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Posted on May 31, 2018 by firebirdtours
One of the greatest ways to explore western Russia is indeed on laid-back yet activities-filled Russian river cruises along the Volga River. Just picture yourself on board a luxurious ship that’s like a hotel on water enjoying the passing by scenery of the countryside? The high-comfort 5-star vessel named in honor of the famous Russian composer, Mstislav Rostropovich, is among the most popular travelers’ choices for cruising Russian waterways, and in this overview, you can get an insight and sneak peek on the highlights making up this hit Volga cruise program.
To the rhythms of MS Rostropovich
With delicious gourmet meals, great accommodation, exciting pre-planned entertainment, and, of course, sightseeing tours with local professional guides all included in the program, the answer to “why see Russia as part of a Moscow to St. Petersburg cruise program” becomes quite obvious.
Several full days in each of the Russian capitals plus a relaxing cruise part in between – such a way of discovering Russia has gained popularity among travelers in the recent years. And with all the various ship choices available on the route, the 5-star MS Rostropovich has proven itself to be amid the top vessels for foreigners wishing to travel to Russia.
What to expect onboard?
MS Rostropovich is a modern ship that was designed to accommodate more than 200 passengers. It was fully refurbished in 2009, its cabins and common areas are located on four decks which are connected by an elevator. Apart from the cabins, on board you can find a lounge, gym, conference hall, medical room, bars, and restaurants.
During the cruise, guests dine in the ship’s restaurants, Opera and Symphony, and enjoy delicious meals of European and traditional Russian cuisine, prepared by experienced chefs. Wine and soft drinks are served with every meal, a coffee station with beverages is also available any time of the day.
As for the cabins, all of them are like hotel rooms, equipped to modern standards with air-conditioning, large beds, electric sockets, flat-screen TVs, safes, and private bathrooms. There is a total of 100 of them on MS Rostropovich, ranging by category from Standard rooms to Suites. Most have walk-out balconies, others have panoramic windows. The most comfortable cabin options are the spacious suites: Hermitage, Mariinski, and Bolshoi, named after famous Russian venues.
What kind of onboard activities to anticipate?
Here’s the fun part: if you think you’ll be bored while cruising, trust us, you won’t! From the minute you step onboard the ship you’re greeted with a traditional Russian bread, salt and vodka ceremony and that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
Obviously, it’s not obligatory to participate in all the activities of this Moscow to St. Petersburg river cruise but here are a couple to definitely look forward to.
Every day on the ship is filled with fun activities to join, including a welcome reception with the Captain, an excursion of the ship’s bridge, entertaining folk performances, a talent show, and even classes of Russian language, Russian history, singing, cooking traditional pelmeni, and more. Other highlights favored by travelers are the Russian tea party, and, of course, the exciting vodka tasting party.
What parts of Russia are seen?
The 12-day all-embracing MS Rostropovich cruise program reveals the authentic side of Russia. The destinations where the ship makes stops introduce travelers to Russian culture, history and traditional life. The main ports of call enroute are Uglich, Goritsy, Kizhi Island, and Mandrogi.
The unique places visited during tours along the way of the Moscow to St. Petersburg cruise include the 1397 Monastery of St. Cyril, the wooden miracles of Kizhi Island and its Transfiguration Church, real Russian villages in the countryside, and more.
Mandrogi, a port of call en route is a place very enjoyed by travelers. This traditional village shows what everyday life was like back in the days, displaying not only architecture but local crafts too.
How about time in Moscow and St. Petersburg?
Another great thing about this Russian river cruise is rightfully the fact that several days before and after the cruise program are reserved for touring Moscow and St. Petersburg. And during this time you get to stay in select 5-star hotels which are located right in the city centers, meaning you can visit the places that interest you after the guided tours by yourself. Moreover, this means you won’t need to spend hours of your vacation time for commuting in heavy Moscow and St. Petersburg traffic while you make your way back and forth from the heart of town to the ship port that’s set in the outskirts of town.
The St. Petersburg tour part covers all must-sees: the incredible collections of the Hermitage Museum, trips outside the city to royal Peterhof – renown for its parks, fountains and palatial buildings – as well as to the Tsarskoe Selo and its lush Catherine Palace with the astonishing Amber Room. Of course, landmarks of St. Petersburg like the Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the Church of the Savior on Blood are on the list as well.
In Moscow you can count on seeing all the highlights, including an inside visit of the world-famous symbol of Russia, St. Basil’s Cathedral, located on the Red Square, enjoying incredible Russian artwork in the Tretyakov Gallery, and, without a doubt, checking out the red-walled Kremlin territory and it’s Armoury. Other places on the agenda are the Sparrow Hills, Novodevichy Convent and several adorned Soviet-style Moscow metro stations, many of which are called “palaces of the Moscow underground”.
The entrance fees are already included so there won’t be any unpleasant on-the-spot surprises. Plus the sightseeing programs are designed in a way that you get enough free time to explore on your own, visit places that you want and dine in restaurants and cafes to your liking, regardless of group preferences.
What about the Russian visas and the rest of the pre-trip preparation?
What is more, if you plan to travel with the Firebird Moscow to St. Petersburg cruise, there’s no need to worry about visas, as the document preparation process is taken care of for you. The approval rate is about 99%, ensuring that your Russian visas shouldn’t be a question of concern and surely not an obstacle preventing you from fulfilling your wish to travel to Russia.
To top it all, the Firebird Cruise package also covers round-trip airfares from New York JFK airport or flight credit for those who’d like to depart from or arrive to other airports. And there will be someone to meet you at the airport in Russia too. Private airport transfers both ways with safe drivers are also a question that’s settled, so there’s no need in costly taxi rides.
All in all Russian river cruises are a great travel option for those who want to discover the largest country in the world, it’s rich culture, traditions and history, and combine this experience with a lot of fun and leisure aboard the ship.
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