viking yacht emblem

• Vili and Ve
• Fjorgynn and Fjorgyn
• Aegir and Ran
• Skoll and Hati
• Land Spirits
• Ask and Embla
• Huginn and Muninn
• Geri and Freki
• Berserkers and Other Shamanic Warriors
• The Einherjar
• Jörmungandr (Midgard Serpent or World Serpent)
• Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr
• Gullinbursti
• Mjölnir (Thor’s Hammer)
• Aegishjalmur (Helm of Awe)
• Gjallarhorn
• Gungnir (Odin’s Spear)
• Skidbladnir
• Brísingamen Necklace
• Horn Triskelion (The Horns of Odin)
• Nidavellir (Svartalfheim)
• Hel (The Underworld)
• Yggdrasil (World Tree)
• Ginnungagap
• Járngreipr (Járnglófar)
• Viking Runes Meanings
• Viking Symbols And Their Meaning
• Viking Tattoos
• Viking Food and Drinks
• Viking Clothing and Jewelry
• Viking Raids and Warfare
• Viking Weapons and Armor
• Viking Trade and Commerce
• Viking Ships
• Viking Politics
• Viking Heritage
• Write for Us
• Search for:

No products in the cart.

Return to shop

Join us as on Patreon and be part of our Viking community. Plus, you can gain premium exposure opportunities, including featuring your company logo and link on our homepage footer or sidebar placement on every page.

• BECOME A PATRON

Daily Life in the Viking Age , Viking Ships , Vikings

Famous viking ship names and meanings.

Welcome to our article exploring the fascinating world of famous Viking ship names and their meanings. Viking ships have long captured the imagination, symbolizing the indomitable spirit of Norse seafaring warriors. This article will delve into the significance of Viking ship names and how they reflect these incredible vessels’ valor, mythology, and historical context. Join us as we sail through the stories behind these famous Viking ships names, uncovering their hidden meanings and shedding light on the legacy of the mighty Norse explorers.

The Importance of Viking Ship Names

This section explores the significance of Viking ship names in Norse mythology and culture. Viking ship names were carefully chosen to reflect the strength, valor, and mythical connections of both the ships and the warriors who sailed them.

The Norse seafaring warriors held their ships in high regard, considering them not just vessels for transportation but symbols of their power and bravery. Each ship’s name carried deep meaning, embodying the spirit and character of the ship itself.

Viking ship names often drew inspiration from Norse mythology, incorporating references to gods, goddesses , and legendary figures. These names served as a tribute to the mythical beings who were believed to protect and guide the ship and its crew.

Furthermore, Viking ship names reflected the aspirations and ambitions of the warriors. They were a declaration of the ship’s purpose, whether it was for exploration, trade, war, or ceremonial use. The name bestowed upon a Viking ship evoked a sense of pride and honor among the crew, fueling their determination and courage.

The importance of Viking ship names extended beyond the physical vessels themselves. They also held cultural and historical significance, preserving the memory of the brave Viking warriors and their seafaring expeditions. These names continue to captivate our imagination, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of legendary voyages and mythical quests.

The Iconic Longships

In the world of Viking seafaring, the longships, known as drakkars, are truly iconic vessels. These majestic ships were the backbone of the Viking fleet and played a crucial role in their explorations, trade endeavors, and daring raids.

Two notable examples of famous Viking ships stand out: the Oseberg Ship and the Gokstad Ship. These vessels not only bear witness to the exceptional craftsmanship of the Vikings but also carry with them a wealth of historical significance.

• The Oseberg Ship, discovered in a burial mound in Norway, is a stunning example of Viking shipbuilding prowess. It is adorned with intricate carvings and was buried alongside the remains of two powerful women, suggesting its ceremonial and symbolic importance.
• The Gokstad Ship, unearthed in a burial mound in Norway, is renowned for its remarkable preservation and immense size. This mighty vessel, measuring over 23 meters in length, is believed to have been built as a burial monument for a high-ranking Norse chieftain.

These famous Viking ships not only bear the weight of their historical significance but also carry names that evoke a sense of awe and reverence. The names of these longships reflect the Norse mythology and culture that permeated Viking society, imbuing them with a sense of power and connection to the divine.

Exploring the Drakkar Viking ship and the names of these famous Viking longships allows us to voyage back in time, delving into the maritime adventures of the Norse seafarers and immersing ourselves in the rich tapestry of Viking history.

Naming Conventions and Symbolism

In Norse culture, Viking ship names held profound meaning and symbolized the values and aspirations of the seafaring warriors. These names were carefully chosen to reflect the ships’ power, courage, and legendary status and the warriors who sailed them.

The naming conventions of Viking ships often drew inspiration from Norse mythology, honoring gods, goddesses , and mythical figures. The belief was that by naming their ships after these esteemed beings, the warriors would gain their divine favor and protection on their voyages.

For example:

• Skidbladnir: This legendary ship, mentioned in the mythological sagas, belonged to the god Freyr. Its name translates to “wooden-bladed,” signifying the ship’s ability to swiftly sail on both land and sea.
• Naglfar: According to Norse mythology, Naglfar was a massive ship made from the nails of the dead. Its name signifies its role in carrying the forces of chaos during Ragnarök, the apocalyptic battle.

Other Viking ship names carried meanings related to prosperity, protection, and conquest. They could convey the hope for successful trade expeditions or the desire for victory in battles and raids.

For instance:

• Eikthyrnir: This ship’s name translates to “oak-thorn,” after the legendary stag that lives in Valhalla. It symbolizes strength and endurance, reflecting the ship’s ability to weather storms and navigate treacherous waters.
• Dreki: Meaning “dragon” in Old Norse, the name Dreki signifies the ship’s fierce and formidable nature. It represents the Viking warriors’ indomitable spirit and their readiness to embark on daring expeditions.

Viking ship names served as identifiers and carried immense symbolic weight. They showcased the Vikings’ connection to their mythical heritage and emphasized their ambitions, bravery, and devotion to their gods. These names continue to captivate our imagination and remind us of the remarkable seafaring legacy of the Norse people.

Exploration and Trade Ships

In the era of the Vikings, exploration and trade played a crucial role in expanding their influence across distant lands. Viking ships were revered for their strength and agility in battle and adaptability in traversing both open seas and shallow rivers. Many famous Viking ships have taken on legendary status throughout history due to their remarkable voyages and the significant trade routes they helped establish.

One such famous example is the Skuldelev Ships , also known as the Skuldelev 1-6, discovered in the Roskilde Fjord in Denmark. These well-preserved ships were part of a Viking naval force and are believed to have been used for exploration and trade. The Skuldelev Ships provide a fascinating glimpse into the craftsmanship and design of Viking vessels, showcasing their innovative features such as the overlapping planks and clinker-built construction.

Voyages of Exploration

• Skuldelev 1: This 11-meter longship, known as the “Great Longship,” showcases the prowess of Viking shipbuilders. Its size and structure suggest that it was primarily used for exploration and long-distance sailing.
• Skuldelev 2: Referred to as the “Knarr,” this broader ship was designed for cargo transport and trade. Its storage capacity and sturdy construction made it ideal for carrying valuable goods across vast distances.
• Skuldelev 3: Also known as a “Fishing Boat,” this smaller vessel served the Vikings in their fishing expeditions along coastal areas. The Skuldelev 3 showcases the versatility of Viking shipbuilding, adapting to different purposes and environments.

These famous Viking ships played a significant role in expanding Norse exploration and trade routes. From the Baltic Sea to the North Atlantic, Vikings ventured bravely into unknown territories, establishing trade networks and forging new alliances.

The Skuldelev Ships and other renowned Viking exploration and trade vessels honor the legacy of these intrepid seafarers, highlighting their ingenuity, navigational skills, and their enduring impact on global trade and cultural exchange.

Warships and Raiding Vessels

This section delves into the warships and raiding vessels used by the Vikings, including the fearsome drakkars. These ships played a crucial role in Viking warfare and coastal raids, showcasing the mastery of Norse seafaring warriors.

Viking Ship Names and Meanings

Notable Viking ships like the Jelling ships were given names that reflected their formidable nature and served as symbols of power. These ship names held deep meanings, representing the might and bravery of the Viking warriors who sailed them.

• Jelling (meaning: associated with the Jelling dynasty and their significant rune stones)
• Ormen Lange (meaning: the Long Serpent, symbolizing the strength and intimidating nature of the ship)
• Skidbladnir (meaning: the magical ship that could be folded and carried in a pouch, showcasing Norse mythological connections)

These names illustrate the Viking belief in imbuing their ships with mythical and symbolic associations to enhance their prowess in battle.

Role in Viking Warfare and Coastal Raids

The warships and raiding vessels played a vital role in the Viking Age, enabling the Norse warriors to embark on expeditions and launch swift attacks on coastal settlements. The drakkars, with their sleek design and shallow draft, allowed the Vikings to navigate rivers and reach far into interior regions, facilitating surprise assaults and quick escapes.

The agility and speed of these vessels were instrumental in executing hit-and-run tactics, enabling the Vikings to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies and establish their dominance in the regions they targeted.

Furthermore, the imposing appearance of the warships, often adorned with intricately carved dragon heads, instilled a sense of terror in the enemy forces, serving as a psychological weapon.

These warships and raiding vessels, including the iconic drakkars, were instrumental in the Viking Age’s military exploits and significantly shaped Viking civilization.

Legendary N orse Mythology Ship Names

In Norse sagas, legendary ship names hold a special place, representing the awe-inspiring vessels that sailed through the seas of Norse mythology. These ships, mentioned in ancient tales and epics, are steeped in mythological connections and carry the weight of legendary stories.

The Naglfar

One famous example is the Naglfar. According to Norse mythology, the Naglfar is a massive ship made entirely from the fingernails and toenails of the dead. It is believed that during the chaotic final battle of Ragnarok, the ship will carry an army of giants and monsters to confront the gods.

The Skidbladnir

Another remarkable ship from the sagas is the Skidbladnir . This extraordinary vessel, crafted by the dwarves, can fold up into a small piece of cloth yet expand to accommodate all the gods and goddesses of Asgard. It is said to have sailed effortlessly across the seas, easily navigating any water.

These legendary ship names from Norse sagas not only capture the imagination but also reflect the intricate mythology and symbolism within Norse culture. These ships played vital roles in captivating tales, embodying the power and marvels of the Viking world.

Ceremonial and Burial Ships

During the Viking Age, ships held immense significance in Norse culture. They were vessels for exploration and war and were involved in rituals and beliefs associated with death and the afterlife. Ceremonial and burial ships played a crucial role in honoring the departed and symbolizing the journey into the realm of the gods.

One notable example of a ceremonial and burial ship is the Tune Ship. Discovered in Norway , this well-preserved vessel offers valuable insights into Viking funeral practices. The name “Tune” is believed to derive from the Old Norse word “Tun,” meaning “enclosure” or “fence.” This symbolism suggests the ship’s purpose in providing a final resting place within a protected and revered enclosure.

Symbolism and Meanings:

• The act of setting the deceased on a ship symbolized a last voyage and the transition from earthly existence to the realm of the gods.
• The careful selection of the name “Tune Ship” reflects the belief in the vessel’s protective and sacred nature, which ensures a safe passage for the departed.
• The ship’s structure and accompanying grave goods, such as weapons, jewelry, and personal belongings, were believed to accompany the deceased on their journey, enriching their afterlife.

Viking burial ships were a testament to the importance of the sea and seafaring in Norse mythology and culture. They embodied the connection between the mortal realm and the divine, serving as a vessel for the departed to embark on their eternal voyage.

Legacy and Influence

In modern times, the legacy and influence of Viking ship names and their meanings continue to capture the imagination of people worldwide. These names have been immortalized in various forms of art, literature, and popular culture, testifying to the lasting impact of Norse seafaring traditions.

The famous Viking ships names, such as the Oseberg Ship and the Gokstad Ship , evoke a sense of awe and admiration for the fearless Norse warriors who sailed them. These ships serve as powerful symbols of strength, exploration, and conquest.

One particular Viking ship that has gained significant recognition is the drakkar . With its iconic dragon-head prow, the drakkar symbolizes the Vikings’ prowess and seafaring dominance. This imagery has permeated various aspects of modern culture, from movies and television shows to video games and literature.

The Influence on Literature and Art

Viking ship names, such as the Jelling Ships and the Tune Ship , have become prominent features in historical fiction and fantasy novels. Writers often draw inspiration from these ancient vessels to create captivating narratives that transport readers back to the Viking Age.

Similarly, artists have been captivated by the mystique of Viking ships, creating stunning depictions in paintings, sculptures, and other forms of visual art. These artworks not only showcase the intricate design and craftsmanship of Norse ships but also pay homage to the adventurers who sailed them.

Popular Culture and Beyond

Viking ship names have also left their imprint on popular culture. They frequently appear as names for sports teams, businesses, and even spacecraft. Their association with bravery, resilience, and exploration resonates with individuals and organizations seeking to embody these qualities.

Furthermore, Viking ships have inspired the design of modern-day sailing vessels and recreational boats. Contemporary sailboat designs honor the maritime legacy of the Vikings with the sleek, streamlined shapes and distinct features of Norse ships.

The Timeless Significance

• The enduring appeal of Viking ship names reflects the timelessness of their significance.
• They remind us of the adventurous spirit, boundless ambition, and the seafaring expertise of the Norse people.
• These names are a testament to the rich and enduring cultural heritage of the Vikings, whose impact continues to resonate across centuries.

The legacy and influence of famous Viking ship names, the awe-inspiring Drakkar, and the enduring mystique of Norse ships continue to inspire and captivate people worldwide. They remind the Viking seafarers of valor, exploration, and cultural achievements, leaving an indelible mark on our collective imagination.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the rich history and meanings behind famous Viking ships names provide invaluable insights into the valor and seafaring legacy of the Norse warriors. These names were carefully chosen to reflect the strength, mythological connections, and aspirations of the ships and their fearless crews.

From the iconic longships, such as the Oseberg and Gokstad Ships, to the exploration and trade vessels, like the Skuldelev Ships, each ship’s name carried symbolism and conveyed the spirit of adventure and conquest that defined the Vikings.

The Norse naming conventions drew inspiration from powerful figures in mythology, connecting them to prosperity, protection, and conquest. The sagas and stories further immortalized these legendary ship names, making them an integral part of Viking culture.

