viking yacht bedding

Mattresses for Viking Yachts

Handcraft mattress company is the oem manufacturer of all viking yachts custom boat beds and linens. each mattress, sheet set and coverlet is custom fit and labeled to each individual berth. we offer innerspring , pocket coil , latex and gel memory foam mattresses. all mattresses are designed for the marine environment and fold for easy installation and storage underneath..

INNERSPRING & POCKET COIL

Innerspring and Pocket Coil mattresses are offered in 5 styles to accommodate a variety of sleepers, including stomach sleepers, those with back pain and heavier individuals. Premium pillow-top options offer extra padding for a softer feel.

Latex mattresses are hypo-allergenic, mildew-proof and constructed from bacteria resistant, breathable domestic Talalay Latex. These denser, heavier mattresses deliver stability and better support for heavyweight sleepers.

GEL MEMORY FOAM

Gel Memory Foam mattresses contour to your body and help better distribute weight to provide pressure relief. The gel foam comfort layer draws heat away from the body for a cooler sleeping experience.

High-density Foam mattresses offer comfort and a cost-effective bedding solution for Twin bunks, crew or guestroom mattresses.

Also, we have a full line of hand tailored, custom-fit Linens to choose from to create the perfect customized ensemble for your boat! All fitted sheets are labeled at the head for easy installation.

Sheets to fit every custom mattress, including V-Berths. Available in a variety of thread counts and color options. Custom embroidery and monogramming options available.

MATTRESS PAD PROTECTORS

Protect your mattress with one of our custom mattress pad protectors that help prolong the life of your HMC mattress!

Pamper yourself and your guests with 100% Egyptian or Italian combed cotton towels. Luxuriously soft, fast absorbent and available in your choice of colors. Complete the look with custom embroidery or monogramming.

COVERLETS & DUVETS

Coverlets are a lightweight bedspread option that can be quilted or woven, with various customized finishes to perfectly fit your HMC mattress.

We offer comfortable Latex pillows in both low and high profiles to accommodate any type of sleeper.

We’re here to help! We have factories on each coast to better serve you.

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Handcraft Mattress Company is the OEM original manufacturer of all Viking boat beds since 2007. If your boat is older than 2006, we have easy template instructions on how to make a pattern of the platform berth or we may have a HMC Representative/Dealer in your area. Please complete the submission form as thoroughly as possible so we can assist you with next steps.

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HMC West 1131 Baker Street Costa Mesa, CA 92626

• (800) 241-7751 (714) 241-7751 (714) 241-8316 FAX
• [email protected]

HMC East 1602 NW 23rd Avenue Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311

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Need a mattress for your jet?

Fitted Sheets, Custom Bedding and more…

When it comes to bedding, we have every aspect covered!  We carry the most comfortable, fashionable and most durable linens from top brands such as; Sferra Boat Linens, Eisengaurd, JC Penny, Tommy Hillfiger, Jimmy Choo, Adam Lavine and many more.  We can custom tailor any bedding to match your unique style and comfort level and best of all, we bring the samples to you.  Custom bedding is our specialty.  We even design custom fitted sheets for every marine berth there is! We offer our high quality linens to configure to your berth or we can alter client supplied linens.   From throw style, to custom fitted bedding, Annapolis Yacht Interiors has every designer fabric available to meet your design needs. Please visit our showroom to see what selections we can offer.

We custom tailor bedding for the following makes and more

Jeanneau 54DS • Grand Banks EastBay 45 • Sunseeker • Lagoon Yachts • Sea Ray • Cruisers Yachts • Carver Yachts • Beneteau Grand Turismo • Carver Voyager • Tiara Yachts • Prestige Yachts • Azimut Yachts • Sea Ray Sundancer • Beneteau • Princess Yachts • Sea Ray 470 • Cruisers 390 EC • Catalina 380 • Riveria 4400 SY • Hylas Powerboat • Tiara 3300 Open • Viking 55 • Tiara 4200 Open • Viking Yachts • Sea Ray 280 • Monte Carlo Yachts • Tiara 3600 Open • Sea Ray 550 Sundancer • Mckinna 47 • Monte Carlo 6 • Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 • Carver 53 Voyager • Hunter 49 • Sea Ray 340 Sundancer • Ranger Tug 29S • Carver 42SS • Cruisers Yachts 430 Sports Coupe • Sea Ray 310 Sundancer • Riviera 48 • Beneteau 473 • Ocean 57 Super Sport • Beneteau 393 • Dufour 525

Items Include

• Custom Bedding
• Mattresses / Custom Toppers
• Sheets / Blankets
• Coverlets / Duvets
• Pillows & Throws
• TESTIMONIALS

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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Russian River Cruise from St Petersburg To Moscow.

