Viking Unveils the Crown Jewel in Russian Cruising

To meet the growing demand for travel to Russia and exceed the expectations of today’s sophisticated traveller, Viking River Cruises is setting a new standard with their Russian fleet: fully refurbishing each vessel from bow to stern and creating new and inviting interiors — spacious staterooms, elegant dining rooms and comfortable lounges.

The final ship to be fully refurbished is the Viking Rurik, which will launch in 2012 and offer two-room Suites that are an impressive 405 sq ft, as well as spacious Junior Suites and 60 Staterooms with full verandas. The completion of this ship also marks the full transformation of all four vessels in Viking’s Russian fleet.

To commemorate the Viking heritage and Russian history, the four ships will be renamed after Rurik and his family, Helgi, Ingvar and Truvor who were the original Russian explorers: Rurik, a leader of the Vikings in the 9th century, ventured along the rivers of what is now Russia and founded the Rurikid Dynasty, which ruled over Russia for many centuries.

Specially designed to cruise Russia’s great waterways, Viking ships are built for around 200 guests, offering a more intimate holiday. Comfort and quality, along with stunning river views in every stateroom ensures there is no more relaxing or rewarding way to discover Russia than on board these beautiful ships.

For more information vist www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk

Experience Imperial Russia with eWaterways and Luxury River Cruiser Volga Dream

eWaterways the niche and river cruise experts, continue to provide the most unique travel experiences available on water with a new itinerary for 2012 on Europe’s largest and longest river - the Volga. The exceptional 11-day Russian Cruise and Stay package takes place on the Volga Dream, a luxurious ship which journeys along this emblematic river and other important waterways to Russia’s ‘Golden Ring’ cities. Starting in Peter the Great’s ‘Window on the West’ St Petersburg and ending in the medieval yet modern capital Moscow, this cruise promises a real exploration of this vast country’s vistas, history and culture.

The all-inclusive Volga Discovery Holiday is crammed with excursions, informative tours and the best of Russian cuisine. The impressive programme includes visits to the remarkable Palace Square and a tour of the Hermitage Museum at the Winter Palace in St Petersburg; a tour of the magnificent Church of the Transfiguration with its 22 ‘onion’ domes on the island of Kizhi Island; a trip to the Cyrilo-Belozersky Monastery in Goritsy and the 16th-century Monastery of the Transfiguration and Church of Elijah the Prophet in Yaroslavl as well as a city tour of the beautiful 10th century town Uglich - all before a visit to the renowned Kremlin, the Flea Market and the Dmitry Blood Church in Moscow.

The elegant Volga Dream accommodates just 109 passengers in 56 well-appointed, spacious cabins, each of which feature a window, individually controlled air-conditioning, satellite flat screen televisions, mini-bars and a welcome fruit basket. With a crew of 60, including an expert tour guide, the standard of service is impeccable. One of the highlights of the cruise is the onboard dining experience. With the à la carte evening dinner taking a different theme everyday, the Chef brings fine dining to each guest night after night. From the fresh steamed sturgeon to a rack of lamb or steak au poivre, tiger prawns and authentic Russian Borsch, every meal is a chance to marvel at the culinary excellence of the kitchen. The onboard facilities include a single sitting dining room where complimentary wine is served with meals, a chic lounge and bar, fitness centre, spa treatments and library with internet access.

The 11-day Volga Discovery Cruise will run from May through to September 2012. Prices start at £2,059 per person (including taxes) which includes 5-star hotel stays in Moscow (2 nights) and St Petersburg (2 nights), a 6-night deluxe cruise aboard the Volga Dream (full board basis), all transfers, tours and excursions, house wine and soft drinks with meals onboard and lunches and dinners in local restaurants. Flights and visas are not included.

For more information visit www.ewaterways.co.uk or The Cruise Line

Arctic Russia and the Russian Far East

Aurora Expeditions is once again pushing the boundaries of expedition travel with voyages to the Russian Arctic and Russian Far East; a land of complex history, unique cultures, inspiring landscapes and astounding wildlife.

 

Aurora Expeditions ‘Voyage to the End of the Earth’ is a 14-day adventure to the Russian Arctic departing Murmansk. Prices start from US$8,080 per person.

 

Discover a region so remote and wild, that few have ever been. The 191 pristine islands that make up Franz Josef Land were the planets last major landmass to be discovered. Uninhabited, minus a few Russian border guards, this is the realm of the polar bear, walrus, seals and the elusive beluga whale. Only accessible by sea, the region has been open to foreigners since 1991. This geological wonder really is the world’s last frontier, virtually untouched and waiting to be explored.

Last Minute offer : Receive 15% off “Voyage to the End of the Earth”

‘The Ring Of Fire’ will unlock the mysteries of the Kurils, taking you deep into a wildlife and geological wonderland. Departing Petropavlovsk-Kamchatasky, this 13-day voyage will showcase the lush valleys, lakes and rivers, and snow capped volcanoes of Kamchatka’s east coast. Brown bears feast on berries and salmon. Our fleet of Zodiacs will carry you to intimate viewings of spectacular seabird, Stellar sea lions, whales and otters and seal colonies. Prices start from US$7,250 per person.

Special offer: Receive 10% off “Ring Of Fire – Kuril Islands

Both voyages will set sail on Aurora Expeditions brand new ship, Akademik Shokalskiy. This ice-strengthened research ship was built in Finland in 1982. Fully refurbished in 2008, the ship provides accommodation for a maximum of 54 passengers as well as two dining rooms, lounge bar, lecture theatre, sauna and an ‘Open Bridge’ policy.

Aurora Expeditions’ Russian Coastline voyages are staffed by premium expedition leaders, naturalists, historians and geologists and the Russian crew are keen to show off their country’s natural beauty – delivering some of the finest expedition cruises in Russia.

Deeply committed to education and preservation of the environment, Aurora Expeditions' philosophy is to respectfully visit these wilderness areas, in turn creating ambassadors for their protection.

More information http://www.auroraexpeditions.com.au or The Cruise Line.

Image Sue warner, Courtesy of Aurora Expeditions