Presentation of new cruise destinations of the “Vodohod” company. Photo: Anna Yurgenson / RGS press service
How to visit the most exotic places in the country and relax in the comfort of a five-star hotel? At the Moscow Headquarters of the RGS, «Vodohod», a partner of the «Travels with the RGS» project and the holder of the quality stamp «Recommended by the RGS», presented new cruses to the Far East of the «Vodohod: Expedition» class. You can go on a trip this summer.
Until now, cruises in the Far East have been carried out mainly on board scientific research vessels, where priority is given to scientific tasks rather than tourist comfort. Now travelers have an alternative: the flagship of the new routes will be the modern liner SH Minerva.
Five-Star Expedition
The SH Minerva is designed for discerning researchers who want to get to remote corners of the planet, without denying themselves the usual level of service. The liner is designed for only 152 guests, who are accommodated in 76 spacious cabins and suites. The passengers are taken care of by a crew of 120 people, including an expedition team of guides and scientists. This ratio guarantees a personalized approach. The PC5 ice class allows the liner to confidently conquer the polar regions. There is everything you need for research on board: a flotilla of Zodiac boats, kayaks, an expedition laboratory, a library, and a panoramic lounge for lectures. And for relaxation there is a gym, a spa center with a sauna, and a heated infinity pool on the outdoor deck.
Landings take place on maneuverable Zodiac boats that can moor even to a wild beach. Active guests can enjoy kayaking accompanied by an experienced kayaker and hiking trips of varying difficulty, from light walks to climbing volcanoes. All landings and adventures take place under the guidance of an expedition team, which includes ornithologists, marine biologists, geologists, glaciologists, historians, and other scientists.
Presentation of new cruise destinations of the “Vodohod” company. Photo: Anna Yurgenson / RGS press service
Two Main Destinations of Summer 2026
«Islands and Volcanoes of the Pacific Ring of Fire»
This summer, travelers will have two opportunities to go to the Kuril Islands at once: cruises are scheduled for June 2–12 and June 12–22. Guests will get acquainted with the wonder of the world of Russia — Tyatya volcano on Kunashir Island; walk along the famous White Cliffs of Iturup Island; and swim in the thermal springs of the Ushishir volcano caldera.
«Chukotka and Kolyuchin Island: The Land of Polar Bears»
In July, from the 11th to the 23rd, the expedition will set off for the shores of Chukotka. The route will pass through the Senyavin Strait, where you can see clusters of whales, to Wrangel Island. And at Kolyuchin Island, guests will have a unique opportunity to observe polar bears up close.
Taste of the Far East: The concept of «Native Shores»
The gastronomic concept. Photo: “Vodohod” company press service
A special pride of «Vodohod» cruises is the gastronomic concept of «Native Shores», which is practiced on all ships of the company. This is an introduction to the region through taste: trying local food from local hunters and fishermen, original recipes, and modern cooking methods. The guests of the presentation at the Headquarters of the RGS were able to see this personally. Specially for them, the invited chefs who work on the ships and develop the menu prepared treats that are usually available in restaurants during the expedition. So the guests of the event not only learned about the gastronomic concept, but also tasted it.
The official signing of the agreement. Sergei Korlykhanov, First Deputy Executive Director of the RGS, and Alla Mozharova, Head of Marketing and Public Relations at “Vodohod”. Photo: Anna Yurgenson / RGS press service
The event culminated with the official signing of a cooperation agreement between «Vodohod» and the Russian Geographical Society for 2026–2027. «Vodohod» has been a partner of the RGS since 2023. During this time, seven cruises have already received the «Recommended by the RGS» quality stamp: the Baikal Expedition, the Yenisei Expedition, a cruise along the Volga to Astrakhan, along the Don to Rostov-on-Don, along the Kama to Perm, as well as trips to the islands of Valaam and Solovki. The partnership will continue, which means that new unique routes and discoveries await travelers.