In a word it was WONDERFUL! That is if you are OK with a VERY small cabin, average meals and traveling at a slower pace. We booked with Viking River Cruises and started our trip in Moscow, cruising to St. Petersburg, where we stayed for another three days before returning home.

Just how small was our cabin? Here is a view from the door.

Tiny, tiny cabin

In all fairness, we took this trip back in 2007 and I understand that there are much newer river boats being used on this route now. Newer, yes, but the size of the cabins is still rather small. Thankfully Tim and I managed well in the confinement.

There are several things that I really enjoyed about this journey.

1. All of the ground excursions were included. That meant in each small town/village we stopped in, we did not have to decide whether or not we wanted to pay an additional fee to see the highlighted sights.

2. There was a daily talk in the lounge with history and information about the sites we would see at our next stop.  The lectures were detailed yet entertaining.

3.  We were able to see smaller villages, and some of the “real” Russia, not just the large cities.

4.  The ship was smaller, so we got to know others on board easier.  When we were not in port during the day, we could sit outside on the deck and watch beautiful scenery pass by, enjoy a drink and visit with fellow passengers.  With fewer people, it encouraged an easy exchange.

Here are a couple of pictures of what it was like being on board:

View from our ship

About to pass through a lock

And what is the scenery like? 

Here is a look at a few of our pictures that were snapped as we passed by:

And this is just a sample of what we saw floating by.  Getting off the ship and into the towns opened up even more wonderful sights.  Just a taste…

And then when you add the splendor at each end (Moscow and St. Petersburg), you really do have an amazing trip.

Would I take another river cruise?  In a heartbeat!!!!  In fact I’ve been doing some research about other European cruises that Viking offers and I hope to choose one for later this year.

Here is a link to Viking Cruise Line’s current offering on the same route we took. It is rather costly, but at the moment they are offering a two for one special. They also show pictures and information on much updated ships than what we were on.

GRATITUDE MOMENT:  Today I am thankful that my husband has a sense of humor and endless patience.  No matter what I throw at him, a place I say I want to see, what I am hungry for or latest gadget that caught my eye, he makes it his mission to make me happy.