By: Author Kate O'Malley

Posted on Last updated: December 6, 2021

Home >> Russia >> Russian River Cruise from St Petersburg To Moscow.

Have you ever dreamed of strolling through Moscow’s Red Square or seeing the ballet in St Petersburg – A city where opulent palaces offer a glimpse into one of the world’s most  intriguing royal dynasties .

Russia’s two great cities still invoke the old school romance of travel – a journey into the enigmatic and exotic. However, in a country as immense as it is fascinating, there is so much to see beyond the metropolis of Russia’s great cities.

A Russian River Cruise , St Petersburg to Moscow on Viking Cruises Waterways of the Tsars cruise will take you to Russia’s great cities and beyond.

Sailing the rivers and lakes of Russia from St Petersburg to Moscow takes you into Russia’s heartland. It is deep in the country where you find the Golden Ring cities, charming towns and iconic, sometimes forgotten monuments that helped define Russia’s history.

A Russian river cruise opens up possibilities to visit parts of Russia that may otherwise be logistically difficult. It also offers a very efficient and cost-effective way to see the best of this vast country.

Table of Contents

Visiting Russia

Unfortunately, Russia is a country too often sidestepped by many travellers. It has been more than two decades since Russia emerged from behind the Iron Curtain and began welcoming tourists with semi-open arms and a cold stony smile.

However, Russia still carries the stigma of being a difficult country to travel to and in. Thanks mostly to a reputation of complicated, bureaucratic visa processes and rumoured corruption.

Russian Visa Requirements

If you are travelling through Russia on a river cruise, unless you are eligible for the new 16 day e-Visa, most foreign nationals must have a tourist visa.  The Russian visa process can take up to a month or two. It is important to check your visa requirement and make sure you get it submitted well in advance of your intended travel date.

The gradual introduction of the new e-visa is making the process simpler but is restricted for visits of only eight days and specific entry points. Based on this, the e-visa is not suitable for a river cruise in Russia. 

Applying online for your Tourist Invitation Letter is quick and simple, allowing you to proceed with your application. You can read more about planning your trip to Russia here . 

Travel in Russia

As independent travellers, our biggest dilemma with Russia is logistics. Russia covers two continents and nine time zones, and the highlights and must-sees are spread far and wide, with nothing in between.

When you don’t have unlimited time or an unlimited budget, the distances can pose some issues. Transport through Russia can be expensive and less than comfortable, and car hire could be a costly alternative.

Is a River Cruise The Best Way To See Russia?

We would say yes, a river cruise is a fantastic way to see Russia. For most, Russia is a once in a lifetime adventure, so, it boils down to how much of Russia do you want to see.

A river cruise makes sense for most travellers to Russia and most travel budgets. A cruise enables visitors to experience more of Russia than perhaps they would on their own.

You Might Also Like: What to Take on A Russian River Cruise

Viking River Cruise in Russia

Much like some of the unreliable, uncomfortable transport methods available in Russia, some of the Russian cruise lines are shall we say, still a little Soviet.

Viking Cruises, on the other hand, offers a product in Russia to the same high, 5- star standard as their river cruises throughout Europe. A full-service luxury river cruise from the moment you make your booking to the time you disembark.

And much like Viking’s European itineraries, the Viking Russian Cruise itineraries are destination focused with high quality shore excursions and enrichment experiences. 

Plan Your Trip to Russia: Know The Best Time to Visit Europe

Viking’s All-Inclusive Cruise Packages

The big appeal of cruising for some is the all-inclusive aspect, so they know what to expect. With Viking Cruises, you can expect so much more than just an all-inclusive cruise package of meals and drinks.

In addition to optional excursions, there are also lots of free shore excursions throughout the cruise. 

Fly Cruise Packages

You can book your Russian river cruise inclusive of flights from your home port, wherever in the world that may be. An attractive option for those wishing to take the guesswork out of arranging flights, knowing you have access to Vikings Cruises discounted fares and upgrades.

