IMPORTANT “MUST READ” TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION
Accommodation: Accommodation price is based on double occupancy. Single supplements, if available, are at additional cost. Rates are current at the time of publishing and are subject to change at or before the time of departure.
Should circumstances require such changes, Heart of Russia Cruises, LLC (HRC) reserves the right to change dates, routes, accommodations, or itineraries with or without notice. Additional expenses are paid by passengers.
Airfare/Flights: To reserve your air ticket to Russia, please call our ticket agent. Their phone # will be provided in your Welcome Letter. If you choose to book elsewhere, please call us for the Russia-required Russian Invitation necessary for a visa.
Airport Transfers: Arrival and departure transfers are provided if you’ve booked your air through HRC’s ticket agent.
Cancellations of Cruises: HRC reserves the right to cancel any tour prior to departure. Refunds per the refund policy below.
Payments, Cancellation Dates & Refund Policy: Trip Cancellation Insurance is recommended.
International cruise programs require long-term planning. Costs are incurred long before actual departures. Because of this, the following Payment and Cancellation Penalty Policy applies to all passengers:
Send cancellation requests in writing to:
Heart of Russia Cruises, LLC,
3319 S Island Fox Ave,
Eagle, ID 83616
Change Fees: A fee of $75 is assessed for each change from scheduled ground-travel itineraries, requested changes in tour dates and airline itineraries after a reservation has been made. In addition, airline and visa services may require additional change fees.
Immunizations: Guests must follow government health requirements applicable at the time of the cruise. This could include vaccinations and Covid tests. Passengers are responsible for paying for all tests and vaccinations.
Liability exclusion: Heart of Russia Cruises, LLC, is a tour operator, and as such is responsible for operating tours offered on our website. The responsibility of HRC and /or its representatives and/or agents is limited. HRC acts only as an agent for the tour participant in all matters connected with the tour transportation, hotel and dining services, sightseeing tours, and other services, including all transportation whether by air, motor coach, rail, car, ship, or by any other means. HRC does not own, manage, control, or operate any transportation vehicle, any hotel, housing or restaurant or any other supplier of services related to this tour program. HRC acts on behalf of those listed above who supply services in connection with these tours and all tickets, receipts, coupons, and vouchers are issued subject to the terms and conditions specified by these Contractors. HRC holds itself free of responsibility for any damage, injury, or loss resulting from any cause.
By accepting HRC's coupons and tickets, or utilizing the service, tour participants agree that neither HRC nor its representatives and/or agents shall be liable for any loss, or additional expense, injury or damage to the tour participants or their belongings or otherwise in connection with any accommodation, transportation or other services or resulting directly or indirectly from any other occurrences beyond the control of HRC, including breakdown in equipment, strikes, protests, acts of God, fire, acts of government or authorities, wars, whether declared or not, riots, theft, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, delays, cancellations or changes in itinerary or schedules.
Jurisdiction: Should there be allegations of breach of contract or dispute of performance or payment, the parties agree that all such legal matters shall be adjudicated in the state of Idaho, where Heart of Russia Cruises, LLC was legally formed. It is within this legal jurisdiction that any suit must be filed, such as but not limited to the case of a contract breach. All legal challenges must be conducted in:
Fourth Judicial District Court
200 W. Front Street
Boise, ID 83702
Luggage: Pack lightly. Take important items in carryon luggage on international flights because delayed luggage is common. You are responsible for taking your own luggage through customs. Porters and luggage carts are often not readily available. You should be comfortable carrying your own luggage. Baggage is carried at your risk. HRC is not responsible for loss, theft, damage or delay of your luggage or contents. Because of limited space on buses, you are limited to one piece of checked luggage which the total sum of the dimensions cannot exceed 62” (length + height + width= 62 inches) and 50 pounds (most airlines restrict you to 44 pounds). Excess baggage requires extra fees and tips. Most airlines restrict carry-ons to one bag that fits under the seat.
Money & Exchanging: Bring cash for all your smaller expenses and be surprised if they take your credit cards for larger ones. ATMs and credit card use is prevalent in the large cities. Less so in the small cities and nearly non-existent in villages. Local vendors demand crisp, clean, new Euros, Rubles and U.S. currency, preferably in $1, $5, $10, and $20. $50 and $100 bills are carefully scrutinized.
Not Included in Price: Meals not part of the regular tour, alcohol, laundry, room service, phone line fees and costs, hi-speed internet, excess and lost luggage charges, fees for baggage porterage, and other personal matters, passport visas, invitation fees, taxes, tips and changes to price demanded by foreign authorities are not included.
Passports: Governments demand your passport be valid for at least six months beyond intended visit and contains at least two (2) unused (blank) facing pages labeled Visa. Note: Visa pages referred to above do not include pages reserved for Endorsements, Amendments or Observations.
Visas: A visa issued by the Russian Federation is required for travel to Russia. To obtain a visa to visit Russia, a formal Letter of Invitation is issued for you through HRC from the ship company HRC contracts within Russia. HRC staff will recommend visa services that vary in price depending upon service. We recommend using proven visa services that do all the work for you such as Let’s Russia.
