For the first time, a river cruise will connect St. Petersburg with a popular destination both for Russians and foreigners, the city of Veliky Novgorod, a place that lays claim to being the first Russian capital. Within a six-day itinerary, a call in Staraya Ladoga, another first Russian capital (yes, we have two of them) as well as other lovely provincial towns of Tikhvin, Volkhov, and Staraya Russa are offered.
In summer 2022, The Princess Anabella, a river cruise ship, will be deployed in a few itineraries in Russian rivers and lakes in the south and northwest of the country.
From July 6 to August 28, the vessel will be sailing on closed-loop cruises from St. Petersburg, including such destinations as Shlisselburg, Staraya Ladoga, and Veliky Novgorod.
Dedicated cruises to Staraya Ladoga from St. Petersburg were launched in 2020.
From July 18 to August 23, there will be seven consecutive six-day cruises St. Petersburg — Staraya Ladoga — Veliky Novgorod — Staraya Ladoga — St. Petersburg.
Thanks to her relatively small size, the Princess Anabella fits the depths of the rather shallow Volkhov river on the shores of which Veliky Novgorod stands.
While in Veliky Novgorod and Staraya Ladoga, guests will be offered bus excursions to the towns of Volkhov, Staraya Russa, and Tikhvin, filled with churches and monasteries and the tales of Russian history. Staraya Russa is widely known as the place where Fyodor Dostoevsky spent his last years and finished The Brothers Karamazov.
Staraya Ladoga is the site of one of the oldest fortresses in Russia and some sacred places for Russian history dating back to even pre-Christian times. Veliky Novgorod has a rather big and beautiful Kremlin with numerous museums. Both cities are the sites of extensive and intensive archaeological works.
While the small size of the Princess Anabella is her advantage concerning the depths of the Volkhov river, it turns out to be a drawback regarding the comfort of guests. Built back in 1972 in the Netherlands, it was designed and initially served as a hospital ship. It has no promenade deck, offering only a rather limited open air space in the aft and few entertainments onboard. Though a panoramic view restaurant and a spacious lounge bar with live music can compensate for this to some degree.
Price for the St. Petersburg — Staraya Ladoga — Veliky Novgorod — Staraya Ladoga — St. Petersburg cruise starts from 57,000 rubles per person.
See other options on how to get to Veliky Novgorod from St. Petersburg.
