DESTINATION

Russia

From the gilded splendour of St. Petersburg’s palaces to the legendary Red Square in Moscow, a cruise to Russia promises a voyage through centuries of art, history, and breathtaking architecture unlike anywhere else on earth.

Experience the Majesty of Russia by Sea

Russia captivates the imagination like few destinations can — a land where gold-topped cathedrals stand beside sweeping rivers, where world-class art fills palatial halls, and where centuries of imperial history come alive at every turn. Whether your ship glides into St. Petersburg’s harbour on a Baltic voyage or you navigate the legendary waterways linking Russia’s two greatest cities, you’ll discover a culture of remarkable depth and beauty. The coveted summer cruising season from May through September brings the enchanting White Nights, when twilight lingers past midnight and the cities pulse with open-air festivals and celebrations.

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Greenland Glaciers
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A modern, spacious cruise ship suite with a large angled window offering an expansive ocean view. The room features a plush gray sectional sofa, minimalist furniture, and a wall-mounted flat-screen television.
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Palatial Splendour

Lavish imperial residences, ornate cathedrals topped with golden domes, and centuries of tsarist heritage greet you at every port and riverbank.

Extraordinary Art & Performance

Walk the halls of the Hermitage with its three million treasures, and witness iconic ballet at the Bolshoi — Russia is a feast for every creative sense.

Historic Rivers & Waterways

Drift along storied canals, vast lakes, and the mighty Volga — connecting legendary cities through some of Europe’s most stunning countryside.

Discover the Ways to Cruise Russia

Russia opens its doors to cruise travellers in three distinctive ways — each offering a completely different perspective on this vast and fascinating country. Our expert advisors have sailed these routes and will match you with the voyage that fits your travel style perfectly.

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Baltic Sea Cruises

Key Ports: St. Petersburg (often with overnight stay), combined with Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, Copenhagen

Known For: The Hermitage Museum, Peterhof fountains, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, White Nights festivals

Ideal For: Culture enthusiasts and first-time Russia visitors seeking a multi-country Northern European experience

Duration: 7-14 nights

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Russian River Cruises

Key Ports: St. Petersburg, Moscow, Uglich, Yaroslavl, Kizhi Island, Goritsy, Mandrogi

Known For: Golden Ring cities, ancient monasteries, traditional wooden architecture, Lake Onega, Volga River scenery

Ideal For: Seasoned travellers seeking a thorough, immersive journey through Russia’s cultural heartland

Duration: 10-16 nights

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Expedition & Arctic Cruises

Key Ports: Murmansk, Franz Josef Land, Wrangel Island, Kamchatka Peninsula

Known For: Arctic wildlife, polar landscapes, remote wilderness, Northern Sea Route, volcanic terrain

Ideal For: Adventurous travellers seeking truly off-the-beaten-path expedition experiences

Duration: 12-24 nights

Side-by-Side: Russia Cruise Options

Feature Baltic Sea Cruises Russian River Cruises Expedition & Arctic Cruises
Typical Duration 7–14 nights 10–16 nights 12–24 nights
Main Departure Ports Copenhagen, Stockholm, Southampton St. Petersburg, Moscow Murmansk, various expedition ports
Best For First-time Russia visitors, culture lovers, multi-country travellers In-depth explorers, history enthusiasts, river cruise fans Adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, bucket-list travellers
Highlights Hermitage Museum, Peterhof, White Nights, multiple Baltic capitals Golden Ring cities, Kizhi Island, ancient monasteries, Volga River Arctic wildlife, polar landscapes, volcanic Kamchatka, remote wilderness
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Let our expert advisors help you chart the perfect Russian voyage.

We understand that planning a cruise to Russia can feel like a big undertaking — and that’s exactly why our team of 23+ expert advisors is here to guide you through every step. St. Petersburg alone could occupy an entire holiday between the Hermitage Museum, the golden cascade at Peterhof, Catherine Palace and its fabled Amber Room, the breathtaking mosaics inside the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, and evening performances at the Mariinsky Theatre. Travel south to Moscow and you’ll encounter Red Square, the Kremlin’s fortress walls, the Bolshoi Theatre, and some of the most ornate metro stations on the planet. Choose a river voyage between the two and you’ll uncover the Golden Ring towns of Uglich and Yaroslavl, the remarkable wooden churches of Kizhi Island, and tranquil villages dotted along the Volga. For the truly intrepid, expedition voyages push into Russia’s remote Arctic reaches and volcanic Far East. With so many incredible options, the best way to start is by talking to one of our cruise experts — we’ll narrow it down and find exactly the right fit for you. No fees, ever.

Pair Russia with Baltic Capitals

Many itineraries that call on Russia also weave through some of Northern Europe’s most enchanting capital cities — turning a single voyage into a multi-country adventure.

  • Helsinki – Seaside markets, island fortress Suomenlinna, and sleek Finnish design
  • Stockholm – Royal palaces, the cobblestoned Gamla Stan, and archipelago splendour
  • Tallinn – A fairy-tale medieval walled city with Gothic spires and winding lanes
  • Copenhagen – Colourful Nyhavn harbour, Tivoli Gardens, and world-class dining
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Find your specialty cruise today!

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

When to Cruise to Russia

Timing matters more for Russia than almost any other cruise destination, so choosing the right window can make or break your experience.

Peak Season (June – July): This is when St. Petersburg’s famed White Nights cast a near-midnight glow across the city. Temperatures hover between 60-75°F, outdoor festivals fill every square, and every attraction is open and in full swing. These sailings fill up quickly, so we recommend booking well ahead.

