MS Volga Dream

MS Volga Dream cruise ship (“теплоход Волга Дрим” круизный корабль) entered service in 2007 after a complete reconstruction that reduced her capacity from 200 to just 109 passengers. Originally built in 1959, the vessel underwent a 2-year drydock refurbishment and today offers some of the best cruising experiences along Russia’s inland waterways. The riverboat is frequently chartered by Thurgau Travel (a Switzerland-based cruisetour company).

Volga Dream operates on the Volga River with one-way 7-day itineraries departing from Moscow (northbound) and St Petersburg (southbound). The southbound St Petersburg–Moscow itinerary visits Mandrogi, Kizhi Island (Lake Onega), Goritsy, Yaroslavl, Uglich, and Moscow. The longer southbound roundtrip from Moscow visits Uglich, Yaroslavl, Kazan, Samara, Saratov, Volgograd, and Astrakhan (Caspian Sea).

Volga Dream cruise deals are offered exclusively to foreign tourists. Cruisetour prices start at approximately EUR 3000 per person. Cruise-only deals typically range between EUR 1300-1800 per person, depending on the season. The “Grand Russian Cruise” (20-day St Petersburg–Moscow–Astrakhan) costs EUR 3800-11000 per person based on cabin category.

From the same Project 26-37 series, 14 ships were built between 1957 and 1962. All belonged to the Oktyabrskaya Revolyutsiya class and were originally designed to carry 312 passengers and 70 crew.

As MS Komarno, the vessel operated the Nizhny Novgorod–Astrakhan route (1959-1964) and the Moscow–Astrakhan–Moscow route (1965-2004). Volga Dream Cruise Line was founded in 2004 after acquiring the former Soviet ship Komarno. The vessel was refitted into a modern river cruise ship and relaunched as “Volga Dream” in June 2007 following a comprehensive 2-year refurbishment. The company positioned the vessel in the premium market segment of Russian river cruising.

Cabins

The ship has 56 staterooms across several categories, from Standard (with portholes) to the Owner’s Suite. All cabins are outside-facing with large opening windows (except Standard cabins on Cabin Deck, which have non-opening portholes). The Owner’s Suite (forward on Promenade Deck) features large windows and a private terrace (wraparound balcony). Standard amenities in all cabins include opening window, individually controlled air-conditioning, direct-dial phone, minibar, flat HDTV (satellite reception), bedside cabinets, 220 V power outlets, wardrobe, safe (in the closet), and an en-suite bathroom (WC, glass shower, washbasin, hairdryer, bathrobes, slippers, bath products, accessories kit). Guests also receive a welcome fruit basket and daily replenished bottled water.

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

Shipboard facilities include:

• Dining Room Restaurant (single-seating capacity), serving European and traditional Russian cuisine; wine by the glass and soft drinks are complimentary with lunch and dinner
• Neva Lounge — the main lounge with comfortable seating (leather sofas and armchairs), bar area, live music, and floor-to-ceiling windows
• Ladoga Bar — aft open-air Sun Deck bar with teak furniture (tables and chairs)
• Library (aft on Promenade Deck) with comfortable seating, board games, books, and Wi-Fi; it opens to an outdoor seating area
• Boutique Shop, Fitness Center (Gym Room), Spa (Sauna and Massage Room), Infirmary (Doctor’s Office)
• Satellite Internet and phone services, and laundry service, available at extra charge

Onboard dining features both international and traditional Russian dishes. Breakfast is buffet-style (cooked and continental). Lunch is also buffet-style, with à la carte main course selections. Weather permitting, guests may enjoy al-fresco dining aft on the Sun Deck. Dinner is a 4-course service, with themed evenings showcasing regional specialties. A complimentary 24-hour coffee and tea station is provided. Afternoon Tea (with a traditional samovar) is served daily in the Neva Lounge. Laundry service (no dry cleaning) is available.

Reasons to book a Volga Dream cruise include:

• Small ship size (only 109 guests) ensures a premium travel experience
• Shore excursions led by professional guides; tour groups are limited to 25 guests (Gold Program) or 15 guests (Platinum Program)
• Family-owned and operated vessel offering an authentic Russian travel experience; the entire crew is Russian and fluent in English
• Professional lecturers (professors) provide in-depth presentations on Russian history, culture, politics, lifestyle, and education
• Additional onboard enrichment: Russian tea ceremony, cooking classes, language lessons, vodka tasting, classical music performances (piano), and Matreshka (nesting doll) painting workshop

Note: You can see CruiseMapper’s full list of river cruise ships and riverboats in the “itinerary” section of our River Cruises hub. All companies and fleets are listed there.