Russia Cruises: An Extraordinary Voyage Through Imperial Grandeur

From the gilded palaces of St. Petersburg to the iconic onion domes of Moscow and the serene waterways that connect them, discover why a cruise through Russia offers one of the most culturally rich and visually stunning voyages in the world.

Your Extraordinary Russian Adventure Awaits

Russia is a destination that stirs the imagination—a land of imperial splendor, legendary art collections, and vast waterways that have shaped centuries of history. From the ornate grandeur of the Hermitage Museum and the jewel-toned domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral to the tranquil beauty of Lake Onega and the golden ring of ancient towns along the Volga, a cruise through Russia immerses you in a civilization unlike any other. Summer temperatures between 60–75°F create ideal conditions for exploring this magnificent country by water.

Panoramic view of Prague featuring the historic Charles Bridge spanning the Vltava River, with Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral prominently displayed in the background.
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A stunning panoramic view of Prague's historic city center, featuring the Prague Castle complex, colorful baroque buildings, and the Vltava River with the iconic Charles Bridge in the foreground.
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A stunning panoramic view of Prague's historic cityscape featuring Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, and the Vltava River under a clear blue sky.
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A picturesque aerial view of Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Czech Republic, featuring tightly clustered red-roofed buildings nestled along a meandering river with a castle and church towers rising above the landscape.
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Imperial Palaces & Art

World-class museums, opulent tsarist palaces, and legendary art collections—including the Hermitage’s three million masterpieces—await at every turn.

Scenic Waterways

Cruise along the Volga, Svir, and Neva rivers, glide through historic canal systems, and traverse vast lakes that reveal Russia’s breathtaking natural beauty.

Rich Culture & Traditions

Ballet performances, Orthodox cathedrals with golden domes, traditional folk music, and legendary Russian cuisine create an immersive cultural tapestry.

Explore the Ways to Cruise Russia

Russia can be experienced by water in two distinct ways—river cruises through the heartland or ocean cruises calling at its Baltic and Arctic ports. Our cruise advisors will help you find the perfect match for your dream voyage.

A picturesque medieval town with iconic orange-red rooftops nestled in a meandering river bend, showcasing classic Central European architectural charm and landscape.
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River Cruises

Key Routes: Moscow to St. Petersburg via the Volga, Svir River, and historic canal systems

Known For: Intimate small-ship experiences, UNESCO World Heritage sites, Golden Ring towns, Kizhi Island’s wooden architecture

Ideal For: Culturally curious travelers seeking an immersive, in-depth exploration of Russia’s heartland

Duration: 10–16 nights

A stunning winter view of the historic Charles Bridge spanning the Vltava River in Prague, Czech Republic, with illuminated baroque buildings and a pastel pink and purple sunset sky.
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Baltic & Ocean Cruises

Key Ports: St. Petersburg (often with multi-day stays), plus Baltic capitals like Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Tallinn

Known For: Extended port stays in St. Petersburg, White Nights summer phenomenon, Hermitage Museum, Peterhof Palace

Ideal For: Travelers who want to combine Russia with multiple European capitals on a single voyage

Duration: 7–14 nights

A panoramic view of Prague showcasing its historic architecture, multiple bridges spanning the Vltava River, and lush green landscapes with purple flowers in the foreground.
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Arctic Expedition Cruises

Key Regions: Franz Josef Land, the Russian Arctic, Wrangel Island, the Northeast Passage

Known For: Polar wildlife encounters, remote wilderness, icebreaker voyages, polar bear sightings

Ideal For: Adventurous travelers seeking once-in-a-lifetime expedition experiences at the edge of the world

Duration: 12–24 nights

Compare Russia Cruise Experiences

Feature River Cruises Baltic & Ocean Cruises Arctic Expedition Cruises
Typical Duration 10–16 nights 7–14 nights 12–24 nights
Main Departure Points Moscow, St. Petersburg Copenhagen, Stockholm, London Longyearbyen, Murmansk
Best For Culture enthusiasts, history lovers Multi-destination European travelers Adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts, bucket-list seekers
Highlights Golden Ring towns, Kizhi Island, Volga River, canal locks Multi-day St. Petersburg stays, White Nights, Baltic capitals Franz Josef Land, polar bears, icebreaker voyages, remote wilderness

A stunning view of Prague's historic Charles Bridge spanning the Vltava River, featuring medieval architecture, historic towers, and colorful buildings at golden hour.
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Our Russia cruise travel advisors will show you where to begin.