Tips: You’ll want to tip your counsellor and the service providers on the ship. A gratuity of at least $5 to $10 per day per cruiser is appreciated. Plan about $50 to $80 in tips for the cruise.
Tour Escorts: Tour escorts and guides are provided only within Russia. No escorts, guides or staff members are provided in gateway or stopover cities.
Ugly American Syndrome: We reserve the right to terminate the tour of any passenger who acts inappropriate, disrupts any tour, causes contention with other tourists, guest or crew, uses drugs or drinks to the point of intoxication.
SHIP COMPANY
SAFETY PROTOCOLS
This is from the Captain of the ship.
The wellbeing of our guests and staff is of the utmost importance. For more than a year after putting stringent health and hygiene protocols, we've had even stronger protective standards. It’s all being done to prevent the spread of any new coronavirus infections. Our new normal makes for even safer sailings. Please note:
Procedures for the crew:
Protocols for guests:
Practice for mealtimes:
During shore excursions:
NOW IS THE TIME FOR YOUR
HEART OF RUSSIA CRUISE!
Should circumstances require such changes, Heart of Russia Cruises, LLC (HRC) reserves the right to change dates, routes, accommodations, or itineraries with or without notice. Additional expenses are paid by passengers.
Airfare/Flights: To reserve your air ticket to Russia, please call our ticket agent. Their phone # will be provided in your Welcome Letter. If you choose to book elsewhere, please call us for the Russia-required Russian Invitation necessary for a visa.
Airport Transfers: Arrival and departure transfers are provided if you’ve booked your air through HRC’s ticket agent.
Cancellations of Cruises: HRC reserves the right to cancel any tour prior to departure. Refunds per the refund policy below.
Payments, Cancellation Dates & Refund Policy: Trip Cancellation Insurance is recommended.
International cruise programs require long-term planning. Costs are incurred long before actual departures. Because of this, the following Payment and Cancellation Penalty Policy applies to all passengers:
- Prior to 120 days before departure, a non-refundable $500 deposit is required to reserve a berth.
- 120 days before the cruise date, the balance of the cruise is due. Payment by check or a wire transfer is preferred. Cancellation between 120 and 90 days prior to departure receive a 50% refund.
- Cancellation less than 90 days prior to departure, no refund is allowed.
Send cancellation requests in writing to:
Heart of Russia Cruises, LLC,
3319 S Island Fox Ave,
Eagle, ID 83616
Change Fees: A fee of $75 is assessed for each change from scheduled ground-travel itineraries, requested changes in tour dates and airline itineraries after a reservation has been made. In addition, airline and visa services may require additional change fees.
Immunizations: Guests must follow government health requirements applicable at the time of the cruise. This could include vaccinations and Covid tests. Passengers are responsible for paying for all tests and vaccinations.
Liability exclusion: Heart of Russia Cruises, LLC, is a tour operator, and as such is responsible for operating tours offered on our website. The responsibility of HRC and /or its representatives and/or agents is limited. HRC acts only as an agent for the tour participant in all matters connected with the tour transportation, hotel and dining services, sightseeing tours, and other services, including all transportation whether by air, motor coach, rail, car, ship, or by any other means. HRC does not own, manage, control, or operate any transportation vehicle, any hotel, housing or restaurant or any other supplier of services related to this tour program. HRC acts on behalf of those listed above who supply services in connection with these tours and all tickets, receipts, coupons, and vouchers are issued subject to the terms and conditions specified by these Contractors. HRC holds itself free of responsibility for any damage, injury, or loss resulting from any cause.
By accepting HRC's coupons and tickets, or utilizing the service, tour participants agree that neither HRC nor its representatives and/or agents shall be liable for any loss, or additional expense, injury or damage to the tour participants or their belongings or otherwise in connection with any accommodation, transportation or other services or resulting directly or indirectly from any other occurrences beyond the control of HRC, including breakdown in equipment, strikes, protests, acts of God, fire, acts of government or authorities, wars, whether declared or not, riots, theft, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, delays, cancellations or changes in itinerary or schedules.
Jurisdiction: Should there be allegations of breach of contract or dispute of performance or payment, the parties agree that all such legal matters shall be adjudicated in the state of Idaho, where Heart of Russia Cruises, LLC was legally formed. It is within this legal jurisdiction that any suit must be filed, such as but not limited to the case of a contract breach. All legal challenges must be conducted in:
Fourth Judicial District Court
200 W. Front Street
Boise, ID 83702
Luggage: Pack lightly. Take important items in carryon luggage on international flights because delayed luggage is common. You are responsible for taking your own luggage through customs. Porters and luggage carts are often not readily available. You should be comfortable carrying your own luggage. Baggage is carried at your risk. HRC is not responsible for loss, theft, damage or delay of your luggage or contents. Because of limited space on buses, you are limited to one piece of checked luggage which the total sum of the dimensions cannot exceed 62” (length + height + width= 62 inches) and 50 pounds (most airlines restrict you to 44 pounds). Excess baggage requires extra fees and tips. Most airlines restrict carry-ons to one bag that fits under the seat.