Today, we can appreciate and understand the significance of these names by delving into their historical context. They continue to influence and fascinate us, leaving a lasting impact on literature, art, and popular culture, perpetuating the seafaring traditions of the mighty Norse warriors for generations to come.

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in

Lost your password?

🚚🌻Free shipping and 12% off (from $50) with code SPRING24

• Bags & Belts
• All Viking Jewelry
• 925 Silver Bracelet
• Mjlonir Necklace
• Beard Beads
• Snake Rings
• Snake Bracelets
• Snake Necklaces
• Dragon Bracelets
• Dragon Necklaces
• Wolf Bracelets
• Wolf Necklaces
• Bedding Sets
• Pillow Cases
• Viking Blanket
• Drinking Horns
• Mugs and Cups
• AED ALL ANG AUD AWG BAM BBD BGN BIF BND BSD CAD CDF CHF CRC CVE CZK DJF DKK DOP DZD EGP ETB EUR FJD GBP GMD GNF GTQ HKD HNL HUF IDR ILS ISK JMD JPY KES KMF KRW KYD LAK LKR MDL MKD MNT MUR MVR NIO NPR NZD PGK PHP PLN QAR RON RSD SAR SBD SEK SGD SHP SLL THB TJS TOP TTD TWD TZS USD VND VUV WST XAF XCD YER

Your Cart is Empty

• $0.00 Subtotal
• Snake Jewelry
• Dragon Jewelry
• Wolf Jewelry

October 21, 2023 7 min read Viking Conquest Viking Lifestyle

Viking Drakkar Boat | The History of a Nordic Emblem

Renowned navigators, the Viking conquerors and merchants opened their culture to the world through their countless sea voyages. As a result, their civilization has always been associated with the magnificent ships that are so characteristic of them. The image that instantly comes to mind from this description is that of the drakkar boat, the one most portrayed in popular culture.

Identified as the main element of the Viking naval arsenal, these ships had numerous functions and played a key role in the military strategies of the time. Do you know the meanings hidden behind their name? Do you want to learn more about the origins of the Viking drakkar boats ? We reveal everything in this article.

Drakkar Boat: The Hidden Meaning of These Viking Ships

Contrary to what one might think, the discovery of Viking boats does not date back very far. Before this, nothing was known about their architecture and design. The same goes for the name "Drakkar Boat" which is an equally recent attribute.

The Nomenclature of Drakkar Boats

Initially, the word "drakkar" did not exist in any language. This hybrid term was first used in 1840, appearing in the first volume of the book Naval Archaeology by Augustin Jal. The exact origin of the word is explained as follows:

• The root of the word , Drake , means dragon in modern Swedish, itself deriving from Drekar , the plural of Dreki in Old Norse.
• The additional letter K , for its part, was added without any specific reason. It is somewhat the French touch that was brought to it.

Why was it associated with Viking boats? Extremely attached to their culture, it is known that the Vikings had the custom of carving the prows and sterns of their ships . They drew this inspiration from all sorts of Viking symbols, the most emblematic being that of the dragon , creatures feared by their adversaries. Thus, by extension, the term drakkar was used to designate Viking boats in addition to the sculptures found on them.

The Symbolism of Drakkar Boats

Like every aspect of life during the Viking era, drakkar boats were laden with symbols and religious insignia . Decorated with runes, they were considered blessed by the gods, under their benevolence and protection. Whether fishing or at war, the presence of symbols from Norse mythology was necessary to keep them safe.

The dragon is the most represented element , but it is far from being the only one. In addition to this almost mandatory standard structure, the Vikings scattered mystical motifs and symbols along the walls.

What Type of Viking Boats Do Drakkars Designate?

The Viking fleet was among the most impressive and diversified of the time. Having a head start in navigation , they dedicated themselves to the development of ships suited to their activity.

Many varieties of boats emerged during the Viking era, each with characteristics and specificities serving the intended use. From the series of boats resulting from Scandinavian genius, three main categories emerged:

With their length-to-width ratio of 7/1, they are one of the longest boats of the Middle Ages. To move smoothly, one could use its sails when the winds were favorable, and turn to oars when this was not the case. The crew of Viking sailors was large enough to row at a satisfactory speed , even to go upstream against the rivers.

Less known, they are more voluminous, and designed for deep seas. For their part, these Viking ships have a significant load capacity , and a reduced crew.

Ferjas, or fishing boats: which already existed in their current form

The Roles Assigned to Viking Boats

Two main functions were assigned to drakkars: some of them were used as war boats , and others served as commercial boats . These are two distinct entities, each with its properties, corresponding to the previous categories.

Often illustrated in Scandinavian works, war drakkars have characteristics that make them recognizable among thousands. Adorned laterally by a large number of shields, they concealed multiple oars that allowed them to penetrate rivers deeply. The driving force of the ships could thus be multiplied by the participation of the rowing troops positioned in parallel rows along the boat. These langskips, long and light vessels, could carry more than 400 warriors on board, and have traveled all over the world. They have reached the shores of Europe, North Africa, America, but also Asia.

When we delve into the subject, we discover that various types of drakkar boats were used for this purpose. The most well-known are the escheiz, or large ancient warships. The esneques, or snekkja in modern Icelandic, are modern warships that also fall into this category, even though they are smaller in volume and primarily dedicated to transporting war horses.

Commercial ships, on the other hand, had a completely different configuration. With the goal of transporting goods, their design was wider rather than longer, making them more stable. Consequently, their storage capacity was larger, allowing for significant trade on each voyage. These merchant ships are known as Byrðingr or Kenar , a term that originates from knör , the Icelandic word for boat.

While the former are easily recognizable as drakkar, it is more delicate for the latter, which do not conform to the stereotypical image . We identify the drakkar boat as being a Langskip type Herskip (warship). Indeed, their caricatured representation, particularly regarding the length and structure of the ships, is closer to these than to the kaupskip .

The first ship to establish this standard was a langskip discovered in 1997 , at the German border of Denmark. This long warship has inspired the popular remakes that we associate with drakkar types. Nevertheless, putting aside preconceived notions, it is accepted today that merchant ships can also be referred to as drakkars in a broader sense.

The History of Viking Drakkar Boats

Before taking on the definitive form of the drakkar boat, Viking ships underwent numerous transformations. Their development spanned several centuries, shaped by the needs of the Scandinavian inhabitants and by cultural and commercial exchanges with other civilizations.

We can trace their origin and evolution through Viking runes, ancient tapestries , but especially thanks to the discovery of well-preserved boats during archaeological excavations. Dating these finds allows us to accurately track the modifications made, and to place each new discovery in the correct chronological order.

The main discoveries of drakkar boats include:

• The Gokstad burial mound , in Oslo, in 1880: a fortuitous discovery, it is one of the most astonishing accidental finds. The boat is estimated to date back more than 1000 years before its revelation.

• The Oseberg ship in 1904: by far the best-preserved Viking drakkar boat from the Viking era. It is estimated to date back to the year 834 AD. Rich in carved details, the finesse of the motifs is considered impressive for the time.

• The langskip found at the port of Hedeby, discovered in 1953 by a diver quite by chance.

• Cargo boats , were only discovered during the 1960s. This delay explains the false belief that Vikings traveled exclusively via langskip-type boats.

Demystifying the Viking Era

Thanks to drakkar boats, researchers have learned a tremendous amount of new information about the Viking era. While some of it is directly related to conflicts and the geopolitical situation of the time , others tell us more about the civilization itself.

For example, it was deduced that the Vikings traded luxury products just by analyzing their merchant ships. Some were found to have a cargo ship structure, without having a significant storage space . This led to the conclusion that the value of the products far outweighed the expenses of transportation, and that they must have been valuable objects.

The excavations also demonstrated that Viking ship captains were buried with their boats. The association of these valiant warriors with battle even after death is the very essence of Viking culture. The sense of sacrifice for a noble cause is a recurring notion in Nordic civilization, as it allows one the privilege of going to Valhalla.

From Simple Boats to Prestigious Viking Ships

The very first Viking boats were far from the sumptuous appearance of the latest models. The structure of the masts, keels, and hulls was much more simplistic. Their optimization gradually occurred thanks to new knowledge and technical skills acquired .

The expansion of the kingdom allowed for greater investment in their design. The money from pillaging and Viking raids financed the creation of new drakkars using more robust and precious design materials.

Ultimately, kings and jarls made them sacred and precious objects. The Viking boats were dedicated the best materials , and the best carpenters, sculptors, and architects were solicited. The boats of the royalties were unparalleled in beauty and robustness. Nowadays, they are mostly displayed in museums.

The Drakkar Boat Construction Process

The Vikings are known for their perfectionism, and boat design was no exception to this rule. True craftsmen at heart, the Vikings placed great importance on the structuring and construction of their ships . To ensure they were robust and could withstand the weather, each element had to be carefully chosen.

The Viking boats as we know them today are the result of centuries of continuous improvements . Initially, they were simple dugout canoes carved with rudimentary tools. It was only later that modifications to the structures were made to improve navigability.

The Viking design scheme gradually diverged from the European norm of the time. Their well-studied specificities were their strength, guaranteeing the Vikings' superiority in naval architecture.

Certain elements are consistently found in Viking works:

• Architectural Specificities : planking arranged in clinker-built fashion, rudders always located on the starboard side, a single central mast, square-shaped sails, etc. But what is most evocative of Viking boats are the curved prows : the signature of Scandinavian langskips.
• Lightweight Models : the Vikings made sure to minimize the weight of the drakkar boats as much as possible; any excess weight was questioned. The consequences on navigation are well-known, and this principle remains valid today.
• Flexible Designs : adaptability and practicality are paramount for the Vikings.
• Amphidromous Boats : a concept that brought glory to Scandinavian boats. Being symmetrical made it easier to move in all directions, forward and backward.
• Materials Used : the wood, metals, and coatings used were of undeniable quality, and this was reflected in the quality of the final product . The ships were made of very rare and high-quality wood, which requires specific conservation conditions in museums.

Drakkar boats are an integral part of Viking and Scandinavian civilization. A striking symbol of their conquests, they underscore the well-deserved title of conquerors of the troops. Intimately linked to their beliefs and cultures, this heritage traces back to us the historical evolution of Scandinavian society , testifying to their unparalleled craftsmanship and avant-garde spirit. These ships symbolize the triumph of Viking navigators who were able to tame the raging sea that surrounded them on all sides.

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.

Also in viking

Who is the goddess Frigg?

April 08, 2024 4 min read

March 01, 2024 5 min read

WHO ARE THE 13 VALKYRIES?

December 09, 2023 4 min read

• Expeditions
• Media Center
• Press Releases
• Asset Library
• Media Coverage

Expedition Images

Viking Mars, Viking Polaris and Viking Mani celebrate Viking’s 25 th Anniversary (6 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship in Welland Canal (A) (5 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship in Welland Canal (B) (4 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship in Antarctica (A) (4 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship in Antarctica (B) (2 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship in Antarctica (C) (5 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship in Antarctica (D) (1 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship in Antarctica (E) (2 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship in Antarctica (F) (3 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship in Antarctica (G) (2 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship in Antarctica (H) (1 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship in Antarctica (I) (3 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship in Antarctica (J) (2 MB JPG)

Viking Octantis Godmother – Liv Arnesen (9 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship in Antarctica – Special Operations Boat (1 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Guests in Antarctica (A) (3 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Guests in Antarctica (B) (3 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Guests in Antarctica (C) (3 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Guests in Antarctica (D) (3 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Guests in Antarctica (E) (1 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Guests in Antarctica (F) (659 KB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship in Antarctica – Finse Terrace (43 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship – The Aula (4 MB JPG)

Viking Octantis in Mediterranean Sea High Resolution (5 MB JPG)

Viking Octantis Meets Viking Star and Viking Sea High Resolution (56 MB TIF)

Viking Expedition Ship—The Restaurant (794 KB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship—Mamsen’s (4 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship—Manfredi’s (2 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship—Explorers’ Lounge (16 MB TIF)

Viking Expedition Ship—Expedition Central (605 KB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship—The Living Room (802 KB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship—The Library (5 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship—The Science Lab (2 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship—The Hangar (532 KB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship—The Nordic Spa Heated Pool (849 KB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship—The Shelter (2 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship—Explorer Suite (685 KB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship – Nordic Junior Suite (641 KB JPG)

Viking Expeditions Launch Event (A) Chairman Hagen (2.7 MB JPG)

Viking Expeditions Launch Event (B) From left: Viking Octantis godmother, Liv Arnesen and Viking Polaris godmother, Ann Bancroft (3.6 MB JPG)

Viking Expeditions Launch Event (C) Chairman Hagen (7.0 MB JPG)

Viking Octantis Float Out (A) (195 KB JPG)

Viking Octantis Float Out (B) (185 KB JPG)

Viking Octantis Float Out (C) (430 KB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship in New York City (B) High Resolution (19 MB)

Viking Expedition Ship in New York City (C) High Resolution (5 MB JPG)

Viking Expedition Ship in New York City (A) High Resolution (11 MB JPG)

Sign up to receive updates from viking.

Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

Company Information

• Order a Brochure
• Travel Advisors
• Investor Relations
• Health & Safety Program
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises

Viking Yachts History

Viking yacht company celebrates over five decades: a hull of a story.

Not too long ago, though, the picture at Viking was anything but rosy. When the double-whammy of a nationwide recession hit in 1990, followed by the introduction of a federal luxury tax in 1991, the company went from 1,500 employees in two plants to just 80 employees in one plant. In general, the marine industry went into a tailspin that resulted in massive plant shutdowns and a significant rippling effect of related closures as ancillary businesses, such engine manufacturers, equipment producers and other vendors saw their markets dry up.

The Healeys borrowed working capital and invested their own money to keep the company afloat. Bob Healey also was instrumental in organizing a national, grass-roots campaign to fight the tax based on a loss of jobs issue. In taking the industry lead, Bob organized busloads of out-of-work boat builders that converged on Capitol Hill. Other demonstrations took place on a regular basis around the country to plead for support in repealing the tax. In Rhode Island, a boat was set on fire aboard a barge in Narragansett Bay as a symbol of protest. It took better than two years, but by 1993 the luxury tax was history and Viking was poised to flex its muscles as boat buyers returned to the market. It is interesting to note that Viking's decision to remain open, despite dismal sales attributable to the luxury tax allowed the company to tool up for new models. Thus, when the tax was lifted, Viking roared to the front line leapfrogging over its competition firmly establishing Viking as the dominant builder in its class.