With so many remarkable experiences to choose from, planning the perfect Russia cruise requires expert guidance. That’s where our dedicated advisors come in.

On a river cruise, you’ll journey between Moscow and St. Petersburg along Russia’s legendary waterways—the Volga, Svir, and Neva rivers—passing through historic canal systems, across vast Lake Onega, and stopping at enchanting Golden Ring towns like Uglich and Yaroslavl.

A Baltic cruise features St. Petersburg as the crown jewel of a multi-city European itinerary, with many ships offering coveted multi-day stays that allow you to fully explore the Hermitage, Peterhof Palace, and the city’s legendary White Nights.

For the ultimate adventure, Arctic expedition cruises venture to Franz Josef Land, Wrangel Island, and the remote reaches of the Russian Arctic—home to polar bears, walruses, and landscapes of staggering, untouched beauty.

If navigating these extraordinary options feels complex, rest assured—every detail will be expertly handled by Extraordinary Adventures and our dedicated cruise advisors. Call us today!

Beyond Russia

Many Russia itineraries can be extended or combined with nearby destinations for an even more memorable voyage.

  • Scandinavia – Norwegian fjords, Viking heritage, and stunning coastal scenery
  • Baltic Capitals – Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Tallinn offer rich history and vibrant culture
  • Northern Europe – Extend your voyage to include the British Isles, Iceland, or the Norwegian coast
  • Trans-Siberian Railway – Pair your cruise with a legendary overland rail journey across Russia
A picturesque panoramic view of the historic Old Town Market Square in Warsaw, Poland, featuring colorful baroque townhouses and outdoor cafe terraces at twilight.
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Find your specialty cruise today!

We’ll help find the perfect specialty cruise—whether you’re crossing oceans, transiting canals, or exploring the ends of the Earth.

Our specialty cruise advisors will ensure your voyage is everything you dreamed.

Rarely will any of us make it to these extraordinary places more than once. So, if you’re going to do it at all, you should do it right. Let the experts at Extraordinary Adventures ensure that your voyage to these remote destinations is everything you dreamed it would be.

They don’t call us Extraordinary Adventures for nothing, you know.

Best Time to Cruise Russia

Russia’s cruise season is concentrated in the warmer months, making timing an essential consideration for your voyage.

Peak Season (June – August): Russia’s summer brings long, luminous days and the magical White Nights in St. Petersburg, when the sun barely sets. Temperatures range from 60–75°F, ideal for sightseeing. This is the most popular time and early booking is strongly recommended.

Shoulder Season (May, September): Slightly cooler temperatures and thinner crowds offer excellent value. Autumn foliage along the rivers in September can be breathtaking, while May brings spring blossoms to palace gardens.

Arctic Season (July – September): Expedition cruises to the Russian Arctic operate during the brief polar summer when sea ice recedes enough for navigation. Wildlife viewing is at its peak during this window.

The White Nights Festival in St. Petersburg (late May through mid-July) is a particularly enchanting time to visit, with ballet performances, classical concerts, and celebrations throughout the city.

A picturesque panoramic view of the historic market square in Warsaw's Old Town, featuring colorful tenement houses, outdoor cafes, and a central open cobblestone plaza at twilight.
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Why Book with Extraordinary Adventures

Expert Advisors

Specialty cruise specialists who understand the unique requirements of expedition and world voyages.

Exclusive Perks

Access to special deals, onboard credits, and amenities not available when booking direct.

Personalised Planning

Custom recommendations for ships, itineraries, and cabin selection on complex voyages.

Full Support

Assistance from booking through disembarkation and beyond—we’re with you every step.

Russia Cruise FAQs

The best time to cruise Russia is during the summer months of June through August, when temperatures are pleasant—typically between 60–75°F—and daylight hours are at their longest. The legendary White Nights in St. Petersburg (late May to mid-July) offer an especially magical experience, with near-24-hour daylight and a vibrant festival atmosphere. Arctic expedition cruises operate during a narrow July–September window when sea ice recedes.