Fly cruise packages include all taxes and airport transfers in Russia. Helpful for those who don’t like to navigate the taxi hustle on arrival in a new country. (Speaking from first-hand experience, Russia certainly has some good taxi scams running from the airport).

Information to assist you with the visa process is also included, the most daunting prospect of visiting Russia for many.

More Incredible Viking Cruises You Can Take in Europe:

• Viking Cruises Paris to Swiss Alps Christmas Market River Cruise
• Viking River Cruises Danube Waltz – Passau to Budapest River Cruise
• Viking Homelands Cruise Review. The Best of Northern Europe
• Passage to Eastern Europe Cruise on the Danube Budapest to Bucharest

Shore Excursions and Tours in Russia

During the river cruise, a high quality tour itinerary of shore excursions and tours are included to ensure you experience the best things to do in Russia.

There are also some delightful surprises, such as an evening at the ballet in St Petersburg. The tour schedule is designed with the arts and culture in mind, not just the big tourist hot spots.

Additional or Optional Tours can also be purchased at each destination such as our traditional Russian Banya experience in Mandrogy or the vodka tasting on board.

You also have access to some very appealing Exclusive Access tours such as a behind the scenes look at the Hermitage in St Petersburg.  All tours include transfers where required, entry fees and extremely knowledgeable, tourism professionals as your guides.

On Board Lectures, Demonstrations and Activities.

In addition to activities during cruising times, such as cooking demonstrations and traditional Russian tea’s, the guides also offer daily lectures on Russian history and politics.

The lectures are one of the highlights of the trip. Engaging and well-researched lectures, delivered from a Russian perspective, provide an entirely different and refreshing perspective on Russian culture and politics.

Russian Cuisine on Board

Viking River Cruises always excel when it comes to onboard dining. Interchangeable a la carte menus are available at all meal times showcasing Russian cuisine and produce.

The less adventurous are well catered for with an excellent “always available” a la carte menu. Portions are sensible to allow for all courses to be tried and savoured. Unlike the glutenous portions or “ all you can eat” buffet’s some cruise ships favour. 

Drinks are complimentary with all meals, including a tipple of champagne at breakfast if you are so inclined.

A Silver Drinks Package can be purchased, which gives you unlimited drinks from the bar for the entire cruise as well as a vast selection of wines.

The Convenience and Comfort of River Cruises

There is a lot to be said for having your floating hotel accompany you on your journey through Russia. Unlike some ocean cruises where the focus can be on shipboard life at the expense of the destinations, on this Russian river cruise, the destinations are the focus.  

You get the complete package of the best things to see in Russia without having to navigate multiple modes of transport or having to unpack, pack and move accommodation all the time.

Once you are on board, whether it be in the big cities or the remote countryside, you only need to check in and out once. You do feel like you have your hotel on the road with you – A fantastic boutique hotel.

And it is not only the tour guides who are tourism professionals. You also have at your disposal a 5-star hotel team — professional food and beverage staff, well versed in the art of fine dining and world-class chefs.

The staterooms are spacious and extremely comfortable. Private balconies, quality furnishings, and enough high tech amenities such as Satellite TV and WIFI to keep you entertained are standard throughout the ship.

There are also plenty of comfortable public spaces, both indoors and out with panoramic views to relax and take in the vista while you are cruising.

Cruise St Petersburg to Moscow

For us, opting to travel through Russia on a river cruise was primarily motivated by the itinerary. Most people would be happy to visit Moscow or St Petersburg. But why make an effort to visit this intriguing country and miss all the beautiful and exciting things to see outside of the main cities despite the vast geographic distances.

The Cruise Itinerary

The river cruise itinerary is what sold us on this mode of travel. The itinerary enabled us to spend ample time in St Petersburg and Moscow; then with our floating hotel in tow, we took to the river.

It is here where we saw the other Russia. Stunning countryside, small villages, abandoned churches and majestic cathedrals dotted along the river banks. A view of Russia that speaks volumes about the country’s history and culture.

As we slipped down the river, we had the  White Nights  in our favour so could take advantage of the long days and very short nights of summer. Enjoying the sights of the Russian countryside en route to our next destination. Each day a different destination with a cruising schedule set to maximise time spent ashore.

