years in post, issued the comments in Portsmouth at an event to commemorate the D-Day operation of 6 June 1944.

Having recently returned from a visit to British troops in Poland, Gen Sanders heralded the progression of the British army but added that there was “more to do” and urged the military to ramp up its readiness for war.

‘There is more to do’ to avoid repeat of WWII, warns army chief

At D-Day ceremony, American veteran hugs Ukraine's Zelenskyy and calls him a savior

An American veteran and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared an emotional moment at a ceremony to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion to liberate France in World War II, each praising the other as a hero.

Retired Staff Sgt. Melvin Hurwitz, 99, and other veterans were introduced to the foreign dignitaries remembering the landings in Normandy on Thursday.

When he met Zelenskyy, Hurwitz kissed the Ukrainian leader’s hand and pulled him in for an extended hug, exclaiming: “Oh, you’re the savior of the people!”

Inside the escape from a Ukraine border village as Putin’s forces closed in: ‘Mummy, when will this war end?’

Nine-year-old Sasha rushed down to the basement as Russian-launched drones buzzed in the sky above him. He was terrified, shivering as he desperately tried to block out the noise of the “Shaheds”, the Iranian-designed drones that have become a deadly feature of Vladimir Putin’s invasion.

The boy was living with his mother and five siblings in the village of Zakharivka, just a few miles from the Russian forces advancing across the border into Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region. The region has been the scene of intense fighting for weeks.

This was five days after the Russian attack had started in the middle of May. Poor defensive fortifications and severed communication lines, the result of Russian signal jammers, had caught Ukraine’s forces off guard. Moscow’s troops had then pushed rapidly across the border.

Inside the escape from a Ukraine border village as Putin’s forces closed in

Biden announces $225m arms package for Ukraine as he meets with Zelensky in France

The US will soon dispatch an arms and aid package to Ukraine amounting to $225million as Kyiv works to repel renewed Russian attacks, President Joe Biden said on Friday.

Biden announced the new tranche of defense assistance in Paris during a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, a day after the Ukrainian president joined the US president and other world leaders for ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

In remarks at the American cemetery in Normandy during the ceremony, Biden had described Ukraine’s fight against Russia as a modern-day analog of the war against Hitler and Nazism while stressing the importance of beating back isolationist sentiment, providing an implicit contrast with his predecessor and likely 2024 election opponent, former president Donald Trump.

Zimbabwe's Mnangagwa tells Putin that Russia is a reliable ally

Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa said Russia was a consistent ally of his country, and criticised the West for imposing a global order which he said had marginalised the Global South.

Mnangagwa was speaking at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum on a stage with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who Mr Mnangagwa called “my dear brother”.

Watch: Zelensky's heartbreaking exchange with D-Day veteran

Ukraine has right to strike 'legitimate targets in russia', nato chief says.

Ukraine has the right to attack legitimate military targets in Russia, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said.

“Ukraine has the right to self defence,” Mr Stoltenberg said during a news conference with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at a military base near Stockholm.

He added: “The right to self defence also includes the right to hit legitimate, military targets on the territory of the attacking party, the aggressor - in this case Russia.”

EU 'supports starting accession talks', Ukrainian PM says

The European Commission supports starting EU accession talks with Ukraine, the country’s prime minister has said.

Denys Shmyhal said the commission had confirmed in a report that Kyiv had fulfilled the remaining steps required to start negotiations.

“Now we expect our European partners to take the next step - to start negotiations on European Union membership this month,” Mr Shmyhal said on Telegram.

Germany needs 75,000 extra troops as NATO braces for Russia threat

Germany will need at least 75,000 additional troops to fulfil its Nato commitments as the alliance adapts its defence planning to face what it sees as an increasingly hostile Russia, Spiegel magazine reported on Friday.

At their Vilnius summit last year, Nato leaders signed off on the first major defence plans since the end of the Cold War, detailing how the alliance would respond to a Russian attack.

The move signified a fundamental shift - Nato had seen no need to draw up such plans for decades, as it fought smaller wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and felt certain post-Soviet Russia no longer posed an existential threat.

Nato and national military planners have been busy translating the plans into concrete requirements, identifying shortages of troops, weapons and other equipment needed to defend against a Russian attack that could, according to the German military’s top brass, come as early as 2029.

US president Joe Biden has apologised for a month-long delay in approving weapons for Ukraine and told Zelensky “we’re still in.”

