The Volga Dream

When it comes to river cruises in Russia, the Volga Dream offers an exceptional level of luxury, as well as the finest accommodation, delicious food and the best service and care you can wish for.

Without a doubt the most deluxe river ship cruising the waterways of Russia, the Volga Dream sets the standard. Comfort and attention to detail are the cruise line's main priorities. Compared to the many ships that cruise the Volga River - huge ex-Soviet behemoths that can sleep hundreds of passengers and feed them in numerous restaurants - the Volga Dream is noticeably smaller, fancier and shinier.

Built in 1959, the Volga Dream has been sailing the Russian waterways since spring 2007. She has been completely rebuilt and redesigned from a ship that originally hosted over 200 passengers and now accommodates just 109. With 60 crew members, the ship has the lowest passenger-to-crew ratio among Russian river cruise ships. With so few guest in such a spacious ship, it feels like sailing aboard a private yacht! Thanks to this unmatched service at one attendant to every two customers, guests are truly pampered by the attentive staff on board the Volga Dream.

Renovated each year to satisfy even the most discerning guests, the elegant vessel's interior includes polished wood panelling, lush carpet and crisp gold touches for a luxurious yet refined and delicate finish. Thus, the atmosphere is classy yet relaxed on board the ship. With its meticulous design, elegant appointments and richly deserved reputation for impeccable service, the Volga Dream affords guests a memorable experience.

An insight into Russian culture

The Volga Dream does not only offer outstanding sightseeing of the idyllic landscape of the Volga River, it also places passengers in the heart of the Russian culture by respecting Russian traditions and activities on board. Russian activities offered include a Russian style greeting by women in local dresses who offer Bread and Salt as part of a ritual that is one of the most ancient in Russian folklore, Cyrillic alphabet teaching for passengers to learn how to read Russian words and even how to sing some famous Russian songs, a Russian dinner party, Russian cuisine cooking classes, vodka tastings and many more.

The Volga Dream cruises between Moscow and St Petersburg give a fascinating insight into Russia and its history. There is a special themed cruise for those who have a passion for music, or who simply know how to enjoy classical music at its best. Enjoy a magnificent cruise of Russia with exciting music related excursions. In mid August, a Musical cruise, in celebration of Russia's grand musical traditions, will allow you to listen to the musical geniuses who were inspired by the Volga River: Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Rachmaninoff… while established local ensembles from towns along the route introduce you to the beauty and mystery of traditional Russian spiritual and folk music. This exceptional cruise includes 4 opera concerts performed by soloists from the Opera Theater of Stanislavskiy and Nemirovich-Danchenko accompanied by a classical quintet from the world famous Yuri Bashmet Orchestra, a private concert by Russian Orthodox Spiritual Choir in Yaroslavl and a private performance of a local folk group on the island of Kizhi.

Discover more of Russia

The 11 day trip is the perfect way to make the most of the beautiful cities of Moscow of St Petersburg. In addition to river cruising in true luxury aboard the five-star Volga Dream, this cruise integrates hotel stays in Moscow & St Petersburg. The 11 day tour starts with a three day exploration of Moscow where a visit to the Kremlin and the Tretyakov gallery with its astonishing collection of art is planned. From there guests cruise the Volga River where traditional Russia architecture, villages and history can be seen and finally to round off the trip there is a three night stay in St Petersburg, where passengers can visit all the main sights within the city and enjoy excursions to Pushkin and Peterhof. The Volga Dream has more exciting itineraries to offer.

First-Class accommodation

The Volga Dream has 56 well-appointed cabins, all of which offer a wood and marble accented private bathroom, air conditioning and heating, mini-bar, safety deposit box, telephone and satellite flat screen television. Additional comfort is provided by bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer, bathroom accessories kit, bottled water, welcome fruit basket and champagne. Cabins are situated over four decks, ranging from standard cabins on the lower Cabin deck to superior cabins on the Main deck. On the upper two decks, Promenade and Sun, are the deluxe cabins and suites.

Standard Twin Stateroom: The Volga Dream has eight Standard Twin Staterooms located on her Cabin Deck. These cabins measure approximately 9 metres square and have porthole windows. They are furnished with twin beds.

Superior Twin Stateroom: There are ten Superior Twin Staterooms located on the Main Deck and four on the Sun Deck of the Volga Dream. These comfortable cabins have views of the river through picture windows and measure between 9 and 11 square metres.

