Who We are
...And why are our cruises so unique?
After the USSR Higher Education Ministry invited us to cruise with Russians to teach them business, we discovered the joy of cruising with Russians. To share the joy, we decided to bring Americans here so they could experience what we had. We became the 1st US cruise company authorized in the USSR. |
Mark StoddardIn 1990, Mark & Elizabeth were invited to the USSR to create a business school aboard a Volga River cruise ship to teach Soviet business leaders how to transition to the free market. Thereafter, Soviet leaders authorized Mark to create the first American cruise company in Russia. Mark knew these cruises had to bring Americans to meet Russians to discover the real Heart of Russia. While cruising the rivers and locks, Mark found time for unique, ship-board programs where counselors taught Americans all about Russia, and Russians learned free market principles.
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Elizabeth StoddardAfter traveling to the Soviet Union with Mark, Elizabeth organized cruise programs that brought Russians and Americans together. She initiated Women's Club where women could share their common dreams and struggles as well as flower seeds, recipes, and songs. Tears were shed and addresses exchanged. Getting-to-Know-You sessions also gave travelers the opportunity to ask questions and share life views. What started as a simple cruise turned into a cultural exchange. These "people-to-people experiences" kept people returning and sending their friends and family to share this grand adventure.
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ERic StoddardSoon after Mark & Elizabeth returned from Russia, Mark and his brother, Eric, were invited to be the first foreigners to address two Supreme Soviets, teaching them how to transition to a market economy. They also taught 17 city councils including those in Leningrad, Moscow, Minsk, and Kiev. Eric illustrated how they could help citizens prosper in their developing free-market economy. As a result, both Mark and Eric each started their own cruise company. These companies brought more than 30,000 Americans and Russians to cruise together. They have now joined forces to make the most profound experience discovering the true Heart of Russia.
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