Waterways of the Tsars Schedule

Seven different destinations are visited in the 13 days onboard. This includes three full days in both Moscow and St Petersburg. We would not have achieved this on our own in the two weeks we had.

Viking Cruises Waterway of the Tsars St Petersburg to Moscow Itinerary

Commencing either in St Petersburg or Moscow, the itinerary allows for three days in each city. You can read about the cruise itinerary and shore excursions in St Petersburg and Moscow here.

St Petersburg & Moscow

Between Moscow and St Petersburg, you can experience the beautiful Golden Ring cities and villages of Russia. These are the towns and cities that lie beyond Russia’s great cities on the Waterways of the Tsars. 

Mandrogy Russia

Mandrogy, built in 1996 as an open-air museum, is a replica of   Verkhine Mandrogi , a Russian village destroyed during WWII. The enterprise was intended to give travellers cruising between St Petersburg and Kizhi a feel for traditional Russian life. 

Unfortunately, we found Mandrogy to be very much that – a fabricated tourist attraction including costumed craftsmen and women with innumerable craft stalls and workshops selling the same trinkets. 

Paint your Own Russian Matryoshka Doll

The central premise for this village appears to be shopping and, of course, the famed Russian Matryoshka Dolls. You can partake in a workshop to learn how to paint your own nesting dolls or, watch any number of the local artists paint dolls in their style. These, of course, are available for purchase. 

While Mandrogy was not our cup of tea, there was a silver lining to this little settlement – the traditional Russian Banya.

Experience a Russian Banya

The banya is one of those quintessentially Russian experiences.  One of the oldest Russian traditions dating back centuries. A tradition that has not lost its appeal and is still popular today.

Essentially the banya is a steam room or sauna where water is poured over hot rocks to create steam with temperatures often exceeding 93ºC. However, the banya comes with a little more ceremony than your average steam room or sauna.

Specific brooms are used in the banya called veniks . These are usually bunches of birch or oak branches which are dipped into cold water in the sweltering steam room. They are then smacked briskly over the body.

Typically,  there will be a person responsible for this task – a banschik.  As the banya is considered a very social activity, a  banschik  is often not required as friends will usually smack each other with the veniks.

Thankfully our experience included a banschik as we would not have known the sequence of events nor the protocols for polite smacking! So, how does one banya?

• Enter the banya and wait for temperatures to become almost unbearably hot.
• Relax while the banschick  completes a ceremonial beating of everyone’s bodies with the veniks.  It includes intense rustling of the branches either side of your head, which is repeated several times.
• Leave the banya and allow the  banschick  to pour freezing cold water over you.
• Adjourn to the adjacent room for tea and jam.
• Repeat steps 1 & 2.
• Leave the banya house and run to the river to plunge into the icy waters.
• Repeat step 6.

You get the gist! Used as a method of bathing in Russia for centuries, the banya is said to have a myriad of health benefits. There are many communal or public banyas in the cities and towns, and some people still have private banyas in their homes.

The banya is one Russian experience we highly recommend, providing you have the constitution to withstand the intensity of it.

Near the centre of the Lake Onega, the second largest lake in Europe, you will find the wild and isolated island of Kizhi. Kizhi is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed open-air museum.

At only 6 km long and 1 km wide, this tiny island is one of Russia’s most visited. The settlements buildings date back to the 15th century, some of which were moved from various Karelian villages during Soviet times to help preserve them.  

However, the islands most notable and recognisable attractions are the famous wooden onion-domed buildings- the twenty-two domed Transfiguration Church and the nine domed Intercession Church.

Locals will tell you; both churches were constructed without the use of a single nail. The unknown builder is also said to have destroyed his axe on completion of the Transfiguration Church. He is quoted as saying: “ There was not and will not be another to match it”.

Within the smaller Church of the intercession, you may hear the local clergy, a beautiful and moving baritone choir intone the ancient liturgy. The islands ancient settlement gives insight into the harsh realities of life in the Russian heartland. Places where entire settlements were isolated for much of the year throughout long winters. You can read more about  visiting Kizhi Island here .

Along the Volga – Baltic waterway you will find the urban settlement of Kuzino approx. 600km north of Moscow.

