- 2 deluxe suites, 2 suites, 6 deluxe doubles, 93 doubles, and 17 singles
- All cabins are outside and have a promenade walkway outside the cabin (except Lower Deck cabins).
- Every cabin has a private nautical-style toilet/shower combination, centrally controlled heating and air-conditioning, mini-refrigerator, a large picture window which can be opened (except Lower Deck cabins, which have portholes), and twin beds that convert to seating during the day.
- Cabins are outfitted with 220 volt sockets.
- Cuisine on board ship is a combination of basic, hearty Russian fare as well as international dishes. Set menu choices are provided. There is no smoking allowed in the dining room.
- A qualified Russian physician is available on board. Customary charges, payable in rubles, will be made for all medical care and services. Medical facilities and personnel are equipped to provide basic medical care.
- A safe is available at the Reception Desk for storage of valuables.
Notes on the Nikolay Chernyshevsky
While the ms Nikolay Chernyshevsky is one of the better ships in Russia, she does not provide as many amenities as the Vantage Deluxe river cruise ships in Europe. Cabins are basic and functional.
All cabins are non-smoking. Smoking is permitted only in the outdoor public areas.
It is not advisable to drink tap water on board the Nikolay Chernyshevsky. Bottled water will be provided at all meals and in your cabin daily. It is also not advisable to drink tap water anywhere in Russia. Bottled water is sold on board ship and at kiosks in all Russian cities and towns visited.
The Nikolay Chernyshevsky is NOT wheelchair accessible, and elevators are not available to transport passengers between decks. Passengers must use stairs to get to their cabins, restaurant, and the upper deck.
Cabins are not equipped with televisions or telephones.
The ms Nikolay Chernyshevsky is the perfect way to see Russia’s inland waterways and experience the country’s enigmatic culture. Named after a famous 19th-century writer, the ms Nikolay Chernyshevsky was built in East Germany in 1981 and underwent renovation in 2002. The ship boasts a spacious sun deck, where you can relax and enjoy the passing panorama of lush countryside, charming towns, and onion-domed cathedrals as you make your way from one fascinating port to the next.
The ms Nikolay Chernyshevsky can accommodate up to 253 passengers, so you enjoy the friendliness of a small ship without sacrificing the convenience and amenities of a larger vessel. Public areas include a restaurant/
music bar, coffee bar, cocktail bar, conference hall, sauna, available laundry service, ironing room, sundeck, fitness room, gift shop, and medical room. A hairdresser is also available on board at certain port of calls (see daily onboard program for details) Plus, all of the ship’s cabins are outside and have a large picture window (lower cabins have portholes), climate control, mini-refrigerator, hairdryer, wardrobe, and private bathroom with nautical-style shower and toilet combination.
While aboard the ms Nikolay Chernyshevsky, all your meals are included and are served in one sitting (although lunches may be served as buffet), allowing for a leisurely dining experience. The menu features continental cuisine, as well as traditional Russian favorites like blini (pancakes) and caviar. The atmosphere in the dining rooms and throughout the ms Nikolay Chernyshevsky is casual — meaning no formal evenings, just the intimate atmosphere of a warm, relaxed shipboard environment. Plus you’ll enjoy a number of onboard activities which will allow an even better insight into the Russian culture.
You can get acquainted with Russian history and culture through onboard lectures; dance the night away in the dance lounge; or practice your Russian in an informal class. You’ll also be treated to live folkloric music performances. Whether you choose to spend your time on board participating in activities, relaxing in one of the lounges, or taking in the view from the sweeping sun deck, you’re sure to enjoy the Russian experience aboard this ship.
General Information
Cabins
All cabins are outside and have a promenade walkway outside the cabins (except cabins on Lower Deck). Every cabin has a private nautical-style toilet/shower combination, centrally controlled heating and air-conditioning, mini-refrigerator (not stocked), hair dryer, a large picture window which can be opened (except cabins on Lower Deck, which have portholes), and twin beds. There is no telephone in the cabins, although there is an ship intercom for onboard announcements. For wake up calls, the reception desk will arrange a knock on your door at your requested wake up time.
NOTE: Interior access to all cabin decks and dining rooms is only by way of stairs that are fore and aft of the ship. There is no elevator onboard.
Clothing
Dress is informal (casual, comfortable clothes are appropriate) in the dining room and on board. The only times you may wish to “dress up” are for the Welcome and Farewell Dinners which are semi-formal. On these occasions, a jacket and tie for the gentlemen and a cocktail dress or dressy pantsuit for the ladies is appropriate.