Speaking in Paris, where they both attended ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, Biden apologized to the Ukrainian people for the weeks of not knowing if more assistance would come while conservative Republicans in Congress held up a $61 billion military aid package for Ukraine for six months.

Still, the Democratic president insisted that the American people were standing by Ukraine for the long haul. “We’re still in. Completely. Thoroughly,” he said.

Trump claims nuclear war is a greater threat to the world than climate crisis

Donald Trump has downplayed the threat of the climate crisis in his latest interview with Fox News, insisting that international unrestand the danger of nuclear war are of far greater concern, declaring: “The only global warming that matters to me is nuclear global warming.”

The Republican presidential candidate and convicted felon sat down with the conservative network’s anchor Sean Hannity to lambast Joe Biden for emphasising environmentalism over the threat of nuclear war.

“I love this country. I don’t want to see this country get into a nuclear war and be so badly damaged. What we say won’t matter. This won’t matter.

This place won’t matter, nothing will matter because practically nothing is going to be here anymore,” Trump told Hannity, outlining his nightmarish vision of man-made apocalypse.

French citizen arrested in Moscow on charges of collecting military data

Watch live: Zelensky inspects French military equipment after Macron promises warplanes to Ukraine

Live: Zelensky inspects French military equipment after Macron promises warplanes

Read more by Tom Watling here:

Russian naval vessels that will be making port in Cuba next week is an attempt to invoke the historical memory of the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, according to a leading thinktank.

The Cuban ministry of the revolutionary armed forces announced yesterday that four Russian northern fleet vessels would make an official visit to the port of Havana between 12-17 June.

The US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said the move was “likely part of a larger effort to invoke the historical memory of the Cuban missile crisis as part of Russia’s reflexive control campaign to encourage US self-deterrence”.

Moscow accuses Ukraine of using US rockets to shell civilian targets inside Russia

The Russian foreign ministry accused Ukraine of using US- supplied HIMARS rockets to shell civilian targets in Russia’s Belgorod region and of being responsible for the deaths of women and children.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova set out the allegation at a news conference held on the sidelines of an economic forum in St Petersburg.

She said fragments of the HIMARs rockets would serve as proof of what had happened.

Russia detains French NGO worker in Moscow on spying charges

Russia has arrested a French NGO worker on suspicion of spying on its military, a move that is likely to further strain already frought relations with Paris.

The Russian authorities claimed, without providing evidence, that the Frenchman was involved in the “targeted collection of information in the field of military-technical activities of the Russian Federation”.

They have launched a criminal case against him for allegedly violating the country’s law requiring any person receiving foreign support to register as a “foreign agent”.

Ukraine military downs nearly 50 drones

Ukrainian forces drowned 48 drones and five cruise missiles overnight, the military said in its morning update today.

The drones were launched from occupied Crimea, the Russian town of Yeysk and Primorsko-Akhtarsk, located on the coast of the Azov Sea, it added.

Russia reportedly flew Tu-95MS bomber planes to launch Kh-101 cruise missiles from Saratov Oblast.

Biden draws comparison between World War II and Ukraine

US president Joe Biden yesterday drew parallels between Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and World War II throughout his speech commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France.

Mr Biden warned “the autocrats of the world are watching closely to see what happens in Ukraine”.The president vowed that the US would “not walk away” from the conflict, claiming “if we do, Ukraine will be subjugated, and it will not end there”.

“Ukraine’s neighbours will be threatened, all of Europe will be threatened.”

Zelensky meets Biden and Macron in France

Biden calls putin a ‘dictator’.

US president Joe Biden said his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin is “not a decent man” but “a dictator” amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

“He’s a dictator, and he’s struggling to make sure he holds his country together while still keeping this assault going,” Mr Biden told ABC World News during his trip to France to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.

When asked about the US administration’s decision to authorise Ukraine to use American weapons to strike inside Russia, Mr Biden said the weapons were authorised to be used “in proximity to the border”.

“We’re not authorising strikes 200 miles into Russia, and we’re not authorising strikes on Moscow, on the Kremlin.”

“We’re not talking about giving them weapons to strike Moscow, to strike the Kremlin, to strike against — just across the border, where they’re receiving significant fire from conventional weapons used by the Russians to go into Ukraine to kill Ukrainians.”

President Emmanuel Macron said France plans to provide Mirage 2000 warplanes to Ukraine and train Ukrainian pilots this summer.

