Viking Surkov

[DrJW]

I Know That This Ship Has Not Sailed Yet As A Renovated Vessel..we Are Contemplating Taking It This Summer/fall On The Waterways Of The Czars Itenary....i Get Brochures From Viking At Least Twice A Week..with Special Different Promotions, Incl A Choice Of Free Travel Protection Plan, Free On Board Cruise Credit [$700 Per Couple] Or Discounted Fare...why Would Anyone Select One Of The First Two Options When Clearly The Third One..offers The Best Deal...unless They Choose Horrible Airlines That Make Multiple Stops....does Anyone Know How Good Their 'air Deptt Is...do They Honor Seat Requests..are There Business Class Upgrades Available? Etc?

 

Anyone Who Has Any Thoughts About This Ship And This Itinerary..would Be Most Appreciative Hearing From You...i Was Told That The Suite Is Up Front..and That Tends To Be A Bit Rocky..all Other Accomodations Are In The 'deluxe' Category Are 161 Sq.ft...that Is More Than Half Of What We Are Use To On Silversea Or Crystal......are We Making A Mistake...dont Need The Las Vegas Show Reviews Or Casinos...but Do Enjoy A Comfortable Spacious Stateroom...without Getting Sea Sick!

 

Looking Forward To Comments...

 

Many Thanks

Drjw

[Coral]

I did the itinerary on a different ship last year - I wouldn't worry about a cabin towards the front. River boats travel very slow and it literally was the smoothest ride I have ever felt on any cruises in my entire life. I don't remember feeling anything on any part of the ship. I guess if you hit bad weather but it really was smooth.

 

I do have to warn you - river boats (especially in Russia) is nothing like cruising. I happened to cruise Crystal and Amadeus last year. The river boats in Russia are very clean but very basic! I know the Surkov is going to be upgraded so you will have a benefit there but don't expect anything similar to cruise ships.

 

You will have the opportunity to have cooking lessons, language lessons, history lessons, art lessons, etc... Russia is fabulous and worth seeing. I personally preferred my land trip to Russia over my riverboat trip to Russia but the price would have been significantly different to do a land trip now.

 

Good luck!

[Tennessee Traveler]

DrJW,

Coral is right in her assessment. If you're interested, look for my posting about my sailing on the Surkov on July 15th of 2007. There are lots of details about the old version of the ship and the sailing. River cruises are quite different than large vessel cruises. I enjoy both, river cruises and ocean sailings. But I find the river cruises more informative and much more relaxing. I loved the Russia cruise, but there were some negatives as you'll see when you read my thoughts on it. Viking did a good job of arranging flights for us to Russia & France, but not so good to China with a double connection from Atl. to Shanghai. I think river cruising is a great way to see Russia. I would recommend extra days in St. Petersburg & Moscow if you can. TT

[Coral]

I would also recommend extra days in Moscow and St. Petersburg!

[MSEm]

I suggest you plan to spend 2 nights near Russia before yourdate to board the river vessel. Russian visas allow you to enter the country on a certain date (example 2 Oct 2008). That is not good for 1 Oct or 3 Oct 2008. Also your visa will state a Date to leave Russia.

I am booked on the VR Surkov Waterways of the Czars beginning on 2 Oct in St Petersbure. We will do the 3 day pre tour to Helsinki. The pre stay includes your transportation by train from Helsinki to St Petersburg.

 

I am investigating private or semi private tours in St Pete instead for taking the optional tours.

 

Also I have added 2 extra nights in Moscow and will hire a private guide for a city and flea market tour.

 

MSEm

[volkoff]

Hi everyone,

 

River cruises is a good choise. I can say that Viking Cruiz Line is a good operator and all its sheeps in good conditions.

You can look to my profile- there is some photos from my few river cruises.

But don't forget that there is difference between ship for foreigners and for Russians.

Main difference - its price (cheaper for 3-4 times)

2nd - its a quality of the ship.

 

And for example noone ship with foreigners visit Valaam.!!!! But it's most interesting place.

 

Good luck in your trip. :)