In addition to some fascinating churches, some abandoned or in various states of repair that are worth exploring, the highlight of this region is the Kirillo – Belozersky Monastery. More like a fortress than a monastery, the magnificent complex sits on Severskoye Lake.

Severskoye Lake is deemed so pure no motorboats are allowed on it. According to urban myth, the waters were blessed, giving them qualities similar to those of the mythical fountain of youth.

From humble beginnings in 1397 when two monks founded the monastery in nothing more than a cave dug by two men. By 1494, now a stone structure, it was the largest church in medieval Russia.

Defended by thick walls and towers it was a refuge for not just monks and peasants, but also a place of pilgrimage for Tsars and so benefited from generous donations and tax breaks. Ivan the Terrible was said to be a regular visitor and big tipper. The financially favourable guest list enabled the monastery to grow in size and importance.

By 1764, Catherine the Great had stripped the monastery of its land and converted the complex into a prison. In 1924 the Bolshevik government shut the complex down and executed or arrested the monks. Interestingly, unlike most monasteries, it was not converted into a concentration camp but rather a museum.

Yaroslavl, the largest city on the Volga, lies just 250 km’s north of Moscow which makes this Golden Ring city a popular weekend getaway.

Perhaps this quaint city of six hundred thousand should be called the city of churches because here you will find an impressive kaleidoscope of onion domes. At the convergence of the mighty Volga and Kotorosl rivers is the historic part of the city, a listed UNESCO World Heritage site.

The city dates back to Prince Yaroslav or Yaroslav the Wise  when he came ashore in around 998, slew the sacred bear worshipped by the local pagan tribes and converted them to Christianity. Hence, the bear on the city’s coat of arms.

While these events may have attributed to the city’s religious fervour – the churches that now adorn the skyline were the work of 17th and 19th century merchants on a quest to outdo each other in a bid to beautify the city.  To this day it remains a magnificent city, one that appears to have remained unscathed by the soviet facelift given to much of Russia. 

Uglich, another of the Golden Ring Cities. A picturesque riverside city filled with inviting parks and brightly coloured church domes. The history of Uglich is steeped in a murder mystery that changed the history of Russia.

Ivan the Terrible was never quite right following the death of his wife Anastasia and so instituted a reign of terror that earned him his name. Although respected for his military victories and management of Russian interests, he was also feared for some terrible deeds.

One such deed was accidentally killing his son and heir with a blow to the head. Due to this faux par on Ivan’s behalf, his crippled son Feodor, who by all reports was not well in mind or body, ascended to power. However, the country was being run by Feodor’s brother in law, Boris Godunov.

Quietly in the wings was Dimitry, Ivan’s younger son who could have succeeded the throne in light of Feodor’s lack of interest in political issues. In 1591, at the age of ten, Dimitry was found dead thanks to a stab wound. It was decided Dimitry slit his own throat with a sword during an epileptic fit.

At the risk of stating the obvious – it was widely assumed the boy was murdered. However, those who dared to accuse Boris Gudunov only did so once. The mystery remains, and so does this beautiful city close to Moscow.

Should You Choose A River Cruise to Travel Russia?

When it comes to visiting a country like Russia, we feel a river cruise is possibly the best way to maximise your experience of this incredible country.  Had we decided to travel independently, there is no way we would have had the vast and varied experiences we were able to on this cruise.

The 5-star hotel service, excellent dining and professional tour organisation far exceeded any of our expectations. We now understand why people often choose river cruises as the best way to experience a country. We have since travelled on a number of river cruises through Eastern Europe and the Danube and still believe it to be a value for money way to travel, especially in Europe.

If you are looking to see Russia beyond the big cities, cruising the waterways from St Petersburg to Moscow will reveal the beauty of the towns and the landscapes of Russia’s heartland. A river cruise is a fabulous way to travel Russia and a great way to glean a deeper understanding of this mysterious country.

Viking River Cruise In Russia Facts

• Viking River Cruises has three vessels operating in Russia offering a  13-day “Waterways Of The Tsars” cruise  running between Moscow and St Petersburg.
• Prices start at ~USD $4,500. Viking Cruises also offer some great “Early Bird” specials available for advance bookings.
• The cruise includes accommodation, all meals, drinks with meals, tours and onboard lectures. Additional or  Optional Tours  can be purchased on board.
• Flights, including taxes and transfers, can be arranged inclusive of your cruise price.
• A tourist visa will be required for most foreign nationals to enter Russia, it is important to check if you will require this well in advance of your cruise date.