In dealing with an owner base that is constantly seeking new and larger models, Viking produced the Custom 105, built in Viareggio, Italy, to Viking's specifications by Versilcraft. The new yacht made its premiere at the 42nd Annual Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show in October 2001 and was awarded the National Marine Manufacturers Association Innovation Award at the Miami International Boat Show in February 2002.

In February 2002, Viking opened a new service facility in Riviera Beach, Florida, near Palm Beach, to accommodate Viking owners who bring their boats south for the winter. The new facility features slips for in-water work, as well as land storage to handle larger projects and outfitting. A 125-foot by 150-foot shed with 50 feet of clearance will accommodate boats with tuna towers for indoor work.

In December 2002, the Bass River Marina, adjacent to the Viking Yacht plant was bought back by the Healeys and reflagged the Viking Yachting Center. It was at this marina where the Healey brothers started their maritime careers. The brothers sold the property in 1964 when they devoted all of their energies to boat manufacturing.

In early 2003, Viking formed two new companies, Atlantic Marine Electronics (AME) and Palm Beach Towers (PBT). Atlantic Marine Electronics is based at the Viking Yachting Center (with a satellite office in Riviera Beach) and is responsible for the sophisticated electronic navigation packages, which are installed aboard Viking Yachts and Viking Sport Cruisers. Based at the Riviera Beach, Florida, facility (with additional service bays at the Yachting Center), Palm Beach Towers designs and builds tuna towers and fabricates other aluminum and fiberglass components for Vikings and other yacht brands.

At a very special breakfast presentation on October 29, 2003 during the International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition & Conference in Miami Beach, Florida, Viking Yachts’ Bill and Bob Healey were recognized by their peers and inducted into the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Hall of Fame for their selfless contributions to the recreational marine industry.

Accessibility

• Inspiration

Viking ship

Viking ship logos

Show off your brand’s personality with a custom Viking ship logo designed just for you by a professional designer. Need ideas? We’ve collected some amazing examples of Viking ship logos from our global community of designers. Get inspired and start planning the perfect Viking ship logo design today.

Want your own Viking ship logo?

Try our Logomaker today. It's fast, free and oh-so-easy.

Logo Design

Logo Design for Coaching Business.

SOLD! Contact me if you need a logo design made in a similar style.

viking logo

available, text and color can be changed. want to get this design? please invite to work

Logo for Alaskan Viking

Alaskan Viking is a new business endeavor that will be the parent company for a variety of products/services surrounding the skills and experiences of the viking culture - craftmanship, ocean exploration, pioneering, ruggedness etc.

FIRE CARE VIKING BOAT

Modern Tech Viking

I used one triangle to form this Disruptive Viking brandmark. Tessellation effect works really good and provide limitless branding possibilities beside it reflects brief and style this company is trying to achieve.

Fun Beef Jerky Logo

Truly Rugged - The Manliest Beard Oil On Earth

Nordic Heritage

Viking Minimalistic Logo

Viking Navigation LLC

Viking logo.

Viking Logo

Logo design for Urban Viking

Stylish logo for Hendriks a men's grooming company

Modern-vintage logo spiced with a line art minimalism designed for the Hendriks grooming company. The company cares about its Nordic/Scandinavian heritage and Natural environment. All the products are using naturally derived and plant-based ingredients that are 100% sustainably sourced. To show all of the mentioned above to the clientele the centerpiece of the logo is a Viking boat that has a leaf-shaped sail to emphasize that the brand cares about nature and that the recourses are sustainably used.

Meaningful logo concept for Vitamin Viking

Shield in combination of nordic runes, sleipnir and a human upper body.

Unused Proposal for Viking "Nordic" heritage.

Viking - Logo for a company that sell aluminium ute trays

A viking helmet above the V and the V is shaped as a beard. The symbol can be used stand alone and looks like a viking head

Simple, strong logo for Valhalla male skin care brand

Vitamin Viking. Logo for a supplement company

Viking Camp logo

Minimalist mark for Viking-themed male skin care brand

The client was seeking a firmly masculine, Viking-based brand mark. I wanted to get far away from anything literal. So I made an angular, non-geometrical mark. I wanted to convey characteristics, not facial or sartorial features. And in the most simple way possible. It is intended that the lower half be the bridge of a nose. Angled, in negative space, the eyes. Overall, a V for Valhalla. The expressiveness is borne only of angles, and concerns what is quintessentially Viking. Irregular. Forceful. Ominous. Battle-hardened.

Bold, witty and playful viking logo

Sometimes serious business need a humorous approach. And witty logo. Like this one.

Skold/Shield

Viking Tree Farm

Viking Tree Farm logo design for aquaponic vegetables, naturally produced honey, organic chicken and eggs, pecans farm company!

Viking Design

The client wanted something reminiscent of the Viking Era in its construct. In preliminary designs, the knots were not included but I included them to give the design a more rugged and organic feel. Making the design stand out as a powerful looking Icon. Although this logo was not chosen as winner it is still available for purchase.

Logo design for a fitness related company.

Viking themed logo for video production company

movie clap board stripes are used as viking ship sail..

Viking design for a clothing company.

Hardcore Viking Warrior

Viking vitamins design is a combination of Odin in the hardcore warrior mode with intricate beard design and rune pills to go with it

Norderly Supply Co

Norderly Supply Co is a Paper and Leather Goods company, with a focus on everyday-carry, adventure, note-taking. I wanted to create a design that would work on small and bigger scales, since the logo would be printed on craft notebook covers, it was important to not have too much detail without sacrificing the artisan/handmade look.

"VIKING"

Logo AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE, via 1 to 1 project.

Logo Design for Viking Investment Partners

Norwegian Rat Saloon

King of Nordic

Logo For Viking Honey Beer

Logo proposal for the brewery that produces a Scandinavian honey beer. A modern vintage and powerful Viking where within the helmet I have managed to add a honey bee. The Vikings beard is stylized as hops. With all of this, I wanted the audience to instantly know that this is a mead/honey-beer.

Viking Bee for Mary B's Apiary

Simple, modern vintage Norse-inspired honey bee wearing a Viking helmet and shield. Logo designed for the hobbyist beekeeper from Minnesota, with a plan on expanding the production of natural honey and making Mjod and other honey products.

Striking Logo design for a classic restaurant

The client want a clean and striking logo for their restaurant . . so it came up to my mind to incorporate valhallas head with a bowl, knife and fork to make it related to the business and I am happy with this design :)

Old Knights

We are a fun gaming community whose members are over 30 years old and who like to enjoy online games (fantasy) together after work.

Viking Construction

Logo for Viking Construction company

Viking themed logo for Valhalla Brewing Co

Valhalla Brewing Co is a micro Brewery located in Elkton, Maryland.

Skanderbeg Branding

Skanderbeg beer company

Logo Ykings

Available for sale! Send us a message. :)

Fors Foods Logo Design

Modern & masculine logo for Fors, a company that caters to the urban nomad with healthy convenience foods produced from organic berries found in wild Northern forests. The logo showcases ancient wisdom & the strength and resilience of a Nordic warrior.

Fun Modern Logo for Cannabis Seeds Company

Line-art depicting a cannabis seed and a viking warrior perfectly combined in a fun colorfull logo.

Nordic Hero

Viking ship inspired logo

The Contest holder wanted to have a Viking theme integrate into the logo, preferably with a Viking ship. The idea of the name was that you can come to the website and get prices so low that you feel as though you are pillaging and plundering. The company is for marketing purposes as well as an eventual sale website for tactical gear and guns.

KARVE GALLEON

Mascot Logo Design

Viking mascot emblem crafted in a contemporary crest format, blending traditional Viking imagery with a modern aesthetic. This exclusive logo design is currently up for sale. Should you find it appealing and wish to acquire it, kindly reach out via direct message.

Heimdall Power

Njord Kalastus

Thor logo design

Thor is the company specialized in Home and kitchen Electronic machines. Logo represent toughness, boldness and strength.

Norse Female Warrior logo

Freya Firearms is a female-focused firearm dealership and they wanted a logo inspired by the Norse Mythology. I gave the character some muscles, determined look and pose to capture the tough woman they had envisioned as their logo.

Bold logo for Rugby Foundation

World Barbarians Foundation is a Non profit focused on fostering respect, understanding, and inclusivity through Rugby

Powerful, Bold, and Fun Logo for Local Viking

Based on pin map that indicate local and a head of viking character

LOGO VikingBro for beard cosmetic brand

Modern logo for the brand that produces beard cosmetics. The logo was supposed to get out of the crowd. Ideas that have been suggested is a gold-foil viking silhouette. Target audience: 'hipster' males aged between 20 - 45 years old, who have beards and are image-focused. These guys are hyper-masculine, trendy and love to look their best.

Battle Axe’s Logo

Client’s Brief: The name of my business is “Battle Axe’s Feast”. We would like it to have one, double headed battle axe being held and resting on the shoulder of a strikingly beautiful, but bad ass warrior woman with wild lion-like wavy/curly reddish orange hair that’s reminiscent to flames. In the other hand, a delicious looking hamburger.

REYKJAVÍK GIFT STORE brand

Tourist gift store in Iceland

Male skin care brand, Viking themed

Viking Body abs & face

The client manages a fitness & diet program, so I illustrated a viking head with abs as the face and the outline of the pecs as the horns.

Nordics Viking Logo

Logo for the touristic portal about Travel, Tours, Nordic Walking, Nordic Skiing, Snowboarding, Fishing and Hunting in the Nordics.

Strong Logo

I made Logo which represents strength, unity and determination Like a "VIKING" people. I made logo with Strong style ,muscular body (this for Physical Fitness company) & vintage style.

Logo design for a line of male beauty products

Logo for construction company.

Bold Viking-inspired logo design for excavation, demolition, and heavy hauling firm. We decided to go with something different so we end up with the idea of a monogram of leather V with nordic ornaments to represent connections and bonds. If you like this design feel free to contact us, we are always looking for a new project.

Logo design.

Woman-Owned Mining Company in Afghanistan with a Viking Twist

Logo for a company that helps business owners to sell their business to a new buyer.

The Throne Studios

Logo for the film studio in Norway. The idea is the throne of Odin, Hlidskjalf

Logo Tecnologia

Viking logo for a coaching and consulting firm.

Bold Viking-inspired logo design for a coaching and consulting firm. We decided to go with an illustration of a Draken Viking ship with the W leather on sails. We chose this particular ship because they were built taught and meant for long journeys to represent strength, connections, and bonds. If you like this design feel free to contact us, we are always looking for a new project.

Color Pencils Logo

Logo for color pencils, boxed 24 in a package so the outline has 24 colors. The ship is styled as a metalic pencil sharpener.

Proposal for Disruptive Viking

Classic viking icon.

Bold logo for electrical services

In this logo, my approach was to represent the name of the company in an original way. I made a viking boat-theme to represent "Far West"

Skuna - hot tub boat

A Scandinavian company provides hot tub boats. A funny Viking fellow enjoys his time in a hot tub boat.

Simple cartoon character logo concept for API God mode.

Software developers will use this site to supercharge the APIs they create and host them.

Ragnarok Customs - Logo Design

Ragnarok Customs builds and customizes firearms for all gun enthusiasts. This depiction conveys the worn out look of an old Viking warrior with the crossed AR-15 rifles and shield behind it merging two timelines, past and present.

Viking_Beard_Hops_Brewery Logo

Drew my Viking with Elf Ears and a Hops Crowning on Paper with Inkpen vectorized in Illustrator CC.

Monoline viking logo

Viking Decoy Company - Logo Design

Duck hunting company manufacturing and selling duck decoys and other hunting merchandise. This logo represents a Celtic interpretation of the capital V letter shaping a dark , worn-out wing.

Viking logo design

Client is in construction business. They produce shovels and cargo nets and wanted logo that represent strength. Whats the best way to illustrate strength than image of viking. Better yet if the name of company is Viking.

Freshers' Invasion

This logo proposal is for a long established Student bar crawl for York St John University (UK) students. They wanted a Viking in their logo because York (UK) has a long historical association with Viking invasions. I opted to make an angry but still friendly Viking in a lateral position because I wanted to create a bit of dynamicity in design, dynamicity which can be attractive for young audience.

Orlog capital

SeanTheDrengr

I am a big, bearded and long haired gamer who will be starting a Viking-themed stream and YouTube channel. I play a ton of Warzone and horror games!

Viking Noodle House Logo

BOLD LOGO CONCEPT FOR HOGBO

Viking art inspiration

Viking Junk Removal

I loved this contest a lot, despite some difficulties, we had the pleasure of being the winning proposal, the grateful client, we did other projects, we had a great time.

We are a provider of digital web based productions both factual and entertainment. Target audience is wide as we cater to all ages.

Viking Body

"VB" on the logo.

Vikings of Island Head

This is a branch off of our current business, Island Head which does Watersports and ferry type services. Vikings of Island Head will be a kids (age 3-10) type cruise where they dress like Vikings and go search for treasure.

Create an adventurous, Viking inspired illustration for the outdoor brand Dreadnought Society!

Logo for game community

Logo for a trekking tour company - NORRALP TOURS

an orange viking helmet as a symbol for northern europe, it is rising like a sun behind mountains

Inspired by the God of war; a modern, adult, masculine, clean and sober desig.

Lake Stevens Wrestling Club

Warlord Studios

Professional audio recording studio primarily working with metal/hard rock artists.

Viking ship logos not a good fit? Try something else:

It all starts with a viking ship logo.

Whether you're brand new or on brand two (or three!), we've got a solution that'll suit your business and elevate your branding.

Free Logomaker

Create your Viking ship logo design in minutes. It's fast, free and oh-so-easy. The perfect way to get started, or use it as inspiration for our designers to level up your branding.

Run a logo contest

Take your branding further. Get dozens of professional, custom Viking ship logo options from our community of freelance designers, and experience next-level creative direction.

Oops! Looks like we're having trouble connecting to our server.

Refresh your browser window to try again.

Yacht Viking royalty-free images

1,914 yacht viking stock photos, vectors, and illustrations are available royalty-free for download..

