Russia, the largest country in the world, offers a different kind of destination experience for travelers. This country has it all – cosmopolitan cities, historic rural villages, ancient volcanic landscapes, rivers, lakes, and forests.
If you plan to travel in Russia, don’t forego the chance to sail between Moscow and St. Petersburg as it offers a unique adventure that includes awe-inspiring phenomena and cultural richness. The best river cruise Moscow to St. Petersburg 2022 is also available for you to check to sign up for an unforgettable cruising experience.
However, if you plan to go on a river cruise, there are many factors to consider. One critical father is when you’ll go. Each season has its advantages and disadvantages, and considering your preferences, here are the things you should know:
What time is the best to go on a cruise ship?
Here is a basic characteristic of each season in Russia:
- Spring is a wonderful season due to flowing streams and blooming willow aside from the fine and warm weather. It’s when nature returns to life after winter. It rains sometimes, but usually, the sun shines brightly.
- For many, summer is the most pleasant time to travel. The days are longer, and the nights become shorter. This is the start of school holidays, so families plan their vacation on the cruise ship in the countryside with nature or in the mountains.
- September, October, and November aren’t favorable months to take a cruise. The weather often changes, and it often rains.
- In winter, it is cold and usually snows. The days are short, the nights are long, and the rivers and lakes freeze.
Knowing Russia’s seasons and their characteristics is vital to know when you want to schedule your cruise ship. Remember, however, that the ships start in May and finish by the end of October.
June, July, and August are high seasons for cruise ships due to “white nights” or near-midnight sun phenomena. These months also have balmy temperatures, which range from 21°C-25°C.
Spring and autumn are excellent choices if you want to experience peace and be away from the crowd. However, if you're going to visit St Petersburg and wish to see the glittering winter dressing of snow, you can travel during winter.
Sailing between Moscow and St Petersburg
The Russian countryside cruise offers an exciting voyage. River cruises provide the best ways to have an extended time in both Moscow and St. Petersburg while getting a tour of culturally significant cities in the interior. The Cruise ships’ route traces the canals and lakes that connect these two beautiful cities, including some of Europe’s largest lakes like Lake Onega and Lake Ladoga and the culturally significant river like the “Volga.”
Most companies offer identical tours. Some cruise lines put their customers on hotels near the city center to have their meals at their own expense, while other cruise lines have their passengers stay on board the ship that can take an hour in both cities.
Russian river cruise port highlights
Here are some destinations you may go on your cruise:
Moscow
The heart of Moscow lies in Red Square, where the Lenin’s Tomb, GUM Department store and St Basil’s Cathedral lies. Inside the port is the Armoury with the nine onion-domed churches and the Faberge eggs. If you are an art lover, you can watch a show at the Bolshoi Theatre or look at the Pushkin Gallery.
St. Petersburg
Passengers will be able to see the Hermitage, one of the largest art collections in the world. They can also admire the 19th-century architecture on a canal tour and visit a Versailles-style palace (the Pushkin or Peterhof).
Yaroslavl
This is one of the most significant Golden Ring cities in Russia. It has pedestrian-only streets that are full of shops and cafes. Passengers will also be able to tour the gorgeous churches and onion domes.
Tips when you go on river cruise ship in Russia
Additional tips include:
- It’s rare to find signs in English. You might want to learn some of the Cyrillic alphabets and a few phrases before your travel to Russia to at least be able to communicate with the locals at a beginner level.
- You should pay for your visa in person in Russian consulates. Doing so will make you save money because you’ll pay less. However, they will only accept cash. Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted.
- Be sure to plan your visa processing for two months or more from the month you want to travel. This will give you more time for the lengthy online application and paperwork. It will also prevent expediting fees if you wait too long.
Conclusion
Russia is one of the best places for a river cruise ship as it offers historically rich cities and an unforgettable cruise ship experience. But in the end, when you’ll go will depend on your schedule and what you’re really after.