We would like to thank Viking Cruises for hosting us on the Waterways Of The Tsars cruise to facilitate this article. As always, all opinions expressed are our own and have not been influenced in any way.

• CruiseMapper
• Viking Cruises

Viking Rurik

Former names: viking peterhof, ms mariya ulyanova.

Cruise line Viking Cruises

Viking Rurik last position

Viking Rurik last location was at Baltic Sea (coordinates 59.86026 N / 30.49451 E) cruising at speed of 102.3 kn (189 km/h | 118 mph) en route to SAINT-PETERSBURG. The AIS position was reported 2 months ago.

Specifications of Viking Rurik

•   Review
•   Wiki

Viking Rurik Review

Review of viking rurik.

The Viking Rurik ship cruises on Volga River in Russia, departing from Moscow to St Petersburg , and from St Petersburg to Moscow . This Viking cruise ship is named after Rurik - a Viking in origin (prince/chieftain from the Varangian Rus tribe), brother to Sineus and Truvor. Consolidating the lands of his two brothers, Rurik and his dynasty established their capital in Kyiv. They ruled over Russia (the huge Kievan Rus empire) for nearly 700 years.

Discover the treasures of Russia on one of the best river ships sailing there: Viking Rurik. Fully refurbished in 2012, the ship carries up to 196 guests in its spacious 98 staterooms (32 Deluxe, 2 Junior Suites, 4 Suites, 60 Veranda), as those on the middle and upper decks feature private verandas.

Viking Rurik has a total of 98 cabins (of which 6 Suite, 60 Balcony, 32 with a non-opening window) in 6 cabins. All accommodations meet the European standards of elegance and comfort, with amenities like in-room refrigerators, hotel-style beds and 26-inch flat TVs. An expanded restaurant and beautiful public areas are a plus to the pleasure of sailing on Viking Rurik. 

Cabins Types/Categories (number, location), high to low

• Suites - JR (x2, deck3), AA (x4, deck2)
• Balcony Staterooms - AX (x36, deck3), BX (x24, deck2)
• Deluxe RiverView Staterooms - CX (x4, deck1), DX (x20, deck1), EX (x8, deck1).

Shipboard facilities

Viking Rurik dining options include Restaurant Neva (dining room) and Odessa (casual). Other facilities include Panorama Lounge (observation), Rurik Atrium (lobby), Library (Internet stations), Shop (traditional Russian souvenirs /gifts), Promenade (deck 1), Rurik Lounge & Bar and Sun Deck Lounge & Bar (show, observation /both on the top deck), 1 elevator.

Viking Rurik river cruise deals are inclusive of Internet (Wi-Fi), laundry, room-service, Russia land tours/excursions, all ground transfers, themed live onboard entertainment, lecturers, Russian traditional food and vodka tastings, 24-hour tea/coffee, replenished daily bottled water.

Viking Rurik river cruise prices are per person and based on double occupancy. These are only indicative of Viking cruise rates. They might be different when you book your Viking River Cruises Russia cruise tour deals, influenced by travel agency promotions, special offers and discounts, group travel booking or last-minute deals rates. On some Viking Rurik's Volga cruise tours, the line offers round-trip USA airfare discount deals (on select cabins or itineraries/dates).

River Cruise Itineraries

Follows the list of Viking Rurik river cruise itineraries as themes, officially announced by the Viking Cruises line:

