3 Best Cruises to Russia for 2024-2025

Name: Russia Tours & Travel
Brand: Adventure Life
Rating: 4.8 (378 reviews)

2 Best Travel Deals to Russia for 2024-2025

Trip Name	Save	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Traversing the Northwest Passage	Savings	$44395	29	Aug 27, 2025	Join this 29-day Northwest Passage expedition aboard Sylvia Earle and encounter enigmatic Arctic wildlife, including walrus, beluga whale, polar … 0
Traversing the Northwest Passage	Custom Label	$50995	29	Aug 20, 2026	Join this 29-day expedition from Toronto to Anchorage aboard the Greg Mortimer. Navigate the Northwest Passage, explore historic sites, meet locals, … 0

Russia Cruises

3 Best Luxury Cruises of Russia for 2024-2025

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Lofoten, Bear Island & Svalbard	$6290	11	May 3, 2025	Join this 111-day expedition cruise aboard M/S Quest to Lofoten, Bear Island, and Svalbard. It's a busy time of year for wildlife in northern Norway! … 0
Traversing the Northwest Passage	$50995	29	Aug 20, 2026	Join this 29-day expedition from Toronto to Anchorage aboard the Greg Mortimer. Navigate the Northwest Passage, explore historic sites, meet locals, … 0
Traversing the Northwest Passage	$44395	29	Aug 27, 2025	Join this 29-day Northwest Passage expedition aboard Sylvia Earle and encounter enigmatic Arctic wildlife, including walrus, beluga whale, polar … 0

Russia Ships

Top 5 Expedition Ships Cruising Russia in 2024-2025

Ship Name	Max Passengers	From	Summary
National Geographic Orion	102	$9800	The creation of the National Geographic Orion in 2003 heralds a new breed of expedition ship: a state-of-the-art vessel which combines the latest … 0
Le Jacques Cartier	188	$6960	Indulge in an intimate cruise with the opportunity to visit an ever-expanding choice of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. … 0

Russia's Cruising Regions

St Petersburg

The former Russian capital is now a bustling city merging the past with the future. Explore Russian architecture, museums and a proud culture as you stop on your cruise around the Baltic Sea and Scandinavia.

Russian Far East

Explore the Russian Arctic on an icebreaker or expedition cruise visiting Siberia and Kamchatka, or venture across the Bering Sea to Alaska and Canada.

A herd of arctic caribou feed through the snow.

Kamchatka

The long volcanic-formed Kamchatka peninsula in Russia's far East is one of the world's most remote and least visited regions and is home to several groups of indigenous people that continue their ways in the spectacular Arctic wilderness.

A mother polar bear and her young relax on the Arctic landscape

Franz Josef Land

Located in the Arctic Ocean and normally accessed by Norway's Svalbard Island, the Russian archipelago named Franz Josef Land is an Arctic wilderness where Polar Bears and other quintessential High Arctic wildlife, such as Polar bears, walruses, and beluga whales flourish.

North Pole

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to the North Pole on a two-week icebreaker ship cruise. Look out for the various wildlife, including polar bears and many whale species. Discover Franz Josef Land, a Russian arctic archipelago home to vast glaciers and unusual wildlife as you sail along.

All Russia Articles

Russia Travel Guide

A cluster of multicolored matryoshka dolls.

Russia Overview

Russia is a relatively new tourist destination, since the country was closed to conventional travelers by communist leadership until only recently. Flourishing arts and literature, centuries old traditions, untouched terrain, and resilient people who are attempting to re-establish their heritage all result in a unique experience for visitors.

Come see a part of our globe that is largely unknown to most travelers. As your icebreaker crosses through the frozen Arctic waters, you will traverse tundras through a land born of fire and ice.

Since most people don't think of Russia as a cruise destination, you'll see remote regions, where sweeping landscapes and isolated villages dot the sparse environment.

On your trip, you will likely:

Hike volcanic landscapes in the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is one of the most active plate boundaries in the world.
Tour St. Petersberg - For over 200 years, this was the capital of the Russian Empire, home to Pavlovski Palace, Peter & Paul Fortress, the Pushkin Museum,Saint Isaac’s Cathedral. Even today, it is considered Russia's major cultural center.
Visit the Kamchatka Peninsula - This is one of the most pristine wildernesses in all of Russia, home to brown bears, magnificent bird species, protected wilderness reserves, and incredible marine life around the Aleutian chain, including several species of whales, sea lions, and otters.
Explore Siberia, where secluded villages offer incredible birdwatching opportunities.

