Rooms: Adequate for two people. Did not upgrade to a room with a balcony, but found that it was not needed. Rooms were immaculate and well kept and supplied. Towels, pillows and toilet tissues were always full. Very nice bedding and comfy bed. Bathroom adequate and similar in size to other cruise lines. Room had one operable window so we were able to get fresh air. Overall the boat was extremely clean. The crew shampooed all of the exterior spaces and washed down all of the railings daily.

Doctor: The doctor on board did not speak English, but the on-board guides were always available to translate. Injuries and illnesses were treated immediately and with professionalism.

Meals: We found that the food exceeded our expectations. Salad/Starter, Soup, entree, and desert were served for both lunch and dinner. The food was a combination of international and Russian cuisine. There were two soup and three entree options available at each meal. Entree selection generally included a meat (pork, beef, lamb or chicken) and a fish. Although other reviewers found that there was excessive fried foods, we found that there were few fried entrees and that the food was flavorful and the servings were adequate in size. Soups and salads were great and an assortment of cheeses and breads were available. Desert selection was always a cake or pie or ice cream. Vegetarian offerings were available at every meal. The breakfast buffet was hot and always included Russian favorites such as bliny's. Seating in the big dining room can be noisy and cramped. Large groups need to be aware of their impact on other travelers. Read more