Exclusive to APT in 2011, Russia’s most modern, comfortable and spacious river ship, the newly-rebuilt ms Amakatarina, makes its presence felt in APT’s new Russian River Cruising brochure.

The 212-passenger, four-deck, two-restaurant ship boasts the most spacious accommodation on Russia’s waterways and is the first of its kind to introduce Outside Balconies, which are a feature of over 70% of staterooms.

APT General Manager Marketing, Debra Fox said APT becomes the specialist for stylish Russia travel, given APT’s new ship, land touring expertise and the majority interest in GW Travel which has an exclusive lease on the famous Golden Eagle train. (The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express is Russia’s most luxurious private train which has become synonymous with the world’s most iconic rail journey.)

“With our partners AMAWATERWAYS, we’re replicating in Russia our acclaimed Europe luxury travel style,” she said.

Ms Fox said APT expected a 30% increase in passenger numbers to Russia in 2011 compared to 2010 because of the very high quality of expanded travel options presented in the new Russia brochure.

“Importantly, we have been able to respond to customer requests to experience the wonders of the Arctic Circle and the untouched landscapes of the Baltics,” she said.

The ms Amakatarina is scheduled for 13 Russian river cruise trips next year, between St Petersburg and Moscow, and reverse.

Lead-in tour is the 12-day Russian Waterways cruise, priced from $5495 per person twin share, which includes shore excursions and entertainment, airport transfers and tipping, 32 meals on board, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, Russian language lessons, selected Moscow and St Petersburg highlights and ballet performance in St Petersburg.

The ms Amakatarina cruises along the Volga, Svir and Neva rivers, exploring the forested islands, vast lakes and quaint lifestyles of rural Russia.

APT is launching the 72-page brochure with several early booking deals, including free return flights to Russia and SuperDeals worth $2800 a couple, for bookings made before November 30.

Among the 12 packages in the brochure is a new 17-day Baltic Train Adventure, first cruising from St Petersburg to Moscow on the ms Amakatarina and then on the Golden Eagle, through the Baltic States to Vilnius. It is priced from $9635 per person twin share which includes cruise and train accommodation, 46 meals (including drinks with dinner), excursions/sightseeing and port charges.

Another new holiday is the 16-day Arctic Circle Rail Journey, from Moscow to Moscow on the Golden Eagle. It is priced from $11,095.