Our company

Press/Media

Investor relations

Shutterstock Blog

Popular searches

Stock Photos and Videos

Stock photos

Stock videos

Stock vectors

Editorial images

Featured photo collections

Sell your content

Affiliate/Reseller

International reseller

Live assignments

Rights and clearance

Website Terms of Use

Terms of Service

Privacy policy

Modern Slavery Statement

Cookie Preferences

Shutterstock.AI

AI style types

Shutterstock mobile app

Android app

© 2003-2024 Shutterstock, Inc.

We’re sorry, but Freepik doesn’t work properly without JavaScript enabled. FAQ Contact

• Notifications
• Go back Remove
• No notifications to show yet You’ll see useful information here soon. Stay tuned!
• Downloads 0/60 What is this?
• My collections
• My subscription

Find out what’s new on Freepik and get notified about the latest content updates and feature releases.

Vikings Ship Logo Vectors

Design anything, no matter the project, -50% on freepik premium.

• Add to collection
• Save to Pinterest

• business logo

• design logo

• logo templates

• logo vintage

• round shape

• basketball tournament
• logo soccer

• sailing ship

• creative logo

• creative design

• email symbol

• anchor logo

• black circle

• label vintage

• knight logo

Viking Boat Ship Logo

The Viking Boat Ship logo is a simple yet striking design that captures the essence of ancient Nordic culture. The logo features a white sailboat with an arching wooden hull, sailing across the vast ocean . This maritime symbol represents the traditional sailing techniques of the Vikings, who were known for their seafaring prowess. The logo is a nod to the old and traditional ways of the Vikings, who were skilled navigators and explorers. The cultural significance of the Viking Boat Ship logo is evident in its design, which is both elegant and powerful. This logo is perfect for businesses that want to evoke a sense of adventure, exploration, and heritage.

Tags that describe that logo:

• traditional ,

Similar logos to this Viking Boat Ship logo

Ancient Viking Ship

Sail Viking Ship

Outline Viking Boat

Sailing Viking Boat

Enter any keyword and we will start making logos for you

• Skip to right header navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Linda On The Run

Travel, Lifestyle, And Fitness For Those Over 60

• Destinations

Viking Russian River Cruise: The Ultimate 13 Day Guide

September 24, 2019 //  by  Linda Malys Yore //   12 Comments

Does the idea of a Russian river cruise intrigue you? Are you thinking of taking a Russia river cruise and looking for first-hand information from someone who already has? Well, look no further because I sailed Viking River Cruise’s impressive 13-day Waterways of the Tsars river cruise and I readily admit it was the ultimate trip of a lifetime. 

From the moment we began working with the Viking liaison in the comfort of our home until boarding our international flight home in Moscow, Viking made every step of the way, every decision as easy as possible for us. Here I will share with you just how simple and effortless it was to book and plan for a Viking river cruise,  and how unbelievably extraordinary the cruise was.

Viking Russian River Cruise: The Planning Stage

My daughter Victoria from Follow Me Away accompanied me on the Waterways of the Tsars Russia river cruise. As soon as we selected our cruise we were assigned a Viking consultant who handled everything. She was our “go to” person when we had questions or concerns.

We created a personalized online account at MyVikingJourney.com . There we could see the specific tours, excursions, and decisions we had to make for our trip. Thirteen days was a long trip and there were many options to consider. At MyVikingJourney.com everything was accessible online at one convenient location. There was a question and answer section that had tons of information right at our fingertips that saved us a lot of time and angst. We were sailing on the Viking Ingvar.

After we decided on our specific Russian river cruise and dates, we needed flights to Russia . Be sure to check with your travel agent or Viking directly about packages which include airfare, or discounted airfare. Amenities like this may change frequently. Our Viking rep, Cathy, took care of booking our flights and they were very reasonably priced.

Traveling to Russia involved obtaining a Russian visa . It was a very easy process and Viking River Cruises has specific detailed information on how to fill out the paperwork correctly and where to send everything. Our passports and documents were sent to Generations Visa in Washington DC, the company Viking works directly with. (Russia does not do online visa applications yet.)

Next decisions were about selecting excursions while on our Russia river cruise. At every city along the Waterways of the Tsars, there were included tours offered free of charge. Optional tours are also offered, and there is an additional fee for them.  I signed us up for all the included tours and several optional ones. 

On Viking Cruise’s website, most day’s explanations included videos of the areas we were scheduled to visit. They really helped a lot in the planning process and to heighten the anticipation.

We decided to purchase the Silver Spirits Package for our Russian river cruise with Viking. Victoria loved mocktails, and I could not resist the Russian vodka! However, Viking Cruises is generous with house wine, beer, and soda, which are all complimentary during lunch and dinner, beginning at the daily cocktail hour.

At long last, the day had arrived for us to begin our travels to Russia!

Days 1-4: Waterways of the Tsars, St Petersburg

After passing through customs and immigration at the St Petersburg airport, and retrieving our bags, we were warmly greeted by Viking staff members. Once we exited the secure area of baggage claim, Slava and Philip in their bright red Viking shirts were there to meet us. 

We were taken by Viking coach to our home away from home for the next 13 days, the Viking Ingvar docked on the River Neva. Named after Grand Prince Ingvar, born in 875AD, the Ingvar has 5 decks. There is one main restaurant, two bars, a library, and a sun deck. You will also find an onboard boutique selling all things Russian, along with Viking merchandise. With a crew of about 114, our sailing was at full capacity with 200 passengers. 

The Viking Ingvar docked in St Petersburg waiting to welcome us aboard.

Once we arrived we were warmly greeted b Viking Ingvar staff and the program director Sasha Danilov.  After settling into our verandah room with a balcony, we headed down to the main dining room for dinner. 

Dining as a vegetarian and vegan duo can be challenging sometimes. But not with Viking. Immediately head chef Joachim Moeller came to meet us and discuss our dietary restrictions. From that moment on, Victoria and I knew we would not have to worry about our meals! If you have dietary restrictions, they are carefully addressed on Viking cruises with the culinary staff. 

We met with Chef Joachim on our first evening on board the Ingvar to discuss our dietary restrictions: one vegetarian and one vegan.

St. Petersburg Russia is an ornate and lavish city built on the Gulf of Finland by Peter the Great. He toured Europe extensively for architectural insight and the Russian Baroque influences are evident to this day. The city is opulent and elegant. St Petersburg is often called “The Venice of the North” due to the abundance of canals that connect the many islands that are the city.

During our four days in St Petersburg, we learned about the history and soul of the city. Strolling through the Hermitage , (second largest art museum in the world, surpassed only by the Louvre), witnessing an authentic Russian ballet and taking a walking tour of St Petersburg , our days and nights were as busy or as relaxed as we desired. 

Walking through the Church of Our Savior on Spilt Blood and learning of its history and its multicolored brilliant mosaics covering the entire inside was definitely a highlight of St Petersburg. The tour of the Faberge Museum was unbelievable and we ended our time in the city by touring St Petersburg from the Water . We rode along the canals and under iconic bridges in a comfortable barge-like boat. Sailing past ornate palaces and historical Peter and Paul Fortress and Cathedral was amazing and a unique way to explore.

Our time in St. Petersburg was at an end and the Viking Ingvar set sail. 

The Church of the Savior on Spilt Blood in St Petersburg. As sumptuous on the outside as it was on the inside.

Life Onboard The Viking Ingvar During Our Russia River Cruise

What I especially enjoyed about this specific Viking Russian river cruise itinerary was there was a nice mix of shore excursions and sailing days. When sailing, there was always a full schedule we could participate in. Or not if we so chose. 

There was a cocktail party every evening before dinner in the Sky Bar that included live music. Sasha, the program director, hosted a daily port talk about the next day’s excursions and events. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were scheduled according to the itinerary. After dinner, there was live music and dancing in the Sky Bar.

We are ending an evening onboard the Ingvar with cocktails and friends in the Sky Bar. Sasha joined us as well.

The onboard guides hosted a series of Russian history lessons which were extremely enlightening and informative. At the end of the trip, they hosted a question and answer session about Russia where no question was off-limits. 

These lectures and talks were streamed live into our staterooms rooms, which was very convenient so we did not have to miss out on any activity.

Day 5: Waterways of the Tsars, Mandrogy

Viking Ingvar arrived in Mandrogy after lunch. This charming Russian village is more of an open-air living history museum that visually keeps the traditions of the Russian inhabitants of the area alive.

We meandered around at our leisure and saw brightly colored houses. My favorite, of course, was the Vodka Museum . There is a literal wall of vodka. Here one learns of the history of Russian vodka and is fortunate to sample a few of the 2,800 bottles in stock.

The lovely 18th century recreated village is dotted with craftsmen/women crafting their wares, and selling them as well. Lovely authentic Russian souvenirs were for sale. 

We were able to paint our own Matryoshka (nesting) dolls and learned the history of them. Others indulged in the banya ritual, the traditional Russian sauna. There were several of us who decided at the last minute we wanted to try the Russian banya, but we were too late as this optional excursion had sold out. Be forewarned: if you do not sign up for your excursions early enough, you run the risk of being disappointed as we were when they sell out. 

Mandrogy, a lovely open-air historical and crafts village on the Svir River

Mandrogy was a great place to purchase authentic Russian souvenirs directly from the artisan!

The Food And Where To Find It On The Viking Ingvar

Breakfast:  Breakfast could be found in three locations during my Russian river cruise aboard the Viking Ingvar. The coffee stations , located outside the main dining room, had coffee and pastries every morning. Self-serve coffee of every variety was available 24/7, as well as my favorite, hot chocolate. Some sort of pastry, or regional cookie (with an explanation of its history) was also always accessible there.

There was a continental breakfast every morning at the Panorama Bar with beverages and breakfast items. And a full breakfast buffet was served every morning in the Restaurant . Hot dishes cooked to order were available as well.

Lunch:  A lighter buffet lunch was served in the Panorama Bar and the main Restaurant served a generous buffet and dishes to order every afternoon. We had lunch in the Restaurant every afternoon. Chef Joaquim was around serving at the buffet and explaining the regional dishes to all passengers. 

Dinner : Dinner began every evening at 7:00 PM most every evening in the elegant Restaurant . There were always several dishes that were available every night of our Russia river cruise. However, the culinary staff made a great effort to serve historical and regional dishes every evening that originated in the area we visited that day.

Continental breakfast was available every morning in the Panorama Bar.

Day 6: Viking Russian River Cruise, Kizhi Island

The Ingvar docked at Kizhi Island on the shores of Lake Onega. I was very excited to begin the Kizi Island Walking Tour because I wanted to see the huge wooden church that was built in 1714 without a single nail.  

Kizi Island is famous because it is an open-air Museum of Architecture . Wooden barns, farmhouses, bell towers, and banyas and even windmills were relocated there to preserve them and their history. The island is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

We toured a period farmhouse and the inside of the Russian Orthodox Chruch of Intercession . The scenic beauty of Kizhi Island was absolutely stunning and a perfect backdrop for the Russian architectural lesson it provided!

Wooden Transfiguration Church alongside The Church of the Intersession on Kizhi Island located on Lake Onega

Entertainment Onboard The Viking Ingvar

There was always something to do or nothing at all to do. The choice was absolutely up to each passenger during our Viking Russia river cruise how busy they wanted to be. 

Each evening during turndown service, our cabin steward left us a copy of the Viking Daily . It was the ship’s daily newsletter that contained everything we needed to know to be in the know and organized for the next day’s events. 

On sailing days, there were Russian language lessons, Russian history lessons, and cooking/baking demonstrations. There was a sommelier led wine tasting, and a vodka tasting event led by our cruise director, Sasha that led to much hilarity. One of my favorite onboard events was the galley tour!

Every evening after dinner there was live music and dancing in the Sky Bar with Eduardo and Sonia. Several evening, Sasha led games which were a great way for us to get to know our staff and fellow passengers.

Victoria with Sasha, the Viking Ingvar Program Director, at the vodka tasting event. There is a secret, you know, how to down vodka shots and not get drunk!

Victoria, along with other passengers,  is dancing while Sasha leads us during a music trivia game.

Day 7: Viking Russia River Cruise, Kuzino

The tiny port town of Kuzino holds the entrance to the amazing Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery , one one of the largest Orthodox monasteries in northern Russia. From the ship, we boarded a comfortable coach and headed to the monastery.

As we walked to our busses though, we passed through a mini-market of sorts. Many locals had set up and were selling their wares. It was a great place to barter as it seemed everyone had the same kind of Russian souvenirs for sale.

Founded in 1397 by two monks, the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery is located on the picturesque shores of Lake Silverskoye. The entire monastery complex is surrounded by white walls and towers for protection.

From the outside, it is rather deceiving, because inside the monastery is quite large. There are at least eleven preserved churches, with impressive exterior frescoes. The icons were remarkable as well. Today the monastery is a museum, but there are a few Russian Orthodox monks who live there. 

After some free time to meander around, we boarded our Viking coaches and headed to visit a school in Kuzio.  It was enlightening, revealing and thought-provoking. We toured a school, interacted with students and were entertained. We learned about the Russian education system. It was certainly NOT what I expected. It was much more!

Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery on the shores of Lake Siverskoye.

Scenic Cruising Onboard The Viking Ingvar

Our cruising days were far from the hustle and bustle of the larger towns.  But they were filled with as much history as the open-air museums and small villages we visited along our way. Each waterway, lake, river or reservoir had a history that helped shaped the Russia of today.

Just over 40 miles, we departed St Petersburg on the Neva River, one of the deepest and shortest in Europe. Once out of town we passed sumptuous summertime villas used by the wealthy,  along with wildlife and calm waters. Soon we entered Lake Ladoga , the largest lake in Europe at a whopping 7,000 square miles. It is not very deep and it freezes during the cold Russian winters.

Imagine ending your Russian river cruise evenings with a sunset like this!

The Svir River connects Lake Ladoga and Lake Onega. Here we passed small villages with cute houses. There are many sawmills and stacks of logs from the Karelian forests. Once sailing on Lake Onega , we learned it is the second-largest European river, covering an area of 4,000 square miles. Over 50 Russian rivers empty into Lake Onega making their way into the Svir River.

The Volga River , “Mother Volga,” is the national river of Russia. At a commanding 2,300 miles long, she is the longest river in Europe and the main waterway in western Russia. There is a lot of boat traffic on the Volga because it carries two-thirds of Russia river freight. On our journey, the Viking Ingvar passed through sixteen Volga River  “locks” leveling out the river’s height permitting us to progress. 

Finally, as we approached Moscow, we sailed the seventy-nine-mile man-made waterway called the Moscow Canal . Where the Moscow Canal meets the Volga River there is an eighty-foot statue of Vladimir Lenin.

