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7th US-Russian Nursing Conference Cruise |
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Once on board you will especially appreciate the fact that you will not be burdened with packing and unpacking. Our ship serves as a "floating hotel" from which sightseeing is done, even while docked for 3 nights in both St. Petersburg and Moscow. Cruise Ship This 270 passenger river vessel was built in Germany and is specially designed for inland waterways cruising. It ranks among the best of the floating hotels of Europe. The ship has an up to date navigation system, and was built to the highest of international standards with modern amenities. Highly professional and experienced crew take great pride in their ship and maintain it in excellent condition. Cabins All cabins, except those located on the lower deck, are on the outside of the boat with full picture windows/port holes affording majestic views of the passing countryside. They also have passenger decks with a promenade walkway outside of the cabins. Every cabin has private shower/toilet facilities, individually controlled heating and air-conditioning, a small refrigerator and a large picture window, which can be opened.
Electrical current Electrical current abroad is 220 volts. If you plan to bring shavers, hair dryers or other appliances, you will need an all-purpose transformer to convert the current from 110 to 220 volt use. You will also need a set of universal adaptor plugs. There are European round two-pin outlets in every cabin and in the bathroom there is only a socket for an electric razor. There is no supply of converters or adapters aboard the ship. Meals All meals are served in the restaurant on the Upper Deck. Mealtime hours are coordinated with the timing of shore excursions and the sailing program. The exact time will be displayed on the information board. Meals are served in two settings. A three-course meal is served at both lunch and dinner. The cuisine is Russian/continental and set menus are provides. The food, while not gourmet, is basic - simple but good.
Dinner seating will be rotated daily for the purpose of interacting with the Russian nurses. Currency The Russian monetary unit is the Russian ruble (rub). One (1.00) USD is approximately 28 Rubles. Actual rate of exchange may be different and will be posted aboard the ship. Please note that our bar personnel can run a tab for you in the bars, and payment can be made at the end of the cruise by credit card. ATM machines are available in both Moscow and St. Petersburg, but not on the ship. The dollars you bring must be new currency without marks or torn edges. Please do not bring travelers checks, as they are very few places to cash them. Optional Tours Optional tours offered by the ship have to be paid in cash, using rubles or dollars. For those passengers who wish to use US dollars cash aboard the ship, conversion from Russian rubles to US dollars will be calculated based on the rate of exchange at the time of purchase. It is important that these denominations are new, clean, with no marks, stamps or rips (as such they will not be accepted). It is also suggested that you bring with you approximately USD $600-$800 per person to cover all of your extra expenses, such as optional tours and performances, souvenirs aboard and ashore, and items of personal nature and tips. Many people spend more than this, as they love shopping for Russian souvenirs. Laundry Facilities Washing and ironing facilities are available on board. Dry cleaning, however, is not available on the ship. Please therefore pack accordingly. As with other services, laundry charges must be paid for at the time of service. Beauty Salon A fully equipped beauty salon is locate on the Main Deck, with hairstyling services for both men and women. It is open daily throughout the cruise; however you are advices to make appointments in advance. Doctor A qualified Russian physician is available on board our ship. A charge 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 cannot provide care to people with conditions requiring specialized expertise or be evacuated to a medical care facility ashore at the passenger's own expense. Existing medical problems, which may require treatment by the vessel's physician must be brought to the attention at the time of booking. The boat company owners' shall not be liable for any act or omission of the physician and/or nurse. If you require special medicines, its is essential that you bring them with your from home, as only a limited range of medicines are available in Russia. Facilities Please note there are no elevators or swimming pools aboard the ship. Gift Shop The vessels feature gift shops with a full selection of Russian handcrafts and other souvenir items. Reading Room There is a reading room on board, a peaceful place where you can read a book or play cards undisturbed. Communications There is no international telephone, fax or telex aboard the Russian ship. These facilities are available in the major tourist hotels or the large cities. Payment is in dollars and can be quite expensive as some hotels charge as much as $12 per minute for an overseas telephone call plus an additional charge for a nonresident of the hotel. Access to e-mail is not available on the boat; it is available through Internet Cafes located in the larger cities of Novgorod, St Petersburg and Moscow. As we visit other towns and cities on the boat cruise, Internet Cafes may be available. Health Considerations Physical disabilities must be reported at the time of booking. Most cabin doorways and public bathrooms are not wide enough to allow access by standard wheelchairs. Passengers confined to wheelchairs must provide their own collapsible chair, and may find certain areas of the ship inaccessible. Prospective passengers with physical impairments must therefore be self-sufficient, since services of a personal nature cannot be provided by the boat crew (or vessel’s staff). Cultural Performances No visit to Russia would be complete without a visit to the ballet, opera, folklore show and world-famous circus. Tickets are marked in rubles and locals pay in rubles for their tickets. What is more, they pay far less than foreign tourists. This situation seems unfair and has led to a Black Market in tickets. Such tickets are attractively priced but you run the risk of being caught by the police, of getting a forgery or a seat with a poor view and the dollars you pay go to the Black Marketers and not to the theater. Your Boat Cruise Director will let you know what performances are being offered in Moscow and St Petersburg during your tour, and will obtain tickets on your behalf. Tickets are bought through an official ticket office. Prices may seem high in comparison to the ruble price but your seat is guaranteed and as foreign visitors you must pay the price the government demands. For further information, please contact: |
Copyright 2005 |