• "WATERWAYS OF THE TSARS" are 12-days luxury Volga river cruises from Saint Petersburg to Moscow, and the reverse from Moscow to Saint Petersburg. There are 11 complimentary land tours/excursions and no hotel packages included in the fares. Feature port activities and tours along the route are:
• St Petersburg excursions (Winter Palace, the Hermitage Museum - one of the world's largest and oldest, with a huge and unique collection of arts and antiquities, jewelries, sculptures, traditional Russian ballet performances, Pushkin district excursion, Catherine Palace - the summer residence of the Russian monarchs/"tsars"), St Petersburg bus tour, optional tour to Peterhof Palace (gardens, fountains), St Petersburg departure in early evening (on day 4)
• Neva River cruise and crossing Lake Ladoga (the largest in Europe, on day 5)
• Svir River cruise to Mandrogy (local Vodka Museum, Russian handmade souvenirs. Optional excursions in Mandrogy are themed "banya" (visiting a traditional Russian bathhouse) and "matryoshka" (traditional Russian wooden doll making)
• Cruising along the Russian “Blue Route” (225 km / 139 ml in length)
• Onega Lake cruise (Europe's second-largest)
• Kizhi (local Museum of Architecture /outdoor exposition of traditionally built Russian wooden houses, windmills, churches, most of them built without nails)
• Volga-Baltic waterways cruising (370 km / 230 ml long system of small rivers, canals and 7 locks connecting Volga River with Baltic Sea
• Kuzino (Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, Assumption Cathedral, local museum)
• Yaroslavl (a local covered market for food and handmade items)
• Moscow Canal cruise (arrival during lunchtime, half-day long tour in Moscow visits Bolshoi Theater, Red Square, St Basil Cathedral, GUM Store, Metro. The second day offers full-day long parks and monuments tour, with an optional half-day long excursion to Tretyakov Gallery (fine art museum). Third day Moscow touring visits Kremlin and two cathedrals, with optional Kremlin Armory tour.
• Departures from St Petersburg offer optional 2-night Moscow hotel package. On departures from Moscow, the line offers an optional 3-night Helsinki hotel package (Finland).

Next, are listed two exemplary itineraries with port dates:

• (southbound) 6-day from Saint Petersburg to Moscow - Oct 03 (Saint Petersburg, dep), Oct 04 (On River), Oct 04 (Mandrogi), Oct 05 (Kizhi Island), Oct 06 (Kuzino), Oct 07 (Yaroslavl), Oct 08 (Uglich), Oct 09 (Moscow).
• (northbound) 6-day from Moscow to Saint Petersburg - Oct 15 (Moscow, dep), Oct 16 (Uglich), Oct 17 (Yaroslavl), Oct 18 (Kuzino), Oct 19 (Kizhi Island), Oct 20 (On River), Oct 20 (Mandrogi), Oct 21 (Saint Petersburg).

Note: You can see the CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our  River Cruises  hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there.

Other Viking Cruises cruise ships

• MS RheinGalaxie Eventschiff
• Viking Aegir
• Viking Alruna
• Viking Alsvin
• Viking Astrild
• Viking Atla
• Viking Aton
• Viking Baldur
• Viking Bestla
• Viking Beyla
• Viking Bragi
• Viking Buri
• Viking Delling
• Viking Egdir
• Viking Egil
• Viking Einar
• Viking Eistla
• Viking Embla
• Viking Emerald
• Viking Fjorgyn
• Viking Forseti
• Viking Freya
• Viking Gefjon
• Viking Gersemi
• Viking Gullveig
• Viking Gymir
• Viking Hathor
• Viking Heimdal
• Viking Helgrim
• Viking Hemming
• Viking Herja
• Viking Hermod
• Viking Hervor
• Viking Hild
• Viking Hlin
• Viking Idun
• Viking Ingvi
• Viking Jarl
• Viking Jupiter
• Viking Kadlin
• Viking Kara
• Viking Kari
• Viking Kvasir
• Viking Legend
• Viking Lofn
• Viking Magni
• Viking Mani
• Viking Mars
• Viking Mekong
• Viking Mimir
• Viking Mississippi
• Viking Modi
• Viking Neptune
• Viking Njord
• Viking Octantis
• Viking Odin
• Viking Orion
• Viking Osfrid
• Viking Osiris
• Viking Polaris
• Viking Prestige
• Viking Radgrid
• Viking Rinda
• Viking Rolf
• Viking Saigon
• Viking Saturn
• Viking Sigrun
• Viking Sigyn
• Viking Skadi
• Viking Skaga
• Viking Skirnir
• Viking Star
• Viking Tialfi
• Viking Tonle
• Viking Torgil
• Viking Ullur
• Viking Vali
• Viking Vela
• Viking Venus
• Viking Vesta
• Viking Vidar
• Viking Vilhjalm
• Viking Vili
• Zhao Shang Yi Dun-Viking Sun

Viking Rurik Wiki

Viking Rurik is one of Viking Cruises Russia ships. The other vessels in the line's "Europe-Asian" fleet are  Akun ,  Helgi ,  Ingvar ,  Truvor , and in Ukraine -  Sineus . You can compare Russian river cruises as prices also on  Uniworld River Victoria  and  Scenic Tours Scenic Tsar  - sailing the same route between Moscow and Petersburg.