Much commerce takes place along all of Russia’s waterways. We viewed wildlife, quaint villages, locks, dams and reservoirs. We were blessed with absolutely perfect weather and the ability to meander outside on the decks to gaze as the small towns passed by and learn first hand some of the histories of Russia’s scenic waterways.

Viking Rusia River Cruise sunset!

Day 8: Viking Russian River Cruise, Yaroslavl

We arrived at Yaroslavl after lunch, around 3 PM. Over 600,000 people call Yaroslavl home and we headed out on our walking tour: Yaroslavl Up Close .  

One of the eight Golden Ring cities, Yaroslavl is a very significant and beautiful city along the Volga River. Yaroslavl is an extremely important shipping port along the river.

We stopped into the iconic and stunning Church of St Elija and strolled the city. There are over 70 churches in Yaroslavl, with almost half of them in use today. Another stunning church we visited was the Assumption Russian Orthodox Church. The gleaming gold onion domes on the outside and the amazing frescoes inside were all magnificent.

Stunning Russian Orthodox Church of the Assumption in Yaroslavl , Russia, on the River Volga

Tech Amenities Onboard The Viking Ingvar

Yes, there is FREE wifi during the Russian river cruise aboard the Ingvar. You will receive the login information once you board. Most of us want to post pictures on social media or be in some kind of contact with our family and friends back home. 

Now the bandwidth varied, and sometimes the connectivity and speed were less than what we were used to at home. No big problem though, because we stopped at so many villages and towns along the way that had stronger wifi reception. With a little planning, much of our online work was done when we were docked in port. That’s when the balcony came in very handy!

If you wanted to check your email but did not bring along a laptop, or did not wish to use your phone, there was a computer station onboard. There were two computers with printers we were able to use at any time.

There were both American and European outlets in the Ingvar’s staterooms. Victoria and I brought along some European converters because we had a lot of devices to charge and did not wish to ‘take turns.’ If you don’t plan to bring along lots of electronic devices, you will be fine with the outlets.

There is a computer station onboard for passengers.

Day 9: Viking Russia River Cruise, Uglich, Russia

A dreary rainy day did not sabotage our morning in Uglich. The second of Russia’s Golden Ring cities we explored on our Waterways of the Tsars  Russian River Cruise, Uglich was such a quaint town along the water.

We began with a walking tour and headed to the Kremlin of Uglich. It was merely a ten-minute stroll from the Ingvar. We began by visiting the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Our Saviour’s Transfiguration. 

Every small village or town, and every large city had the loveliest and most ornate Russian Orthodox churches and cathedrals. All have interesting histories and tragedies. Uglich holds the end of a dynasty as one of its tragedies. 

Young Dimitri was only 8 years old when he died. Murdered or accidental we will not know. We do know that his death, this son of Ivan the Terrible, ended a dynasty, sparked civil unrest, and gave rise to the Romanov dynasty. 

Next, we toured the beautiful Church of St Dimitry on the Blood . It was built in the 1690s on the spot where young Dimitry’s body was found. Through frescoes inside the church, the story of Dimitry along with Bible stories are seen. Dimitry’s grave is also inside, and it is very small (because he was a child when he died.)

A visit to a local family followed where we were transported by Viking coaches. There we shared a light meal, a cup of tea and toasted with vodka shots! We had free time to shop for souvenirs along the way back to our ship if we so desired. 

Beautiful Uglich, Russia looking towards the Russian Orthodox Saint Dimitry on the Blood Cathedral.

Viking Russia River Cruise: Staterooms 

102 outside staterooms make up the Viking Ingvar. Sizes range from the two 400 square foot Suites to the 160 square feet Deluxe staterooms. Most staterooms feature floor to ceiling sliding glass doors that lead out onto a large verandah. Some categories have a large picture window (4 feet X 3 feet) that opens instead.

There is a twenty-six inch flat screened TV in each room that offers live news shows, along with a variety of ship information, like positioning and live streaming of any lectures and demonstrations happening in the Sky bar. 

All rooms are furnished with both 110/220 volt outlets, a telephone, safe, hairdryer, and air conditioning. We used our safe every day. I kept my passport and credit cards in there whenever I was not using them. 

Our verandah stateroom onboard the Viking Ingvar during our Russia river cruise.

Cushy fluffy white spa-like robes and slippers are available upon request. All rooms receive servicing twice daily, when bottled water is replenished and the Viking Daily newsletter is delivered. 

Victoria and I thought there was plenty of storage space for all of our belongings for the two of us on a 13-day cruise. With our luggage easily stored under our beds, there was ample space to walk around. 

We used our desk to house our laptops and camera equipment.

Our spacious verandah. We spent many a morning or afternoon, depending on our itinerary, outside relaxing and watching the countryside sail by.

We leisurely sailed and enjoyed the stunning views from the ship all morning. At 1:30 PM we arrived in Moscow, one of the world’s most iconic and fascinating cities. Over twelve million people live in Moscow. It is Russia’s political and cultural epicenter.

Three days was a great amount of time to explore Russia, yet not enough time at all! There were unbelievable included tours to participate in, and exquisite optional tours that offered privileged access to some of Russia’s most beloved locations.

Moscow is famous for its legendary ornate underground subway stations . Victoria and I elected to take an included walking tour of Moscow , where we visited several of the iconic and elaborate stations. 

One of the elegant subway stations we visited in Moscow on our Viking walking tour.

We also attended a special concert of Russian music and dance that was extraordinary. Tours of the Cosmonaut Museum, the Jewish Museum, and the sumptuous Treasures of the Kremlin Armoury were offered. 

I was most interested in touring Red Square and the Kremlin. Household words to me growing up during the rise and fall of Russian communism, I was very excited to experience them. And of course, seeing the world-famous and iconic St Basil’s Cathedral.  

And Viking Russia River Cruises did not disappoint. I enjoyed the mixture of tour time and free time to explore Moscow on our own. The Ingvar was docked thirty minutes out of town next to a beautiful green lush city park. It was very conveniently located less than a ten minute walk from a subway station. And then it was a straight shot to the city center of Moscow. 

Moscow did not disappoint either. Not one bit. From walking around Red Square, which was barricaded when we visited due to state horse shows and concerts, to visiting St Basil’s Cathedral, it was so exciting.

St. Basil Cathedral on Red Square in Moscow. YES, it is that brilliant and beautiful in real life!

We spent time in the GUM Department Store (much more like a mall) which was the most ornate and exquisite shopping center I have ever visited in the world, anywhere!  We chose NOT to visit Lenin’s Tomb (and see his corpse) in Red Square.

Our visit inside the Moscow Kremlin walls was unforgettable. Long considered the symbol of Russian power, most people, including me, think of the Kremlin as one building. Actually, it is a walled city. Inside are numerous government buildings and home of the Russian president. Also, we saw unbelievably beautiful palaces, cathedrals, and museums mostly congregated in Cathedral Square.

Kremlin (meaning ‘fortress’) walls adjacent to Red Square in Moscow. The Kremlin is the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation.

Probably one of the most popular optional excursions was Moscow By Night . It was amazing seeing Moscow all lit up and glittering while riding in our coach. Then we transferred to a boat and admired Moscow from the water!

 Viking River Cruise Staff: The Backbone of the trip.

The food could be the absolute best. The excursions could be the most captivating. The staterooms could be the loveliest ever. But none of the experiences we had on our Viking Russian River Cruise Ingvar would have been as special if it were not for the extraordinary staff.

The staff of the Viking Ingvar definitely exemplified what it means to offer unparalleled service. Every single staff member, from the captain himself to the kitchen staff working behind the scenes, put forth extreme effort to make the trip so very special. From the extraordinary cabin steward, the servers during our meals, to the bar staff, there was nothing that they could not do for us. The  

Finally, I must add that I spoke with several members of the staff and crew and one major theme emerged. And that was how much they enjoyed their jobs and were blessed to be working for Viking.  

One of the onboard activities was a Galley tour where we met the unsung heroes of the kitchen!

Reymond made the best cocktails! He instructed me on Russian vodkas.

Read These Next:

How To Pack Lightly For Your Viking Russian River Cruise

Here Are Tips If You Are A Senior And Traveling Solo

7 Tips For Surviving Your Long International Flight

How To Remain Healthy When Traveling

Packing Tips For Your Viking Russian River Cruise

I think that using these useful packing tips will enhance your trip to Russia:

A  concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring with you to Russia. This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is  lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind. You can keep your most valuable documents safe and secure next to your body.

If you have a pouch already you may not want to or need to invest in a new one. If it does not come with the RFID protection,  these  RFID  sleeves  would be handy to prevent identity theft. This configuration comes with enough passport and credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your current pouch or wallet. 

I was never a fan of  packing cubes  until I tried them out! Now  I am sold .  These Bagail packing cubes   are  the exact ones I use whenever I travel . I cannot believe how much more organized I am now.

Don’t forget to bring along a  universal power adapter to Russia.  This worldwide   power plug  is a great example and will charge your phone at the end of your busy days. And this  world traveler adapter kit   can charge several devices at the same time. This is what you will need when there are several people traveling in your group, or if you bring several electronic devices on your trip that require charging at the same time. 

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an  external charging battery . This  Anker high-speed phone charging battery  is the exact  one I carry with me on all of my trips . It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast! I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about. And if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My daughter gifted me this  FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod  for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is very easy to use . It is made of durable aluminum and is very lightweight and easy to carry. I love mine and I think you will enjoy it too!

Hydration is so important. You want to remain hydrated to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your travels.  You will want to bring your own  refillable water bottle  with you.  I never leave home on a trip without my  Bobble  filtration bottle.  The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it will fit nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse. Also when filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the Bobble carbon  filter  ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble. You can find  filter replacements here. 

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium. Then this  set of collapsible silicone foldable water bottles  would work well for you. Would not take up much space in your suitcase at all. And you will be receiving a set of two.

You will want to bring a  backpack or daypack  with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. This   foldable water-resistant backpack  would be great. It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.

Perhaps you need a more substantial  backpack  for your international travel. This  antitheft backpack   has a charging port, is water-resistant and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop. It comes in a range of colors to choose from and it is inexpensive as well. 

You will be walking more than usual on your Viking Russian River Cruise. A sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes  is a must-have. These  waterproof all-season shoes  are extremely affordable and yet fashionable.  Mostly everyone is familiar with the Skechers brand, and these   Air Run high fashion sneakers  come in a lot of colors to match your outfits and are still affordable.

You may be visiting Russia in warmer weather, and you may want a pair of sandals  to wear exploring.  I highly recommend these  Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.  I have several pairs of these  exact  Vionic sandals in several colors that I bring with me *everywhere* I travel. They are very comfortable. I also sometimes bring along my  Vionic Tides flip flops.  The toe post is so comfortable which makes wearing these super comfortable. 

Please be advised : on your Viking excursions, I advise you to wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. The excursions can cover a lot of distance. Also, cobblestoned streets can be difficult to negotiate in sandals or flip flops, even if the weather is warm.

Bring a lightweight scarf or shawl . Scarves and shawls are very popular in Europe, And Russia is no exception. Both men and women wear scarves, both decoratively and as a layering piece to keep warm. This cotton   unisex lightweight  scarf is versatile and can be worn in any season. And here’s another option to consider: this  lightweight sunscreen shawl scarf   would do double duty to protect you from the sun in the warmer seasons as well as being a fashion accessory layering piece.

Also, in most Russian churches, women’s heads and shoulders must be covered. So the scarf can be used for that purpose as well.

We all need to  protect our eyes  from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. These  unisex polarized sunglasses   come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.

If you are fond of the  aviator-style of sunglasses  these polarized aviators may interest you. I like polarized sunglasses because they remove the glare and help you to see things more clearly. This will be very helpful in Ireland.

If you are in need of  new luggage,  this  expandable soft side spinner luggage  is affordable and comes in lots of colors. If you like hard-sided better, then you may favor this  hard-sided luggage set better. Both sets come with TSA approved zippers locks and 8 wheels per piece. Either will be great for the plane or train or even your car depending on how you plan to travel to Russia. 

Truthfully, before I visited Russia, all I knew was what I learned as a child during the Cold War: communism, KGB, and that the Russian people do not smile much. Viking’s Russia River Cruise did an *exceptional* job of introducing me to Russia as she is today. After spending 13 days with Viking Cruises I feel we were expertly guided to every monument and museum and well-known church in each and every city or village we visited.

We were informed about every part of Russian life and its extraordinary history as a country and introduced to the dazzling opulence of her architecture. Not only DO Russian people smile, but they are also warm and friendly. A surprising number of them spoke English. Viking Cruises’ Waterways of the Tsars 13 day Russian River Cruise was an outstanding and unforgettable experience, one I think you would love as much as I did.

Have you ever traveled to Russia? Were you as surprised and impressed as I was? Please share your experiences in the comment section below!

Please note: I was provided with a complimentary Viking Russian River cruise for myself and a guest, and a stipend, by Viking Cruises in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.

Linda On the Run  is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, designed to provide a means to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

Reader Interactions

November 14, 2019 at 6:43 pm

Hi there, I enjoyed your review. It was very detailed and will help us on our cruise. My sister and I will be traveling to Russia in May 2020 with Viking. Just to give us idea, how much cash in Russian ruble did you spend while on your 13 day cruise? I know we can use our credit card in Moscow and St. Petersburg, but I’m guessing not in the small towns. Thank you!

November 19, 2019 at 8:40 am

You are correct. The major metropolitan cities accept credit cards. The small rural villages do not. Plus you will want to have rubles on hand in case you wish tip the local tour guides. I can not recommend an exact amount of rubles. We used an ATM machine upon arrival at the airport. There are other ATMs along the route as well should you find you require more rubles. Please be advised, the ship you sail on will not not change currency into rubles for you. I am wishing you the absolute best experience ever with Viking as you explore and discover Russia!

December 22, 2019 at 9:47 am

Going next September! Can you tip and purchase small items in more rural locations in USD?

January 23, 2020 at 8:33 am

Great job telling your story & sharing pictures about your Viking Russian River Cruise, very helpful!! We are going in July, I read they frown on sandals being worn in churches, museums & other areas. Croc flip flops probably out the question? How strict? In St. Petersburg, how far are we from the City Centre? Viking proves transportation if you would like to walk around town on your own? Thank you.