Money & Exchanging: Bring cash for all your smaller expenses and be surprised if they take your credit cards for larger ones. ATMs and credit card use is prevalent in the large cities. Less so in the small cities and nearly non-existent in villages. Local vendors demand crisp, clean, new Euros, Rubles and U.S. currency, preferably in $1, $5, $10, and $20. $50 and $100 bills are carefully scrutinized.
Not Included in Price: Meals not part of the regular tour, alcohol, laundry, room service, phone line fees and costs, hi-speed internet, excess and lost luggage charges, fees for baggage porterage, and other personal matters, passport visas, invitation fees, taxes, tips and changes to price demanded by foreign authorities are not included.
Passports: Governments demand your passport be valid for at least six months beyond intended visit and contains at least two (2) unused (blank) facing pages labeled Visa. Note: Visa pages referred to above do not include pages reserved for Endorsements, Amendments or Observations.
Visas: A visa issued by the Russian Federation is required for travel to Russia. To obtain a visa to visit Russia, a formal Letter of Invitation is issued for you through HRC from the ship company HRC contracts within Russia. HRC staff will recommend visa services that vary in price depending upon service. We recommend using proven visa services that do all the work for you such as Let’s Russia.
Tips: You’ll want to tip your counsellor and the service providers on the ship. A gratuity of at least $5 to $10 per day per cruiser is appreciated. Plan about $50 to $80 in tips for the cruise.
Tour Escorts: Tour escorts and guides are provided only within Russia. No escorts, guides or staff members are provided in gateway or stopover cities.
Ugly American Syndrome: We reserve the right to terminate the tour of any passenger who acts inappropriate, disrupts any tour, causes contention with other tourists, guest or crew, uses drugs or drinks to the point of intoxication.
SHIP COMPANY
SAFETY PROTOCOLS
This is from the Captain of the ship.
The wellbeing of our guests and staff is of the utmost importance. For more than a year after putting stringent health and hygiene protocols, we've had even stronger protective standards. It’s all being done to prevent the spread of any new coronavirus infections. Our new normal makes for even safer sailings. Please note:
- The company provides protective gear and cleaning products (masks, gloves, antiseptics, etc.) for all passengers and all crew members.
- We’ve installed hand-cleansing stations at access points in all public areas, and to ensure non-contact thermometers and express testing kits are available on board.
- All ships are thoroughly disinfected from bow to stern, and deck to keel.
- Social distancing and PPE standards are followed at all appropriate times.
- Irradiators-circulators are in public areas.
- To board, everyone – guests and crew – have their temperature checked.
- Needed preventive measures, including the wearing of masks, are displayed on board.
Procedures for the crew:
- Undergo thorough awareness training on new hygiene guidelines.
- Observe one-and-a-half meter social distancing rules.
- Wear P.P.E. when approaching the shore, while working in the dining rooms, etc.
- Take a PCR-based Covid-19 test no more than three days before embarkation.
- Decontaminate the baggage and shoes before boarding the vessel.
- Work in a bubble or group cell, therefore limiting contact within the crew.
- Check all guests’ temperature with non-contact thermometer upon check-in, and then every day. If a guest’s temperature is more than 37.2℃, a rapid Covid-19 test will be administered.
- Check their own temperatures’ twice a day, maintain a temperature sheet, and be removed from duty if they have a high temperature or show any other symptoms of coronavirus.
- Ensure ship’s workrooms and public spaces are ventilated every two hours.
- Sanitize the vessel’s communal areas regularly, and to disinfect the air with the help of the new irradiators-recirculators.
- Disinfect the ship daily.
- Sterilize all touchpoints (the door handles, switches, handrails, railings, etc.) every two hours.
- Control access to the boat 24/7.
- Restrict third-party access to vessel.
- Utilize non-contact methods when processing documentation for food product delivery, excursion services.
Protocols for guests:
- Be obliged to have their temperature checked (with a non-contact thermometer) upon check-in, and then every day thereafter.
- Be asked to adhere to preventive and social distancing measures in place on the ship.
- Wearing of masks may be needed at certain venues. You'll be advised when it is needed.
- Be supplied with an electronic tourist health questionnaire to fill in.
- Be required to disinfect their hands when boarding the ship and entering its public areas.
Practice for mealtimes:
- Two service times might be implemented at breakfast, lunch and dinner to maintain social distancing rules at all times. Also, the bar space(s) might be utilized, and meals to be potentially served in cabins if needs be.
- We may need to have passengers use the same dining seat for the entire cruise.
- Cleanliness to be of the highest importance with regards to food preparation and service.
- The kitchens, tableware and cutlery on the cook-galleys will be cleaned at a temperature of 65℃ for 90 minutes.
- Hygiene rules will be reinforced during deliveries.
- Hygiene rules for crew-member meals will be enhanced.
During shore excursions:
- Guests will be provided with disposable masks and gloves if needed.
- Social-distancing measures will be established on buses and during tours.
- Audio-guides may be utilized during visits to ensure socially distancing from your tour guide, so you do not miss out on anything.
- P.P.E. will be worn by staff during shore excursions.
NOW IS THE TIME FOR YOUR
HEART OF RUSSIA CRUISE!