Shoulder Season (May & August – Early September): You’ll enjoy comfortable weather, noticeably thinner crowds at the Hermitage and Peterhof, and more attractive pricing. May showcases spring blooms along the rivers, while late August and September reward you with golden autumn colours.

Baltic Cruises: Sailings typically run from May through September, with June and July offering the longest daylight and warmest temperatures.

River Cruises: The inland waterway season stretches from May through October, with summer months providing the most reliable weather for exploring riverside villages and open-air churches.

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Why Book with Cruise Help

Expert Advisors

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

Exclusive Perks

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

Personalised Planning

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

Full Support

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

Russia Cruise FAQs

It depends on the type of voyage you choose and your nationality. On most Baltic Sea cruises, passengers can enter St. Petersburg visa-free for up to 72 hours as long as they participate in ship-sponsored or approved shore excursions. If you’d prefer to wander independently, you’ll need to apply for a Russian tourist visa ahead of time. River cruises that start or finish inside Russia generally require a visa for all passengers. Our expert advisors will clarify the exact requirements for your specific itinerary and timeline, so there are never any last-minute surprises.

Summer is the sweet spot — specifically May through September. June and July are the crown jewels of the season, coinciding with St. Petersburg’s White Nights when daylight stretches nearly around the clock. Daytime temperatures typically range from 60-75°F, making conditions comfortable for sightseeing. If you’re looking for a great rate with fewer crowds, May and late August deliver pleasant weather at a gentler price point. Our advisors can help you weigh the trade-offs and lock in the sailing that suits your priorities.

A Baltic Sea cruise brings you to St. Petersburg as part of a broader Northern European itinerary — think Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, and Copenhagen aboard a large ocean vessel over 7-14 nights. A Russian river cruise, on the other hand, is a focused journey along inland waterways connecting St. Petersburg and Moscow on a smaller, more intimate ship over 10-16 nights. River voyages stop at Golden Ring cities, centuries-old monasteries, and villages that ocean ships simply can’t reach. Both are remarkable — it really comes down to whether you’d prefer a sweeping multi-country overview or a deep immersion into Russia’s heartland. We’re happy to talk through both options with you.

Most Baltic itineraries include an overnight stay — sometimes even two nights — giving you close to two full days in the city. That extended time is essential, because St. Petersburg’s highlights could easily fill a week. From the vast galleries of the Hermitage to the cascading fountains at Peterhof, the ornate mosaics of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, and the grace of a classical ballet, there’s an extraordinary amount to take in. Our advisors can help you prioritise so you make the most of every hour ashore.

The must-see list begins with the Hermitage Museum — one of the largest art collections on earth, housing more than three million works. From there, the golden fountains of Peterhof Palace, the legendary Amber Room inside Catherine Palace, the mosaic-covered Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, the soaring dome of St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and the Peter and Paul Fortress all deserve a spot on your itinerary. A canal boat tour provides a wonderful perspective on the city’s architecture, and catching a ballet or opera performance is an experience you won’t forget. Share your interests with your advisor and we’ll help you build a day-by-day plan that covers exactly what excites you most.

Layering is key, even during summer. Temperatures can shift throughout the day, so pack a light waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes sturdy enough for cobblestones and extensive museum galleries, sunscreen for those long White Nights evenings, and a hat. Women may want a scarf or light shawl for visiting Russian Orthodox churches, where shoulders and knees should be covered. Bring your camera — the architecture is truly photogenic. For evenings onboard, smart-casual to formal wear is typical depending on your cruise line. Your advisor can provide a tailored packing checklist based on your exact sailing dates and ship.

A wide range of ocean cruise lines include St. Petersburg on their Baltic itineraries — Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America, Princess Cruises, and premium lines like Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Silversea, and Viking Ocean all offer sailings. For river voyages between St. Petersburg and Moscow, Viking River Cruises and Uniworld are among the most well-known operators. With so many options, our team of 23+ expert advisors will match you with the line that fits your preferences, travel style, and budget — and we never charge fees for our guidance.

Major cruise ports like St. Petersburg and Moscow are well-accustomed to welcoming international visitors and are generally safe for tourists. As with any overseas destination, standard travel awareness applies — keep valuables secure, stay oriented, and follow guidance from your cruise line or tour operator. Booking organised shore excursions adds an extra layer of convenience and peace of mind, especially for navigating a city where the local language uses a different alphabet. Your cruise advisor can offer destination-specific tips tailored to your itinerary.

That depends on your visa arrangement. If you’re entering visa-free through your Baltic cruise (for stays of up to 72 hours), you must be with a licensed guide or on an approved excursion for the duration of your time ashore. If you’ve obtained a Russian tourist visa before departure, you’re free to explore independently. Many travellers actually prefer guided tours here — especially at the Hermitage, where expert commentary transforms a walk through the galleries into something truly special. We can advise you on the approach that makes the most sense for your trip.

They absolutely can be — though Russia as a destination tends to resonate most with older children and teenagers who appreciate history, art, and architecture. Baltic Sea cruises on family-oriented lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian feature excellent kids’ clubs and onboard activities to keep younger travellers entertained on sea days. Ashore, the colourful onion domes, palatial grandeur, and dramatic stories of tsars and revolution capture the imagination of children across all ages. Share your family’s ages and interests with your advisor and we’ll recommend the most suitable itinerary and cruise line for your group.