River Cruises - Russia Cruise Guide and Reviews

Enjoyed the trip, and learned a lot about the country, its people, and its history.

Rule of thumb. When visiting a country, respect their rules and their ways of life. This Waterways of the Tsars cruise was an eye opener. I have completely changed my perspective about Russia and their people. Was completely surprised when we asked Russians and they said they wouldn't mind living all their life in Russia. The country is very discipline, orderly, clean and everything seem to be working well for them. People might not be smiling like crazy to you, but there's no frown or worries on their face. They seemed contented. And what's not to like, right?

Moscow has a very industrial, Soviet Era feel, but cool to see Red Square, The Kremlin and St. Basils. The stops in between Moscow and St. Petersberg are brief and frankly, there is not a lot to see/do. I felt rather like the cruise needed to stretch to find places to stop to create a "cruise". The on-board talks about Russian and the Russian lessons were excellent, as was the Vodka tasting/lesson. Cruise Extension hotel was lovely and St. Petersburg was an interesting and beautiful city.

In spite of the rain and cold, Viking Cruises, the staff, and tour guides helped us to create memories we cherish and want to share with others. This type of group travel has quickly become one of our favorites and we plan to do more of it and invite even more friends to join us.

The Russian people were very welcoming and like most/all tourist countries ready to accept the American dollar.  We would remind a river boat cruise as a easy way to see a beautiful country.  But be aware the food on the ship is limiting.