Visa requirements for Russia can be complex and depend on the type of cruise and how you plan to explore onshore. Many ocean cruise lines offer visa-free shore excursion programs for passengers arriving by ship at St. Petersburg, allowing you to visit the city without obtaining a Russian visa—provided you book an approved shore excursion through the cruise line or an authorized tour operator. River cruise passengers typically have their visa arrangements handled by the cruise line as part of the package. Your Extraordinary Adventures cruise advisor will guide you through the specific requirements for your itinerary.

A river cruise offers a deep, immersive journey through Russia’s interior, typically sailing between Moscow and St. Petersburg over 10–16 nights, stopping at smaller towns, UNESCO sites, and off-the-beaten-path destinations. A Baltic cruise is an ocean voyage that includes St. Petersburg—often with a coveted multi-day port stay—alongside other European capitals like Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Tallinn. The choice depends on whether you want an in-depth Russia experience or a broader European exploration.

The White Nights are a natural phenomenon that occurs in St. Petersburg from late May through mid-July, when the city’s northern latitude keeps the sky illuminated nearly around the clock. During this period, the sun barely dips below the horizon, creating an ethereal twilight that lasts through the night. The city celebrates with an internationally acclaimed festival of ballet, opera, classical music, and fireworks—making it one of the most extraordinary times to visit.

Pack layers, as Russian weather can be variable even in summer. Bring comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and palace grounds, a light rain jacket, and dressier attire for evening performances at theaters and elegant onboard dining. Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential during the White Nights. For Arctic expedition cruises, the cruise line will typically provide a detailed packing list including warm outerwear. Your cruise advisor can provide a tailored packing guide for your specific itinerary.

Several cruise lines offer exceptional Russia experiences. For river cruises, Viking is among the most well-known operators on the Moscow–St. Petersburg route, with Uniworld also offering luxury river voyages. For Baltic ocean cruises featuring St. Petersburg, options range from premium lines like Celebrity, Princess, and Holland America to luxury lines such as Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Oceania, and Seabourn. Arctic expedition cruises are offered by specialist operators including Quark Expeditions, Silversea, Seabourn, and Ponant. Our advisors will match you with the perfect cruise line for your preferences.

Russia has historically been a popular and well-established cruise destination, particularly St. Petersburg, which has welcomed millions of cruise visitors. However, travel advisories and cruise line itineraries can change based on geopolitical developments. Your Extraordinary Adventures cruise advisor stays current on all travel advisories and will provide up-to-date guidance on Russia’s availability as a cruise destination, recommend alternative itineraries if needed, and ensure your voyage is both safe and extraordinary.

St. Petersburg is one of the world’s great cultural capitals. Must-see highlights include the Hermitage Museum (one of the largest art museums in the world, housed in the magnificent Winter Palace), Peterhof Palace with its spectacular fountains and gardens, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood with its dazzling mosaic-covered domes, the Peter and Paul Fortress, Catherine Palace in nearby Pushkin (home to the legendary Amber Room), and a ballet performance at the historic Mariinsky Theatre.

A Russian river cruise is an intimate, culturally immersive experience. You’ll sail on smaller vessels through a network of rivers, lakes, and canals connecting Moscow to St. Petersburg, with stops at charming villages, medieval monasteries, and UNESCO World Heritage sites like the wooden churches of Kizhi Island. Onboard, expect enrichment lectures on Russian history and culture, traditional folk entertainment, Russian cooking demonstrations, and fine dining featuring local specialties. The pace is relaxed, and the scenery—birch forests, golden-domed churches, and vast lakes—is unforgettable.

Our certified cruise advisors have expert knowledge of the cruise lines operating in Russia and can help you navigate the complexities of visa requirements, seasonal timing, and itinerary selection. Whether you’re drawn to the cultural riches of a river cruise, the multi-city allure of a Baltic voyage, or the raw adventure of an Arctic expedition, we’ll craft a personalized recommendation tailored to your interests. Our complimentary Cruise Concierge service handles the planning, and for those who want complete journey management—including flights, hotels, and transfers—our premium White Glove Service ensures every detail is seamlessly coordinated.

Not sure which specialty cruise is right for you?

Take our short quiz to discover the perfect specialty cruise for your travel style and bucket list.