Viking Helgi

The Viking Helgi ship cruises on the Volga River in Russia, departing from St Petersburg and Moscow. This Viking cruise ship is named after Helgi (also known as Oleg of Novgorod)—a Viking by origin (Varangian prince) who succeeded Prince Rurik and ruled the Kievan Rus state in the 10th century.

MS Surkov was extensively refitted, refurbished, and renamed in 2012. The vessel’s name honors Helgi (Oleg of Novgorod), a Varangian ruler and successor of Rurik.

There are 6 cabin categories. The total number of cabins is 102, including 4 Suites, 67 Balcony staterooms, and 33 with non-opening windows. Below are the stateroom categories, including number and deck location:

• Suites - JS (x2, Deck 3), AA (x2, Deck 2)
• Balcony Staterooms - AX (x35, Deck 3), BX (x32, Deck 2)
• Deluxe Riverview Staterooms - CX (x8, Deck 1), DX (x23, Deck 1), plus 2 Single cabins
• Staterooms feature standard amenities including hotel-style beds (double or twin configuration / 200 x 160 cm or 2 x 80 cm), 26-inch flat-screen TV (satellite reception, infotainment system), wardrobe, safe (in the closet), mini-refrigerator, direct-dial telephone, radio, en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, washbasin, hairdryer, towels, bathrobes, slippers, and bath products), mirrored vanity (writing desk with chair), bedside tables, reading lights, 220V power outlets, central air-conditioning (individually controlled thermostat for heating and ventilation), premium bedding, and modern LED lighting. Ceiling height is 2.2 m.

The Main Dining Room is named the Neva Restaurant. The ship offers the following facilities:

• Panorama Lounge and Bar (observation lounge)
• Atrium lobby (Reception Desk)
• Bar and Library (with 2 Internet stations)
• Boutique Shop (Russian gifts and souvenirs)
• Walk-around Promenade Deck (Deck 1)
• Sun Deck (Wheelhouse/Bridge, Sky Bar, shaded seating area)
• 1 elevator (connecting all decks)
• Medical Room (Infirmary/Doctor’s Office)

Viking River Cruises Russia deals include Internet (Wi-Fi), laundry service, all land tours/excursions, ground transfers, live onboard entertainment and lectures, traditional Russian cuisine and vodka tastings, 24-hour tea and coffee, and replenished daily bottled water. To/from ship transfers and airport meet-and-greet services are included only when air travel is purchased through Viking Cruises.

Viking Helgi river cruise prices are per person and based on double occupancy. These rates are indicative and may vary depending on travel agency promotions, special offers, discounts, group bookings, or last-minute deals. On select Viking Helgi Volga cruise itineraries, the company may offer discounted round-trip USA airfare packages (on selected cabins or departure dates).

River Cruise Itineraries

The following are Viking Helgi river cruise itineraries by theme, as officially announced by Viking Cruises:

• "WATERWAYS OF THE TSARS" is a 12-day luxury Volga River cruise between Saint Petersburg and Moscow (and reverse). The itinerary includes 11 complimentary guided excursions and no hotel packages.
• St Petersburg excursions include the Winter Palace and the Hermitage Museum (one of the world’s largest and oldest museums, housing extensive collections of art, antiquities, jewelry, and sculptures), traditional Russian ballet performances, excursions to Pushkin and Catherine Palace (summer residence of the Russian tsars), panoramic city tours, and optional visits to Peterhof Palace (gardens and fountains). Departure from St Petersburg is typically on Day 4 in the evening.
• Cruising on the Neva River and crossing Lake Ladoga (Europe’s largest lake) on Day 5.
• Svir River cruise to Mandrogy (featuring a Vodka Museum and traditional crafts), with optional excursions including a Russian “banya” (bathhouse) experience and matryoshka doll painting.
• Cruising along the Russian “Blue Route” (225 km / 139 mi).
• Lake Onega crossing (Europe’s second-largest lake).
• Kizhi Island visit (open-air museum of traditional Russian wooden architecture, including churches and windmills built without nails).
• Volga-Baltic Waterway transit (370 km / 230 mi system of rivers, canals, and 7 locks connecting the Volga River with the Baltic Sea).
• Kuzino (visit to Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, Assumption Cathedral, and local museum).
• Yaroslavl (visit to a local covered market featuring food and handmade goods).
• Moscow Canal cruise (arrival around lunchtime), including a half-day city tour (Bolshoi Theatre, Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, GUM Department Store, and Metro). Additional days include full-day tours of parks and monuments, optional visit to the Tretyakov Gallery, and visits to the Kremlin and its cathedrals, with an optional Kremlin Armory tour.
• Departures from St Petersburg may include an optional 2-night Moscow hotel package. Departures from Moscow may include an optional 3-night Helsinki (Finland) hotel package.

Note: You can view 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 vessels, visit our dedicated Russian River Cruises hub.