Globus Announces New River Cruise to Russia

Picture yourself relaxing in your cabin, gliding along the country's natural highway, admiring onion-domed spires, beautiful cathedrals and quaint villages of Russia, before exploring the opulent Winter Palace, where history's most powerful Czars lived and played. Globus, the world's leader in escorted travel, is making this dream a reality by expanding its river cruise offerings into Russia in 2006 with new Imperial Waterways vacations on the MS Avalon Anastasia , the newest ship to sail between St. Petersburg and Moscow.

"Since the fall of the Iron Curtain, we've witnessed a growing interest from North Americans in discovering the mysteries of Russia ," said Scott Nisbet, vice president of sales and marketing for the Globus family of brands. “Now travelers can uncover its rich history in Western style and comfort, traveling along its imperial waterways on the only luxury ship traveling between the renowned cities of St. Petersburg and Moscow ."

On the 12-day Imperial Waterways vacation between St. Petersburg and Moscow , travelers will discover Russia's rich culture and beautiful countryside cruising through its rivers, lakes and canals. In addition to guided sightseeing in St. Petersburg , Goritsy, Yaroslavl , Uglich and Moscow , the Avalon Anastasia breaks on Kizhi Island , providing a breathtaking view of the second largest lake in Europe . Travelers sailing the opposite direction, between Moscow and St. Petersburg , will add one day to this spectacular journey.

With the weekend surcharge, Globus' 10 night, 12 day air-inclusive rates start at $2,998 per person from New York City. To celebrate the inaugural year of the MS Avalon Anastasia , Globus is offering a special discount to those who book early. Travelers booking their cruise between August 1 and September 30, 2005 are eligible for $250 off per person on the air-inclusive any Globus price of River Cruise in Russia in 2006.

Avalon Waterways, under the Globus family of brands, operates Globus River Cruises in Russia and continues to set the standard for river cruising with the most spacious and youngest fleet available. Rebuilt with North American travelers in mind, the MS Avalon Anastasia boasts 51 of the largest staterooms (129- to 236-square feet) of any ship cruising between St. Petersburg and Moscow -- as well as nine junior suites (at 258-square feet). The cabins offer every modern comfort, as well as large windows for enjoying the superb views of the passing landscape. They feature comfortable hotel-style twin beds that convert to a queen, spacious bathrooms with shower cubicles, large closets, individual climate control, telephone, color satellite TV, radios, mini-bars, safes and hairdryers.

When they are not enjoying the privacy of their rooms, guests can relax on the Sky Deck, in the Club lounge or enjoy the onboard fitness room, hair salon and gift shop. Internet access is also available. For mealtimes, passengers will find a host of culinary delights including regional cuisines in the panoramic Imperial or Royal Restaurants. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style, and the sit-down dinner includes gourmet selections and complimentary red and white wines. Additionally, with 58 crewmembers on board catering to only 120 passengers, travelers are ensured they will receive the highest level of personal service available.

Consumers can book reservations or request a Globus Russia River Cruises brochure by seeing a preferred travel agent, calling toll free 866.313.2855 or visiting www.globusjourneys.com.

SOURCE Globus