January 23, 2020 at 11:24 am

Hi Phyllis. So excited for you? I would not suggest wearing flip flops when touring any European city. Crocs will be ok. Sturdy closed-toe shoes would be ideal. When entering a lot of the churches in Russia your shoulders/head must be covered. I always had a scarf tucked into my purse for such an occasion. In St Pete, the city center is a bit far from the ship. We secured an Uber and it was very reasonable! In Moscow, the Metro is within walking distance. My Viking Russian River Cruise was *extraordinary* and so far surpassed any expectations I had. I wish safe journeys and a spectacular cruise for you as well.

January 10, 2021 at 3:04 pm

Thank you for providing such a detailed review. Can you please say what month you cruised? We are deciding now between May and July and are unsure of conditions. Thank you!

January 10, 2021 at 6:01 pm

Hello Kathleen. I sailed in mid-September.

January 10, 2021 at 6:32 pm

We actually had our Russian Cruise rebooked for July 2021. I called Viking today for updates due to Visas, hate to put money out for Visas if Cruise is canceled. We heard all positive reviews for the Russian River Cruise in July, weather is beautiful & temps in high 70s during the day, evening 60s. We start in St. Petersburg, so many say how much they like St. Petersburg, if you have extra time spend it there.

January 12, 2021 at 2:42 pm

We started our cruise from St. Petersburg as well. The optional excursions in that magnificent city were spectacular!

January 13, 2021 at 4:19 am

Hi Phyllis, what did Viking say about your July cruise and about obtaining a Visa. My sister and I are scheduled for September 2021 and have the same question. Our May 2020 Viking cruise was cancelled and we had already obtained our Visas, which are no longer good, so yes the additional cost to get new ones. Thank you!

January 15, 2021 at 10:14 am

Viking Rep., told me to contact GenVisa directly to answer my questions. On Monday I called, they told me to allow 8 weeks for processing, cost $632 per couple , for everything including 3 yr Visa. They advised me to get paperwork started, mail it to them, once borders open our applications can be processed quickly, basically we would be ahead. It was worth the call, found them resourceful.

January 10, 2021 at 6:53 pm

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Sam's Marine

• Owners Forum
• Online Parts Catalogue
• Model Brochures
• Member List
• Mark Forums Read
• View Forum Leaders
• Who's Online

Welcome to the Hatteras Owners Forum & Gallery. Sign Up or Login

• Remember Me?

• Hatteras Discussion
• Hatteras Tech Talk

Problems with Viking Yachts

• If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

• Jump to page:

Thread: Problems with Viking Yachts

Thread tools.

• Show Printable Version
• Email this Page…
• Subscribe to this Thread…

OK, this thread may be a little odd for a Hatteras Forum, but I figure after 800 posts you guys will cut me some slack. I'll be looking at and early 80's 46' Viking soon. I heard they sometimes have issues with stringer rot and loose engine mounts. Has anyone here seen the problem first hand? Can you give hints as to what to look for during my walk through? Thanks, ps: I'll be looking at a 50 Hatt too but that will be for another thread.

Re: Problems with Viking Yachts

Pascoe seems to like 'em though this a different and maybe a later model: http://www.yachtsurvey.com/boatreviews/Viking43open.htm

A former dockmate lives aboard a 41C Viking from the 80s...I think early based on the look/styling. He tells a tale of being struck by a whale in the Sea of Cortez while cruising years ago. The first almost rolled her, and the second was aft and stuffed the bow into the water briefly. The second hit trashed his running gear but caused no hull damage. He stills lives aboard and swears by the build quality of his boat. FWIW

(formerly Nor'easter 1995 39 Hatt SX)

The concern I have heard is cored hull side water intrusion. Have not owned one and do not have a boat with the problem to point at. I suggest you check it out, if for no other reason than to verify there is no problem. A month ago I saw a 44 double cabin that had mangled the starboard side running gear. The shaft had to be cut in two places to get it out of the struts. The fiberglass bottom appeared to be undamaged. Impressive. Pete

Look for bulkhead rot in the engine room for and aft. the they also have a problm with rot in the haul sides . In my opnion they are no better than an Ocean Yacht but just a bigger price tag.

The engine bed system Viking uses is unique but is subject to trouble where it attaches to the hull structure. A VERY CAREFUL inspection is necessary at those points. Beyond that, the stringers are not the "hollow top hat" style that Hatteras uses. I prefer the Hatteras design as it basically never gives trouble. This is an area that you need to pay VERY CLOSE attention to; if there are holes where they don't belong your ears have to perk up bigtime. Stringer problems in boats of this size frequently are beyond economic repair. Ditto if you have hullSIDE core issues; I've yet to see that on a Viking - or a Hatt - unless, once again, someone drilled holes where they don't belong. Sadly, people DO commit such sins from time to time. The usual suspects (rotted bulkheads, etc) that can be a problem with a boat of this vintage no matter who made it obviously needs to be looked at as well, but that is by no means unique to Viking. All boats have potential issues like this - just ask me about anchor pulpit areas on some Hatts - including MINE which I ended up fixing! My biggest issue with the Vikings I've looked at has been service access. Make sure you can live with it. I considered several models before buying Gigabite and in the end we never got to survey on any of them. There was one 45C that I liked but we were too far apart on our view of price for me to get serious about it.

http://www.denninger.net - Home page with blog links and more http://market-ticker.org - The Market Ticker

Thanks Guys, FYI this is the one I'll be looking at: http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...04&searchtype= Not wild about the black hull but figure it's worth a look.

I know this will sound like rain on your parade but since you are already admittedly "Not wild" about the black hull, I think you should SERIOUSLY keep that issue in mind when you look. There is a lot of additional maintenance and other issues with dark colored hulls/superstructure. One of the typical problems is the fact that the resin under the dark color will shrink more due to the much higher temperature which will eventually result in the roving pattern being visible. I have seen several MYs that have black/dark blue sides and all of them have the roving pattern visible under the dark paint. And, just as in a car, black shows every blemish, every bit of dirt, etc. That's not to suggest that you shouldn't buy the boat if everything else meets with your approval. The black can always be white at the next repaint!

It is a sharp looking boat, and in general I think the dark hulls look nice. I agree with Mike, I don't think I would want to own and maintain it. I have seen roving show through on some new boats, Mikelsons in particular in the dark feature stripe on the superstructure. I haven't seen it on an older, likely better finished boat, that had been repainted a dark color. The interior looks good, and if you could live with it until it had to dealt with a repaint would only involve the hull and be generally less hassle/money than if the house needed to be painted too.

dark hulls look nice but in addition to the extra work to keep them looking nice... forget about having a dark hull and keeping the interior cool !!! even 2 hours after sunset, the 10" black stripe on my hull remains significnatly warmer than the rest of the hull... and radiates heat inside. a good thing up north in winter... not anywhere else.

Pascal Miami, FL 1970 53 MY #325 Cummins 6CTAs 2014 26' gaff rigged sloop 2007 Sandbarhopper 13 12' Westphal Cat boat

• Private Messages
• Subscriptions
• Search Forums
• Forums Home
• Frequently Asked Service Questions
• Everything Else
• Parts Wanted & For Sale
• Boats Wanted & For Sale
• CABO Yachts

Posting Permissions

• You may not post new threads
• You may not post replies
• You may not post attachments
• You may not edit your posts
• BB code is On
• Smilies are On
• [IMG] code is On
• HTML code is Off

Forum Rules

• News & Events
• Vintage Tees
• Hull ID Information
• Links, Articles & Videos
• Discount Propellers
• Tips & Tricks
• Part Specials

Download Model Brochures

We are continuously updating these archives. If you do not see the brochure you are looking for, stop back soon.

Hatteras Wear

Classic hoodie.

A classic new look

New Englander Jacket

1-800-678-9230

© 2011 Sam's Marine. All Rights Reserved. Website built by: Relivo Media Powered by vBulletin® 4

• River Cruising

Viking pier in Moscow

By JEBurton , June 4, 2008 in River Cruising

Recommended Posts

Does anyone have any info about the location of the pier in Moscow that Viking uses? It is called the Northern Moscow Boat Station #51 and I would like to know:

Where is this pier in relation to the center of Moscow (ie the Kremlim)?

How far is it from the Domodedovo Airport (DME)?

Has anyone had any experience taking a taxi from the pier in Moscow to the DME airport?

Thank you very much.

Link to comment

Share on other sites, tennessee traveler.

The pier is quite a ways from Red Square. We took the train from their back to the ship. It wasn't hard to do since it was the last stop on the green line & then about a 10 minute walk back to the ship.

It is very far from Domodevo Airport. I'd say it's probably about a 2 hour or more ride. I helped a client of mine to arrange transfers from the airport to the ship.

If you call Viking, they should be able to answer your questions.

Thanks Tennessee Traveler for your reply. The info you provided is about what I expected - long distance from ship to city center and even longer to the DME airport.

Our cruise ends in Moscow on July 6 and we don't fly out until the next morning. So we booked a room at the Aerotel Domodevodo hotel at the airport. Unfortunately, info about taxis in Moscow is hard to come by. One internet company that specializes in transfers/taxis in Moscow admitted even they are having trouble with taxis and are down to only one reliable company. That company only uses vans and quoted $150 for the transfer.

So I'm thinking of buying Viking's transfer ($50/pp) to get to the airport on July 6, then just spend the day at the hotel, which is within walking distance of the airport.

It'll probably be easier to take the Viking transfer to the Domodedevo Airport hotel & stay there for the rest of the day. It's a shame to miss the rest of the last day in Moscow as there's much to do there that Viking can't cover. I have another thought - perhaps you can go to the Domodedevo Airport or Moscow website & see if they have transportation from a Moscow hotel or central location that will take you to the airport. This way you get to spend extra time in Moscow & arrange for a pick-up at a centrally located hotel which may run a shuttle to the airport. Also, Viking may have hotels they use that provide transportation. It's worth checking, I think. Good luck! TT

Which ship are you on?

TT: I've racked my brain trying to do just what you suggested. However, our flight out is at 7:05 am, so we have to be at DME airport at 5 am. That means taking a chance on transportation showing up at 3:30 - 4 am, which is not something I feel the least bit comfortable with. So we will "sacrifice" our last day in Moscow for the security of being able to walk to the airport.

We are on the Kirov - just dread the wife's reaction when she sees the 90 sq ft room and bathroom so small you have to take the doorknob off to bend over!

thanks for your thoughts.

You're right. You have no choice, really except to stay at DME Airport since your flight is so early. You absolutely can't take a chance with a driver from Moscow being there on time.

We were on the Surkov, a sister ship to the Kirov. It was a tiny cabin, but never a problem for us. And the bathroom/shower is an experience.

I have posted my review of my sailing. You may want to scroll down the River Cruising thread to July 15 or 16 to see my review. Also, I will be glad to send you pictures if you want to see them. If you do, send me your e mail address through this thread, & I'll do it. TT

How about taking the Viking transfer over to the airport and check into the hotel (or if it is too early, drop your luggage off at the hotel) and see what public transport is offered back into town or take a taxi to the nearest train station and take the train to the Red Square area and sightsee some more. Then, do the reverse to get to the hotel later in the day? Trains and buses without luggage should be pretty easy to navigate.

TT: please send your pictures to johnburtonwhs61 at hotmail dot com

Thanks again for the information you posted. I asked Viking for the pier location and the only info they could provide was the "Moscow Northern Boat..." 100 km from the airport.

When you provided the location, I immediately found the general area on my map and realized what a distance it is to the airport and taking public transportation wouldn't be worth the hassle, so I booked transfers with Viking.

Does anyone have any info about the location of the pier in Moscow that Viking uses? It is called the Northern Moscow Boat Station #51 and I would like to know:   Where is this pier in relation to the center of Moscow (ie the Kremlim)?   How far is it from the Domodedovo Airport (DME)?   Has anyone had any experience taking a taxi from the pier in Moscow to the DME airport?   Thank you very much.

Anyone else seeking information on cruise ship pier locations in Moscow and St Petersbug, could try the website for Peter's Walking Tours http://www.peterswalk.com. This gives addresses, map co-ordinates and public transport to the city centres for ocean and cruise ship piers.

Viking's reply to my email request for this infomation was less informative. I hope the captain knows more than the office staff.

John, the pictures from my Russia cruise last summer are coming in a few minutes. Enjoy them. I certainly enjoyed taking them during my trip! Bernita had a good suggestion. It may be worth it if there are things in Moscow that you absolutely had to see that you missed with Viking. Have a great trip. I'm off to Africa for two weeks tomorrow! TT

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started Friday at 09:51 PM

LauraS · Started Friday at 08:47 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 03:31 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 02:21 PM

LauraS · Started Wednesday at 10:25 PM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

Russian River Cruise from St Petersburg To Moscow.

By: Author Kate O'Malley

Posted on Last updated: December 6, 2021

Home >> Russia >> Russian River Cruise from St Petersburg To Moscow.

Have you ever dreamed of strolling through Moscow’s Red Square or seeing the ballet in St Petersburg – A city where opulent palaces offer a glimpse into one of the world’s most  intriguing royal dynasties .

Russia’s two great cities still invoke the old school romance of travel – a journey into the enigmatic and exotic. However, in a country as immense as it is fascinating, there is so much to see beyond the metropolis of Russia’s great cities.

A Russian River Cruise , St Petersburg to Moscow on Viking Cruises Waterways of the Tsars cruise will take you to Russia’s great cities and beyond.

Sailing the rivers and lakes of Russia from St Petersburg to Moscow takes you into Russia’s heartland. It is deep in the country where you find the Golden Ring cities, charming towns and iconic, sometimes forgotten monuments that helped define Russia’s history.

A Russian river cruise opens up possibilities to visit parts of Russia that may otherwise be logistically difficult. It also offers a very efficient and cost-effective way to see the best of this vast country.

Table of Contents

Visiting Russia

Unfortunately, Russia is a country too often sidestepped by many travellers. It has been more than two decades since Russia emerged from behind the Iron Curtain and began welcoming tourists with semi-open arms and a cold stony smile.

However, Russia still carries the stigma of being a difficult country to travel to and in. Thanks mostly to a reputation of complicated, bureaucratic visa processes and rumoured corruption.

Russian Visa Requirements

If you are travelling through Russia on a river cruise, unless you are eligible for the new 16 day e-Visa, most foreign nationals must have a tourist visa.  The Russian visa process can take up to a month or two. It is important to check your visa requirement and make sure you get it submitted well in advance of your intended travel date.

