Having sailed with Viking River Cruises numerous times in the beyond, we already had pre-conceived ideas of what to expect on our thirteen-day Waterways of the Czars cruise from St. Petersburg to Moscow. We even did some pre-cruise studies online by way of analyzing critiques on different websites from others who had been in this identical cruise and delivered. The evaluations had been combined, so we had been thinking about our expectancies, which had been based totally on our very own beyond experience with Viking River Cruises.

THE SHIP

When we first approached Viking Ingvar docked in St. Petersburg, the first component that struck us turned into how a whole lot large it became than different riverboats on which we’ve got sailed. Unlike Viking River Cruises’ European ships, which commonly carry a hundred and fifty visitors (new “longships” deliver 190), Viking Ingvar contains as much as 206 visitors. The delivery became completely refurbished in 2011, and they are now not kidding when they say “completely.” The situation of the ship was one of our worries after studying some of the reviews. However, whilst we stepped aboard Viking Ingvar, it looked like a modern ship! You would by no means know that this ship was released in 1989. The Scandinavian, modern-day indoors with light-colored woods may also appear sterile to a few. However, it oozes cutting-edge and newness.

Ships that sail in Russia must be constructed in Russia, so Viking River Cruises is relatively restricted to the Russian-constructed ship’s authentic layout and floorplan. However, while this delivery was first built throughout the Soviet Union generation, it was designed to hold more than 424 guests! Needless to say, the Soviets had been now not huge on creature comforts. Here is what you may discover on each deck:

Internet get admission to is complimentary and to be had 24 hours a day via the two laptops in the Internet Cafe at the Main Deck, or, by using the deliver’s Wi-Fi together with your personal computer or Wi-Fi successful device. Without question, the Internet service on Viking Ingvar becomes palms-down the nice I even have skilled on any river cruise. What a pleasing surprise! I changed into posting my each day blog every day and preserving up with e-mail, no hassle. Of route, like all river cruise, there had been instances whilst the service became dropped. Whenever a ship goes via a lock, as an instance, that is just a technical reality of river cruising. Also, whilst we were ways north on Lake Onega, the provider becomes unavailable for a protracted duration. Other than that, I have no proceedings. Not most effective was Internet available all through the ship, even in our stateroom, connection speeds have been the first-rate. Good activity!

Smoking isn’t always accredited everywhere in the boat. Smoking is allowed in certain regions on the out of doors decks.

With the popularity of river cruising, it is not uncommon to have several ships dock at the same pier side-by way of-aspect, tying up to each other, making it necessary to walk through the foyer of one or greater other ships to get to the shore. So, earlier than you open your curtains, be conscious which you are probably eye-to-eye with the occupants at the delivery. This is tied up in your ship! Viking Helgi becomes sailing the equal itinerary we had been, so it turned into commonplace to must stroll via her lobby. Since she looks simply the same as Viking Ingvar, you had to take note of making sure you were on the correct delivery. At one location on our itinerary, I think we had to stroll thru as a minimum of 4 ships to get to the shore, and there have been ships on the opposite facet people whose passengers had to walk thru more than five ships!

ACCOMMODATIONS

Our class AX Deluxe stateroom #415 is located on the Upper Deck of Viking Ingvar. According to the Viking River Cruises literature, the stateroom has one hundred sixty sq. Toes. I forgot to percent my tape degree, so that I will take their phrase for it. The stateroom does sense large than preceding Viking River Cruises cabins. Like Viking Ingvar’s relaxation, the staterooms underwent whole healing in 2011, and it’s miles obvious. The cabin looks modern-day. In truth, the photos on their internet site do not show the brand new mattress linens, which consist of relaxed European-style duvets.

Because of the delivery’s shape, there’s a submit inside the center of our room. It becomes peculiar to peer it initially, but after a day, you don’t even word it. There is a massive photograph window at the again wall that looks out over a prom deck. You can virtually open this window by twisting the handle at the top and sliding the window down. This became a brilliant characteristic for taking photographs from the stateroom. Just take into account that your window opens onto a public prom! Also, there may be no screen on the window, so be careful no longer to allow any flying insects in. In 2013, the ship could be undergoing greater renovations to convert that promenade into individual verandas for the staterooms.

The two twin beds (blended to shape a queen-sized mattress in our case) are on one wall with stop tables established to the wall. Each gives up desk is largely a small table pinnacle and a single shelf for storage. There are light switches after every mattress to manipulate the person studying light and other cabin lighting fixtures. There is likewise a 220 outlet above each night time stand. The beds are firm but secure, and the brand new linens, duvets, and pillows are very comfy. There are masses of room beneath the beds to save empty bags.

On the wall dealing with the beds is an extended table/enjoyment/bar console. There is lots of tabletop area on your laptop, cameras, or other private gadgets. A bowl of fruit and complimentary bottled water may be located right here as well. You may also find a telephone and the Quiet Vox charging station positioned right here. A massive mirror above the desk permits this place for use as a conceitedness. There is a small stool below wherein you can take a seat and place makeup or paintings on your pc. Ingvar’s designers did a perfect process of which includes lots of electrical stores. There are two 220 Euro-fashion shops at the desk and an unmarried a hundred and ten US-style outlets. As long as you p.C. With a few Euro-to-US prong adapters, you ought to be excellent to head! One element Rickee might have preferred to have had turned into a magnifying makeup mirror at the table. There become plenty of room for it and even shops for the plug if it had been a lighted magnifying replicate. That might be a tremendous addition!

As for the garage, there may be a respectable-sized closet to maintain your putting items and sufficient area underneath for footwear. A large shelf above the hangers is some other area for the garage of objects. The only drawer within the stateroom is the small drawer underneath the desk. Designers opted for shelves rather than drawers. There are 3 open shelves next to the mini-fridge. On both aspects of the desk, there’s a three-shelf unit at the back of hinged doorways. The use of cabinets as opposed to drawers is most likely to preserve cabin noise to a minimum. If you have ever been awaking by the sound of slamming drawers, you may respect the usage of shelves. There are also four hooks on the cabin door’s return, ideal for placing jackets, caps, backpacks, and many others. Because of the published in our room, there is no other table. However, there is a chair.

The restroom is quite standard. There is a nice-sized bath stall with a curtain. A small vanity top and a three-shelf reflected remedy cupboard offer lots of space for most private objects. There is likewise a shelf under the sink/vanity. The sink is large and has a brand new, cutting-edge faucet. All lavatory furnishings look brand new, and the whole lot worked perfectly. And, Ingvar’s engineers have found out how to make a deliver’s toilet flush without the sound of a jet engine at complete pace! The vacuum machine is whisper quiet. Robes and slippers are available upon request. Nice L’Occitane facilities are provided within the bathroom and replenished as wanted.