Russia - Waterways of Russia

Has anyone taken this cruise - Waterways of Russia or Waterways of the Czars with an itinerary from Moscow to St. Petersburg? (Can be taken in reverse) visiting Uglich, Yaroslavl, Goritsy, Kitzhi, Mandrogi along the way.

Which ship would you recommend? What was the experience like?

Thanks for feedback.

Travel by boat on the river can be fun. But the ships are very old. No new ships. Did you read this? http://www.visit-plus.com/node/494

I took this trip back in the mid 90's and enjoyed it very much. We did the Moscow - St. Petersburg route on the M/V Lomonosov, which I believe is still one of the ships used.

It seemed to be a good-sized ship as far as river cruise ships go, there was one main dining room plus a lounge/bar at the other end. Staterooms were small but comfortable. I thought the food was quite good.

The main draw of the cruise though was the shore excursions/sightseeing which were included with the cruise. All of the guides were very knowledgeable. We had a guide who accompanied the ship and then local guides in each city. I really enjoyed the time in Moscow & St. Petersburg. Kiszhi was also very interesting, and Lakes Ladoga/Onega were beautiful..

Let me know if you have any specific questions - would be glad to answer.

I took this trip back in the mid 90's and enjoyed it very much. We did the Moscow - St. Petersburg route on the M/V Lomonosov, which I believe is still one of the ships used.

It seemed to be a good-sized ship as far as river cruise ships go, there was one main dining room plus a lounge/bar at the other end. Staterooms were small but comfortable. I thought the food was quite good.

The main draw of the cruise though was the shore excursions/sightseeing which were included with the cruise. All of the guides were very knowledgeable. We had a guide who accompanied the ship and then local guides in each city. I really enjoyed the time in Moscow & St. Petersburg. Kiszhi was also very interesting, and Lakes Ladoga/Onega were beautiful..

Let me know if you have any specific questions - would be glad to answer.

Russia has been on our "to do" list for a number of years but one we did not want to do independently. We are encouraged by your positive response, MW_2000. Thanks!
Hubby and I are going to book a cabin on the "River Victoria" with Uniworld for next summer. We look forward to discover the rich history and traditions ... We hope to enjoy the cruise as much as you did.:p

We just got back on Friday from doing Waterways of the Czars with Viking. We went Moscow-St Pete.

We were on the Pakhomov .... but all the Russian names of ships are being changed for 2012, to reflect the names of Viking Explorers.

Each of the 4 ships on the Viking line were built in the 1980s .... each one of the four has been refurbished during each of the last 4 winters. Pakhomov was very clean, modern .... no feelings of an old ship.

I certainly would recommend the itinerary and Viking. If you want more info, I can give a detailed TR. ^ Just don't want to write a lot if no one will read it or benefit from it.