The Viking Rurik ship was built in East Germany during the USSR times under the name "MS Mariya Ulyanova". Viking River Cruises acquired the vessel in 1990 and renamed it "Viking Peterhof". In 2012, after an extensive refit and refurbishment, they renamed it once again - to the current "Viking Rurik". MS Peterhof ship was one of all 22 Russian river cruise vessels constructed in the period 1974-1983 (Project name "301" /first series, river passenger ship class "Vladimir Ilyich"). Because of its V-bottom hull shape, Rurik can also operate as Baltic Sea cruising vessel. The ship was ordered by USSR/Russia's "North-Western Shipping Company" (now "Vodohod").

Note: You can see the CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our  River Cruises hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there. For other Russia-based ships, you can visit our dedicated to Russian River Cruises  hub.

Built as "Mariya Ulyanova", MS Viking Rurik is one of Russia's signature "Project 301" river cruise ships.

Vladimir Ilyich-class Russian river ships

"Vladimir Ilyich class" (aka "Project 301") are 3 series of Russian river cruise ships built in GDR (Germany) for USSR (Soviet Union) in the period 1974-1983. The vessel class name honours Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov (1870-1924) who is considered the founder of USSR (Soviet Union).

These Russian river cruise ships (a total of 22 units) were all produced by VEB Elbewerft Boizenburg as one of the industry's most successful riverboat designs. These ships were used for passenger (cruise) shipping in Northwestern USSR - in the rivers Volga, Belomorkanal, Lake Onega, Volga–Don Canal, Kama and Amur rivers as well as on Dnieper River (Ukraine ) and in the Black Sea. Following the USSR's collapse (1991), all these boats were acquired by private companies (Russian and foreign).

New Mattresses and Bedding for a Viking 65

Viking 65 with muscular lines and lavish accommodations, is one of its kind. The standard three stateroom layout provides a level of comfort with master suite, VIP stateroom forward, starboard guest cabin, and step-down crew quarters aft with direct engine room access. We did all new mattresses in bunks and Sunbrella bedding for this Viking 65 client.

Boat Mattresses fit for the Marine Environment

A great night sleep on your dream boat has never been easier. With several boat mattress and mattress topper options to choose from, we are able to create a sleeping solution to fit all budgets. We make everything custom for your particular boat. Any shape, any size, and any material you prefer. Although, I always like to mention to our readers and clients that we specialize in Latex. It is a great material, very practical for marine environment, mold and mildew resistant, breathable, bendable, does not absorb smell and last, but not the least, it regulates body heat so you sleep cooler than warmer. To make it super easy for our customers, we have narrowed down our mattresses to three categories. In short, if you are a fan of a plush mattress than our 9” Admiral will work great for you. Constructed with a super comfy 6” (medium) Latex core with an added 2” of ultra-soft latex Pillow Top and covered in the plushest of our bamboo quilting. It is one of our top most collection indeed.

Next, 7” Commodore is one of another popular model.  Constructed with a 6″ Latex core and covered in an ultra-soft bamboo quilting, it is one of our most comfortable choice. And then there is our Hybrid Captain. This one is an economical way to enjoy the comfort of Latex and freshen up your stateroom.  We start with a 3” base of hi density polyurethane foam and add 2 inches of soft latex and cover it in our plush bamboo quilting.  It’s the perfect choice for guest bunks and crew quarters. You can visit our website to get detail information on all these categories and feel free to contact us with any inquiries you have. Now let’s talk a little about the fun stuff. It is always exciting to work with fabrics, colors and textures and especially when the client prefers Sunbrella. Beautiful, functional, easy to care for and long life: has made Sunbrella fabrics, number one choice world-wide for indoor and outdoor applications. Here, our designer working with greys and white, added navy into the color scheme and mixed in textures to update the feel throughout the boat. our custom quilted coverlets with piping trim edge, column quilting and a drop is giving the perfect finish touch to the entire design. At Yachtbedding.com , our designer along with the team is always focusing on how to make selections simpler and desirable for our customers. Remember, you are just a click away in transforming your stateroom into a STATEMENT ROOM!

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