MS Rostropovich Review

4.0 / 5.0
4 reviews
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Editor Rating
4.0
Very Good
Overall
Jeannine Williamson
Contributor

The 212-passenger MS Rostropovich -- named after the famous Russian cellist and conductor -- is one of nine ships in the international fleet run by Vodohod, the largest river cruise operator in Russia.

Vodohod, which was founded in 2004 and used the brand name Best Russian Cruises, purchased the Czech-built vessel and had it completely refurbished in Russia. It is branded as a one of the line's two "five star" ships, and although the decor in some areas is a little old fashioned, it is a very comfortable vessel with a very light and airy atrium -- a marked contrast to some of the rather dark and gloomy vessels that also ply the Russian waterways.

All cabins on the four-deck ship are outside and those on the upper three decks have sizable balconies -- a standout feature for a river vessel. Ships in Russia are not limited in size in the same way as those sailing on rivers with low bridges and narrow locks, such as the Rhine and Danube, and are therefore much more spacious. As a result, many of the 106 cabins -- which range in size from 125 square feet to 322 square feet -- are much larger than you would find on ships sailing on other European waterways. The ship never feels crowded.

Cruises on MS Rostropovich are sold through tour operators, including U.S.-based Gate I Travel, and offer excellent value-for-money, particularly for passengers seeking a really in-depth and cultural Russian experience. The onboard enrichment progam is outstanding, covering everything from a light-hearted Russian doll painting class and a vodka tasting tea party to poetry recitals and illuminating talks on all aspects of Russian history, politics, economics and day-to-day life.

The ship has two restaurants, two lounges and amenities including a small gym and game room. It also has an elevator serving all four passenger decks, including the Sun Deck -- another big plus for a rivership -- and offers free Wi-Fi.

The main onboard languages are English and French and announcements, menus and printed information is in English. There is a dedicated English-speaking host who accompanies passengers on shore excursions and is always available to help and answer any questions.

MS Rostropovich sails on the Moscow Canal, Volga and Russian waterways, most typically a seven-night itinerary between Moscow and Saint Petersburg or in reverse, from May to October.

Pros

Immersive cultural cruising with an outstanding enrichment program

Cons

Assigned dining; pre-ordered dinners

Bottom Line

Value-for-money cruising provides an authentic and in-depth experience

About

Passengers: 212
Crew: 108
Passenger to Crew: 1.96:1
Launched: 2004

Fellow Passengers

Vodohod attracts a very international audience and -- for river cruising -- a broad age range of passengers. The majority are over the age of 50 -- mainly couples, groups of friends and some singles. However, the line also attracts multigenerational families with children. Vodohod has a partnership with the French-owned river cruise line CroisiEurope so the French tend to make up the largest single nationality. The rest of the passengers will come from a variety of countries around the world so your shipmates might include travelers from the U.S., U.K. and mainland Europe, Hong Kong and Brazil, to name just a few. This creates a very cosmopolitan onboard atmosphere.

MS Rostropovich Dress Code

There is no set dress code and most passengers opt for casual attire. Most tours involve a considerable amount of walking, so comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are essential. Jeans, casual pants, T-shirts and sweaters are ideal to wear onboard and for shore excursions. Weather in Russia can be changeable, even in summer, so it is a good idea to bring layers, plus a hat, light rain jacket and umbrella.

It is important to note that visits to Orthodox churches and monasteries requires observing certain regulations, such as wearing pants for men -- no shorts -- and longer dresses or pants for women and tops that cover shoulders and upper parts of the arm. In theory, headscarves should also be worn but this didn't appear to be enforced. Many religious sites also have scarves at the entrance that women can borrow freely. To be on the safe side, it is best to carry one in your purse or rucksack.

Evenings on the ship tend to be smart casual, but there is no requirement to dress up and some passengers wear jeans and T-shirts while others change into something a little smarter. For dressier occasions, such as the captain's dinner or evening out at a concert or ballet, some women wear elegant dresses and men put on dress shirts -- some with ties -- and jackets.

MS Rostropovich Inclusions

Vodohod fares cover all meals and snacks, daily excursions, two daily bottles of water per cabin (which can be topped up from a water cooler), Wi-Fi and the services of a dedicated English-speaking host.

The onboard currency is the Russian ruble. Gratuities are not included in the fare and tips are discretionary with the recommended amount the equivalent of $12 per person, per day, which is shared equally between crew members. Tips have to be paid in cash and left in the designated box, which is put on the reception desk a few days before the end of the sailing. Passengers are also welcome to tip individual crew members direct. Many nationalities do not share the same tipping culture as North Americans and there are no guidelines for tipping local guides and drivers who do not openly expect tips. If American passengers wish to give a small amount in local currency, it will be accepted with gratitude.

Currency exchange is not available onboard and passengers can exchange cash at banks in large towns and cities (banks may require you to show your passport) or withdraw money from ATMs that can be found in all the larger destinations visited.

MS Rostropovich operates a cashless system -- aside from laundry services -- and all onboard expenditures, such as in the bar and shop, are added to the ship's account by using the red payment card, which is separate to the cabin keycard. Final accounts can be settled by Mastercard or Visa. Cash payments can only be made in rubles. Note: American Express is not accepted.

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MS Rostropovich Cruiser Reviews

Fabulous river cruise - Moscow to St Petersberg - August 2019

We had a brilliant river cruise on the MS Rostropovitch August 2019 from Moscow to St Petersberg. The ship is very clean and the staff are excellent!Read More
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balshilady

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 60s

Wonderful river cruise

The ship had separate activities for all language groups (English, Russian, French, Chinese, etc.We had a retired professor lecturing on Russian history and he did a great job.Read More
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Senior Citizen

many10+ Cruises

Age 70s

Very Russian - proud and friendly people - simple food - cool villages

The food was simple (I could have done without the low grade cavier and vodka at the vodka tasting) - but each night it was a different part of Russia that was being featured - so hints of the Ukraine one night - dorato fish to remind me of the northern part of Russia, and so on.The down side of that is that there was only one stairway to get there - at the back of the ship.Read More
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iNegotiate

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 50s

Vodohod Fleet
MS Rostropovich
Lev Tolstoy

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