The gradual introduction of the new e-visa is making the process simpler but is restricted for visits of only eight days and specific entry points. Based on this, the e-visa is not suitable for a river cruise in Russia. 

Applying online for your Tourist Invitation Letter is quick and simple, allowing you to proceed with your application. You can read more about planning your trip to Russia here . 

Travel in Russia

As independent travellers, our biggest dilemma with Russia is logistics. Russia covers two continents and nine time zones, and the highlights and must-sees are spread far and wide, with nothing in between.

When you don’t have unlimited time or an unlimited budget, the distances can pose some issues. Transport through Russia can be expensive and less than comfortable, and car hire could be a costly alternative.

Is a River Cruise The Best Way To See Russia?

We would say yes, a river cruise is a fantastic way to see Russia. For most, Russia is a once in a lifetime adventure, so, it boils down to how much of Russia do you want to see.

A river cruise makes sense for most travellers to Russia and most travel budgets. A cruise enables visitors to experience more of Russia than perhaps they would on their own.

You Might Also Like: What to Take on A Russian River Cruise

Viking River Cruise in Russia

Much like some of the unreliable, uncomfortable transport methods available in Russia, some of the Russian cruise lines are shall we say, still a little Soviet.

Viking Cruises, on the other hand, offers a product in Russia to the same high, 5- star standard as their river cruises throughout Europe. A full-service luxury river cruise from the moment you make your booking to the time you disembark.

And much like Viking’s European itineraries, the Viking Russian Cruise itineraries are destination focused with high quality shore excursions and enrichment experiences. 

Plan Your Trip to Russia: Know The Best Time to Visit Europe

Viking’s All-Inclusive Cruise Packages

The big appeal of cruising for some is the all-inclusive aspect, so they know what to expect. With Viking Cruises, you can expect so much more than just an all-inclusive cruise package of meals and drinks.

In addition to optional excursions, there are also lots of free shore excursions throughout the cruise. 

Fly Cruise Packages

You can book your Russian river cruise inclusive of flights from your home port, wherever in the world that may be. An attractive option for those wishing to take the guesswork out of arranging flights, knowing you have access to Vikings Cruises discounted fares and upgrades.

Fly cruise packages include all taxes and airport transfers in Russia. Helpful for those who don’t like to navigate the taxi hustle on arrival in a new country. (Speaking from first-hand experience, Russia certainly has some good taxi scams running from the airport).

Information to assist you with the visa process is also included, the most daunting prospect of visiting Russia for many.

More Incredible Viking Cruises You Can Take in Europe:

• Viking Cruises Paris to Swiss Alps Christmas Market River Cruise
• Viking River Cruises Danube Waltz – Passau to Budapest River Cruise
• Viking Homelands Cruise Review. The Best of Northern Europe
• Passage to Eastern Europe Cruise on the Danube Budapest to Bucharest

Shore Excursions and Tours in Russia

During the river cruise, a high quality tour itinerary of shore excursions and tours are included to ensure you experience the best things to do in Russia.

There are also some delightful surprises, such as an evening at the ballet in St Petersburg. The tour schedule is designed with the arts and culture in mind, not just the big tourist hot spots.

Additional or Optional Tours can also be purchased at each destination such as our traditional Russian Banya experience in Mandrogy or the vodka tasting on board.

You also have access to some very appealing Exclusive Access tours such as a behind the scenes look at the Hermitage in St Petersburg.  All tours include transfers where required, entry fees and extremely knowledgeable, tourism professionals as your guides.

On Board Lectures, Demonstrations and Activities.

In addition to activities during cruising times, such as cooking demonstrations and traditional Russian tea’s, the guides also offer daily lectures on Russian history and politics.

The lectures are one of the highlights of the trip. Engaging and well-researched lectures, delivered from a Russian perspective, provide an entirely different and refreshing perspective on Russian culture and politics.

Russian Cuisine on Board

Viking River Cruises always excel when it comes to onboard dining. Interchangeable a la carte menus are available at all meal times showcasing Russian cuisine and produce.

The less adventurous are well catered for with an excellent “always available” a la carte menu. Portions are sensible to allow for all courses to be tried and savoured. Unlike the glutenous portions or “ all you can eat” buffet’s some cruise ships favour. 

Drinks are complimentary with all meals, including a tipple of champagne at breakfast if you are so inclined.

A Silver Drinks Package can be purchased, which gives you unlimited drinks from the bar for the entire cruise as well as a vast selection of wines.

The Convenience and Comfort of River Cruises

There is a lot to be said for having your floating hotel accompany you on your journey through Russia. Unlike some ocean cruises where the focus can be on shipboard life at the expense of the destinations, on this Russian river cruise, the destinations are the focus.  

You get the complete package of the best things to see in Russia without having to navigate multiple modes of transport or having to unpack, pack and move accommodation all the time.

Once you are on board, whether it be in the big cities or the remote countryside, you only need to check in and out once. You do feel like you have your hotel on the road with you – A fantastic boutique hotel.

And it is not only the tour guides who are tourism professionals. You also have at your disposal a 5-star hotel team — professional food and beverage staff, well versed in the art of fine dining and world-class chefs.

The staterooms are spacious and extremely comfortable. Private balconies, quality furnishings, and enough high tech amenities such as Satellite TV and WIFI to keep you entertained are standard throughout the ship.

There are also plenty of comfortable public spaces, both indoors and out with panoramic views to relax and take in the vista while you are cruising.

Cruise St Petersburg to Moscow

For us, opting to travel through Russia on a river cruise was primarily motivated by the itinerary. Most people would be happy to visit Moscow or St Petersburg. But why make an effort to visit this intriguing country and miss all the beautiful and exciting things to see outside of the main cities despite the vast geographic distances.

The Cruise Itinerary

The river cruise itinerary is what sold us on this mode of travel. The itinerary enabled us to spend ample time in St Petersburg and Moscow; then with our floating hotel in tow, we took to the river.

It is here where we saw the other Russia. Stunning countryside, small villages, abandoned churches and majestic cathedrals dotted along the river banks. A view of Russia that speaks volumes about the country’s history and culture.

As we slipped down the river, we had the  White Nights  in our favour so could take advantage of the long days and very short nights of summer. Enjoying the sights of the Russian countryside en route to our next destination. Each day a different destination with a cruising schedule set to maximise time spent ashore.

Waterways of the Tsars Schedule

Seven different destinations are visited in the 13 days onboard. This includes three full days in both Moscow and St Petersburg. We would not have achieved this on our own in the two weeks we had.

Viking Cruises Waterway of the Tsars St Petersburg to Moscow Itinerary

Commencing either in St Petersburg or Moscow, the itinerary allows for three days in each city. You can read about the cruise itinerary and shore excursions in St Petersburg and Moscow here.

St Petersburg & Moscow

Between Moscow and St Petersburg, you can experience the beautiful Golden Ring cities and villages of Russia. These are the towns and cities that lie beyond Russia’s great cities on the Waterways of the Tsars. 

Mandrogy Russia

Mandrogy, built in 1996 as an open-air museum, is a replica of   Verkhine Mandrogi , a Russian village destroyed during WWII. The enterprise was intended to give travellers cruising between St Petersburg and Kizhi a feel for traditional Russian life. 

Unfortunately, we found Mandrogy to be very much that – a fabricated tourist attraction including costumed craftsmen and women with innumerable craft stalls and workshops selling the same trinkets. 

Paint your Own Russian Matryoshka Doll

The central premise for this village appears to be shopping and, of course, the famed Russian Matryoshka Dolls. You can partake in a workshop to learn how to paint your own nesting dolls or, watch any number of the local artists paint dolls in their style. These, of course, are available for purchase. 

While Mandrogy was not our cup of tea, there was a silver lining to this little settlement – the traditional Russian Banya.

Experience a Russian Banya

The banya is one of those quintessentially Russian experiences.  One of the oldest Russian traditions dating back centuries. A tradition that has not lost its appeal and is still popular today.

Essentially the banya is a steam room or sauna where water is poured over hot rocks to create steam with temperatures often exceeding 93ºC. However, the banya comes with a little more ceremony than your average steam room or sauna.

Specific brooms are used in the banya called veniks . These are usually bunches of birch or oak branches which are dipped into cold water in the sweltering steam room. They are then smacked briskly over the body.

Typically,  there will be a person responsible for this task – a banschik.  As the banya is considered a very social activity, a  banschik  is often not required as friends will usually smack each other with the veniks.

Thankfully our experience included a banschik as we would not have known the sequence of events nor the protocols for polite smacking! So, how does one banya?

• Enter the banya and wait for temperatures to become almost unbearably hot.
• Relax while the banschick  completes a ceremonial beating of everyone’s bodies with the veniks.  It includes intense rustling of the branches either side of your head, which is repeated several times.
• Leave the banya and allow the  banschick  to pour freezing cold water over you.
• Adjourn to the adjacent room for tea and jam.
• Repeat steps 1 & 2.
• Leave the banya house and run to the river to plunge into the icy waters.
• Repeat step 6.

You get the gist! Used as a method of bathing in Russia for centuries, the banya is said to have a myriad of health benefits. There are many communal or public banyas in the cities and towns, and some people still have private banyas in their homes.

The banya is one Russian experience we highly recommend, providing you have the constitution to withstand the intensity of it.

Near the centre of the Lake Onega, the second largest lake in Europe, you will find the wild and isolated island of Kizhi. Kizhi is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed open-air museum.

At only 6 km long and 1 km wide, this tiny island is one of Russia’s most visited. The settlements buildings date back to the 15th century, some of which were moved from various Karelian villages during Soviet times to help preserve them.  

However, the islands most notable and recognisable attractions are the famous wooden onion-domed buildings- the twenty-two domed Transfiguration Church and the nine domed Intercession Church.

Locals will tell you; both churches were constructed without the use of a single nail. The unknown builder is also said to have destroyed his axe on completion of the Transfiguration Church. He is quoted as saying: “ There was not and will not be another to match it”.

Within the smaller Church of the intercession, you may hear the local clergy, a beautiful and moving baritone choir intone the ancient liturgy. The islands ancient settlement gives insight into the harsh realities of life in the Russian heartland. Places where entire settlements were isolated for much of the year throughout long winters. You can read more about  visiting Kizhi Island here .

Along the Volga – Baltic waterway you will find the urban settlement of Kuzino approx. 600km north of Moscow.

In addition to some fascinating churches, some abandoned or in various states of repair that are worth exploring, the highlight of this region is the Kirillo – Belozersky Monastery. More like a fortress than a monastery, the magnificent complex sits on Severskoye Lake.

Severskoye Lake is deemed so pure no motorboats are allowed on it. According to urban myth, the waters were blessed, giving them qualities similar to those of the mythical fountain of youth.

From humble beginnings in 1397 when two monks founded the monastery in nothing more than a cave dug by two men. By 1494, now a stone structure, it was the largest church in medieval Russia.

Defended by thick walls and towers it was a refuge for not just monks and peasants, but also a place of pilgrimage for Tsars and so benefited from generous donations and tax breaks. Ivan the Terrible was said to be a regular visitor and big tipper. The financially favourable guest list enabled the monastery to grow in size and importance.

By 1764, Catherine the Great had stripped the monastery of its land and converted the complex into a prison. In 1924 the Bolshevik government shut the complex down and executed or arrested the monks. Interestingly, unlike most monasteries, it was not converted into a concentration camp but rather a museum.

Yaroslavl, the largest city on the Volga, lies just 250 km’s north of Moscow which makes this Golden Ring city a popular weekend getaway.

Perhaps this quaint city of six hundred thousand should be called the city of churches because here you will find an impressive kaleidoscope of onion domes. At the convergence of the mighty Volga and Kotorosl rivers is the historic part of the city, a listed UNESCO World Heritage site.

The city dates back to Prince Yaroslav or Yaroslav the Wise  when he came ashore in around 998, slew the sacred bear worshipped by the local pagan tribes and converted them to Christianity. Hence, the bear on the city’s coat of arms.

While these events may have attributed to the city’s religious fervour – the churches that now adorn the skyline were the work of 17th and 19th century merchants on a quest to outdo each other in a bid to beautify the city.  To this day it remains a magnificent city, one that appears to have remained unscathed by the soviet facelift given to much of Russia. 

Uglich, another of the Golden Ring Cities. A picturesque riverside city filled with inviting parks and brightly coloured church domes. The history of Uglich is steeped in a murder mystery that changed the history of Russia.

Ivan the Terrible was never quite right following the death of his wife Anastasia and so instituted a reign of terror that earned him his name. Although respected for his military victories and management of Russian interests, he was also feared for some terrible deeds.

One such deed was accidentally killing his son and heir with a blow to the head. Due to this faux par on Ivan’s behalf, his crippled son Feodor, who by all reports was not well in mind or body, ascended to power. However, the country was being run by Feodor’s brother in law, Boris Godunov.

Quietly in the wings was Dimitry, Ivan’s younger son who could have succeeded the throne in light of Feodor’s lack of interest in political issues. In 1591, at the age of ten, Dimitry was found dead thanks to a stab wound. It was decided Dimitry slit his own throat with a sword during an epileptic fit.

At the risk of stating the obvious – it was widely assumed the boy was murdered. However, those who dared to accuse Boris Gudunov only did so once. The mystery remains, and so does this beautiful city close to Moscow.

Should You Choose A River Cruise to Travel Russia?

When it comes to visiting a country like Russia, we feel a river cruise is possibly the best way to maximise your experience of this incredible country.  Had we decided to travel independently, there is no way we would have had the vast and varied experiences we were able to on this cruise.

The 5-star hotel service, excellent dining and professional tour organisation far exceeded any of our expectations. We now understand why people often choose river cruises as the best way to experience a country. We have since travelled on a number of river cruises through Eastern Europe and the Danube and still believe it to be a value for money way to travel, especially in Europe.

If you are looking to see Russia beyond the big cities, cruising the waterways from St Petersburg to Moscow will reveal the beauty of the towns and the landscapes of Russia’s heartland. A river cruise is a fabulous way to travel Russia and a great way to glean a deeper understanding of this mysterious country.