Mr Macron did not specify how many single-engine jet fighters would be provided, by when or under what financial terms.

He said France had proposed to train 4,500 Ukrainian soldiers but did not clarify where the soldiers would be trained.

He made the announcement on the occasion of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to France as part of D-Day anniversary celebrations.

Mr Zelensky earlier in September said he had struck an agreement on training Ukraine pilots in France in conversation with Macron.

The head of the Ukrainian Air Force said in January that French Mirage aircraft may reinforce the Ukrainian air force.

US to send new $225m military aid package to Ukraine

The US will send about $225m in military aid to Ukraine, US officials said Thursday, in a new package that includes ammunition Kyiv’s forces could use to strike threats inside Russia to defend the city of Kharkiv from a heavy Russian assault.

The officials said the aid includes munitions for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, as well as mortar systems and an array of artillery rounds. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss aid not yet publicly announced.

Under a new US directive, Ukraine can use such weapons to strike across the border into Russia if forces there are attacking or preparing to attack.

That change, however, does not alter US policy that directs Ukraine not to use American-provided ATACMS or long-range missiles and other munitions to strike offensively inside Russia, according to US officials.

US to send new $225 million military aid package to Ukraine, officials say.

Russian warships headed to Caribbean for drills as tensions rise

The US has tracked Russian warships and aircraft that are expected to arrive in the Caribbean for a military exercise in the coming weeks.

The ships also are expected possibly to make port calls in Venezuela and Cuba, as Russia establishes a Western Hemisphere military presence that the senior Biden administration officials said was notable but not concerning.

The exercise will involve a “handful” of Russian ships and support vessels, the two officials said.

It’s not the first time Russia has sent its ships to the Caribbean.

This exercise, however, is taking place as Russian president Vladimir Putin has suggested that Moscow could take “asymmetrical steps” elsewhere in the world in response to president Joe Biden‘s decision to allow Ukraine to use US-provided weapons to strike inside Russia to protect Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.

Russia detains French man for ‘espionage’

The authorities in Russia have arrested a French NGO worker on suspicion of allegedly gathering information about the activities of Vladimir Putin’s military.

A criminal case has been launched against the Frenchman for allegedly violating Russia’s law that requires a person receiving foreign support to register as a “foreign agent”.

Moscow said the man, who it did not name, was involved in the “targeted collection of information in the field of military [and] military-technical activities of the Russian Federation”.

“Such information, if obtained by foreign sources, may be used against the security of the state,” it added.

The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue told AFP it was trying to secure the release of a member of its team, identifying him as Laurent Vinatier.

The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue is a Geneva-based non-profit that works to prevent and resolve armed conflicts through mediation and discreet diplomacy, according to its website.

“We are aware that Laurent Vinatier, an adviser at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, has been detained in Russia,” it said in a statement. “We are working to get more details of the circumstances and to secure Laurent’s release.”

Taiwan to ban export of shell components to Russia and Belarus

Taiwan’s ministry of economic affairs said it has decided to restrict exports to Russia and Belarus by adding nitrocellulose to its list of controlled items.

The ban will come into force from 14 June.

Nitrocellulose, a highly flammable thermoplastic resin, is an essential component in smokeless gunpowder and ammunition propellant and has already been regulated by the US and EU.

The self-governed island currently has export restrictions on nitrocellulose with a nitrogen concentration in excess of 12.2 per cent, but nothing below that.

The decision to control exports of all nitrocellulose is necessary to strengthen and prevent “a regulatory loophole”, the ministry said.

Video: Zelensky embraces D-Day veteran: ‘You are the saviour of the people’

President Volodymyr Zelensky warmly embraced a veteran in a moving exchange at the D-Day ceremony in Normandy, France yesterday.

The veteran, who was sitting in a wheelchair, hugged the Ukrainian president and told him: “You’re the saviour of the people. You bring tears to my eyes”.

President Zelensky embraces D-Day veteran: ‘You are the saviour of the people’

Watch: Zelensky inspects French military equipment after Macron promises warplanes to Ukraine

Watch: Zelensky inspects French military equipment after Macron promises warplanes

ICYMI: Russia arrests Frenchman suspected of collecting military intelligence

Russian investigators said on Thursday they had detained a French citizen on suspicion of gathering information about the activities of the Russian military.

The state Investigative Committee said the man was suspected, over a period of several years, to have “purposefully collected information in the field of military and military-technical activities of the Russian Federation”.