Deluxe Double Stateroom: There are a number of Deluxe Double Staterooms on the ship's Promenade Deck. These are well sized at approximately 11 square metres and are furnished with a double bed.

Junior Suite: There are two spacious double Junior Suites on the Promenade Deck and a few on the Sun Deck of the Volga Dream. These measure a minimum of 14 square metres and are furnished with a double bed.

Superior Junior Suite: These spacious junior suites measure around 15 square metres and are located on the ship's Sun Deck. Offering views of the river through large picture windows, they are comfortably furnished with a double bed.

Owner's Stateroom: The grand Owner's Stateroom occupies a prime position at the bow of the Promenade Deck and features panoramic windows all along one long wall. The Owner's Stateroom is very spacious at 24 square metres and represents the ultimate luxury in Russian river cruising.

Quality dining

The Volga Dream offers the best of traditional Russian cuisine, international flavours, extraordinary personal service and attention to details, making every meal feel like an experience.

At breakfast there's a choice of continental, American and Russian options. Guests can enjoy fluffy Russian pancakes with homemade jams, fresh pastries, steaming hot porridge or freshly prepared omelette.

Lunch is a delightful buffet of surprises and the international dishes on offer are inspired by local ingredients bought onshore daily. On sunny days, passengers can also enjoy some al fresco dining and barbecue lunches on the Sun Deck.

In the evenings, themed dinners are a highlight of the cruise. The a la carte dinner is a symphony of flavour that the Chef prepares specially for his guests. From the fresh steamed sturgeon to a rack of lamb or steak au poivre, tiger prawns and authentic Russian borsch, every meal is a chance to marvel at the culinary excellence on board and the exceptional seafood available around Russia's longest river.

At lunch and dinner times a choice of red or white wines is served as complimentary with meals. There is a tea and coffee station where hot drinks around the clock and a full wine list are available (at additional cost) for those who wish to choose a special wine to accompany their meal.

Even though there are no special dressing requirements, guests dress elegantly and comfortably during the cruise. For the Captain's Welcome and Farewell Cocktails and also evening concerts guests often choose to wear cocktail dressing and jackets.

Excellent onboard facilities

The Volga Dream has many facilities for the guests' recreation and relaxation on board. They include an elegant wood-panelled lounge where passengers can take in the majesty of the panoramic river, be served afternoon tea and enjoy cocktails, champagne and stunning concerts from the pianist every evening. A peaceful library allows guests to enjoy a book, play chess or bridge, or take advantage of the internet access to update friends back home on their trip.

The Volga Dream has a sauna and massage room on the Cabin Deck and its own fitness room with a selection of cardiovascular machines. There is also a hairdresser on board so that guests can enjoy their cruise looking as good as they feel.

The full-length Sun Deck with teak planking and deck chairs recreates the ambiance of an oceangoing yacht and allows spectacular sightseeing of Russia's colourful scenery. Here the chef serves delicious barbecue lunches when the weather is good, and in the evening guests can enjoy a refreshing drink from the outdoor Ladoga Bar.

• Single Seating Dining room with rich choice of Russian and European dishes
• Neva Lounge with AV equipment, Wi-Fi and Bar with live music
• Ladoga Bar with Plantation Teak Deck Furniture
• Library with 2 computers connected to Internet
• Tea and Coffee station (24 hours)
• Boutique with folk craft items
• Barbers & Hair Dresser
• Fitness Centre
• Sauna and Massage room
• Laundry (no dry cleaning)
• First Aid
• Major Credit Cards Accepted
• Non-Smoking Policy
• Pets not allowed
• Main on board language is English.

An experience like no other

Do not miss the phenomenal "Stars of the White Nights" if you are cruising in June. The White Nights Festival in St. Petersburg is an annual international arts festival during the season of the midnight sun. The White Nights Festival presents extraordinary entertainment. It consists of a series of classical ballet, opera, choral, symphonic concerts, chamber music and recitals. A White Nights tour would offer you a unique opportunity to experience the ancient history of St. Petersburg and to understand what made it such an enchanted city in the Russian Empire. The Imperial Theatre, paid for with private funds donated by the Romanovs and owned by the monarchs, continues to draw the most outstanding and talented singers, dancers, composers, and performers.

"It was a lovely night, one of those nights, dear reader, which can only happen when you are young." -White Nights, Fyodor Dostoevsky, 1848.

 

For more information and to book a cruise aboard the Volga Dream click here.