Scenic Tsar

Former names : MS Grin, MS Alexander Grin, MS Aleksandr Blok

Scenic Tsar last position

The last location of Scenic Tsar is in Russia Inland cruising en route to MSRV-RYBINSK-MSRV. The AIS position was last reported 4 months ago.

Current Position

Specifications of Scenic Tsar

Year of build2012  /  Age: 14
Flag state Russia
BuilderOsterreichische Schiffswerften AG (Korneuburg, Austria)
ClassUSSR Russian cruise ship (Project Q-065)
Ferry route / homeportsSt Petersburg-Moscow
Speed12 kn / 22 km/h / 14 mph
Length (LOA)90 m / 295 ft
Beam (width)15 m / 49 ft
Gross Tonnage3000 gt
Passengers112
Crew71
Decks5
Cabins56
Decks with cabins4
Last Refurbishment2012
Former namesMS Grin, MS Alexander Grin, MS Aleksandr Blok
OwnerMosturflot (Russia)
OperatorScenic Cruises

Scenic Tsar Review

Review of Scenic Tsar

Scenic Tsar cruise ship (MS Alexander Grin / "Александр Грин") operates on Russia's Volga River, with departures from homeports St Petersburg and Moscow. The vessel started operations for Scenic Cruises in 2012 under the name "Scenic Tsar". This was Scenic Tours' first ship (as opposed to a riverboat) in the fleet. The vessel is owned by the Russian company Mosturflot (Moscow River Shipping Company) and operated under 5-year charter agreements by Scenic Cruises.

Scenic Tsar cruise ship (MS Alexander Grin)

Scenic's Volga cruise passengers enjoy intimate cruising on a vessel with a maximum capacity of just 112 guests. Although not originally built for Scenic, Scenic Tsar was extensively refurbished to meet the line's standards of amenities and services for Volga River cruises in Russia. The ship operates 14- and 18-night sailings. Around 93% of all cruise staterooms and suites feature private full-length balconies. The ship offers 4-star hotel-style accommodations and includes six Royal-category Suites. Passengers on Scenic Tsar (Alexander Grin) are typically aged 45 and older, with most guests coming from Australia and the UK.

At full capacity, the ship's crew-to-passenger ratio is approximately 1 crew member for every 3.2 guests. Scenic Tsar differs from Scenic Cruises' European river fleet as she is smaller and somewhat less high-end. The vessel has a large lounge, two bars, an entertainment area, a wellness area (massage services and gym), and a medical center with an onboard doctor. The restaurant serves both international and traditional Russian cuisine. Shore excursions and tours (included at every port along the itinerary) are guided by local English-speaking experts. Modern GPS-enabled headsets are provided during excursions and land tours. All passengers benefit from complimentary onboard Wi-Fi.

Scenic Tsar cruise ship (MS Alexander Grin)

Each cabin offers standard amenities including central air-conditioning (individually controlled heating and ventilation system), private en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, washbasin, hairdryer, towels, bath products), flat-screen TV (satellite reception), radio, direct-dial phone, mini-refrigerator, wardrobe, safe (in the closet), vanity mirror, writing desk with chair, bedside table, reading lights, and 220V power sockets. Ceiling height is 2.2 m.

Scenic river cruise deals are among the industry's most all-inclusive. All meals, drinks (except French Champagne and the highest-end liquors), excursions, butler service, and Internet are included in the fares. Even the drinks in the cabin minibar are complimentary. Scenic Tours cruises traditionally attract travelers from Australia and the UK, with a steadily growing number of Americans, Canadians, and Germans. Most passengers are aged 55+, financially comfortable, and well-traveled.

Scenic Tsar cruise ship (MS Alexander Grin)

Scenic Tsar cruise prices are per person and based on double occupancy. These rates are indicative of Scenic Cruises' Russia itineraries. Final prices may vary depending on travel agency promotions, special offers, discounts, group bookings, or last-minute deals.

Photos of Scenic Tsar

Scenic Tsar Wiki

  • Cabin grades: 8
  • Total number of cabins: 56
  • Restaurant: Crystal Restaurant
  • Lounges & Bars: Panorama Lounge (live piano music), Neva Lounge and Bar
  • Wellness Centre (Gym and Spa), shop
  • The ship is comparatively smaller, with a V-shaped hull design, and is not as high-end as the traditional company-owned Scenic riverboats. Still, she offers an impressive 93% of cabins with full-sized balconies.
  • Scenic Tsar cruise deals include Internet (Wi-Fi), all tours and excursions, ground transfers, hotel stays, gratuities, port taxes, and all beverages consumed on the ship (coffee, tea, bottled water, soft drinks). River cruise fares also include alcohol – wine and beer served at lunch and dinner, as well as cocktails and liquor offered at the ship's bars.
  • Officially named "MS Alexander Grin" (or simply MS Grin), Scenic Tsar underwent a USD 8.2 million stern-to-bow drydock refurbishment and refit. The vessel was relaunched in Russia in June 2012. Although not a new river ship, the refit was so extensive that Alexander Grin was registered as a new vessel.
  • Be sure to join the Scenic Cruises loyalty program, "Scenic Club". Scenic Club membership is free and offers numerous benefits, including exclusive deals, booking discount vouchers, members-only river cruise and tour itineraries, complimentary hotel packages and limousine services, unlimited laundry, Scenic-branded merchandise, gift cards, and special onboard events and competitions.
  • Note: Depending on departure dates, itineraries, and special offers or promotions, Scenic river cruise prices may sometimes include airfare.

Note: You can see CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there. For other Russia-based ships, you can visit our dedicated Russian River Cruises hub.