Communications
There is no international telephone or fax on board. Telephone cards are not sold at the reception desk.
Currency On Board
PLEASE NOTE: The onboard currency is the Russian ruble, and it is not possible to exchange U.S. dollars into Russian rubles on board the ship. Cash transactions for all onboard services must be paid for in Russian rubles. Laundry Services, Hair Salon, Medical Treatments, telephone cards and postage are all paid in Russian rubles, except the Hair Salon may also be paid by credit card, and billed to your state room.
Credit cards (Master Card and Visa only) are only accepted for a cashless bar system, optional tours, and gift shop purchases.
Gratuities for the ship’s crew and staff are paid in Russian rubles (preferred) or U.S. dollars. Credit Card payments, personal checks or traveler checks cannot be used for shipboard gratuities.
We recommend that you convert sufficient U.S. dollars into rubles at the airport upon arrival in Russia as you will only be able to charge your bar account, optional tours and gift shop purchases on board the ship.
For credit card usage during your stay in Russia, be sure to notify your bank and credit card companies the dates that you will be traveling in Russia. Travellers Checks are not cashed or exchanged on board the ship. In Russia it is almost impossible to cash Travellers Checks. ATM Bank Cards and Pre Paid Cash Cards are the convenient, widely used and the most secure ways to get cash in Russia.
Note: In Russia, for U.S. dollar cash transactions or exchange, currency that is torn, marked or especially worn, may be refused by vendors, currency exchange services and banks.
Dining
Buffet breakfast on board the ship is served in the main (Volga) restaurant, located on the Middle Deck. Lunch and dinner are served in both the Volga Restaurant (Middle Deck) and the Neva Bar/Restaurant, which is located on the Boat Deck. Mealtime hours are coordinated with the timing of shore excursions and sailing program. The exact times will be displayed on the information board. Meals are served in one sitting. A three-course meal is served at both lunch and dinner (for some tours in Moscow and St. Petersburg box meals are provided). The cuisine is a combination of basic, hearty Russian fare as well as international dishes. Set menu choices are provided. There is no smoking allowed in the dining room.
Vantage guests receive complimentary tea & coffee in the small bar in the middle deck of the ship.
Doctor
A qualified Russian physician is available on board; services are payable in rubles or by credit card (Visa or Mastercard only). Customary charges will be made for all medical care and services. Please note that the medical facilities and personnel are only equipped to provide basic medical care. The personnel can not offer care for conditions requiring specialized expertise or equipment. Passengers with such conditions, or in the event of an emergency, may be evacuated to a medical care facility ashore at the passenger’s own expense. If you require special medicines, it is essential that you bring them with you from home, as only a limited range of medicines is available in Russia.
Electric Current
Electrical current on board is 220 volts, and electrical sockets are located near the table or bed. You should bring an all-purpose converter and plug adapter to convert the current as there are no converters available on board. These converters are available at most major American department stores.
Fitness Room
The fitness room is equipped with free weights, a stair stepper, and an elliptical machine.
Gift Shop
There is a gift area on board with a selection of Russian handicrafts and other souvenir items on board the ship. Toiletries and film can be purchased here, as well as at the reception area. (See “Currency On Board” section above)
Laundry
Laundry service is available and must be paid for at the time of service in rubles at delivery. Dry cleaning is not available. No laundry service is available on the day prior to your disembarkation.
Special Meals
The ship will do our best to try to to accommodate vegetarians or requests, but are not guaranteed. We regret that we are unable to accommodate low-salt or no-fat requests on board.
Valuables
Your valuables can be stored in the safe located at the reception area. Your vacation has been designed to be cultural. Vantage recommends that valuable jewelry be left at home. For your security, your passport will be collected when you board the ship.
Water
It is not advisable to drink the tap water on board. Bottled water will be provided in pitchers at all meals. One bottled water per person will be provided in your cabin daily. Additional bottled water is sold on board at the bars and from kiosks in all Russian cities and towns. It also is not advisable to drink tap water anywhere in Russia.
Entertainment/Activities
Musical performances, language lessons, and lectures are provided on board. Times and locations will be provided in your onboard Daily Program by ship.
Smoking Policy
All cabins are non-smoking; smoking is permitted only in the outdoor public deck areas.
Handicap Accessibility
Please note that the ms Nikolay Chernyshevsky is not handicapped or wheelchair accessible; no elevators are available to transport passengers between decks — all passengers must use the stairs to access the upper decks and the restaurant. In addition, included and optional tour participation requires extensive walking and the ability to climb stairs. |