Viking River Cruise In Russia Facts

• Viking River Cruises has three vessels operating in Russia offering a  13-day “Waterways Of The Tsars” cruise  running between Moscow and St Petersburg.
• Prices start at ~USD $4,500. Viking Cruises also offer some great “Early Bird” specials available for advance bookings.
• The cruise includes accommodation, all meals, drinks with meals, tours and onboard lectures. Additional or  Optional Tours  can be purchased on board.
• Flights, including taxes and transfers, can be arranged inclusive of your cruise price.
• A tourist visa will be required for most foreign nationals to enter Russia, it is important to check if you will require this well in advance of your cruise date.

We would like to thank Viking Cruises for hosting us on the Waterways Of The Tsars cruise to facilitate this article. As always, all opinions expressed are our own and have not been influenced in any way.

Watch an exploding Ukrainian drone boat dodge fire from the air to kill one of the small, high-speed Russian ships still fighting in the Black Sea

• Ukraine used an exploding naval drone to destroy a Russian military speedboat in Crimea on Monday.
• Footage shows the drone navigating through heavy aerial fire to strike the Russian boat. 
• It's the latest attack on Russia's Black Sea Fleet, which has largely been dispersed.

Ukraine's exploding drone boats appear to be hunting down smaller, high-speed vessels in the Black Sea after Russia pulled back its larger warships following a spate of devastating attacks.

The Ukrainian Main Directorate of Intelligence, or HUR, said on Monday that its forces destroyed a Russian military speedboat with a Magura V5 naval drone in Uzka Bay, located in the northwestern corner of the occupied Crimean peninsula.

The attack marks Ukraine's latest strike against the Russian Black Sea Fleet. This months-long drone and missile campaign has forced Moscow to relocate many of its vulnerable assets away from the fleet's headquarters in Crimea and closer to Russia, on the other side of the sea.

"Since the fear of Ukrainian attacks forces the occupiers to hide large ships of the Black Sea Fleet away from the peninsula, combat work continues against the high-speed maneuverable military vessels of the Russians," the HUR, an arm of Ukraine's defense ministry, wrote in a statement on the Telegram messaging platform, per translation.

Footage of the attack shared by Ukraine shows one of the naval drones take heavy fire from above, most likely from an aircraft. The drone manages to evade the fire, which lands in the surrounding water, and makes its way toward the Russian boat sitting at a pier.

Related stories

The Russian boat appears to be covered by a camouflage tarp. It's unclear if it was manned by any troops at the time of the attack. The video cuts just as the Ukrainian drone slams into the vessel. Kyiv did not say whether it lost any drones in the attack.

Another successful mission by @DI_Ukraine . A Magura V5 sea drone destroyed a russian speedboat in temporarily occupied Crimea. pic.twitter.com/BBXbPq2lpj — Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) May 6, 2024

Russia's defense ministry claimed on Monday that the Black Sea Fleet had destroyed five of the Ukrainian drone boats near Crimea's northwestern coast. Moscow published footage to Telegram showing a helicopter open fire on the surface of the water, and at one point, an explosion can be seen. It did not acknowledge any of its own losses.

Business Insider was unable to immediately verify the footage from the two militaries.

The HUR identified the Russian vessel as a "Mongoose," a $3 million multi-purpose ship first produced in 2000 that is capable of engaging in combat operations, patrolling, and carrying out search and rescue operations. These boats can be up to 65 feet long and are equipped with machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, and portable air-defense systems.

Ukrainian forces have heavily relied on their arsenals of Magura V5s and Sea Babies — another type of exploding naval drone — to damage and destroy scores Russian warships in the Black Sea. Many of those targets were larger vessels, unlike the one that was struck on Monday.

Russia has been unable to consistently defend against this asymmetrical style of warfare , despite recent reshuffling in its naval leadership and new efforts to curb the threat. These efforts include added protections in port and outfitting its crews with more machine guns, as well as additional combat air patrols.

A general in the Security Service of Ukraine, or SBU, previously told Business Insider that Moscow constantly has planes and combat helicopters patrolling around the western Black Sea, which would be consistent with the video shared earlier by the Russian defense ministry. Still, Kyiv has managed to find success in targeting Russian vessels with its drones.

Watch: Video of Russian naval ship explosion shows a much-needed win for Ukraine

• Main content

Ukraine war latest: Ukraine 'destroys Russian Black Sea minesweeper'

Ukraine's navy says it has destroyed a Russian Black Sea fleet minesweeper. Meanwhile, an attack on a residential area in Kharkiv left six civilians injured - with Ukraine saying it is investigating the bombing as a potential war crime.

Sunday 19 May 2024 17:40, UK

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

• Six killed - including pregnant woman - in strikes on Kharkiv recreation area
• Ukraine investigating 'potential war crime' after civilians wounded
• Ukrainian soldiers reveal how they were secretly moved ahead of Russian invasion
• Russia takes control of village in Kharkiv - defence ministry

We're pausing our coverage of the Ukraine war for the moment.

Scroll through the blog below to catch up on today's developments.

Russian forces likely intend to launch the second phase of their offensive following their anticipated seizure of Vovchansk, three miles from the Russian border, according to the latest analysis from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said yesterday that Russian forces advanced between five and 10 kilometres in the northern Kharkiv region before Ukrainian forces stopped Russian advances.

The ISW says Russian forces are currently prioritising the seizure of Vovchansk because it is likely one of the remaining tactical objectives of the first phase, noting it is the largest settlement immediately on the border that would provide Russian forces with a staging ground to prepare for and launch the second phase.

The Russian objectives of the second phase are not yet clear, the ISW says. It could be to expand the "buffer zone" further in width along the border, or to advance closer to Kharkiv city.

Russian forces have also recently intensified efforts to seize the operationally significant town of Chasiv Yar, the ISW says, seeking to exploit the pressure on stretched Ukrainian forces. 

The number of people killed in Russian strikes on a Kharkiv recreation area has risen from five to six, with an employee of the resort still unaccounted for. 

At least 27 people were injured in the two airstrikes, which came about 20 minutes apart, according to an update from the Kharkiv regional prosecutor's office on Telegram. 

The missing employee was fishing by a reservoir when the attack happened, the update said. 

Two police officers are among the injured, it added. 

The UK's defence secretary has confirmed the military aid that has been "rushed" to Ukraine. 

Grant Shapps said the "world cannot wait" as he urged nations to "step up" and support Kyiv's fight against Russia. 

Among the items sent by the UK are 80 defence missiles, one million rounds of ammunition and 20 Viking amphibious protected vehicles. 

Mr Shapps' tweet comes after he urged allies to give permission to Ukraine to use the weapons they have supplied against targets in Russian-annexed Crimea.

"We have been very, very clear with the world and helpful to Ukraine - for example, providing permissions for our weapons to be used throughout the whole of Ukraine ... that includes Crimea, which was taken by Putin in 2014," he told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: 

"Now, we do not get into how we would allow targeting with our weapons to be used outside of that. But we do provide our weapons to Ukraine in order for them to defend their country."

Pressed on Volodymyr Zelensky's calls for weapons to be available for strikes inside Russia, Mr Shapps said: "I can't go into the specifics of those private conversations about how the weapons are precisely used."

Finland will propose a law that would see it turn back migrants to Russia without processing their asylum applications - despite this potentially breaching its international human rights commitments.

Finland shut its border with Russia last year to stop a growing number of arrivals from countries including Syria and Somalia.

It accused Moscow of weaponising migration against Finland and the European Union, an assertion the Kremlin denies. 

"As this phenomenon is in Russia's hands - who comes, where from and when, to Finland's border - we cannot permit it," Prime Minister Petteri Orpo told reporters.  

"Therefore we have to augment our legislation." 

The bill would allow border authorities to turn back asylum seekers who cross from Russia, with or without using force. But it would not apply to children and disabled people.

The proposal will go to parliament next week, where it will be submitted to the constitutional committee for review. It will need five-sixths of votes cast in parliament to pass - the high bar required for constitutional matters - and success is not certain. 

The General Staff of Ukraine's armed forces have published their daily operational update... 

It says "intense" fighting is ongoing along almost the entire frontline, with 78 "combat clashes" already today, compared to 110 for the entirety of yesterday. 

The Russian forces became increasingly active on the Kharkiv front, with seven clashes reported so far today.

The situation in Kharkiv is "dynamic", it says, with Russian troops trying to push back the Ukrainian units near Vovchansk, Starytsia and Lyptsi.

Russia said on Saturday its forces had captured the village of Starytsia, bringing the total number of villages it has taken in the Kharkiv region to 13.

Russia has been pushing ahead with a ground offensive in recent days that opened a new front in northeastern Ukraine's Kharkiv region and put further pressure on Kyiv's overstretched military. 

Russian forces have also increased their activity on the Siversk front and are attempting to break through Ukrainian defences in Bilohorivka, Verkhnokamianske and Rozdolivka, the update says. 

Oleksandr Usyk defeated British boxing star Tyson Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world on Saturday night.

But Fury says the outcome was down to the Ukraine war. 

He disputed his loss after the match, saying: "I believe I won that fight. I think he won a few rounds but I won the majority of them.

"His country is at war, so people are siding with the country at war. Make no mistake, I won that fight in my opinion."

In response, Ukrainian Usyk said he was "ready for rematch," but later added: "I don't think about rematch now, I want to rest."

After today's attacks President Volodymyr Zelenskyy again called on Western allies to supply Kyiv with additional air defence systems to protect Kharkiv and other cities. 

He said there were reports "every hour" of fresh attacks. 

"Missiles, bombs, artillery are the only things that allow Russia to continue its aggression," he said on Telegram. 

"The world can stop Russian terror - and to do so, the lack of political will among leaders must be overcome."

"Two Patriots for Kharkiv will make a fundamental difference," he said, referring to Patriot missile defence systems. 

Air defence systems for other cities and sufficient support for soldiers on the front line would ensure Russia's defeat, the president added. 

This morning, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said the delay in giving aid to Ukraine gave Russia a window of opportunity for its new offensive. 

Five people have died in strikes on two villages in the Kupiansk district in Kharkiv, local officials say. 

It brings the number of people killed in the Kharkiv region today to 10, after five people died in strikes on a recreation area in a northern suburb of the city of Kharkiv.

Local governor Oleh Syniehubov said Russian forces shelled two villages with a self-propelled multiple rocket launcher. 

At least nine people were injured in the attacks. 

We're getting photos of the aftermath of strikes on a recreation area just outside Kharkiv which killed five people and left at least 16 injured. 

The pictures show a lakeside resort, where shortly before the attacks local residents were "resting, enjoying a normal way of life", according to a local police inspector (see our 11.54 post).

Parademics and police tend to the wounded, but were also caught up in the second strike, which came about 20 minutes after the first. 

These are known as "double tap" strikes, which kill or injure emergency workers at the scene of strike impacts. 

Here are the latest photos from the scene...

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Zelenskyy warns Russia’s Kharkiv offensive may only be ‘first wave’

New laws overhauling army mobilisation rules in Ukraine take effect in effort to address acute troop shortages.

Russia’s offensive in Ukraine’s northeastern border region of Kharkiv may just be the “first wave” in a wider assault, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned as he appealed to allies to send more air defence and fighter jets.

Russian forces, which had made only moderate advances in recent months, launched a surprise assault in the Kharkiv region on May 10 that resulted in their biggest territorial gains in a year and a half.

Keep reading

Zelenskyy in kharkiv as ukraine claims to partially halt russia’s offensive, russia to expel uk defence attache in a tit-for-tat move, russia’s putin eyes greater support from china for ukraine war effort.

Zelenskyy conceded on Friday, in an interview with the AFP news agency, that Ukraine only has a quarter of the air defences it needs to hold the front line while the war grinds on.

He said Russian forces managed to advance between five to 10km (3-6 miles) along the northeastern border before being stopped by Ukrainian forces.

On Saturday, Kharkiv’s Governor Oleg Synegubov said “a total of 9,907 people have been evacuated” from the region following a ground attack by Russian troops.

Al Jazeera’s John Holman, reporting from Kharkiv, said that at present Ukraine is “outmanned in terms of soldiers” in parts of the front line even before the latest Russian attacks.

“Ukraine said that there were seven Russian soldiers to one Ukrainian soldier, so that’s going to put fresh pressure on them,” he said.

In an effort to increase troop numbers, Zelenskyy signed two laws, one to enable prisoners to join the army and another that increases fines for draft dodgers fivefold, which took effect on Saturday.

Ukraine’s mobilisation age remains high at 25, while Russia’s is 18, Holman reported, adding that the government was reluctant to “hollow out its already small number of younger men by calling them up”.

The new legislation is aimed at shoring up a depleted – and ageing – army.

“We need everyone. Older people because they’re more experienced in their specialty. But if we’re talking about some combat positions, where there should be endurance, physical condition and cold-bloodedness, those should be filled by young people,” Yaroslava Kashka, head of recruitment at the 12th Azov Brigade, told Al Jazeera.

Zelenskyy also acknowledged that Russian forces were “going deeper into our territory”, adding that in order to achieve at least a level of air “parity” with Russia, Ukraine needs “120 to 130” F-16 fighter jets or other advanced aircraft.

“Today, we have about 25 percent of what we need to defend Ukraine. I’m talking about air defence,” he told AFP.

President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that the offensive in the Kharkiv region is aimed at creating a buffer zone and Russia has no plans to capture the city of Kharkiv.

Speaking to reporters while on a visit to China , Putin said Moscow launched its attacks in response to Ukrainian shelling of Russia’s neighbouring Belgorod region.

“I have said publicly that if it continues, we will be forced to create a security zone, a sanitary zone,” he said. “That’s what we are doing.”

Meanwhile, the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskii, said Russia’s new offensive has “expanded the zone of active hostilities” by almost 70km (45 miles) to attempt to force Ukraine to spread its forces and use reserve troops.

In response to the new attacks, Ukraine launched a counterstrike and drone raids on the Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory of Crimea.

A Ukrainian intelligence official confirmed to The Associated Press news agency that the country’s intelligence services struck Russia’s military infrastructure sites in Novorossiysk, on the Black Sea coast, and in the Russian-occupied city of Sevastopol.

The operation, carried out by Ukraine-built drones, targeted Russian Black Sea Fleet vessels, the unnamed official said.

Russia’s Ministry of Defence said 51 Ukrainian drones were downed over Crimea, 44 over the Krasnodar region of Russia and six over the Belgorod region. Russian warplanes and patrol boats also destroyed six sea drones in the Black Sea, it said.

Mikhail Razvozhayev, the governor of Sevastopol, which is the main base for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, said the drone attack damaged the city’s power plant.