It added: “This information, when obtained by foreign sources, can be used against the security of the state. For these purposes, he repeatedly visited the territory of Russia, including the city of Moscow, where he held meetings with citizens of the Russian Federation.”

Investigators said the man, whom they did not identify, would be charged shortly under a Russian law on failing to register as a “foreign agent”, which carries a punishment of up to five years in prison.

No comment was immediately available from the French Foreign Ministry in Paris.

ICYMI: Scholz - Ukraine may use Western weapons against Russian border strikes

German chancellor Olaf Scholz has reiterated his stance that Ukraine could use weapons supplied by the West to defend itself against attacks launched from just inside Russia, such as those made against the Kharkiv region.

“In order to defend itself against such attacks, Ukraine can also use the weapons supplied by us and our allies - always in accordance with international legal obligations,” Mr Scholz told the Bundestag lower house of parliament.

Mr Scholz’s comments came after Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday warned that allowing Kyiv to strike Russia with ever more powerful weapons was a serious escalation that was drawing the West towards a war with Russia.

ICYMI: Ukrainian strikes disrupt Russian logistics in Crimea

Ukraine’s recent strikes on targets in Crimea “almost certainly” disrupted the Russian army’s logistical operations, Britain’s Ministry of Defence has said.

Strikes on rail ferries on 29 May caused significant temporary disruption to Russian military logistics operations “and, potentially, Crimea’s fuel supply,” the MoD said in a statement.

Read the statement in full below:

Nato’s Stoltenberg: Allies must ensure continuity of military support to Ukraine

Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg has said that western allies should ensure that gaps in military support to Ukraine are not repeated.

Speaking during a visit to Finland, Mr Stoltenberg said Ukraine needed “predictability and accountability” from Nato allies in terms of military support.

“Over the last months we have seen some gaps, some delays in the provision of military support to Ukraine,” he said during a press conference alongside Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

“We need to ensure that doesn’t happen again.”

Ukraine hits Russian oil facilities in overnight attacks

Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery and a fuel depot in Russian border regions, officials in the targeted areas said Thursday.

An overnight drone attack hit the Novoshakhtinsk refinery in Russia’s Rostov region and started a fire, Rostov Gov. Vasily Golubev said. Firefighters had to pull out briefly because of a second attack, he said.

The extent of the damage to the facility wasn’t immediately clear. Golubev said that there were no casualties.

In Belgorod, another border region, a drone hit an oil depot overnight, Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said. It caused an explosion and a fire in one of the oil reservoirs. The blaze was quickly extinguished and there were no casualties, Gladkov said.

It wasn’t immediately possible to verify the reports.

In pictures: Zelensky attends D-Day anniversary

Uk court decides aircraft disputes to be heard in ukraine, not london.

A legal battle between insurers and aircraft leasing companies over jets stuck in Ukraine should be heard in Ukraine rather than London, the High Court in London ruled on Thursday.

Aircraft lessors, including Ireland’s AerCap, are pursuing insurers after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine left aircraft stranded in Ukraine.

Judge Andrew Henshaw, in a decision relating to six separate lawsuits, ruled that the cases in London should be put on hold because of "exclusive jurisdiction clauses" requiring disputes to be heard in Ukraine.

The claimants had argued that the cases should be heard in London, in part because the ongoing war in Ukraine makes it very difficult to fairly conduct litigation there.

Henshaw, however, said in his ruling that "the evidence about the effect of the war on the court system ... does not indicate that the war is likely to result in substantial delays or other problems in litigating these claims effectively in the courts of Ukraine".

In March, the High Court ruled that a separate $10 billion battle over more than 200 jets stuck in Russia should be heard in London rather than Moscow.

Russia arrests Frenchman suspected of collecting military intelligence

The state Investigative Committee said the man was suspected, over a period of several years, to have "purposefully collected information in the field of military and military-technical activities of the Russian Federation".

It added: "This information, when obtained by foreign sources, can be used against the security of the state. For these purposes, he repeatedly visited the territory of Russia, including the city of Moscow, where he held meetings with citizens of the Russian Federation."

Investigators said the man, whom they did not identify, would be charged shortly under a Russian law on failing to register as a "foreign agent", which carries a punishment of up to five years in prison.

Russian court begins trial of US soldier arrested on theft charges

A court in Russia’s far eastern city of Vladivostok on Thursday began the trial of an American soldier arrested earlier this year on charges of stealing.

Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, 34, flew to Vladivostok, a Pacific port city, to see his girlfriend and was arrested after she accused him of stealing from her, according to U.S. officials and Russian authorities. He faces up to five years in prison if convicted.

Full report:

There is “every possibility” that a conflict of the scale of the Second World War could embroil Europe in the coming years, the outgoing British head of the army has claimed.

General Sir Patrick Sanders, 58, who will step down in the coming days after two years in post , issued the comments in Portsmouth at an event to commemorate the D-Day operation of 6 June, 1944 .

Biden calls for solidarity with Ukrainie at D-Day event

Joe Biden has marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day by saying "we will not walk away" from the defence of Ukraine and allow Russia to threaten more of Europe.

"To surrender to bullies, to bow down to dictators, is simply unthinkable," the US president said during a ceremony at the US cemetery in Normandy.

"If we were to do that, it means we’d be forgetting what happened here on these hallowed beaches."

D-Day was the largest amphibious assault in history, and Mr Biden called it a "powerful illustration of how alliances, real alliances, make us stronger", adding that was "a lesson that I pray we Americans never forget".

Former German chancellor Schroeder loses case to get Bundestag office back

Former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder has lost another legal bid to reverse a decision to strip him of his government-funded office taken after the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine amid public outcry over his ties to Russia.

The Bundestag said in 2022 that Schroeder, Social Democrat chancellor from 1998 to 2005, was no longer carrying out duties in his capacity as former chancellor so did not deserve the publicly-funded office and staff to which he had been entitled.

The decision came amid public anger at Schroeder over his refusal to distance himself from Russian president Vladimir Putin, whom the former chancellor has described as a personal friend.

He lost a case with a Berlin court to reverse the decision last year. On Thursday, a spokesperson for the Upper Administrative Court in Berlin said he lost that bid too.

Schroeder visited the Russian leader in Moscow in 2022 and said afterwards that Russia wanted a negotiated solution to the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky branded Schroeder’s behaviour as "disgusting".

Nine-year-old Sasha rushed down to the basement as Russian-launched drones buzzed in the sky above him.

He was terrified, shivering as he desperately tried to block out the noise of the “Shaheds”, the Iranian-designed drones that have become a deadly feature of Vladimir Putin ’s invasion.

The boy was living with his mother and five siblings in the village of Zakharivka, just a few miles from the Russian forces advancing across the border into Ukraine ’s northeastern Kharkiv region. The region has been the scene of intense fighting for weeks.

Vladimir Putin has claimed Russia could retaliate in kind against those permitting Ukraine to target Russia with their long-range missiles – by providing such weapons to countries within striking distance of Western nations.

In wide-ranging remarks at his annual economic forum in St Petersburg, the Russian president sought to insist that Moscow “does not care” about the upcoming US election, claimed candidate Donald Trump ’s hush money conviction was “political”, and dismissed fears that Russia wants to attack Nato as “nonsense”.

ICYMI: Commission investigating Russian and Belarusian influence in Poland begins its work

A special commission tasked with investigating Russian and Belarusian influence in Poland was beginning its work on Wednesday, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced.

At a news conference in Warsaw , Tusk and other officials described the commission as a non-partisan body of experts whose aim is to protect national security. Its work begins at a time of security concerns across the region as Russia’s war against Ukraine is in its third year.

Commission investigating Russian and Belarusian influence in Poland begins its work

The costs of World War II and the war in Ukraine fuse as Allies remember D-Day without Russia

As the sun sets on the D-Day generation, it will rise again Thursday over the Normandy beaches where the waves long ago washed away the blood and boot-steps of its soldiers, but where their exploits that helped end Adolf Hitler ‘s tyranny are being remembered by the next generations, seeing war again in Europe, in Ukraine .

Ever-dwindling numbers of World War II veterans who have pilgrimaged back to France, and Russia ‘s full-scale invasion of Ukraine that has dashed hopes that lives and cities wouldn’t again be laid to waste in Europe, are making the always poignant anniversaries of the June 6, 1944, Allied landings even more so 80 years on.

Donald Trump has downplayed the threat of the climate crisis in his latest interview with Fox News , insisting that international unrestand the danger of nuclear war are of far greater concern, declaring: “The only global warming that matters to me is nuclear global warming.”

The Republican presidential candidate and convicted felon sat down with the conservative network’s anchor Sean Hannity to lambast Joe Biden for emphasising environmentalism over the threat of nuclear war .