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Russia River Cruises Dwindling

By on November 14, 2014

Russia River Cruises Taking a Hit

The other day I wrote about AmaWaterways canceling all of its Russia river cruises in 2015. More cruise lines are joining that party.

Viking River Cruises and Uniworld also have cut back their Russia river cruises in 2015. Viking will only run three of its five ships in Russia in 2015 — the Viking Helgi, Viking Truvor and Viking Ingvar. Uniworld is cutting its cruises on the River Victoria by two thirds, going from 12 scheduled departures to four.

I think it’s for the better. Right now Russia doesn’t seem like the safest vacation destination. Unless of course you like an international crises and general geopolitical tensions.

The Best European River cruisesThe first Russian River Cruise ship

It’s Not Just Russia River Cruises. Russia will be hosting the 2018 World Cup but there’s been a ground swell to strip Russia of the World Cup or boycott the event. Oy. Seems like no one wants to go to Russia.

Back in March Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula. Then, in July, Malaysian Airlines Flight MH 17 went down in a fiery crash as it flew over rebel-held territory in eastern Ukraine.  There’s strong belief that the plane was shot down by a surface-to-air missile.

And then earlier this month Russia-backed rebel separatist leaders in two eastern Ukraine states declared victory in local elections. The results were cheered by Russia and roundly booed by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Western countries.

If you decide to take on of the Russia river cruises, you’ll get a terrific dollar to ruble exchange and you won’t see many crowds at tourist sites. You may, however, see crowds of people who look like soldiers and rebels with guns pointed at each other.

Count me out. I’d rather see mulled wine and grilled sausages going into my mouth at a German Christmas Market.

Photos courtesy Viking River Cruises