Viking Rurik
Viking Rurik: Exploring the waterways of the tsars
Snapshot
The venerable river boat Viking Rurik was built to sail the waterways of Russia and, after a suspension of cruises in 2020 to mid-2021, the ship has resumed its 12-night "Waterways of the Tsars" itineraries. The ship carries 189 guests and about two-thirds of the staterooms feature private balconies.
Since entering the river cruise market, Viking River Cruises has received numerous awards for their itineraries and innovative ship designs and onboard programming.
Who will like sailing on Viking Rurik
Viking River Cruises attracts an older demographic that is surprisingly getter young and younger. If you have an interest in exploring Russia's art, culture or history, then sailing on Viking Rurik will be a great option.
Where Viking Rurik sails
The ship features a 12-night "Waterways of the Tsars" itinerary that sails from St. Petersburg to Moscow and the reverse sailing, calling on small river towns along the way.
River cruising is about destination immersion
River cruising is about the destination probably more so than the ship. While enjoying the creature comforts of Viking Rurik, make sure to take advantage of opportunities to connect with local culture, history and highlights of the places that you visit. Don't be surprised to see local dishes on the menu or local entertainers sharing music, dancing and stories.
Dining
Viking Rurik has two dining venues: the 90-guest Svir Restaurant serving international cuisine and the 160-guest Neva Restaurant. The atmosphere is casual. When Rurik is not scheduled to leave port until later in the evening, treat yourself to a night on the town and sample cuisine at a nearby restaurant (at your own expense, but a nice way to experience the local culture).
For breakfast, there is an ample buffet with a lot of variety; you can choose from a selection of pastries, cereals, breakfast meats, egg dishes, fresh fruit and selected cheeses. At lunch, select from the soup and sandwich bar or a choice of entrées and dessert. And for dinner, expect a five-course menu with regional specialties.
Entertainment & activities
River cruising is very mellow. There are not any large production shows or comedy clubs. What you will enjoy is some light piano music played by the house musician and local entertainers who are brought onto the ship to sing, dance, or tell stories from the local perspective. After dinner people hang out in the lounge and have an after dinner drink or they can walk back into town if the ship is not leaving port until later in the evening.
Some specific activites for cruising in Russia include:
- Try traditional Russian or Ukrainian tea
- Russian cuisine workshop
- Russian or Ukrainian ballet or opera performance
- Cossack horsemanship show
Lectures you might encounter on board include talks about the Romanov czars or the history of Russia or Ukraine.
Staterooms
Viking Rurik has 98 outside staterooms (4 Suites, 2 Junior Suites, 60 Veranda, 32 Deluxe). Staterooms on the upper and middle decks all feature full-sized, outdoor verandas. The seven cabin categories range from142 square feet to 405 square feet in size. Most of the 98 cabins on the ship — slightly more than two-thirds, on the middle and upper decks — have private balconies with sliding-glass doors and a sitting area with two chairs and a small table.
Your take
How about you? Have you sailed on a Viking Rurik? We would love to hear about your experience — please share!
Interested in a cruise on this ship?
For pricing, itinerary information and to reserve your spot on Viking Rurik, contact a Cruiseable travel consultant by email or by calling 1-877-322-3773.
Top highlights on this ship
- Sun deck with 360-degree views and shaded sitting area
- Restaurant with panoramic views
- Library and onboard boutique
- Observation lounge and two bars with panoramic windows
- Elevator
- In-room refrigerator