One of the great advantages of a Russian cruise is how easily it combines with cruises to other destinations in Eastern Europe & the Arctic, such as:
Journey Across the Bering Sea to Alaska.
Visit Turkey, Georgia, Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria as you circumnavigating the Black Sea
Cross the Northeast Passage on an icebreaker ship.

Arctic Cruise: When to Go?

Though the austere Arctic landscape is often imagined to be a cold white wasteland, the brief months of summer see the flora blossoming and the fauna emerging from their long winter dormancy. Find out the best time to visit the Arctic based on your interests and expectations.

Polar bear balances on the ice in the Arctic

Wildlife Guide to Polar Regions

Which Polar region is home to penguins? Or how about those elusive narwhals? Before your travels, it will be helpful to learn more about the different species that inhabit the Polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctica. You may be surprised to learn the differences!

Arriving to your destination in Russia
Our cruises and expeditions through Russia visit a diversity of destinations, so we're happy to help you arrange your flights or transportation.

Cruises through Russia often originate in other countries in Europe, and some even start in Japan. Scandinavia is a common embarking point for many Russian expeditions, including ports in Helsinki, Finland; Copenhagen, Denmark; and other major coastal cities. Several originate in Tokyo, Japan.

You will have to get a flight to the city where your cruise departs. We recommend booking your flight with at least one day to spend in the city before your cruise departs.

A fair portion of our tours also start in Russia. Considering the country's immesne size and vast expanses of Arctic tundra, it's important to fly into the closest international airport. Common destinations include:

St. Petersburg
Siberia
Kamchatka Peninsula

Best time to visit Russia

The best time to visit Russia is during the summer from June to September, with July being the hottest month in most parts of Russia. The days are warm and long and the country is alive with activity after the cold winter months.

Top Russia Ports of Call

Moscow, St. Petersburg, the Arctic Circle, and Kizhi Island are some of the historic and natural ports of call that await those who take cruises in Russia.

Russia Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to travel to Russia?
Yes, if you are traveling from the United States, most countries in western Europe, Australia & New Zealand, and South Africa. This list is not exhaustive, and you should check with your local government department of state. You will likely also need a Visa Support Letter (Letter of Invitation) to file for a visa. Let us know if you would like guidance with this process.

Is tipping customary in Russia?
Tipping is not required, but if you would like to leave spare change that is up to you. You may find a 10% service charge on your restaurant bill. Otherwise it is at your discretion.

What is the internet access like in Russia?
Unless you're in a big city like Moscow or St. Petersburg, where cyber cafes are common, it is not likely that you will have internet access. While some cruise ships offer WiFi, it isn't common and they are often out of range anyway. There is not generally coverage in the more rural areas.

Can I use my cell phone while in Russia?
You can find coverage in the major cities and destinations of Russia, but in the more rural areas and on most cruises you will be out of range. Before leaving home, talk with your service carrier about activating global roaming.

Do I need a power adapter/ converter?
Russia has 220-240 volt electricity with Europlug or Schuko sockets. You will need to have an adapter for Type C & Type E/F European CEE sockets. If your appliances are not equipped for 220+ volts, then you will need to bring a power converter as well, so make sure to check.

What are the toilets like in Russia?
Toilets in Russia vary - if you are in the major cities or on a cruise ship, you will have modern flushing toilets. In the rural areas and remote visitor sites, it is possible that you will only have access to squat toilets. It's advisable to always be prepared with hand sanitizer and a small amount of toilet paper in case it is not provided. Some public restrooms do charge a small fee for use.

Approximately what will it cost for:
Public transportation - $0.50
Internet access - $2/hour
Bottle of beer - $0.80
Snack - $4.00
Dinner - $22.00

Can I drink the water in Russia?
You should not drink the tap water in Russia, and avoiding bottled water helps reduce waste. You will always have access to clean, filtered water throughout your Adventure Life itinerary, but if you plan independent day trips, remember to peel all fruit and ask for your drinks without ice.

What is the most common way of paying for things in Russia?
Russia's currency is the Rouble (ECB), and 1USD is approximately 59 ECB. Most hotels, restaurants, and shops will accept international credit cards, and ATMs are common and reliable in the bigger cities. However in smaller or more remote towns or in small shops and vendors, you might not be able to use your credit card or find an ATM. It's good to have some cash on hand in these situations.

Should I purchase travel insurance for my trip?
We always recommend that you purchase travel insurance before traveling. Check out this page for more information on Travel Insurance.

Russia Expedition Cruises